Did You Know…
Over the past few months, multiple aircraft have come to the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) to test engines, planes, or to achieve FAA certification.
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The RAEDC and the Rockford Region
The RAEDC, as the Economic Development Agency for the region is also the data collection agency on all new capital investment in the area, retained and created jobs, and new or renovated space. As we enter into our Rockforward20/20 strategic plan, we will be informing all of you on project wins for our region as well as projects that we are working on with our various regional partners.
Measurements
Regional Impact Measurements
These figures represent the collective successes during the new Rockforward20/20 strategic plan. The plan began in January 2016 and will continue through December 2020.
The results shown below are for 16 months of the 60-month Rockfordward20/20 strategic plan.
* The decline in new or retained jobs is a result of temporary layoffs at a regional company. Learn more about the impact of these temporary layoffs.
The RAEDC has made changes to how it reports jobs in the region and is using Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) figures at the MSA level, which includes Boone and Winnebago Counties.
Two expansion projects and one relocation project closed as wins resulting in an additional 33,200 square feet in space and $15,000 in capital investment.
Regional Economic Measurements
These figures represent data from March 2017.
RAEDC Updates
RAAN Hosts Aerospace Networking & Symposium
The Rockford Area Aerospace Network recently held it’s Aerospace Networking & Symposium event, welcoming 140 attendees, a panel discussion, presentations about the innovation occurring within the aerospace industry, and the opportunity to network with tier-1 suppliers. Watch our video and learn why you need be at the next RAAN Networking & Symposium.
WATCH>>>
Economic Development According to Nathan Bryant
Nathan Bryant, president & CEO of the RAEDC defines the word Sticky Jobs. He uses it so often that it has become his nickname.
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Business Minute Launches
Keep your eyes and ears out for the RAEDC Business Minute. Working with local media outlets, Nathan Bryant, President & CEO of the RAEDC recorded some of the good things happening in the Rockford Region. These short TV and radio spots will be broadcast on local stations.
LISTEN>>>
Connect with Us Socially
The RAEDC shares informative and helpful news, events, and stories on our social networks. Be sure to connect with us so we can share your good news and events.
Regional News
Accuride Corporation Reaches Agreement to Acquire KIC
Accuride, a leading supplier of components to the North American and European commercial vehicle industries – announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire KIC LLC.
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Mercyhealth Celebrates with a Topping Out Ceremony
The highest steel beam was signed by Mercyhealth employees, physicians, administrators, and community leaders and placed on the tallest point of the structure that will soon support the largest project in Rockford’s history.
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NASA Pays a Visit to Ingersoll Machine Tools Earning an Engineering Degree
Representatives from NASA and Lockheed Martin, who are connected to NASA’s Orion Spacecraft and Space Launch System programs, along with astronaut Rex Walheim, visited the Ingersoll plant.
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UPS Adds 13 More Flights at RFD
WREX reports that UPS says the move is expected to bring more than 200 new jobs to the area. Those jobs will be mostly part-time package handlers in the hub’s sorting facility with some full-time positions available.
WATCH>>>
Upcoming Events
RAEDC Annual Meeting – Wednesday, November 15
Save the Date! The RAEDC has scheduled its Annual Meeting for November 15th. Contact Jimsi Kuborn for information about sponsorship opportunities.
425 Manufacturing Open House – Tuesday, May 30
Join 425 Manufacturing for food, drinks, and fun. We will be showing off our new facility and capabilities.
REGISTER>>>
Manufacturing Day – Friday, October 6
Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.
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1 Million Cups – Wednesdays, 9 – 11 am
Entrepreneurs present their startup companies and learn how the community can help their business flourish. These meetings are held on a weekly basis.
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Rockforward20/20
Rockforward20/20 represents a bold vision for our future, this aggressive plan will cultivate opportunities to create and retain over 10,000 jobs and significantly increase capital investment in the region.
Learn more at RockfordIL.com/Rockforward2020. If you have not set up a brief meeting to explore how you can get involved, contact Jimsi Kuborn at 815-969-4259 or jkuborn@rockfordil.com.
The RAEDC
The RAEDC often works behind the scenes due to the confidential nature of business projects. Plus, big deals take time: The average time from start to completion on the project wins is 329 days.
We are committed to persistence and continuity in our work: We market the Rockford Region to the world, influencing companies to locate or expand here. We support and promote growth within targeted industries through regional public-private collaboration. We assist prospective and existing companies by connecting them to resources for workforce development, available buildings, supply chain partners, incentives and more.
Together, we will continue the momentum into 2017 for an even stronger, more sustainable economy. Together, we will Trailblaze, Inspire Action, Align, Seed and Serve!
RAEDC Board of Directors & Staff
RockfordIL.com
ABOUT THE RAEDC
The role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is to collaborate with regional stakeholders to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region. The RAEDC markets the region to attract new capital investment, while assisting existing business with resources for sustainable growth. The 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.
Rockford Area Economic Development Council
100 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101 | information@rockfordil.com
T: 815.987.8118 | www.RockfordIL.com
