August 16, 2010

Rockford Area Economic Development Council Business Development Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2010, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS - The Rockford Area Economic Development Council added Business Development Specialist Matthew J. Simpson and International Business Development Trainee Filip Lasson to its staff.

Matthew SimpsonSimpson will work on business retention and expansion efforts, particularly the Voice of the Customer program. He will conduct more in-depth analysis of the VOC data that will help the region retain and grow more quality jobs. Confidential VOC interviews with area businesses yield information that helps improve the business climate, facilitate future expansions and make better use of resources.

A Rockford native and graduate of Auburn High School and Rock Valley College, Simpson graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Finance. At SIU he received honors such as the Outstanding Business Economics Senior from the Department of Finance and 25 Most Distinguished Seniors Award from the SIUC Alumni Association.

Filip LassonFilip Lasson will work at the RAEDC for three months as part of the Industrial Partnership Agreement between Rockford and Lidköping, Sweden. He is assigned to the International Bioenergy Days 2010, which is September 26 - 29. This is the region's first-ever international bioenergy conference with nearly 400 attendees expected.

Lasson is participating in the Culture Tourism program that is based in Lidköping. His area of focus is special events and international tourism. He is fluent in Swedish and English, and proficient in German.

ABOUT THE RAEDC
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council is to enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by marketing the area and helping employers retain and create quality jobs. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to serve as a one-stop resource for clients, to improve the competitiveness of the region, and to engage the community in the work of economic development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mark Podemski, RAEDC Vice President for Development
mpodemski@rockfordil.com
815.969.4254
www.rockfordil.com

Matthew J. Simpson
Business Development Specialist
msimpson@rockfordil.com
815.969.4258

Filip Lasson
International Business Development Trainee
flasson@rockfordil.com
815.969.4267