BUSINESSFirst launched to help people with redevelopment projects

BUSINESSFirst starts by making available a team of partners to any individual with a redevelopment project in the community. An individual can make an appointment to meet with the team for 30 minutes to discuss their project.

The team meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Regional Center for Planning & Design (315 N. Main, Rockford), beginning June 23. Having all of these partners in one place at one time, face to face with the customer, facilitates the most efficient and effective process for the customer.

“Winnebago County is happy to see this private/public partnership come together to provide a better customer service process for the Rockford Community,” said Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen. “We want to do everything we can to cut out the red tape in the redevelopment process to encourage entrepreneurs and investment.”

“By bringing together partners from the public and private sector — architects, general contractors, business owners, Realtors, developers, construction trades, business districts, the City and the County — we were able to determine best practices to improve our customer service for redevelopment projects in the community,” said Alderman Joe Chiarelli. “As Chairman of the Codes and Regulation committee, we want to see projects come to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board (LTAB) as prepared as possible so we can all help them through the process efficiently and effectively.”

“A key initiative of the Planning and Development Committee for 2015 was to coordinate the information provided and services provided to those wishing to enter into a redevelopment project,” said Alderman Tim Durkee. “We are glad to see all partners working together to provide a one-stop service to those interested in investing in our community.”

How does it work?

1. All information regarding BUSINESSFirst (including a “how-to” and “take-away” guide), can be found at BUSINESSFirst on EventBright. Each of the primary partners will have a BUSINESSFirst link on their website.
2. If an individual wishes to meet with the BUSINESSFirst team, they will be directed to www.businessfirst.eventbrite.com, where they can sign up for a 30-minute appointment. They are also required to complete a basic survey no later than one week prior to their appointment at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BIZFirst. This will allow the team to be as prepared as possible to assist the customer.
3. At the appointment, the appropriate team members will meet together with the customer to walk through their project. The team will address timeline, costs, permits, zoning, and business planning issues. The customer will leave the meeting with their “take-away” guide, which will include next steps and contact information for the individuals they need to work with. If the customer requires additional time, they can sign up for another appointment.

Rockford Community Partners hopes that this private/public initiative will encourage individuals to consider investing in redevelopment and entrepreneurship in our community.


Rockford Community Partners
The following public/private RCP partners have been working together to ensure the best service for redevelopment projects and develop BUSINESSFirst:
1. Bath & Body Fusion
2. City of Peoria
3. City of Rockford
4. City of Rockford Aldermen Joe Chiarelli & Tim Durkee
5. CMM & Associates
6. Contemporary Hammer Works
7. Dickerson Nieman
8. First Midwest Group
9. Gary Anderson & Associates
10. Larson & Darby Group
11. Midtown Association
12. Miracle Mile Rockford
13. Northwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council
14. River District Association
15. Rock River Development Partnership
16. Rock River Water Reclamation District
17. Rockford Area Association of Realtors
18. Rural on Tap
19. Winnebago County
20. Winnebago County Clerk
21. Winnebago County Health Department