Measuring the Success of Rockforward!

The goals of Rockforward! are methodically tracked through numerous metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the RAEDC’s marketing and recruitment activities.  These include:
•    net new primary jobs and jobs recruited
•    per capita income
•    international exports
•    Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) increase, including Rockforward!’s impact on GMP
•    population growth
•    economic development exposure
•    development ready land parcels

The RAEDC utilizes a wide array of statistical resources to produce these metrics, including the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Northern Illinois University, and our own Voice of the Customer surveys.

To view our latest Annual Report for 2011, click here.

Evaluating Results

In May of 2007, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) Board of Directors
approved Rockforward!, a new five-year strategic plan for 2008-2012. Rockforward!’s five powerful
strategies challenge the RAEDC to influence change in areas that take advantage of our strengths, overcome our weaknesses, and invest in opportunities while mitigating threats.

In just under 5 years, our results have been impressive. But for the Rockforward! plan, the results we have achieved would not be possible.  While an annual fixed rate of growth no longer applies as when the Rockforward! campaign was started, our results indicate our region is working together to achieve our goals despite the unprecedented economic downturn. we continued with our adjusted models in response to the recession.

To view a report highlighting the sucess Rockforward! 2008-2012, click here