Did You Know…
7:2:1 is the ratio of jobs in demand for today’s economy is for every 1 job that requires a Master’s Degree or Doctorate, 2 jobs require a four-year degree, and 7 jobs that require a certificate or other technical training.
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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 19 months of the 60-month Rockfordward20/20 strategic plan.
There was an expansion project that closed as a win for the Rockford Region, resulting in an additional 30,000SF and a capital investment of $2,750,000.
The increase in unemployment rates due to the temporary layoffs at FCA has been reduced now that the facility is operating closer to full capacity.
There are 5,262 jobs advertised online for June 2017; an increase of 379 when compared to June 2016, as reported by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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.
Regional Economic Measurements
These figures represent data from June 2017.
RAEDC Updates
Regional Leaders Discuss Creative Use for Vacant Grocery Stores
RAEDC President and CEO, Nathan Bryant discusses creative development for empty storefronts with the Rockford Register Star. “What’s not changing, and makes better opportunities for downtown, is that people want to shop an experience.”
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RAEDC to Attend NBAA
The RAEDC will join 27,000 industry professionals at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) three-day event in October. If your business is attending, contact Gerald Sagona, VP of National Business Development.
EMAIL GERALD>>>
Foreign Trade Zone #176 Could Save Your Business Money
The Rockford Region is part of FTZ176 (Foreign Trade Zone 176). The FTZ program is a partnership of the U.S. government and private sector importers. Participating companies realize savings advantages because cargo receives preferential treatment with duties deferred, reduced, or eliminated.
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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
Alignment Rockford Needs Volunteers to Achieve Model Status
Help the RPS205 high school Academies reach national Model Career Academy Accreditation through the National Career Academy Coalition! Model status requires each Academy have a robust team of community members to help plan and implement project-based learning and real-world experiences with our teachers and our students!
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100 Days in Office for City of Rockford Mayor McNamara
In a recent article in the Rockford Register Star, Mayor McNamara focuses on creating a comprehensive strategy for public safety with Chief O’Shea and the City Council.
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Chicago Rockford International Airport Receives Federal Grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation gave Chicago Rockford International Airport $10.2 million in grant money. The grant will be used to help build additional ramp space for cargo aircraft and expand the airport’s terminal.
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SwedishAmerican invests $36 million in two new clinics
SwedishAmerican Health Systems is investing nearly $36 million into two new properties to expand their services. SwedishAmerican says the new clinics will provide accessible healthcare for people.
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American Standard Circuits, Inc Earns and Extends Key Military Qualifications
American Standard Circuits, Inc has officially received its military qualification for flex and rigid-flex printed circuit boards.
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Chicago Rockford International Airport Sees Nearly 40% Increase in Cargo
Cargo volume is up nearly 40 percent for the first six months of the year compared with the first half of 2016.
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2017 RAEDC Annual Meeting
November 15, 2017
Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
(Re)Defining the Goal: The True Path for Career Readiness in the 21st Century
featuring Success in the New Economy producer & (Re)Defining the Goal author, Dr. Kevin Fleming.
Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate for ensuring all students enter the labor market with a competitive advantage. He currently supports over 40 Career & Technical Education programs as a Dean of Instruction, CTE at Norco College (part of Riverside Community College District, California) and serves as vice president for the California Community College Association for Occupational Education.
Watch the video & learn more about the Annual Meeting at RockfordIL.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Jimsi Kuborn for information.
New Investors
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council welcomes these new investors. Through partnerships with investors, community partners, and stakeholders we cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increases the economic well-being of our region.
- Forest City Corporate
- Komax Systems Rockford Inc.
- Scandroli Construction Co
- Thames Management/Thinker Profit/Woods CPA/Mondek Solutions
- Wintrust Commercial Bank
Upcoming Events
Innovation Tuesday: Developing a Digital Marketing Strategy – Tuesday, Sept 12
Join in as Assistant Professor of Marketing, Andy Dahl, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater shines a light on this topic. This session will help you understand how to create a digital marketing strategy that leverages the content of value to your target audience.
RSVP>>>
FastPitch – Wednesday, October 4
The FastPitch Competition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet people who can help you succeed, and maybe win a cash prize! Deadline for participants to submit their business pitches in writing for pre-qualification is Sept 21.
LEARN MORE>>>
Manufacturing Day, Rockford Region – Thursday, October 12
Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. For those who want to get involved in planning contact: Beth Mead, CEANCI Community Outreach Coordinator at 815-921-1650.
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
