GRCC Launches Regional Talent, Workforce, and Collaboration Initiatives

ROCKFORD, Ill. (April, 30, 2026) — The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) today announced a series of new initiatives designed to strengthen the Rockford Region's talent pipeline, connect employers with skilled workers, and invest in the leaders who will carry the region's economic future forward.

The announcements were made at a news conference held at GRCC headquarters, 308 W. State St., and feature partnerships with Rockford Promise, GoRockford, Workforce Connection, and Rockford University.

The initiatives span workforce development, talent attraction, internship placement, and executive leadership, reflecting a coordinated, regional commitment to building talent from within the Greater Rockford Region. 

A New Regional Job Board — One-Of-A-Kind for the Region
GRCC has officially launched an updated regional job board, designed to reduce friction for employers and expand opportunity for job seekers.

The board has advanced filtering capabilities, including filtering by seniority level. This makes it easy for candidates to search specifically for jobs they qualify for in one central location. It also serves as the official job board for Made for Rockford, a regional talent attraction program run by GoRockford, which connects new and returning residents to the region through relationship building, events, and targeted marketing.

"Rockford has talent, and Rockford has employers. Our job is to connect them by making sure the infrastructure we build serves the whole region. This job board is one part of that, and it's built to grow with us,” said GRCC COO Caitlin Pusateri.

For GRCC Silver members and above, the platform uses automated technology to crawl employer career pages and update listings directly, eliminating the need for manual uploads or ongoing maintenance. Any business, member or non-member, can post positions at a low cost, and all GRCC memberships include at least one complimentary posting.

Visit the job board at www.jobs.rockfordchamber.com.  

Connecting Employers to the Rockford Promise Internship Program
GRCC is now playing a key connective role in Rockford Promise's paid internship program, which aims to place 20 students with local employers this year. The Workforce Connection serves as a strategic workforce development partner, supporting program implementation and alignment with regional talent priorities; Rockford Promise works directly with students and coordinates placements with partners; and Goodwill serves as employer of record, removing a significant administrative barrier for participating businesses.

GRCC's role is to bridge the business community by identifying employer partners and helping companies understand how to get involved.

"Connecting students to real work experience in the Rockford Region is good for students who were raised here, and it's good for every employer who needs skilled, committed talent,” said Gina Caronna, President & CEO of Workforce Connection. “Connecting everyone with homegrown talent is a win-win.”

The Rockford Promise program ensures qualifying RPS 205 and Boylan graduates can receive tuition-free higher education at NIU, Rockford University, Rock Valley College, and Saint Anthony’s College of Nursing. The goal of the internship program extends beyond schooling to job placement and keeping the region’s brightest students right here at home.

"Internships are one of the most powerful tools we have for building the next generation of Rockford's workforce. Through this internship program, and similar early work interactions, community partners can help ensure that smart, skilled talent born here stays here," said Kaylene Groh, executive director of Rockford Promise.

Leadership Development Initiatives with Rockford University
GRCC and Rockford University are announcing new leadership development initiatives aimed at growing the region's executive and business community.

The Institute of Executive Leadership brings rigorous, professional-grade leadership training directly to the Rockford Region.

Employers can now enroll their most promising talent and high performers. Through the program, participants will develop skills across a comprehensive curriculum spanning leadership, communication, change management, organizational leadership, marketing, finance and accounting, operations, and business environment. The program is rounded out by peer mentoring and culminates in a graduation celebration.

Participants can also earn undergraduate or graduate academic credit through Rockford University, making it a credential as much as a course. For employers, the IEL is a direct investment in succession planning, organizational stability, and long-term growth.

"Developing strong leaders is just as important as recruiting talent. The Institute of Executive Leadership reflects Rockford University's commitment to being a partner in the region's economic growth," said Rockford University President Patty Lynott. 

The IEL will align with Rockford University's fall and spring semesters. To register, visit rockfordchamber.com. 

Alongside the IEL, GRCC and Rockford University are growing the Business and Economic Development Summit, a regional convening designed to build awareness and deepen collaboration between businesses, institutions, and economic development partners.

New this year, an afternoon session will focus on catalysts for business growth, featuring speakers from the region's most influential industries and institutions, alongside a panel of national site selectors sharing what's driving business location and expansion decisions today.

The RU Business and Economic Development Summit is Thursday, June 11.

Growing the Rockford Region
Each of these initiatives reflects what is possible when regional partners work in alignment. The job board, the internship pipeline, the Institute of Executive Leadership, and the Business and Economic Development Summit are connected pieces of a shared vision: a Rockford Region where local talent stays, grows, and leads.

About the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce has been leading business growth throughout the region since 1910. GRCC exists to lead economic development, advocate for the interests of the business community, and provide services and educational opportunities that help its members grow. For more information, visit rockfordchamber.com.