FCA US Symposium Reaches 40 Companies in Rockford Region
Congressman Adam Kinzinger, in collaboration with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and Growth Dimensions of Belvidere-Boone County welcome FCA US LLC to Rockford on Friday, May 12 to help foster connections with 40 Northern Illinois companies at a supplier symposium.
The purpose of the symposium is to shed light on the opportunities at FCA US and its tier-one suppliers and to share insights into the supplier onboarding process. The morning included presentations from the automaker and its suppliers as well as one-on-one meetings for local businesses to meet with the presenters (think “speed dating”).
FCA US designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT® and Alfa Romeo brands as well as the SRT performance designation. The Rockford MSA, which includes Boone and Winnebago Counties, is home to many tier-one suppliers for FCA US.
“We are grateful to welcome the Jeep Cherokee line of automobiles to the Belvidere facility and to introduce them to our impressive manufacturing and service resources,” said Nathan Bryant, president and CEO of the RAEDC. “This event is an excellent opportunity for both our suppliers and service providers to establish mutually beneficial relationships,” Bryant said.
“With the upcoming launch of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, we are pleased to connect with our local supply base and the many companies who show a passion for the automotive industry,” said Brett Schauber, Senior Manager of Supplier Relations, FCA US. “Thank you to the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Growth Dimensions and Congressman Adam Kinzinger for helping foster strong business relationships in the community.”
In the past two years, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council coordinated with Congressman Kinzinger’s office on similar supplier symposiums in Rockford that connected regional companies with Caterpillar, Boeing, AAR Corp., and Northrop Grumman.
“Manufacturing is making a comeback in the United States – especially here at the Rockford MSA and across Illinois – and we are really seeing the benefits of that growth,” Kinzinger said.
ABOUT THE RAEDC
The role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is to collaborate with regional stakeholders to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region. The RAEDC markets the region to attract new capital investment, while assisting existing business with resources for sustainable growth. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region’s employers and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development. As the economic development organization for the region, the RAEDC also serves as the area’s data collection agency on all new capital investment, retained and created quality jobs, and renovated commercial/industrial space.
ABOUT GROWTH DIMENSIONS
Established in 1979, Growth Dimensions provides a progressive and cooperative environment which improves the quality of life by fostering economic opportunity and personal growth. With economic development partners throughout Belvidere-Boone County, Growth Dimensions is advancing a coordinated economic development strategy to create jobs, promote community assets and stimulate capital investment through business retention and attraction efforts.
ABOUT CONGRESSMAN ADAM KINZINGER
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger is the Representative for the 16th Congressional District of Illinois. Congressman Kinzinger was first elected to Congress in 2010 and has represented the Rockford Region since 2013. He serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee with seats on three subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. Kinzinger is committed to supporting policies that promote manufacturing and workforce development to ensure that the Rockford Region remains a key supplier to the U.S. military, especially in the aerospace sector. As a member of the U.S Air Force and Air National Guard, Kinzinger has flown the KC-135 Stratotanker and the RC-26 surveillance aircraft. He was born in Kankakee, grew up in Bloomington and now resides in Channahon.
ABOUT FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT® and Alfa Romeo brands as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar® and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Erin Marshall
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
815.491.9286 emarshall@rockfordil.com
www.rockfordil.com
