Posts by Doug Hessong

Expanding beyond the 815 Tips for growing your business domestically and globally By Nate Jordan, Rock Valley College Small Business Development Center As we celebrate the vibrant spirit of the 815 in this August issue, it’s a perfect time to honor the ingenuity of our local entrepreneurs in Rockford and surrounding communities. The 815 area…

GRCC Board approves political priorities Government Affairs Committee identifies four focus areas By Jean Crosby, GRCC Government Affairs Committee The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) advances policies that represent the collective interests of the business community and support the overall health, vitality, and competitiveness of the regional economy.…

Rockford “showed up” for inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Volunteers and residents welcomed thousands of athletes and visitors By John Groh, GoRockford “Somehow, even for this inaugural race, [Rockford] understood the assignment and showed up,” one IRONMAN athlete said on Facebook. “You could really feel the effort put forth. Well done, Rockford!” said another. Athletes, visitors, and…

A stronger business climate in Winnebago County Removing obstacles and meeting needs through unified leadership By Joseph V. Chiarelli, Winnebago County Board Chair I want to share an important development in Winnebago County’s leadership structure that directly impacts our business community’s future success. On May 22, 2025, the Winnebago County Board voted to restore the…

The business of sports betting Innovation, access, and regional impact By Steve Platcow, Hard Rock Casino Rockford The economic impact of sports betting in the U.S. is felt well beyond the sportsbook. This dynamic industry sits at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and regulation, reshaping how consumers engage with live sports and offering new opportunities…

Being a team player How school-based sports prepare students for life By Dawn Williamson, RPS 205 I played sports throughout middle school and high school. I ran cross country, played volleyball, and ran track. Ultimately, I received a scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It’s safe to say that sports has played…

The business of team spirit Tips for sponsoring sports teams By Christine Hand, managing editor Sponsoring an amateur, semi-professional, or pro sports team can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to build community ties, increase brand awareness, and support local talent. From Little League baseball teams to semi-pro soccer squads, these partnerships offer benefits—but…

The state of mental health in our region Community organizations, employers, schools, and local leaders are making real progress By Berenice Jaquez, The Workforce Connection In the past several years, our region has experienced a dramatic increase in awareness and investment in mental health services. What was once a quiet and often times stigmatized conversation…

What’s driving your health care spending Ways to manage risk, support employee health, and push back on rising costs By Brian Meyer, M3 Insurance Rising health care costs continue to put pressure on employers, with trends hovering around 7–8% increases over the past few years—and projections showing no signs of slowing. What’s fueling this sustained…

North to Alaska A dramatic change of scenery provides mental refreshment By Angela Kay Larson, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce I often boast that living in the Rockford Region means we’re no more than an hour-and-a-half away from anywhere in the world. Chicago Rockford International Airport provides plenty of get-away opportunities, and O’Hare International Airport…