Rockforward! - Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Rockforward!
Creating the Future
we want
Now
Year
Four
Rockford Area Economic
Development Council
Annual Report 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1
Letter from Chairman of the Board and President
Page 2
Success Stories for the Rockford Region
Page 4
Measuring the Success of Rockforward!
Page 6
Rockforward! Strategy: Creating a Thriving Business Climate
Page 7
Rockforward! Strategy: Targeted Marketing & Recruitment
Page 8
Rockforward! Strategy: World Class Business Infrastructure
Page 9
Rockforward! Strategy: Workforce Development
Page 10
Rockforward! Strategy: Emerging Opportunities Fund
Page 11
Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) Page 12
Additional Programs and Information Available
Page 13
RAEDC Solutions Teams and Committees
Page 14
2011 Board of Directors and Staff
Page 15 2011 Rockforward! Investors
Page 16 Rockforward2!
Dear Investors and Stakeholders,
Thank you for your generous support and committed leadership as investors of the Rockford Area
Economic Development Council (RAEDC).
RAEDC investors are comprised of nearly 200
private-sector companies, public-sector entities and labor and trade unions, business and
quasi-governmental organizations, educational institutions and nonprofit agencies. These groups,
along with the collective efforts of our region’s team of professionals and elected officials, are the
driving forces behind our many accomplishments in 2011.
In May of 2007, the RAEDC Board of Directors approved Rockforward!, a five-year strategic plan for
2008-2012. Rockforward!’s five powerful strategies challenge the RAEDC to influence change in
areas that take advantage of our strengths, overcome our weaknesses and invest in opportunities
while mitigating threats.
Over the past four years, the RAEDC has been implementing and continuously improving the
Rockforward! strategic plan; we know that Rockforward! results impact the region, making it
stronger and better than it was before. In just over four years, our results have been impressive. But
for the Rockforward! plan, the results we have achieved would not be possible. All of this is made
possible by you, our investors, and the climate of collaboration we create together.
In this fourth Annual Report since the launch of Rockforward!, you will find profiles of investments
made in 2011 by existing and new employers in the Rockford Region, along with specific results from
each of the five primary strategies of Rockforward! In addition, you’ll read recognition of the
private- and public-sector organizations that drive the work of the RAEDC through investment and
volunteer leadership.
Now, more than ever, we must align our strategies, pool our resources and work together to sustain
and strengthen the economic health of our region. We are grateful to those of you who make the
choice to invest in the RAEDC. Your continued support ensures that our region is moving forward.
Together, we can create the future we want now.
Together, we can Rockforward!
Sincerely,
Bill Roop RAEDC Chairman of the Board Alpine Bank President & CEO
Janyce Fadden
RAEDC President
1
SUCCESS STORIES FOR THE ROCKFORD REGION
Our regional partners and the RAEDC work on a variety of projects each year, ranging from business
retention, expansion and attraction; property development; workforce development; foreign trade
and entrepreneurial growth. The collective efforts reported herein is the work of our region’s team
of professionals and elected officials attracting and retaining businesses.
Join us in celebrating the following 2011 regional success stories generating new wealth for our
community:
Accelerated Machine Design & Engineering, a custom machinery/metalworking start-up, expanded
by 2,000 square feet and added seven jobs.
AIM Distribution moved to a larger facility and invested approximately $200,000 to help fuel future
growth.
American Aluminum Extrusion Company bought a 277,000 sq. ft. vacant facility in Roscoe. Job
creation is expected to exceed 120. The RAEDC helped the Village of Roscoe create a strategy
that secured over $750,000 in grant funding for this project from the State of Illinois for infrastructure.
B/E Aerospace broke ground on its new production and development facility in the Rockford
Logistics Park. The 40,000 sq. ft. facility required an investment of several million dollars and will result
in 70 full-time positions. B/E Aerospace is the first EIGERlab client to expand directly into a build-tosuit structure. Pictured above, bottom right.
New owners are investing over $1 Million in Chiquita Food Market on South Main Street. This
investment is expected to generate 70 new jobs in the community.
Crusader Community Health opened a 14,000 sq. ft. facility in Loves Park. The $4 Million investment
will bring 15 jobs to the new location. Pictured above, upper left.
