Looking back on GRCC’s year of momentum

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is on a roll and gaining momentum. Under the direction of its new(ish) CEO, Angela Kay Larson, an engaged board of directors, and motivated team, the GRCC has evolved beyond a traditional membership organization. Today, it serves as the convener, connector, and driver of regional economic progress–leading business growth in many forms. Over the past year, the GRCC has strengthened its capacity to support business growth and inform community strategy in a variety of ways.

Highlights from 2025

Economic development
In partnership with Eight Fifteen Impact, GRCC developed the region’s economic development strategic roadmap with six focus areas that will help ensure the community’s ability to harness opportunities for growth:

• Organizational leadership
• Business retention and expansion
• Marketing and business attraction
• Site readiness
• Workforce development
• Innovation

The Chamber’s also building out its systems, processes, and tools to increase its capacity in economic development overall, including GRCC’s signature Business Retention and Expansion visits. We’re currently managing dozens of leads and projects with individual companies and site selectors related to retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses.

GRCC worked hand-in-hand with the new owners of Rockford Brake Manufacturing, connecting them to Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC), banks, elected officials, government programs, and new vendors that led to an investment of $6.6M and the retention of the city’s oldest manufacturer and 150+ jobs.

Job creation and workforce development
Every dollar invested in economic development generates employment opportunities for local residents. As part of GRCC’s economic development efforts, it’s tracking economic and workforce indicators through the Northern Illinois Data Dashboard, launched in 2025 with Region 1 Planning Council and Growth Dimensions.

According to GRCC’s Quarterly Business Sentiment Survey (also launched in 2025), “availability of skilled workers” is the number one barrier to business growth. To address this need, the Chamber continues to collaborate with The Workforce Connection, GoRockford, Rock Valley College, Rockford University, local school districts, and CEANCI on workforce development and talent attraction.

Innovation
GRCC supports entrepreneurship and innovation through collaborations with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), EIGER Lab, Think Big!, Rockford University, ACE Network, and Rock Valley College. The Chamber sponsored and participated in GREAT Week for Entrepreneurs, EIGER Lab Innovation Awards, and partnered with SBDC on multiple workshops.

Programming and events
GRCC’s programming continues to grow in scope and relevance, and people are noticing.

The 2025 luncheon series included the mayor’s annual address to the business community, a college and career readiness panel discussion with local school districts, and a mental health panel discussion with local health care providers.

“I attended the mayor’s luncheon, and it was a great experience. The venue was terrific. And it’s always interesting to get fresh updates from Mayor McNamara about what’s going on in the city. I’d definitely attend another one.”

At the Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC 2025), organized in cooperation with GRCC’s Rockford Area Aerospace Network, exhibition space sold out and a record number of attendees participated in the matchmaking sessions. As a result, 40 local companies were matched with procurement representatives from Boeing, Gulfstream, Collins, Woodward, and GE Aerospace. Nearly 15% of buyers agreed to follow up discussions, and 44% were further evaluating suppliers.

As a new service to members, GRCC began hosting turnkey workshops and round-table discussions in the newly furnished meeting space at the Chamber’s offices in downtown Rockford.

Pow(H)er, GRCC’s annual women’s conference and awards luncheon, was a huge success this year, bringing together 250+ attendees for education, inspiration, and mimosas.

“What a great event to Pow(H)er up women’s skills and network! It was professional, informational, featured excellent speakers/material, and facilitated many great conversations and new connections.”

Annual dinner
If you missed GRCC’s 8-1-5 Rockin’ Eve annual dinner and fundraiser at Hard Rock Casino, you missed something truly special …

“What a creative and fun idea, paired with an inspiring and impactful purpose. From the VIP pre-party to the beautiful decorations, the delicious food, and the outstanding program and videos—every detail was flawlessly executed.”

“Congratulations on a fantastic annual dinner. Great networking and kudos to the GRCC team for a truly successful event!”

“Praise and accolades for a well-orchestrated, entertaining, and meaningful annual dinner.”

“Great event! It was very original and refreshing. I walked out with one of our leaders who commented that it was the best event he had been to in a long time.”

Leadership Rockford
GRCC graduated 50 members of the 2024-2025 Leadership Rockford cohort at the annual Celebration of Leadership. Building on feedback from an alumni focus group, the 2025-2026 class is underway and kicking things into high gear.

Quarterly Business Sentiment Surveys
To quantitatively understand the perspectives of the regional business community, GRCC partnered with R1 Planning Council to develop a quarterly Business Sentiment Survey that aligns with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, launching its first survey in Q1 2025. Survey results help GRCC promote the Rockford region, create programming, and target business advocacy efforts. A team from the Chamber and R1 analyzes the data, creates a report, and shares it with GRCC members and other survey participants. Highlights from each survey are featured in the VOICE.

Thank you to all the members, supporters, and volunteers who helped make 2025 a year of connection, celebration, and growth for GRCC and the greater Rockford business community.