Today’s economy presents both challenges and opportunities. Much work remains to be done. We must continue to help local companies trade globally. We must work to solicit inward investment by embracing and growing our international connections. We must enhance our regional competitiveness through green technology. And, perhaps above all, we must continue to strive for excellence in our educational system. We have invested to build the capacity to outperform the market when the economy rebounds—and it will rebound. The Rockford Region will be positioned to create jobs and participate fully in the economic recovery ahead.

Won’t you become an investor today? Together, we can build a better, stronger, more sustainable economy. Together, we can create the future we want now.

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Investor Levels & Benefits

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council is funded solely through investments by Private Sector Companies, Public Sector Municipalities, Labor and Trade Unions, Business Organizations, Quasi-Governmental Organizations, Educational Institutions, and Nonprofit Agencies. Investors pool resources together to sustain the work of the organization, as everyone benefits from having a stronger, more sustainable economy. Annual investments range from $2,000 per year up to $300,000 per year.

 Please consider investing at one of the following levels: Rockforward! Investors; Rockforward! Premier Investors; Rockforward! Leadership Council; or Rockforward! President’s Circle. Direct benefits for each investment level are defined below.

ROCKFORWARD! INVESTORS ($2,000 - $4,999 per year)

Confidential Services: The RAEDC is a one-stop resource center for companies interested in remaining/expanding in or relocating to the Rockford Area. The RAEDC refers clients to the proper sources and coordinates the work of multiple agencies on behalf of clients. Services are available to Rockforward! Investors, including site selection; coordination of funding from local, state, and federal sources; workforce development; international assistance; and marketing and public relations.

Leadership Opportunities: The RAEDC is the region’s largest private/public partnership that enhances wealth creation by marketing the Rockford Area and helping employers retain and create quality jobs. Rockforward! Investors have an opportunity to serve the Board of Directors, Solutions Teams, and committees.

Special Events: Rockforward! Investors are invited to attend quarterly events that feature presentations by industry experts, including the Annual Meeting and Dinner, as well as RAEDC client announcements (groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, etc.).

Referrals: While assisting growing and relocating companies, the RAEDC is often able to refer company inquiries to Rockforward! Investors and provide direct introductions between investors for business development opportunities.

Rockforward! Quarterly Progress Report: Rockforward! Investors will receive a quarterly report, tracking results against performance measures defined for each strategy.

Annual Report: Rockforward! Investors receive recognition in the RAEDC annual report, which is published in February and summarizes results for the Rockford Region.

Developments Newsletter: Rockforward! Investors receive this quarterly newsletter, which highlights business, industry, and real estate news in the Rockford Area.

Global Relations E-Newsletter:  Rockforward! Investors may request to receive this quarterly newsletter, which is targeted to the Chinese community, both local and abroad, and contains updates on Rockford Area development opportunities.

Halsningar E-Newsletter:   Rockforward! Investors may request to receive this quarterly newsletter, which is targeted to cultural/historical organizations, governmental agencies, and businesses. The newsletter helps maintain and further develop our Swedish connections in support of our desired global growth goals and possible Foreign Direct Investments in the Rockford Region.

Rising Star E-Newsletter: Rockforward! Investors may request to receive this quarterly newsletter, which is targeted to national and regional site selectors and brokers and contains the latest development opportunities in the Rockford Area.

Trade Missions: Rockforward! Investors are encouraged to participate in industry-based trade missions throughout the world. The RAEDC will market the region for Foreign Direct Investment while assisting local companies with developing international business.

Quick Reference Guide: Full-color copies of the RAEDC Quick Reference Guide are available to Rockforward! Investors upon request. Detailed information is provided on demographics for the Rockford MSA (Boone & Winnebago counties).

Customized Research: Rockforward! Investors can access the RAEDC’s research on labor statistics, demographics, and industry trends. Staff can provide customized data, including real estate/site selection, demographics, industry clusters, taxes, commuting characteristics, and utilities.

Website: Rockforward! Investors are promoted on the RAEDC Website, including a full-page, premier listing the searchable Investor Directory (logo, link, description, and contact information).

Rockforward! Investor Plaque: All investors receive a plaque, which identifies investment level and year(s) of commitment. Plaques will be updated each year upon renewal.

ROCKFORWARD! PREMIER INVESTORS ($5,000 or more per year)

In addition to the benefits described above, organizations investing at the Premier level will receive:

Annual Report: Premier Investors receive special recognition in the RAEDC Annual Report, which is published in March.

Website: Premier Investors receive special recognition on the RAEDC Website, including an enhanced listing in the searchable Rockford Region Business Directory (as well as logo, link, description, and contact information for up to four individuals ).
 

ROCKFORWARD! LEADERSHIP COUNCIL INVESTORS ($10,000 or more per year)

In addition to the benefits described above, organizations investing in the Leadership Council will receive:

Emerging Opportunities Fund: The Leadership Council will meet three or four times per year to discuss regional issues and allocate resources from the Emerging Opportunities Fund ($175,000 per year) towards mutually-agreed-upon, forward-thinking initiatives that will propel positive change for the future landscape of the region. Possible investment strategies that the Leadership Council may consider include: (1) projects to move and shape public opinion on sensitive issues relating to the region’s capacity to grow such as infrastructure, education funding or other public policy opportunities; (2) focused efforts to remove stubborn or difficult barriers to growth; and (3) large-scale projects that capture the community’s imagination and enhance quality of life for the entire region.

Annual Report: Leadership Council Investors will receive special recognition in the RAEDC Annual Report, which is published in February. Electronic versions will distributed throughout the year, and an online version will be made available on the RAEDC Website.

Website: Leadership Council Investors will receive special recognition on the RAEDC Website, including an enhanced listing in the Business Directory (supplementary photos, as well as logo, link, description, and contact information for up to four individuals).

ROCKFORWARD! PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE INVESTORS ($25,000 or more per year)

In addition to all of the benefits described above, organizations investing in the President’s Circle will receive:

Quarterly Meetings: A special meeting will be held four times per year for President’s Circle Investors with the RAEDC President. Investors will serve as a “kitchen cabinet” to the public/private partnership on primary economic development priorities and strategies.

Special Events: President’s Circle Investors are automatically recognized as being sponsors of every RAEDC event, including recognition on event invitations and program agendas. A complimentary corporate table for ten is also provided at the Annual Meeting & Dinner for investors at $25,000 or more cash (a $700 value).

Annual Report: President’s Circle Investors will receive special recognition in the RAEDC Annual Report, which is published in February. Electronic versions will be distributed throughout the year, and an online version will be made available on the RAEDC Website.

Website: President’s Circle Investors will receive special recognition on the RAEDC Website, including a premier listing in the Business Directory (available reports, such as Annual Reports or marketing brochures, as well as logo, link, description, and contact information for up to four individuals).

Professional Development: President’s Circle Investors investing $25,000 or more per year (in-kind trade not included) will receive tuition for one employee to participate in the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford Program (an $1,100 value).

For more information about investing in the RAEDC, contact Mary Cacioppi , RAEDC Director of Investor Relations, at 815.987.8118 or at MCacioppi@rockfordil.com.