Recognition Matters.
Turns out, people like recognition. They are happier, more productive, and more engaged. The community benefits when people understand what good work others are doing. It inspires others to go out and do good work, too! Recognition is an important part of a healthy business environment. It Leads Business Growth. And we're here to facilitate the path to recognition.
Consider nominating an organization, individual, team, co-worker, neighbor, friend - whomever is appropriate - for recognition by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. They (and you) will be glad you did.
Consider nominating an organization, individual, team, co-worker, neighbor, friend - whomever is appropriate - for recognition by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. They (and you) will be glad you did.
Rotating Honors
While many award are bestowed annually, there are specific awards that are on a 3-year rotating timeline. Please see nomination windows for award timing.
The Superlatives
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Presented by:
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The Rockford Chamber loves to celebrate excellence – Forty future leaders under 40, People You Should know and our Citizen of the Year. But we also like to celebrate the everyday people who make our lives better. The ones who bring us a little joy, good humor, inspiration, or even just a really, really cool car. These are the folks we want to celebrate with the Chamber Superlative awards!
This year, we want to celebrate the individuals & organizations who make our community a brighter, more fun place to live.
Nominations are now open for the following categories:
This year, we want to celebrate the individuals & organizations who make our community a brighter, more fun place to live.
Nominations are now open for the following categories:
1. Most Likely to Take Over the World
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15. Most Adorable Office Pet
16. The Hustle Award 17. Smartest Person in The Room 18. The Up & Comer Award 19. Best Amateur Chef 20. Best Professional Chef 21. Drives the Coolest Car 22. Hardest Working Volunteer 23. Most Unique Workspace 24. Inventor’s Club 25. The A.V. Club 26. Rockford’s Booster Club 27. Most Impactful Duo 28. Varsity Team 29. Rockford’s Pep Band 30. The Rockford Spirit Award |
40 Under Forty
Next Nomination Window: 2025
40 Under Forty recipients have distinguished themselves in their professional field or organization, are engaged citizens, and provide leadership by volunteering their time and talents to community groups and causes. Leaders are chosen from various professional fields and walks of life including but not limited to, business, education, engineering, non-profit, manufacturing, etc. While candidates are not specifically required to work for Chamber member organizations, preference will be given to those who do. Those nominated in past years, but not selected, are eligible for re-nomination. Prior recipients are not eligible. Self-nomination is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. Candidates must be 39 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2022 and live or work in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle or Stephenson counties.
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A list of previous honorees is
available for download in PDF |
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People You Should Know
Next Nomination Window: 2024
People You Should Know Honorees are individuals who are compelling, interesting, and amazing people who deserve their time in the limelight. These are people you admire for their work, drive, dedication, and commitment to what they believe in and for having that certain vibe of energy about them. These are business individuals you classify as special – people you really want to know, network with, and are proud to have be part of the Rockford region.
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A list of previous honorees is
available for download in PDF |
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Annual Honors
Citizen of the Year
Next Nomination Window: Early 2023
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual citizen of the Rockford Region who has made an extraordinary contribution to the welfare and progress of the community, generally over a period of years. The honoree is traditionally announced at the Annual Dinner.
Citizen of the Year Honorees:
2022 - Jennifer Furst, FurstStaffing
2021 – Rhonda Greer Robinson, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
2020 – Gary Anderson, Gary W. Anderson Architects
2019 – LoRayne Logan, workplace
2018 – Bill Roop, Alpine Bank
2017 – Brent Brodeski, Savant Capital Management
2016 – Dave Rydell, Bergstrom
2015 – Mike Brown, YMCA of Rock River Valley
2014 – Jeff Fahrenwald, Rockford University
2013 – Dan Loescher, LOESCHER & Associates, Ltd.
2012 – Mike Robinson, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2011 – James L. Keeling, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLC
2010 – Barb Berman
2009 – Robert Funderburg, The Funderburg Foundation
2008 – Jon Lundin, posthumously
2007 – Mike Dunn, Chairman of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority Board
2006 – Sue Grans, William Charles
Citizen of the Year Honorees:
2022 - Jennifer Furst, FurstStaffing
2021 – Rhonda Greer Robinson, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
2020 – Gary Anderson, Gary W. Anderson Architects
2019 – LoRayne Logan, workplace
2018 – Bill Roop, Alpine Bank
2017 – Brent Brodeski, Savant Capital Management
2016 – Dave Rydell, Bergstrom
2015 – Mike Brown, YMCA of Rock River Valley
2014 – Jeff Fahrenwald, Rockford University
2013 – Dan Loescher, LOESCHER & Associates, Ltd.
