In collaboration with the State of Illinois, the Rockford Region exhibited at the Hannover Messe Trade Fair in April, 2016. The four-day show resulted in 43 one-on-one meetings with European companies, of which four expressed interest in possibly locating a US operation in the Rockford Region. One of these companies visited the region in September and another company is considering a visit early next year.
The German based manufacturing company which visited the Rockford Region in mid-September is in the metal fabrication business with operations in Germany and Poland.
During a familiarization trip to Rockford, the German delegation toured the area, met with municipal and regional leaders, and toured local companies. Expressing a genuine affinity for the region, the company is considering the Rockford Region an area in which to locate their US operations.
The ability to participate in an event such as the Hannover Messe Trade Fair was made possible through funding generated through the RAEDC’s Leadership Council 2015 Emerging Opportunities Fund (EOF). The EOF is designed for discretionary investment in mutually agreed-upon, forward-thinking initiatives that will leverage positive change for economic development of the Rockford Region. The 2015 investment was made to Business Attraction Marketing which included opportunities for promoting the Rockford Region to site selectors and developers.
Participation in trade shows such as this are critical to promoting the area as a region of opportunity. Through events such as Hannover Messe and IMTS, the RAEDC and our economic development partners cultivate opportunities to support the RAEDC’s Rockforward20/20 strategic plan.
