The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) now in its 37th year of operation has been and will continue to be focused on primary job growth for the region. From rallying investors, partners and stakeholders, the RAEDC has leveraged regional assets building the foundation we have today. That foundation is the momentum of initiatives we all should know and be proud to share when speaking about our community.
Did you know that?
- At the end of 2016, Rockford ranked as the 5th fastest growing community for jobs by the Milken Institute, we actually jumped 51 spots in one year.
- There are over 90 companies in aerospace within Winnebago County alone. We are the 6th largest concentration of aerospace employment in the country; if it’s flying in the air today the Rockford Region made a component on that aircraft.
- USA Today ranked Rockford as the 6th fastest growing housing market in the United States; we grew our values 15% in one year.
- Our community is raising $6 million to support engineering degrees right here in the Rockford Region with a partnership of Northern Illinois University and Rock Valley College.
The RAEDC is not the only entity that can celebrate these regional successes, but if not for the RAEDC, some of these foundational steps may not have occurred. The RAEDC has regularly brought the right partners to the table, ignited initiatives and proudly watched them thrive in our community.
“Being part of the RAEDC that has traditionally been instrumental in the creation of so many strategic initiatives is exciting. Moving forward, the RAEDC will use these foundations to focus on primary job creation/retention by leveraging the economic growth of our region and its industries,” states Nathan Bryant, President and CEO of the RAEDC.