2012 – Mike Robinson, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2011 – James L. Keeling, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLC
2010 – Barb Berman
2009 – Robert Funderburg, The Funderburg Foundation
2008 – Jon Lundin, posthumously
2007 – Mike Dunn, Chairman of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority Board
2006 – Sue Grans, William Charles
Women-In-Business Awards
Next Nomination Window: Spring, 2023
Emerging Leader of the Year (formerly Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow)
Designed to honor a female professional in the early stages of her career, this honoree exhibits leadership skills, a commitment to professional growth and contributes positively to her team and/or organization. This individual is hard-working, passionate and eager to learn.
Emerging Leader of the Year Honorees:
2021 - Julie Cline, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
2020 - Sarah Lambert, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
2019 - Carrie Zethmayr, Zethmayr LLC
2018 - Jocelyn Hare, ServPro of Rockford
2017 - Britney Lindgren, Rockford Art Deli
2016 - Pamela Murphy, MurphyRealty
2015 - Chelsea Hardacre, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2014 - Mika Doyle, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2013 - Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc.
2012 - RoseAnn Taphorn, North American Tool
2011 - Heather Kelley, Argyle Marketing
2010 - Veronika Blake, Hamilton Sundstrand
2009 - Mary Cacioppi, Walter Wayne Commercial Real Estate
2008 - Joy Baldwin, Alpine Bank
2007 - Amanda Hamaker, Rock River Valley Girl Scouts
2006 - Holly Swanson, TV51
2005 - Melesia Boyer, Sub Source
2004 - Leslie Roxworthy, Velasco & Associates
2003 - Takiyah Franklin, United Way of RRV
2002 - Denise Noe, Janet Wattles Center
2001 - Carry Britnell, Staff Management
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Designed to honor a female entrepreneur/business-owner (minimum 51% female ownership) this honoree exhibits leadership skills and a commitment to her craft. The individual is dedicated to her organization, her team and her clients – and is able to demonstrate examples of business success.
Woman Business Owner Honorees:
2021 - Toni Vanderheyden, Keller Williams Realty Signature
2020 - Danna Krischke, State Farm
2019 - Laura Bennett, Trekk, Inc.
2018 - Laurie Miller, 2HB Solutions
2017 - Jean Crosby, Bershire Hathaway Homeservices Crosby Starck Real Estate
2016 - Stephanie Koch, Mary’s Market
2015 - Jackie Gommel, Gommel Design
2014 - Janna Becherer, Brynwood Relationship Counseling/Pathways EAP
2013 - LoRayne Logan, workplace
2012 - Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting
2011 - Rebecca Kopf, PR Etc., Inc.
2010 - Mary Jo Hare, ServPro of Rockford
2009 - Bonnie Smith, Accurate Accounting & Payroll Services, LLC
2008 - Mary Ann Norwood, Pathways EAP
2007 - Jean Vitale, Beef-A-Roo
2006 - Judy Johnson, River District Catering
2005 - Darlene Furst, Furst & Associates
2004 - Mary Jo Scordato, MS2 Printing
2003 - Kathy Velasco, Velasco & Associates
2002 - Judy Pike, Acme Grinding
2001 - Dee Premo, Whitehead Realtors
2000 - Tina Olsen, Flour Flower
1999 - Ginette DeRive, BTM Engineering
1998 - Fran Morrissey, Staff Management
1997 - Linda Bennehoff, Chicago Title Company
1996 - Jan Mansfield, Century 21 Country North
Excellence in Leadership (formerly Woman Manager of the Year)
Designed to honor a female professional in a leadership role within her organization, honorees contribute positively to their organization’s success, effectively lead teams, and continually work to grow personally & professionally.
