The VOICE

The currency of credibility How thought leadership shapes reputations and builds brand recognition By Christine Hand, managing editor I have a confession to make … I’ve never been a huge fan of the term “thought leadership.” Shocking, I know, especially considering how often I use it in my role as managing editor of the VOICE.…

To Market,To Market A great place to do business By Angela Kay Larson, chief executive officer, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce If someone were to tell you they “had to do their marketing on Saturday,” you’d probably think they were talking about creating sales promotions, press releases, or social media posts. Unless you’re an old…

The 2026 social media shift Why views matter more than ever for businesses By Katrina Kirby, Social Kat Social media isn’t what it used to be. For many local businesses, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube were once all about likes, shares, and comments, giving us instant community approval and engagement. Views now…

Why your advertising is failing How to maximize impact with full-funnel marketing By Angenette Natkowski, Nexstar Media Group Rockford area businesses don’t compete in a vacuum. They vie for attention, trust, and loyalty. While reputation travels fast in our tight-knit market, buying decisions take time. That’s exactly why full-funnel marketing is the most effective strategy…

Branding a Region How Mrs. Claus drew the spotlight to Rockford By John Groh, GoRockford If friends from around the country reached out over the holidays to say they saw Rockford on national television, they were likely watching NBC Nightly News the Saturday before Christmas. On Dec. 20, 2025, the broadcast’s closing segment, “There’s Good…

Stepping back and stepping up How local, family-owned businesses handle leadership changeovers By Christine Hand, managing editor For family-owned businesses, leadership transitions are among the most pivotal moments in a company’s lifecycle. Unlike publicly traded firms, these transitions are deeply personal, blending business strategy with family relationships, legacy, and identity. We asked local businesses—Forest City…

More than a piece of dirt GRCC’s new VP shares what economic development means to him By Christine Hand, managing editor In January, the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) welcomed Everett Butzine, CEcD, as its new vice president of business expansion and attraction. Newly relocated from Madison, Wisconsin, where he served as the interim…

Greater together A letter to the business community from the new kid on the block By Mike Lacny, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce It’s week two of my new position here at the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and our managing editor asked me to write a piece about membership. I’m a Rockford area…

Do my employees ever have to be at work? Recent new and amended Illinois leave laws By Samuel J. Castree, Staff Management, Inc. Over 15 state and federal laws provide employees with protected leave and time off from work. Illinois employers will soon need to navigate new and expanded employee leave rights, most of which…