DLM Manufacturing Inc. expanded to allow for additional manufacturing capacity. The $750,000
investment is expected to add up to seven jobs. Pictured above, upper right.
Eclipse, Inc. announced the re-shoring of work from India to Rockford, the corporate headquarters.
2 The expansion includes a $1 Million investment and the creation of up to 30 jobs.
SUCCESS STORIES FOR THE ROCKFORD REGION
Fastenal announced a $3.5 Million investment in a 44,000 sq. ft. expansion at its facility in Loves Park
that is expected to add 20 jobs.
Field Fastener Supply Company constructed a 40,000 sq. ft. expansion of its corporate headquarters
in Machesney Park that is expected to add 15 jobs. Pictured below, upper left
Illinois Growth Enterprises and a partner agency located a call center in the EIGERlab. Job creation
is expected to exceed 30 employees. Pictured below, right.
Leading Edge Hydraulics acquired a 63,000 sq. ft. building to accommodate expansion efforts
within its business. LEH invested nearly $1 Million dollars in the expansion, which is expected to
generate 40 new jobs within the community.
Lyonscg, an e-commerce company, re-shored approximately 10 jobs from Kiev, Ukraine, to the
EIGERlab, and continued to expand throughout 2011. The company chose the EIGERlab because
of its IT capabilities and flexibility.
NCO Group announced 400 new jobs at its Rockford facility to accommodate growth in its call
center operations.
Noark Electronics Co, LTD, headquartered in Shanghai, China, opened an office in Rockford with
the anticipation of it becoming Noark’s North American headquarters, housing sales, marketing,
warehousing and R&D.
Olson Aluminum Castings invested over $1.5 Million to increase its manufacturing space by 15,000
square feet. Olson anticipates seven new positions as a result of this expansion.
Railroad Construction Equipment invested $750,000 in an 11,000 sq. ft. expansion, which is expected
to add 15 jobs at its Rockford location.
Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. invested $2 Million in a 40,000 sq. ft. expansion, which is expected to add 25
jobs. Pictured above, left.
Rubloff Development Group, Inc. made a $10 Million investment in the redevelopment of
Machesney Park Mall. The project employed up to 205 individuals in the construction industry.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs began construction on its new primary-care clinic.
30,000 sq. ft. clinic is expected to open in 2012, and will be located in Rockford.
The
Venture One Real Estate LLC constructed a 100,000 sq. ft. build-to-suit warehouse facility for Danfoss
Power Electronics at its Loves Park Corporate Center location. The expansion is expected to create
25 jobs.
3
YEAR FOUR AND COUNTING...
Measuring the Success of Rockforward!
The goals of Rockforward! are methodically tracked through numerous metrics to evaluate the
effectiveness of the RAEDC’s marketing and recruitment activities.
These include:
H net new primary jobs and jobs recruited
H per capita income
H international exports
H Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) increase
H
H
H
population growth
economic development exposure
development ready land parcels
The RAEDC utilizes a wide array of statistical resources to produce these metrics, including the Illinois
Department of Employment Security, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Census Bureau,
the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Northern Illinois University, and our own Voice of the Customer
surveys.
Evaluating 2011 Results
Over the last four years, our results have been impressive. But for the Rockforward! plan, the results
we have achieved would not be possible. Due to the effect of the Great Recession, an annual
fixed rate of growth no longer applies. However, our results indicate our region is working together to
achieve our goals despite this unprecedented economic downturn.
First, job growth continued for the second-straight year in the Rockford Metropolitan Area. The
overall number of jobs increased 1.3%, with the largest gains in manufacturing (+8.4%), transportation/
warehousing/utilities (+4.7%), professional and business services (+5.4%), and education and health
services (+1.3%). Rockford’s job growth overall was greater that the overall growth rate of the state,
and Rockford’s growth in the manufacturing sector more than tripled the state’s rate.
Second, our region’s Gross Metropolitan Product increased by 3.5% to $11.1 Billion in 2010, the most
recent year available from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The State of Illinois experienced
1.9% growth and the U.S. experienced 3.0% growth during the same period.
Rockford Region Jobs in 12-Month Moving Average, 2011
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
Non-Manufacturing
4
JUL
AUG
SEP
Manufacturing
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security
OCT
NOV
DEC
YEAR FOUR AND COUNTING...
We can also point to results from 2011 client projects managed by our regional partners and the
RAEDC. Thanks to your support our region was able to achieve these results in this challenging
economic climate.
As estimated by our clients, 1,770 new jobs will be created in the Rockford Region by existing and
new employers, $53.6 Million of capital investment will be made, and 1.1 Million square feet of
space will be added in the coming years.
Total New Jobs from Companies
Locating New or Expanded Business to
Area
2500
JOBS
Jobs
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Total New Investment from Companies
Locating New or Expanded Business to
Area
CAPITAL
Shown in Millions
CAPITAL
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Total Square Feet to be Built from
Companies Locating New or Expanded
Business to Area
SQUARE FEET
SQUARE FEET
Shown in Millons
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
5
ROCKFORWARD! STRATEGY:
CREATING A THRIVING BUSINESS CLIMATE
Growing our Business Base with Retention and Expansion Opportunities
H
T hrough a formal partnership with Rock Valley College, transformed the region’s entrepreneurial
system by acquiring the EIGERlab Entrepreneurship Center and initiating incubation and
accelerator programs.
H
R
eceived the $11.8 Million State of Ingenuity grant, the first Economic Development
Administration (EDA) grant awarded in our region in more than 25 years. This bi-state grant will
grow entrepreneurship through the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin Region.
H
E
ngaged our local business community through 125 Voice of the Customer interviews, and with
15 meetings with executives of corporations headquartered outside our region.
H
L aunched the region’s first Illinois Small Business Development Center International Trade Center
(ITC), focused on increasing exports.
H
C
onnected local supply chains via matchmaking events with Boeing, Delta Hawk, GE Aviation,
Navistar, Nippon Sharyo and Talgo, as well as trade delegations from China, Israel, Korea, Spain
and Sweden.
H
C
reated a new Commercialization Team (C-Team), a holistic approach to counseling and
collaborative assistance for regional clients.
H
C
oordinated the fifth annual FastPitch competition, held at NIU-Rockford with 49 participants
(including nine student teams) from the Stateline Region.
H
A
dded Computer-Aided Design, reverse engineering and engineering analysis services to the
standard rapid prototyping service at EIGERlab. Initiated a rebranding campaign for the new
Center for Product Development (C4PD).
David Barr, owner of Lyonscg which is located at the EIGERlab.
6
Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott
Christiansen at the ITC Press Conference
ROCKFORWARD! STRATEGY:
TARGETED MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT
Promoting the Rockford Area’s Assets Nationally and Internationally
H
Reinforced a recognized and respected global economic development brand.
H
E
xpanded the targeted communications program to include social media, adding it to our
newsletters, e-blasts and news releases as another mechanism to reach out to our actively
maintained database, which grew to exceed 10,000 global contacts.
H
C
ontinued pursuit of foreign direct investment through strategic relationships with The Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the consulates in Chicago, international
chambers of commerce and international business service providers.
H
D
eveloped a systematic approach to generating high-quality, industry-specific proposals
containing targeted research and industry-specific regional data.
H
A
ctively marketed the region via sales call programs in Chicago, China and Sweden, and trade
shows, such as the Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIRE) Annual Developers
Showcase and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meeting & Convention.
H
E
xpanded the aerospace cluster development strategy to include additional workforce
development initiatives, such as the $1.8 Million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge
grant and attendance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Job Fair in Daytona Beach,
Florida. Planned for additional brand- and business-development marketing for Rockford Area
Aerospace Network and RAEDC investor companies.
H
T he Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the
RAEDC coordinated the Rockford Casino Coalition, the City of Rockford’s PR campaign to
secure a casino in Rockford.
H
L ed the I-39 Logistics Corridor Association’s initiatives to market the properties and infrastructure
assets of the I-39 Corridor to potential developers.
Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey with business leaders
during the China Trade Mission
Community partners at the Jobs and Innovation
Accelerator Challenge Grant Press Conference.
7
ROCKFORWARD! STRATEGY:
WORLD CLASS BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
Contributing to an Infrastructure That Will Take Us Into the Future
H
A
ggressively pursued additional grant funding for infrastructure to leverage our investor
communities’ contributions to job-generating projects.
H
A
ssembled a comprehensive internal database of industrial sites and buildings in the Rockford
Region.
