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The Voice

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Click here to view the current issue of the Voice

The VOICE is GRCC’s monthly newspaper, focusing on member news and issues important to area businesses. GRCC member companies can submit two articles a year for publication in the VOICE.

What you need to know about writing an article for the VOICE
Submitting an article for the VOICE is like participating in an expert panel—it’s your chance to share real-world experiences (good and bad), give advice, highlight best practices, and offer business insights that your fellow Chamber members would find beneficial.

GUEST ARTICLE GUIDELINES

  • GRCC members may submit two business-related, thought leadership articles per year (550-650 words). Think TED Talk or LinkedIn feature.
  • No self-promotion. The focus of the article should not be about your organization, product, or service. However, you may cite experiences, programs, or partnerships as examples that support your topic.
  • The best articles are written in the authentic voice of the author, not AI.
  • If possible, include local examples, anecdotes, and/or quotes from people in our region.
  • Articles can relate to the monthly editorial theme or be of general business interest.
  • All submissions will be edited for style, tone, grammar, and length when necessary.
  • Include a photo of the author and a brief bio (50-word max).
  • Include a company or organizational bio (50-word max).
  • Send articles as a Word doc to editor@rockfordchamber.com.
  • Photos may be included for consideration. Please send as attached jpg or png files.
  • Deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Contact editor@rockfordchamber.com to reserve article space in an upcoming issue.

TIPS FOR AUTHORS

  • Write in a professional but conversational voice.
  • The VOICE follows AP style. If you know what that is, please use it. If not, just know that your story will be edited to comply with those style guidelines.
  • First and foremost, the VOICE is a print newspaper. If you need to cite a source, please do so in the text of the article. Newspapers don’t use footnotes, and hyperlinks don’t work in print.
  • You may submit stories that were previously published as blog posts or articles provided by your company’s corporate office. Please modify with local information if possible.

2025 Editorial Calendar for the VOICE

Contact editor@rockfordchamber.com to reserve article space in an upcoming issue.

To get a copy of the VOICE mailed to your business or home, email your information to info@rockfordchamber.com.

Members in the News, Business Briefs, and Community Events

Send your announcements and press releases to editor@rockfordchamber.com.

  • New hires, retirements, promotions (may include a headshot).
  • Business and individual awards and recognition.
  • Announcements may be included in the VOICE newspaper and/or the VOICEnow e-newsletter.

Advertising

Contact Matt Zarembski at 815-997-6083 for information about digital and print advertising opportunities.

Previous issues are available here: