About the GRGP
The Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP) oversees and aligns the goals of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and Rockford Chamber of Commerce in taking bold action to create the most vibrant, innovative, thriving economy of any mid-sized region in the nation.
GRGP Vision
With a united vision and bold action, we will be the most vibrant, innovative, thriving economy and mid-sized region in the nation.
GRGP Mission
The Partnership is the catalyst for economic prosperity and well-being by cohesively leveraging our strengths to accelerate business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurs within the region.
Currently, the two organizations are the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce (Chamber).
The GRGP (or umbrella organization) drives the shared vision and future strategies. The contributing organizations (RAEDC and Chamber) remain focused on their individual missions. The Partnership assures alignment of their respective strategies to achieve their missions while assuring alignment with the overall vision and mission.
NEWS
Learn more about the unification process and the steps the committee is taking.
- Einar Forsman Named Greater Rockford Growth Partnership's President/CEO
- Regional Businesses Organizations Combine to Form Partnership
About Our Economic Development Partners
Rockford Area Economic Development Council markets the region to attract new capital investment while assisting existing businesses with resources for sustainable growth. It works with partners to improve the competitiveness of the region in the daily work of economic development and serves as the area’s data collection agency on capital investment, new and retained jobs, and new or renovated space.
Mission: The Rockford Area Economic Development Council cultivates opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region.
Vision: The Rockford Area Economic Development Council propels the region to top 25 status, as the model for impactful economic development in partnership with regional organizations.
Rockford Chamber of Commerce delivers benefits to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help its members grow.
Mission: Leading Business Growth. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce delivers benefits to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help our members grow.
THE PEOPLE
Einar Forsman, CEO, GRGP
Caitlin Pusateri, Executive Vice President, Rockford Chamber and Sr. Vice President, GRGP
Therese Thill, President, RAEDC and Sr. Vice President, GRGP
GRGP Board of Directors
Illinois Bank & Trust, Jeff Hultman, Board Chair
Woodward, Inc., Terry Voskuil, Vice Board Chair
Alpha Controls & Services LLC, Brent Bernardi
Entre Computer Solutions, Mike Broski
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, Paula Carynski
Coleman CPA & Consulting, Inc, Bridgett Coleman
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate, Jean Crosby
Collins Aerospace, Eric Cunningham
Rockford Public Schools, District #205, Earl Dotson Jr.
Region One Planning Council, Mike Dunn Jr.
Greater Rockford Growth Partnership, Einar Forsman
Kadon Precision Machining, Justin Franklin
Advanced Machine & Engineering, Dietmar Goellner
KMK Media Group, Pam Maher
Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage, Michele Petrie
Rockford Local Development Corporation, John Phelps
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Dan Ross
Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., James Rozinsky
Saavedra Gehlausen Architects, Daniel Saavedra
RSM US LLP, Patrick Shaw
Dickerson & Nieman Realtors, Frank Wehrstein