H
R
ockford Region Economic Development District co-hosted the MSA’s first Regional Sustainability
Summit at NIU-Rockford, with nearly 150 people in attendance. Chicago Metropolitan Agency
for Planning Executive Director Randy Blankenhorn and Boston Indicators Project Senior Director
Charlotte Kahn gave presentations on the benefits of regional sustainability and measuring a
region’s economic, social and environmental well-being.
H
H
osted the fourth annual Tri-State Alliance Summit, an event focused on infrastructure initiatives
in the region shared by Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the
U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, provided the keynote address to over
150 attendees.
H
Implemented the Voice of the Client, a new tool that will generate comprehensive information
about available properties. This initiative is being led by the Business Attraction Solutions Team.
H
W
ith the assistance of our Legislature and elected officials, the Illinois Industrial Jobs Recovery
Act was extended for a year, resulting in more than 3,500 acres of industrial land being put in
place by seven municipal governments for our region’s current and future needs.
H
A
warded $1.7 Million in grants including: Congressman Donald Manzullo’s earmark to the River
District for downtown business development and attraction, a DCEO grant for a Civic Design
Center in downtown Rockford, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to
develop the area’s first Regional Sustainability Plan, Workforce Investment Board Labor Shed
Analysis Update, an EDA Economic Adjustment Grant and hosting of an Illinois SBDC
International Trade Center.
8
Tri-State Alliance Summit featuring Congressman John Mica.
ROCKFORWARD! STRATEGY:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Fostering a Competitive Workforce
H
E
mbry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced it’s plans to add three engineering-related
programs to the Rockford Worldwide campus.
H
Introduced the region’s first National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Credentials program,
providing entry-level Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Training Program via
TechWorks, a part of EIGERlab.
H
C
ontinued to partner with community organizations to implement downtown Rockford City
Market, an initiative to create and expand small business.
H
T he Boone and Winnebago County Labor Shed Study was updated, and concludes that there
are more than 47,000 potential employees available locally for new or expanding businesses.
H
S
uccessfully completed Kidworks, a two week summer camp targeted at 13-15 year old
students. This program, held at EIGERlab, is receiving national exposure. The camp included one
week of CNC training and one week of entrepreneurship training.
H
T echWorks has contracted with Winnebago County, the City of Rockford and Rock Valley
College to offer loans to Fast-Track CNC machine training students.
H
G
raduated 45 NIMS credentialed students in 2011 through TechWorks training, with an 80%
job-offer rate and a 75% hire rate. Project to double the number of FastTrack graduates in 2012.
Embry-Riddle Executive Search Committee with Rockford Area Business Leaders
and Elected Officials
9
ROCKFORWARD! STRATEGY:
EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Invested $865,400 to Leverage Positive Change for the Region’s Future
The Rockforward! Leadership Council manages the Emerging Opportunities Fund that is designed
for discretionary investment in mutually agreed-upon, forward-thinking initiatives that will leverage
positive change for economic development of the Rockford Region. Each year, up to $175,000
from the RAEDC’s annual budget is placed into the Emerging Opportunities Fund. Leadership
Council members met quarterly in 2011 to generate investment proposals, deliberate about
projects and make investment decisions.
Projects funded from 2008-2011 include:
10
H
A
dvanced renewable energy solutions at Freedom Field
H
Improved educational opportunities through Alignment Rockford, Charter School Initiative in
District 205, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Rockford Area Career Clearinghouse
H
S upport of the creation of a downtown redevelopment plan led by Rock River Development
Partnership
H
Increased regional government advocacy and lobbying efforts
Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) is the Rockford Region’s Aerospace Industry Cluster
Development Strategy. RAAN is a committee of the RAEDC and offers a platform for collaboration
among local aerospace companies. The aerospace industry is comprised of companies that
produce military, commercial and space products and parts. Aircraft overhaul, rebuilding, parts,
distribution and services are included.
All companies located in the Rockford Area that supply products or services to aerospace
companies are inherently part of our regional aerospace cluster. Companies in a cluster may be
competitors yet are interdependent because of common needs, services or supplies; bonded by
the region’s position of dominance in the industry. In addition, a cluster includes educational
institutions, nonprofits, professional businesses and governments that directly support the cluster.
