Earlier this year, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership boards voted to merge organizations in an effort to provide more value to our members and investors. This value comes in different forms such as resources, a more collaborative network, talent/workforce support, and a collective voice to policy makers. Since the vote, work has been underway to streamline the organizations, implement foundational changes and structure to realize the mission, and build a foundation for successful years to come.

For the next couple of months, I’ll be writing to you as the Board Chair of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce to shed light on what the new organization has been doing since this vote occurred. Our goal is to be transparent in our process and serve you – the businesses in our community – as we work together toward a more prosperous future for the region.

So what’s next?
We are moving quickly to continue the great momentum realized leading up to the merger. We are working through a 90-day implementation plan which includes two parts.

The first part includes implementing the pillars we outlined in the initial merger messaging.

Parallel to the implementation plan is the committee work we’re doing right now that will represent the different pillars of the organization. We want to get the right representatives in those seats, and the right charters for the groups.
The second is working to merge a number of operational, financial, and other functions of the organizations. The implementation plan includes a rebranding initiative underway, and soon you can expect to see a new logo, website, and marketing efforts.

We also are working on filling our board and our committees with more people to best represent the Rockford region. We’re striving to become a more diverse board and will add more seats so we can fulfill that mission. Additionally, we’ve invited ex-officio members to have a seat at the table, ensuring we’re able to maintain relationships with public officials and decision makers.

In the long-term, we want to be a functioning organization supported by robust financials. Overall, the number one measure of our success will be how businesses in our region are succeeding.

How will the new organization be structured?
This is a new, exciting difference we’re working toward. Previously, the three organizations had three separate CEOs or presidents over each. Moving forward, we will have one governing board and one CEO. This greatly clarifies operations and responsibilities.

Hiring the right person, with the right skillset and abilities is critical to the success of the organization and we’re moving swiftly but want to ensure we take the time to hire the best fit for our merged organization and our community overall. We’ve already completed the CEO job description and are planning to work with a search firm to quickly bring this new person to our organization. We’ll continue to provide you updates on our progress.

What does your investment look like moving forward?
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce will transition to a single, tiered funding model. The goal is that based on the size of your business, the right package full of the right resources will be made available. Small businesses or large businesses may want to invest in different packages.
​
The key is clearly defining what matters to you, our customer. We are in the process of finalizing a proposed model based on what we believe are key factors, but we want your input/feedback. Our goal is to get this insight over the next few months and are in the process of defining what is valuable to businesses and getting their feedback to build that into the organization’s funding model. What we do know is this will be more streamlined, with greater efficiencies, and a single interface.

​Our overall objective is to support the businesses in the Rockford region better, whether that’s through connectivity, training, or workforce development aspects. We also want to be more effective at attracting businesses to the area and showcasing a great environment for job growth. The board at the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce is working hard on establishing this foundation, so we can watch the region grow to even greater potential. I look forward to providing more updates, and of course supporting you – and our businesses — any way I can.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past Chair Dan Ross, presented a slate of nominees for the inaugural Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at its August 22 meeting. As part of the merger plan, the initial Board of Directors will be comprised of five individuals from each of the respective organizations – Greater Rockford Growth Partnership, Rockford Chamber and Rockford Area Economic Development Council – as well as five voting, ex-officios to be named by the board when seated. To allow for continuity and a future rolling nomination process, Initial board members will serve 2 or 3 year terms, based on results of a lottery, with future board terms set at 2 years.

The nominating committee received an overwhelming response of qualified individuals interested in board service from the current Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. With 11 extremely qualified individuals, the nominating committee had the difficult task of pairing the list down to 5.
​
The following individuals have been recommended for nomination for the Board of Directors for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce with terms beginning October 1, 2023:

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Representatives:
Travis Anderson, UW Health
Lesly Couper, workplace
Jean Crosby, Berkshire Hathaway Crosby Starck Real Estate
Troy Haggestad, WilliamsMcCarthy, LLP
Carly LaMonica, LaMonica Beverages
 
Rockford Area Economic Development Representatives:              
Eric Cunningham, Collins Aerospace
Tom Green, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera, LLP
Conor Brown, NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®
Wendy Alsteen, Hard Rock Casino
Mick Gronewold, Fehr Graham
 
Greater Rockford Growth Partnership Representatives:
Jeff Hultman, Illinois Bank & Trust
Dietmar Goellner, Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.
Paula Carynski, OSF Healthcare
Terry Voskuil, Woodward
Frank Wehrstein, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors