August 11, 2023, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS – The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), the region’s leading organization to attract and retain businesses, today announced the resignation of its President Therese Thill who has accepted a position out of state. Thill will remain with RAEDC until the end of the month to help ensure a smooth transition of activities.
With more than 25 years of economic and community development experience, Thill was instrumental in providing stability and progressive growth to RAEDC since she began in 2021. During her time at the organization, she helped solidify its role within the region, enhanced its community partnerships, and provided strategic direction for ongoing advancement.
“Therese has been exactly the leader for us at the right time. Her expertise and track record of success in business interaction including business retention, expansion, and attraction combined with her strategic approach to community relations helped position us for future success,” said Jimmy Rozinsky, Chair of RAEDC Board of Directors. “We are extremely grateful for her professionalism and direction to prepare us for the journey ahead.”
During her tenure with RAEDC, Thill helped further solidify its financial footing, enhanced its community presence and partnerships, provided consistent communications from the organization, grew investors, and oversaw strategic direction for the organization’s next chapter.
“It has been my great honor to serve RAEDC, its investors, and this community overall,” said Thill. “While I look forward to this new chapter, I will sincerely miss the people and organizations with which I’ve had the great pleasure to work with during these past two years. I will remain a cheerleader for the Rockford region, its continued growth and the impact for the remarkable businesses who are located here and those which seek to move here in the future.”
During the next few weeks, Thill will continue in her role and assist the Board of Directors in preparing and successfully transitioning the current initiatives.
The RAEDC and Rockford Chamber of Commerce currently report into the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP). The GRGP is a non-profit umbrella organization aimed at advancing the region’s economy under which the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and RAEDC’s goals are aligned for greater impact on business growth in the region.
Individuals can reach out to Alex Keedi, Business Development Manager (AKeedi@RockfordIL.com), and Matt Zarembski, Director of Investor Relations (MZarembski@RockfordIL.com), for any questions or needs.
ABOUT THE ROCKFORD AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (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.