Operating within an industry cluster can increase innovation, efficiency, productivity and
competitiveness by providing access to a larger pool of suppliers; business development
opportunities; skilled workers; networking opportunities; shared information on common issues; and
specialized support services, such as workforce recruitment, support infrastructure and research and
training programs.
Driven by private industry, RAAN meets regularly to discuss collaboration opportunities related to
business climate, innovation and technology and workforce development. Additionally, the
committee participates as a group and shares costs at trade shows and conferences,
internationally and domestically, to promote their companies, the local supply chain and the
Rockford Area. RAAN has jointly hosted supplier fairs with Congressman Donald Manzullo, bringing
international OEMs to meet our regional supply chain. Sharing best practices and working as a team
to further our local aerospace cluster has provided great value to members of RAAN.
In 2012, RAAN will participate in annual trade shows, including:
H
SEA Conference, March 19-21, Irvine, CA
H
MRO 2012, April 3 – 5, Dallas, TX
H
Farnborough International Airshow, July 9-15, Farnborough, UK
H
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 23-29. Oshkosh, WI
H
SEA Conference, July 25-26, Lincolnshire, IL
H
NBAA 2012, October 30 - November 1, Orlando, FL
H
SEA Conference, November 6-8, Indian Wells, CA
In 2012, RAAN will organize two supplier symposiums targeting the following companies:
H
Woodward Supplier Symposium April 4, Rockford, IL.
H
DeltaHawk Supplier Symposium, (TBD, summer). Rockford, IL.
The first step of becoming a member of RAAN is to meet with Mary Cacioppi, Director of Investor
Relations of the RAEDC, to discuss investment in the RAEDC.
11
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE
Investor Events
Three Investor Events were hosted by the RAEDC in 2011, which included networking time and
updates on recent initiatives. The first quarter event showcased the work of the RAEDC and
highlighted many ways for the business community to become engaged in the work of the
organization. The second quarter event featured author Ted Fishman, who discussed his book
Shock of Gray. In his presentation, Fishman discussed how Rockford fares in the race to attract a
younger workforce and what opportunities lay ahead for its aging population. The Annual Meeting
and Dinner held in the fourth quarter included an in-depth update of Rockforward!’s progress and
plans for the future, presented by RAEDC President Janyce Fadden. To receive information about
upcoming events, call 815.987.8118.
President’s Circle
The Rockforward! President’s Circle meets to discuss and take action on economic development
priorities and strategies. RAEDC investors contributing $25,000 or more per year become members of
the President’s Circle, which met four times in 2011.
Quick Reference Guide
The RAEDC maintains a Rockford Area Quick Reference Guide that includes regional data for the
Rockford MSA, including location information. It features industries; population and income
statistics; access to markets; labor market characteristics; a list of major employers; and healthcare,
telecommunications and education resources. The guide is available online in the Resource Library
at rockfordil.com or upon request at the RAEDC offices.
Newsletters
The RAEDC publishes a variety of newsletters for targeted audiences:
H
D
evelopments is a quarterly newsletter that highlights business, industry and real estate news in
the Rockford Area.
H
G
lobal Relations is an electronic newsletter targeted to the Chinese community, both local and
abroad, and contains updates on Rockford Region development opportunities.
H
H
älsningar is an electronic newsletter that is targeted to Swedish-related businesses, cultural/
historical organizations and governmental agencies.
H
R
ising Star is an electronic newsletter that is targeted to national and regional site selectors and
brokers and contains the latest development opportunities in the Rockford Area.
Contact the RAEDC at 815.987.8118 if you would like to be added to any of our newsletter mailing
lists.
Rockforward!
12
Creating the Future we want Now
RAEDC SOLUTIONS TEAMS & COMMITTEES
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors created Solutions Teams to
help achieve the organization’s mission and goals. Committee contributions are extremely helpful,
as members advise from their unique perspectives, broaden considerations, and lead
implementation of Rockforward! strategies and tactics. Volunteering through a committee is a
great way to get involved with the work of the RAEDC and is recommended as a precursor to
serving on the Board.