Excellence in Leadership Honorees:
2021 - Ann Wasser, Severson Dells Nature Center
2020 - Julie Thomas, Rockford Symphony Orchestra
2019 - Lori Diaz, Rockford Bank & Trust
2018 - Kathryn Pearce, Mercyhealth
2017 - Yvonne Peterson, Heritage Woods
2016 - Lesly Couper, Alpine Bank
2015 - Dr. Connie Vitali, Rockford Memorial Hospital
2014 - Amy Ott, Chicago-Rockford International Airport
2013 - Shannon Scheffel, Harlem Community Center
2012 - Paula Carynski, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2011 - Kris Kieper, YWCA of Rockford
2010 - Lori Gummow, KNIB
2009 - Julie Bosma, RAMP
2008 - Linda Grist Cunningham Rockford Register Star
2007 - Lori Berkes-Nelson, Golden Apple Foundation
2006 - Janyce Fadden, Rockford Area Economic Development Council
2005 - Peg Wilkerson, Alpine Bank
2004 - Marsha Perez, MetLife
2003 - Jill Wagner, National City Bank
2002 - Marge Fleming, McGladrey & Pullen
2001 - Barbara Berman, Arthritis Foundation
Community Hero
Designed to honor a female’s contributions outside of the office the honoree demonstrates a commitment to her community through service. This individual has contributed positively to community improvement and change through time, talent, treasure or a combination. Her skills are utilized in a way that does not directly benefit her professionally, but rather, for the betterment of others.
Community Hero Honorees:
2021 – Martesha Brown, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
2020 – Ashley Osterberg, RN, OSF Healthcare
Designed to honor a female professional in the early stages of her career, this honoree exhibits leadership skills, a commitment to professional growth and contributes positively to her team and/or organization. This individual is hard-working, passionate and eager to learn.
Emerging Leader of the Year Honorees:
2021 - Julie Cline, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
2020 - Sarah Lambert, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
2019 - Carrie Zethmayr, Zethmayr LLC
2018 - Jocelyn Hare, ServPro of Rockford
2017 - Britney Lindgren, Rockford Art Deli
2016 - Pamela Murphy, MurphyRealty
2015 - Chelsea Hardacre, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2014 - Mika Doyle, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2013 - Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc.
2012 - RoseAnn Taphorn, North American Tool
2011 - Heather Kelley, Argyle Marketing
2010 - Veronika Blake, Hamilton Sundstrand
2009 - Mary Cacioppi, Walter Wayne Commercial Real Estate
2008 - Joy Baldwin, Alpine Bank
2007 - Amanda Hamaker, Rock River Valley Girl Scouts
2006 - Holly Swanson, TV51
2005 - Melesia Boyer, Sub Source
2004 - Leslie Roxworthy, Velasco & Associates
2003 - Takiyah Franklin, United Way of RRV
2002 - Denise Noe, Janet Wattles Center
2001 - Carry Britnell, Staff Management
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Designed to honor a female entrepreneur/business-owner (minimum 51% female ownership) this honoree exhibits leadership skills and a commitment to her craft. The individual is dedicated to her organization, her team and her clients – and is able to demonstrate examples of business success.
Woman Business Owner Honorees:
2021 - Toni Vanderheyden, Keller Williams Realty Signature
2020 - Danna Krischke, State Farm
2019 - Laura Bennett, Trekk, Inc.
2018 - Laurie Miller, 2HB Solutions
2017 - Jean Crosby, Bershire Hathaway Homeservices Crosby Starck Real Estate
2016 - Stephanie Koch, Mary’s Market
2015 - Jackie Gommel, Gommel Design
2014 - Janna Becherer, Brynwood Relationship Counseling/Pathways EAP
2013 - LoRayne Logan, workplace
2012 - Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting
2011 - Rebecca Kopf, PR Etc., Inc.
2010 - Mary Jo Hare, ServPro of Rockford
2009 - Bonnie Smith, Accurate Accounting & Payroll Services, LLC
2008 - Mary Ann Norwood, Pathways EAP
2007 - Jean Vitale, Beef-A-Roo
2006 - Judy Johnson, River District Catering
2005 - Darlene Furst, Furst & Associates
2004 - Mary Jo Scordato, MS2 Printing
2003 - Kathy Velasco, Velasco & Associates
2002 - Judy Pike, Acme Grinding
2001 - Dee Premo, Whitehead Realtors
2000 - Tina Olsen, Flour Flower
1999 - Ginette DeRive, BTM Engineering
1998 - Fran Morrissey, Staff Management
1997 - Linda Bennehoff, Chicago Title Company
1996 - Jan Mansfield, Century 21 Country North
Excellence in Leadership (formerly Woman Manager of the Year)
Designed to honor a female professional in a leadership role within her organization, honorees contribute positively to their organization’s success, effectively lead teams, and continually work to grow personally & professionally.
