Posts by Doug Hessong

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side Your secret (and most powerful) recruiting tool By Mercedes Brain, Geronimo Hospitality Group & Hendricks Commercial Properties When searching for their next career opportunity, today’s job seekers are looking for purpose, belonging, and alignment. They want to work at a place where they can…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side The 815’s summer romance with farms, fairs, and farmers markets By Christine Hand, managing editor There’s no better time to celebrate the 815 than summer. Not only does the calendar give us that clever hook for 815 Day, but the warmer weather also draws…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side A national blueprint for Midwest revival By Susan Brake, Development Counsellors International I’ve been a fan of the Rockford Region since I first visited a decade ago as part of a team working on a marketing blueprint for the city. I remember leaving our…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side What kind of vibe are we giving newcomers? By Whitney Martin, Made for Rockford What if someone’s first impression of Rockford isn’t shaped by the city itself, but by our hesitation to embrace it? One thing I’ve heard often through the Made for Rockford…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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,…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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…

GRCC Government Affairs Committee Supports TIF District on Rockford’s South side 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…