Business Attraction Solutions Team
The work of the Business Attraction Solutions Team (BA) is primarily focused on developing
international business relationships, with a special focus on Sweden and China. By building stronger
international associations, the RAEDC can help businesses establish partnerships and joint-ventures,
obtain licensing, and open the door to new markets. The BA team is also focused on increasing the
amount of business park property in the region and is working to extend regional partnerships,
including the Tri-State Alliance, I-39 Logistics Corridor Association, and the Illinois Development
Council. Steve Bois, Rockford Area REALTORS, serves as the Chair of the BA Solutions Team
Business & Community Relations Solutions Team
The role of the Business & Community Relations Solutions Team (BCR) is to actively promote the
RAEDC to both current and prospective investors. The BCR team oversees outward marketing of
Rockforward! strategies and economic development messages to regional employers, community
leaders, and citizens. Linda Gerber, Rock River Valley Blood Center, serves as the Chair of the BCR
Solutions Team.
Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team
The role of the Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team (BRE) is to learn opportunities for
improvement from existing employers, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and increase awareness
and participation in continuous improvement programs. Additionally, the BRE team is working to
develop and foster a supportive entrepreneurial environment. Gary Marzorati, Williams Charles,
servers as the Chair of the BRE Solutions Team.
Education Committee
The RAEDC formed an Education Committee in 2008 comprised of education leaders and
private sector executives with the role to connect Rockford Area businesses with our educational
system. Brad Long, Building Trades, serves as the Chair of the Education Committee.
If you are interested in serving on one of the RAEDC’s Solutions Teams or Committees, please
contact Mary Cacioppi, Director of Investor Relations, at 815-969-4259.
13
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board:
William C. Roop, Alpine Bank
Treasurer:
Joel Sjostrom, Sjostrom & Sons, Inc.
Immediate Past Chair:
John Chadwick, WREX-TV
Director at Large:
David Schertz, OSF St. Anthony Medical Center
Director at Large:
Dr. Jack Becherer, Rock Valley College
Director at Large:
Rena Cotsones, Northern Illinois University
Leadership Council Chair:
Dr. William Gorski, SwedishAmerican Health System
Business Attraction Solutions Team Chair:
Steve Bois, Rockford Area REALTORS
Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team Chair:
Gary Marzorati, William Charles Ltd.
Business & Community Relations Solutions Team Chair:
Linda Gerber, Rock River Valley Blood Center
Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey, City of Rockford
Chairman Scott Christiansen, Winnebago County
Janyce Fadden, Rockford Area Economic
Development Council
Directors
R. Richard Bastian, III, Blackhawk Bank
Edward C. Berg, First Northern Credit Union
Paul Callighan, ComEd
J Chapman, Maverick Media
Pamela S. Fox, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Darrin Golden, IBEW / NECA
Greg Graber, WIFR-TV
Thomas Green, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera
Michelle Janke, BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Gary Kaatz, Rockford Health System
Larson & Darby Group
Jeff Layng, JP Morgan Chase
Brad Long, Building Trades/Project First Rate
Dr. W. Stephen Minore, Rockford Anesthesiologists
Associated, LLC
Fran Morrissey, The Morrissey Family Businesses
Ed Munguia, Stillman Bank
Brian A. Nelson, Concentric AB
Paul Nicolosi, The Buckley Companies
Sagar Patel, Woodward
Mark Peterson, CherryVale Mall / CBL
& Associates Properties
Bharat Puri, First Rockford Group
Peter Ricker, Rockford Register Star
Andreas Schell, Hamilton Sundstrand
Jon E. Schmidt, Associated Bank
Senator Dave Syverson
14
Directors CON’T
Glen Turpoff, Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association
Steve Ward, Riverside Community Bank
Dave Whitmore, IronWorkers Local Union 498
Ex-Officio Voting
Mayor Dale Adams, Village of Rockton
Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Steve Graceffa, Rock River Water Reclamation
John Groh, Rockford Area Conv. & Visitors Bureau
Frank Haney, Next Rockford
Mayor Dave A. Krienke, Village of Roscoe
Mayor Darryl Lindberg, City of Loves Park
