Did You Know…
The Rockford Region launched a Qualified Sites Program, also known as shovel-ready sites. This is an industry standard tool used to promote our region’s development-ready sites.
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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 17 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 closed as wins resulting in 24,000 square feet in new or renovated space and $500,000 in capital investment.
Regional Economic Measurements
These figures represent data from April 2017.
RAEDC Updates
Congressman Kinzinger and FCA US (Fiat Chrysler) Host Rockford Area Supplier Symposium
Congressman Adam Kinzinger, in collaboration with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and Growth Dimensions of Belvidere-Boone County welcome FCA US LLC to Rockford on Friday, May 12 to help foster connections with 40 northern Illinois companies at a supplier symposium.
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New Qualified Site Program Launched in Northern Illinois
The Rockford Region officially launches their Qualified Sites Program (QSP) and website. The program will be another marketing tool to help identify and promote our region’s building sites.
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Economic Development According to Nathan Bryant
Nathan Bryant, president & CEO of the RAEDC provides a different perspective on the use of Spec Buildings to attract businesses to the Rockford 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
Auburn, Guilford Among Most Academically Challenging High Schools
Two Rockford high schools are among America’s Most Challenging High Schools, according to a recently released ranking from The Washington Post.
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John M. Holmes Promoted to President & Chief Operating Officer of AAR
AAR’s Board of Directors approved Holmes appointment to the Board at its July 11, 2017 Board meeting. Holmes will continue to report to David P. Storch, AAR’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
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Aerospace Continuing Education – RAAN Update
Recently multiple companies needed AS9100 training. RAAN members came together to bring a trainer to the region instead of each company traveling for this certification. This reduces the cost of training and the time out of the office. One of the many reasons to be a member of RAAN.
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Auburn’s Quiz Bowl Team Competes at National Level
Auburn High School students will compete against 90 other high school teams from around the country and world at the National Scholastic Championship held from June 10 – 11!
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The History of Manufacturing in the Rockford Region
If there is one story from the Rockford Region’s history that exemplifies the importance of manufacturing and logistics the story of the Wheat Reaper is it.
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2017 RAEDC Annual Meeting
Save the Date!
The RAEDC has scheduled our Annual Meeting for Wednesday, November 15th.
The RAEDC Board of Directors and Staff are proud to welcome Dr. Kevin Fleming, producer of the viral animation video “Success in the New Economy,” and author of the bestseller, “(Re)Defining the Goal”.
Watch the video & learn more about the Annual Meeting at RockfordIL.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Jimsi Kuborn for information.
Upcoming Events
Innovation Tuesday: Social Media and SEO Strategies – Tuesday, June 13
Glean a plethora of information on social media, marketing and search engine optimization from speakers Ron Giordan, Director of Social Media/Public Relations Strategy, and Tom Galante, Business Development Director with Mid-West Family Marketing.
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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
