Letters to the Rockford Region
The Year in Review
As our region heads into 2017, it makes sense to look back and reflect on the significant progress the Rockford Region has made during 2016.
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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 the first 12 months of the 60-month Rockfordward20/20 strategic plan.
There was one regional project win in December, a manufacturer expanded and hired additional staff to support a significant purchase order.
Regional Economic Measurements
These figures represent data from November 2016.
RAEDC Updates
RAEDC Announces New President
We are pleased to welcome Nathan Bryant as the new RAEDC President and CEO effective January 9th. We look forward to the next chapter for the RAEDC and graciously thank Mike Nicholas for his years of service to the organization and the community.
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The Quick Reference Guide – Resource Available
This guide provides an overview of the MSA when companies are evaluating the region for expansion or relocation.
DOWNLOAD HERE>>>
Regional Wins
Rockford MSA Moves up 51 spots and Ranks 5th in Biggest Gains (Jobs)
The Milken Institute released their Best-Performing Cities Biggest Gainers: Rockford MSA ranks 5th! The “biggest gainers” among the Top 25 metros surround industries such as – construction, real estate, transportation equipment manufacturing and healthcare.
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Gov. Rauner Extends Rivers Edge Tax Credit
The tax credit provides dollar-for-dollar credits that are used in the restoration of certified historical buildings along five Rivers Edge Communities in Illinois.
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Regional Good News
Midwest Aero Support, Inc. Receives Service Exporter Award from DCEO
The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition of export achievement, honoring Illinois companies that have achieved excellence in exporting, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.
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GoRockford.com Nabs Gold MarCom Award
The award comes on the heels of the RACVB’s redesign of the website, which was launched in May of this year. The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design, and production of marketing and communication materials and programs.
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Upcoming Events
Innovation Tuesday: Honoring Your Business Network – Jan 10, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Networking is critical to our business and career success but so many people avoid it – to their peril. Author Vickie Austin will share steps that will help you from the moment you create your intention, whether it’s a career transition or building your business, to the act of acknowledging those who have helped you along the way.
REGISTER ONLINE>>>
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