Excellence in Leadership Honorees:
2021 - Ann Wasser, Severson Dells Nature Center
2020 - Julie Thomas, Rockford Symphony Orchestra
2019 - Lori Diaz, Rockford Bank & Trust
2018 - Kathryn Pearce, Mercyhealth
2017 - Yvonne Peterson, Heritage Woods
2016 - Lesly Couper, Alpine Bank
2015 - Dr. Connie Vitali, Rockford Memorial Hospital
2014 - Amy Ott, Chicago-Rockford International Airport
2013 - Shannon Scheffel, Harlem Community Center
2012 - Paula Carynski, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
2011 - Kris Kieper, YWCA of Rockford
2010 - Lori Gummow, KNIB
2009 - Julie Bosma, RAMP
2008 - Linda Grist Cunningham Rockford Register Star
2007 - Lori Berkes-Nelson, Golden Apple Foundation
2006 - Janyce Fadden, Rockford Area Economic Development Council
2005 - Peg Wilkerson, Alpine Bank
2004 - Marsha Perez, MetLife
2003 - Jill Wagner, National City Bank
2002 - Marge Fleming, McGladrey & Pullen
2001 - Barbara Berman, Arthritis Foundation
Community Hero
Designed to honor a female’s contributions outside of the office the honoree demonstrates a commitment to her community through service. This individual has contributed positively to community improvement and change through time, talent, treasure or a combination. Her skills are utilized in a way that does not directly benefit her professionally, but rather, for the betterment of others.
Community Hero Honorees:
2021 – Martesha Brown, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
2020 – Ashley Osterberg, RN, OSF Healthcare
Previous Honors
Recognition programs don't last forever... but the honors received most certainly do. These awards are not currently accepting nominations and are on hiatus, but we applaud our past honorees.
Manufacturing Awards
The Individual Business Catalyst Award was presented annually to recognize an outstanding professional who is a community and business leader. This person has made significant direct and positive contributions to the manufacturing community.
Individual Business Catalyst Award Honorees:
2021 - Wendy Young, Forest City Gear
2020 - Bethany Mead, CEANCI
2019 - Eric Wilson, WTVO/WQRF
2018 - Don Williams, RRVTMA
2017 - Mike Cobert – NIU EigerLab
2016 - Sagar Patel
2015 - John Ekberg
2014 - Christina Magee
2013 - Dave Morgan
2012 - WOTM
2011 - Rick Bastian
2010 - Mike Molander
2009 - Robert Schafer
2008 - Keith Irons
2007 - Robert Trojan
2006 - Steve Yagle
2005 - Teresa Beach-Shelow
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year Award was presented annually to recognize an outstanding manufacturing company that has used technology to remain competitive and grow.
Manufacturer of the Year Honorees:
2021 - Honor Not Awarded
2020 - Ingersoll Machine Tools
2019 - JC Milling, Inc.
2018 - Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME)
2017 - Rockford Process Control
2016 - ANPEC
2015 - J & M Plating, Inc.
2014 - Rockford Fastener, LLC
2013 - Header Die and Tool
2012 - Specialty Screw
2011 - JL Clark
2010 - Energy Dynamics
2009 - Rockford Toolcraft, Inc
2008 - Aqua Aerobics
2007 - Eclipse
2006 - Forest City Gear
2005 - Haldex
Individual Business Catalyst Award Honorees:
2021 - Wendy Young, Forest City Gear
2020 - Bethany Mead, CEANCI
2019 - Eric Wilson, WTVO/WQRF
2018 - Don Williams, RRVTMA
2017 - Mike Cobert – NIU EigerLab
2016 - Sagar Patel
2015 - John Ekberg
2014 - Christina Magee
2013 - Dave Morgan
2012 - WOTM
2011 - Rick Bastian
2010 - Mike Molander
2009 - Robert Schafer
2008 - Keith Irons
2007 - Robert Trojan
2006 - Steve Yagle
2005 - Teresa Beach-Shelow
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year Award was presented annually to recognize an outstanding manufacturing company that has used technology to remain competitive and grow.
Manufacturer of the Year Honorees:
2021 - Honor Not Awarded
2020 - Ingersoll Machine Tools
2019 - JC Milling, Inc.
2018 - Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME)
2017 - Rockford Process Control
2016 - ANPEC
2015 - J & M Plating, Inc.
2014 - Rockford Fastener, LLC
2013 - Header Die and Tool
2012 - Specialty Screw
2011 - JL Clark
2010 - Energy Dynamics
2009 - Rockford Toolcraft, Inc
2008 - Aqua Aerobics
2007 - Eclipse
2006 - Forest City Gear
2005 - Haldex
Chairman's Club
