First of all, we are grateful for your time, support, and effort as the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) continues the daily work of economic development. The goals of the organization remain the same to attract and retain high-quality primary jobs that are good for today, tomorrow, and in the future.
This goal can only be achieved through partnership and continued collaboration in developing all levels of our workforce, strengthening our supply chains through innovation and by making connection inside and outside our region. This includes our efforts with I-39 Logistics Corridor Association which combines efforts to market the corridor.
Our community is committed to reaching Top 25 status by 2025. This status serves as a model for impactful economic development with regional organizations.
Since January 1, 2020, during the pandemic, the region has successfully closed eight projects which created or retained 40 jobs, built or renovated 180,594 square feet of space, and received a total capital investment of $8,133,933.
The RAEDC is looking forward and excited about the opportunities ahead. We are happy to welcome CQ+ Manufacturing Group to Machesney Park and Rusco Manufacturing expanded and increased operations at the Loves Park Technology Center.
We are continuing to organize events that educate and create connections for our region and registration can be found at RockfordIL.com/events. These include
- ED Talks, monthly economic development and leadership themed webinars. September 17th features employee engagement thought-leader, Dr. Brad Shuck as a guest speaker with Dr. Mandolen Mull from Rockford University.
- US Commercial Service webinar on Sept 22 to help businesses with international sales and expanded market access.
- CyberSecurity Month webinars in October with IMEC
- The Federal Reserve webinar to see what the future looks like in our region and outside our region in November
The RAEDC Board of Directors and staff are carrying on the mission of the organization while working with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce on the implementation of unification. Unification will not change the mission of the RAEDC, but it will allow both organizations to speak with a unified business voice. This change will happen throughout 2021 and will not impact the investment levels for the RAEDC until 2022 at the earliest.
The Executive Committee has begun the process to form a search committee to find our next President and leader of the organization.
We look to you, our community, at this time to continue your support to this organization. The RAEDC is here to assist you with expansion, establishing business connections, and working to attract companies into our region to increase our economic well-being.
