Rockforward! President’s Circle

The role of the Rockforward! President’s Circle is to serve as a “kitchen cabinet” to the public/private partnership on primary economic development priorities and strategies. RAEDC Investors contributing $25,000 or more per year become members of the Rockforward! President’s Circle.

The role of the Rockforward! President’s Circle is to serve as a “kitchen cabinet” to the public/private partnership on primary economic development priorities and strategies. RAEDC Investors contributing $25,000 or more per year become members of the Rockforward! President’s Circle. The President’s Circle met four times in 2008, and outcomes included the creation of the RAEDC Education Committee.

"Leaders from all over the community convene in RAEDC committees to pool resources and align strategies for overall improvement of the region. The best and the brightest are bringing their ideas to the table. A shared vision for the economic future of the Rockford Region is taking shape, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.” - John Chadwick, Chair, Rockforward! President’s Circle

Rockforward! Leadership Council

The old adage that “opportunity only knocks once” is especially true relative to economic development. The competition between regions for economic opportunities is fierce. Emerging opportunities require a quick and decisive response.

In order to aggressively and expeditiously take advantage of these opportunities, Rockforward! convened a Leadership Council of top-tier public and private-sector investors to respond to opportunities at a macro level, placing an Emerging Opportunities Fund of $175,000 annually at their disposal for investment in mutually-agreed-upon, forward-thinking initiatives to leverage positive change for economic development of the region.

Emerging Opportunities Fund investment strategies include projects to move and shape public opinion on sensitive issues relating to the region’s capacity to grow, focused efforts to remove stubborn or difficult barriers to growth, and large-scale projects that capture the community’s imagination and enhance quality of life for the entire region.

RAEDC Investors contributing $10,000 or more per year become members of the Rockforward! Leadership Council.

All three projects supported by Leadership Council in 2008 are well underway. The Rockford Area Career Clearinghouse, which is housed at the RAEDC offices, has hired a full-time director and is beginning its work to connect regional employers to college students; three Charter Public School proposals have been brought before the Rockford School Board, two of which have been approved at the time of writing this report; and a new site has been selected for the Freedom Field Renewable Energy Project.

“The power of the public/private partnership is alive and well in the Rockford Area. Through the RAEDC, business and civic leaders are collaborating to develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges that face our region.” - Dr. Bill Gorski, Chair, Rockforward! Leadership Council

Solutions Teams

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors created three Solutions Teams to help achieve the organization’s mission and goals. Committee contributions are extremely helpful, as members advise from their unique perspectives, broaden considerations, and lead implementation of Rockforward! strategies and tactics.  Volunteering through a committee is a great way to get involved with the work of the RAEDC and is recommended as a precursor to serving on the Board.

 

Business Attraction Solutions Team

The work of the Business Attraction Solutions Team (BA) is primarily focused on developing international business relationships, with a special focus on Sweden and China. By building stronger international associations, the RAEDC can help businesses establish partnerships and joint-ventures, obtain licensing, and open the door to new markets. The BA team is also focused on increasing the amount of business park property in the region and is working to extend regional partnerships, including the Tri-State Alliance, I-39 Logistics Corridor Association, and the Illinois Development Council.

Darrin Golden, Chair, Business Attraction Solutions Team

View the 2010 BA Work Plan.

 

Business & Community Relations Solutions Team

The role of the Business & Community Relations Solutions Team (BCR) is to actively promote the RAEDC to both current and prospective investors. The BCR team oversees outward marketing of Rockforward! strategies and economic development messages to regional employers, community leaders, and citizens.
BCR also works to communicate developments to investors and stakeholders through individual, group, and public meetings; produces quarterly events, including the Annual Meeting, and oversees the publication of communications tools, including the quarterly results report to investors and this Annual Report.

“RAEDC investors recognize the importance of a strong economic development
program. The five strategies of Rockforward! adhere to the mission and vision of
the organization and build on the values of our founders.” - Linda Gerber, Chair, Business & Community Relations Solutions Team

View the 2010 BCR Work Plan.

 

Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team

The role of the Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team (BRE) is to learn opportunities for improvement from existing employers, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and increase awareness and participation in continuous improvement programs. Additionally, the BRE team is working to develop and foster a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

The role of the Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team (BRE) is to learn of opportunities for improvement from existing employers, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and increase awareness and participation in continuous improvement programs. Additionally, the BRE team is working to develop and foster a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

“The Voice of the Customer surveys provide face-to-face meetings with Rockford Area employers. The RAEDC learns about key issues that are affecting businesses, opportunities where the RAEDC can provide assistance, community strengths on which to build, and barriers that prevent us from achieving economic success.” - Gary Marzorati, Chair, Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team

View the 2010 BRE Work Plan.

Committees

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council Chairman of the Board appoints members of the following committees:

 

Education Committee
The RAEDC formed an Education Committee in 2008 comprised of education leaders and privatesector executives with the role to connect Rockford Area businesses with our educational system.

Bill Dilts, Chair, Education Committee

View the 2010 Education Committee Work Plan

Audit Committee
The RAEDC Audit Committee consists of the Treasurer and at least three members from the Board of Directors and three members at large. The committee reviews and assesses financial principals and reporting, risks and controls, and external and internal auditors.

 

Nominating Committee
An annual slate of candidates for the Board of Directors is prepared and recommended by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee consists of three Directors and three Investors at Large.

For more information about RAEDC Solutions Teams and committees, contact Mary Cacioppi, RAEDC Director of Investor Relations, at 815.987.8118 or at mcacioppi@rockfordil.com.