Rockford Region Job Growth Moving Forward
To provide the most accurate figures to the public, the RAEDC is transitioning how it reports job numbers to coincide with the Illinois Department of Labor Security (IDES) reported monthly data. The RAEDC will be using job figures provided by the IDES to report on job growth in the Rockford Region. This will take effect in the reporting of January 2017.
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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 15 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.
One expansion project closed as a win resulting in an additional 3,000 square feet in space and $150,000 in capital investment.
Regional Economic Measurements
These figures represent data from February 2017.
RAEDC Updates
Rockforward20/20 Results Report Available
The first year of the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan has been completed and the results show the Rockford Region is continuing the momentum from Rockforward!2.
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Do You Know About Our Competitive Edge?
From rallying investors, partners and stakeholders, the RAEDC has leveraged regional assets building the foundation we have today. That foundation is the momentum of initiatives we all should know and be proud to share when speaking about our community.
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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.
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Conducting the Daily Work of Economic Development Nationally & Globally
As part of the daily work of economic development the RAEDC attends and exhibits at trade shows and conferences throughout the year. Cultivating business attraction opportunities for Your Opportunity Region that will lead to primary job growth and increase the economic well-being of our region.
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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
RRStar’s Editorial Board Shares Nathan Bryant’s Belief in the Rockford Region
Rockford Register Star’s Our View: You’ve got to believe that Rockford can have a robust economy. Nathan Bryant had plenty of options before taking the job as president and CEO of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.
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Excelsior Inc. acquires Grumen Manufacturing Inc.
Excelsior Inc has announced the acquisition of Grumen Manufacturing Inc. Excelsior plans to integrate Grumen’s manufacturing operations into its Rockford facility over the next few months.
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Earning an Engineering Degree
Students can earn a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Northern Illinois University while staying in the Rockford Region and attending Rock Valley College.
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Made in the Stateline – Gunite
A supply chain that measures in feet instead of miles… this edition features Accuride’s Gunite facility. Made in the Stateline, showcases regional manufacturers and provides an up-close investigation on what they make, how it’s made, and what makes that company unique.
WATCH>>>
AAR Hiring 100 A&P Mechanics
AAR CORP. (the new Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the Chicago Rockford International Airport – RFD ) is hiring 100 experienced wide, & narrow-body aircraft mechanics immediately.
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Upcoming Events
RAAN Aerospace Networking & Symposium, April 20, 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Make connections within the aerospace community. Learn from top aerospace companies regarding OEM and MRO. Hear from industry leaders regarding recent advancements.
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Sake & Sushi with a Twist – May 10, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a unique and interactive networking event with presenting sponsor: Mercyhealth. Stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens where you get to call you favorite sushi roll with guest “chef”, sake tastings and other Asian food.
REGISTER>>>
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
