Investment Levels & Benefits
Rockforward! Creating the Future We Want Now
A Five-Year Strategic Plan by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council
2008 - 2012
Investor Benefits
Rockforward! Investors
$2,000 - $9,999 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 on the RAEDC’s 11-seat executive committee, as well as the 55-seat board of directors.
Committees: The RAEDC board of directors created three solutions teams to help create a more positive business environment for employers. Their contributions are extremely helpful, as committee members advise from their unique perspectives as well as broaden discussions and considerations about how to achieve goals. One or more individuals from Rockforward! Investor organizations are invited to serve on the solutions teams.
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 November and summarizes economic development results for the region.
Investments E-Newsletter: Rockforward! Investors receive this bi-monthly report with the latest about RAEDC investors and services, upcoming events and results of our work.
Developments Newsletter: Rockforward! Investors receive this quarterly newsletter, which highlights business, industry and real estate news in the Rockford area.
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 in the countries of Sweden and China.
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 will be promoted on the RAEDC Website, including in a searchable database of investors, providing regional and national exposure.
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.
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.
Regional Media Plan: Leadership Council Investors will receive special recognition throughout the five years of the Rockforward! campaign, including mentions in print, television and online media.
Annual Report: Leadership Council Investors will receive special recognition in the RAEDC Annual Report, which is published in November. Printed copies will be 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 Rockforward! Investor Directory.
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:
Bi-Annual Meetings: A special meeting will be held two 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.
Regional Media Plan: President’s Circle Investors will receive special recognition throughout the five years of the Rockforward! campaign, including mention in news releases, television advertisements, print advertisements, newsletters and online media. Planning for a comprehensive, regional media strategy is underway, and President’s Circle Investors will be invited to provide print, television and/or online testimonials.
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 (a $700 value).
Annual Report: President’s Circle Investors will receive special recognition in the RAEDC Annual Report, which is published in November. Printed copies 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 Rockforward! Investor Directory (logo, link, description, and contact information for up to four individuals).
Professional Development: President’s Circle Investors will receive tuition for one employee to participate in the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford Program (an $1,100 value).
For More Information
Tonya Lamia, RAEDC Vice President of Investor Relations
815.987.8118 or tlamia@rockfordil.com