The VOICE

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, the traditional notion of workforce management is no longer sufficient. The workforce ecosystem now extends beyond full-time employees to include contractors, freelancers, gig workers, and external partners. This expanded view of the workforce requires new strategies for…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees For Butch Rosecke, owner of Mr. Goodwater, engaging with high school and college students serves not only as a way to foster talent but to give back and mentor the next generation. As a former basketball coach and genuine people person, Butch offers…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees Recently, I found myself eavesdropping on a conversation that struck a chord. A group of young professionals, all around 30 and fresh in their careers, were sharing their struggles with getting guidance from more seasoned colleagues. Their stories echoed a challenge I’ve seen…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) has always had a sharp vision to relentlessly grow, develop and support a healthy business community. A major component of a healthy business community is having a skilled workforce that will attract and retain businesses. And,…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees From day one as chamber CEO, I’ve struggled to understand the intricacies, complexities, and nuances of our region’s workforce development programs. I’ve met with the Chamber’s Talent Committee, talked to the leaders of training and development organizations, researched available grants and funding mechanisms,…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees In our region, we take a collaborative, holistic approach to workforce development. Collectively, we strive to address not only the immediate needs of businesses but to also prepare individuals and employers for the workforce of tomorrow. We embrace cooperation and create sustainable solutions,…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees It’s often said that if you do what you love, then success will follow. Sounds simple, right? However, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. Chasing your dreams can be a tale of setbacks, thwarted hopes, and maximum effort with little reward. But Paul Sletten…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees In 2008, I found myself newly graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, a semester earlier than the traditional four-year experience, mostly friendless, and tired of binging Netflix alone on my newly purchased adult couch. Growing up in Byron, I had known the commercial side…

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Announces Class of 40 over 40 Honorees As four travel companions and I piled into a minivan outside our rented home on the big island of Hawaii, we happily chatted about our morning spent snorkeling, getting fitted for gear at the surf shop, and gliding among the corral at Captain…