Dr. Martin Lipsky, U of I College of Medicine
Mayor Tom Strickland, Village of Machesney Park
Greater Rockford Airport Authority
Ex-Officio Nonvoting
David Young, Northwest Illinois Development Alliance
Executive Director
Reid Montgomery, City of Rockford
Sue Mroz, Winnebago County Regional Planning
John Phelps, Rockford Local Development corporation
Jeff Polsean, State of Illinois
C. Mark Williams, Growth Dimensions of
Belvidere & Boone County
City of Rockford Liaisons
Alderman Bill Robertson
Alderman Carl Wasco
Village of Roscoe Liaison
Planning and Zoning Administrator Sheryl Crowley
Winnebago County Liaison
County Board Member Frank Gambino
2011 Staff
Mary Cacioppi, Director of Investor Relations
Janyce Fadden, President
Leilani Hillis, Manager of Operations
Teri Johnson, Investor Relations Coordinator
M. Alison Lakey, Administrative Services Coordinator
Bea Miller, Business Development Assistant
Mark Podemski, Vice President for Development
Matthew Simpson, Business Development Specialist
Eric Voyles, Vice President of National Business Development
Carrie Zethmayr, Manager of International Relations
and Client Solutions
2011 INVESTORS
President’s Circle Investors ($25,000+)
Alpine Bank
Building Trades / Project First Rate
City of Rockford
Comcast
ComEd
Cumulus Broadcasting
First Rockford Group
Greater Rockford Airport Authority
Hamilton Sundstrand
IBEW / NECA
JP Morgan Chase
Larson & Darby Group
Maverick Media
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Rockford Area Association of REALTORS
Rockford Health System
Rockford Register Star
SwedishAmerican Health System
Village of Machesney Park
WIFR-TV
Winnebago County
Woodward, Inc.
WQRF TV / WTVO TV
WREX
Leadership Council Investors ($10,000+)
Anderson Packaging
Aqua-Aerobic Systems
Associated Bank
AT&T
BMO Harris Bank
City of Loves Park
Concentric Rockford
Eclipse
First Northern Credit Union
GE Aviation
Northern Illinois Building Contractors
Association
Northern Illinois University
Plumbers & Pipefitters UA Local 23
Riverside Community Bank
Rock River Water Reclamation District
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors
Bureau
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Rockford Park District
Rockford Public Schools
RSM McGladrey
Sjostrom & Sons
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Village of Rockton
Village of Roscoe
Williams-Manny
Rockforward! Investors ($2,000+)
Alpha Controls & Services
American Precision Assemblers,
Auxxi & Associates,
B/E Aerospace
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause
Ballard Properties
Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera
Benefit Planning Services
Bergstrom
Blackhawk Bank
Rockforward! Investors con’t ($2,000+)
BMO Harris Bank Center
Boone & Winnebago Counties Workforce
Investment Bd
Brian Thomas Photography
Chem Processing
CherryVale Mall / CBL & Associates
Properties
Chicagoland Roofing Cncl / United Union
of Roofers
City of South Beloit
CliftonLarsonAllen
Clinkenbeard & Associates
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Comply365
Corbett, Duncan & Hubly, P.C.
Cord Construction Company
Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly
Crusaders Central Clinic Association
Danfoss Power Electronics
DCEO Office of Regional Outreach
Emery Air
Employers’ Coalition on Health (ECOH)
Energy Dynamics
Enviro-Care
Esterline Control Systems BVR
Technologies
Fehr-Graham & Associates
Fifth Third Bank
Forest City Gear Co.
Fridh Construction Services
Gary W. Anderson & Associates
Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention
Center
Global Display Solutions
GrahamSpencer Advertising/Design
Greenlee - A Textron Company
Greg Tuite & Associates
Gypsum Supply Co.
Hampton Properties
Hanson Professional Services
Hegel Holdings, LLC. dba Minarik Drives
Helen Hill Communication
Hinshaw & Culbertson
Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C.
Homer L. Chastain and Associates
HR Green,
Ingenium Technologies Corp./ Ingenium
Aerospace
IronWorkers Local Union 498
J & M Plating
J.L. Clark - A CLARCOR Company
Joseph Behr & Sons
Judson University
Kaney Aerospace
Laborers’ Local #32
LandMark Real Estate Group
Leading Edge Hydraulics
Liebovich Steel & Aluminum Co.
Lowe’s Companies
McGreevy Williams P.C.
Mechanical
Members Alliance Credit Union
Meridian
Rockforward! Investors con’t ($2,000+)
Merrill Lynch
Midwest Aero Support
Midwest Community Bank
Next Rockford
Nicor Gas
Nordic Investments
Northwest Bank
Parker Hannifin Corporation
PNC Bank
Powmet
PR Etc.
QuEST Global Services - N.A.
Rasmussen College
Ringland-Johnson
Rock River Valley Blood Center
Rock Valley College
Rockford Anesthesiologists Associated
Rockford Bank & Trust
Rockford Career College
Rockford College
Rockford Drop Forge Company
Rockford Housing Authority
Rockford Metropolitan Agency for
Planning
Rockford Mutual Insurance Company
Rockford Orthopedic Associates
Rockford Toolcraft
Savant Capital
Schmeling Construction Co.
Schneider Electric
Senator Dave Syverson
Serola Biomechanics
Sheet Metal Workers Local #219/SMACNA
SIDCOR, Marketplace of Rockford
Sikich
SmithAmundsen
Spider Company
Spring Creek Development Group
SPX Hydraulic Technologies
Stillman Bank
Superior Joining Technologies
TH Foods
The Bon Ton Stores
The Buckley Companies
The Morrissey Family Businesses
The North Central Group
Title Underwriters Agency
TSI Plastics,
U of I College of Medicine
U.S. Bank
United Way of Rock River Valley
Upper Iowa University-Rockford Center
UPS
Venture One Real Estate/Rock 39
Industrial Park/Loves Park Corporate
Center
Viking Chemical Company
Village of Cherry Valley
Village of Davis Junction
Village of Winnebago
Whitehead Inc. REALTORS
William Charles Ltd.
WilliamsMcCarthy
Wipfli
15
The Rockford Region has funded our economic future through the Rockford Area Economic
Development Council’s Rockforward! strategic plan.
We have successfully marketed our hard-working labor force, convenient location and competitive
value of doing business to companies in Illinois, throughout North America and in Europe and Asia.
We’ve also worked with companies and entrepreneurs in our own backyard to connect them with
properties, resources and incentives to help their businesses grow.
Our investors showed bold leadership and kept moving forward in the face of a continued
recession. Their long-range thinking keeps our region top-of-mind with companies looking to
relocate or expand to a new market, and helps those already here to commit and grow.
We have a compelling story to tell, and our investors help us tell it.
But our work is not done. The ongoing economic uncertainty threatens to stall or even reverse our
region’s progress. That is why we are continuing our strategic plan for another three years with
Rockforward2! which builds on the successes from our first strategic plan and adapts the model for
new economic realities. Our plan continues the focus on helping to create and retain jobs, which in
turn will bring wealth to all levels of the Rockford Region. We need the private and public sectors to
stay at the table with us and continue to implement this plan.
As with the first Rockforward! plan, we will be data-driven and results-oriented, communicating a
clear return on your investment.
We focus the plan on five priority strategies:
H
T argeted Marketing and Recruitment
H
T hriving Business Climate
H
Q
uality Connected Infrastructure
H
2
1st Century Talent
H
E
merging Opportunities Fund Combined, these five strategies will have a tremendous impact on primary job growth, which will
result in achieving our three-year goal of 4,500 new and retained jobs for the region.
Today’s economy presents both challenges and opportunities. Much work remains to be done. We
must continue to help local companies become global traders. We must promote the region’s
compelling attributes to attract investment. We must enhance our region’s capacity for
development. And, perhaps above all, we must continue to strive for excellence in our educational
system. Together, we can build a better, stronger, more sustainable economy. Together, we will
connect, act and thrive.
16
For more information on becoming an RAEDC Investor, contact Mary Cacioppi, Director of Investor
Relations at 815-969-4259, or by email at mcacioppi@rockfordil.com.
Thank you to all Rockford Area Economic Development Council
investors and volunteer leaders. Now, more than ever your
continued support is needed to ensure we successfully carry out
the Rockforward! multi-year plan and realize its goals. Opportunity
is on our doorstep, and we are poised to take advantage of it with
the support, vision, and leadership from people like you.
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development
Council is to enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region
by marketing the area and helping employers retain and create
quality jobs.
The RAEDC works closely with many partners
to serve as a one-stop resource for clients, to improve the
competitiveness of the region, and to engage the community
in the work of economic development.
815.987.8118
www.rockfordil.com
information@rockfordil.com