The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Team are economic development professionals focused on serving clients, investors, and partners. Economic Development team members work with regional economic development partners to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region.
They are experts in their fields and create relationships that benefit companies that are located here and companies that are looking to expand or relocate into the Rockford Region.
Alex Keedi
Business Development Manager
Business Relations Manager
Alex Keedi, Business Development Manager, will focus on creating connecting with regional businesses and conducting business retention visits. In addition to this responsibility, Alex will also stay apprised of governmental business support and incentive programs, identify business growth projects, and help identify economic assistance and financial resources for business expansions and relocations.
Alex has been a lifelong Rockford resident and learned early on the importance of a thriving community at the individual and economic levels. With the sole intention of serving his hometown, he attended Northern Illinois University and obtained a B.A. in Psychology.
Prior to joining the Economic Development team, Alex served in the Non-Profit sector wearing many hats with various organizations. These roles provided him the opportunity to network and create relationships with various stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels. Bringing supportive and self-sufficiency programming, resources and federal dollars to underserved populations.
In his free time, Alex loves to spend time in nature, attend live music shows wherever they may be, and lives peacefully with his 10-Year-old Great Dane, Prince.
- Email: AKeedi@RockfordIL.com
- Phone: 815.969.4252
Matt Zarembski
Director of Investor Relations
Director of Investor Relations
Matt joined the staff of the GRCC Economic Development Team in 2021. As the Director of Investor Relations, Matt is responsible for fund development and revenue generation, working towards sustaining and increasing investments in the GRCC. By networking with local business and community leadership, Matt builds relationships designed to generate a better understanding of the organization’s mission, needs, and strategic plan to provide appropriate engagement in successful client projects.
As a lifelong resident of Rockford, Matt is committed to the success of the region. Prior to joining the Economic Development team, Matt worked in the Rockford Region’s not-for-profit sector for over 10 years, where he focused on investor engagement and relationship building.
Matt graduated from Boylan High School in 2004, he then went on to Northern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism in 2008.
Matt enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and cheering for the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Hawks. He hopes to see a Bears Super Bowl victory in his lifetime, but as all Bears fans know, don’t hold your breath.
- Email: MZarembski@RockfordIL.com
- Phone: 815.987.8118
