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Community-wide plans to celebrate
America’s 250th anniversary | |
Rockford and Winnebago County will join communities across the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a months-long series of events and activities. Community groups, businesses, and nonprofits can submit America 250‑related events for inclusion on the region’s official public calendar. Approved events will appear on GoRockford’s website. Learn more at www.gorockford.com/america-250.
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PMI expands in January, reaching highest point in four years
The manufacturing sector expanded in January for the first time in a year, with the Institute for Supply Management’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching its highest point since February 2022. Learn more at manufacturingdive.com.
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Illinois Innovation Voucher Program awards $2.4 million to small businesses,
applications open for round three
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded 34 grants totaling $2.4 million through the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program to promote small business growth and strengthen research collaborations across Illinois. Applications are open for $2.6 million in grant funding for the third round of the Innovation Voucher Program. The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, in partnership with Illinois DCEO created the Innovation Vouchers Program to incentivize R&D collaborations between early-stage companies and higher education institutions.
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Nearly $11.7M revamp of Auburn Street in west Rockford goes forward this spring
A nearly two-mile stretch of Auburn Street on the city’s west side will be revamped this summer with new underground infrastructure and new surfaces for driving, walking and bicycling. Work is expected to begin in April, with construction continuing through October. Learn more at RockRiverCurrent.com.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Update: What SMBs need to know about the economy, taxes, and AI in 2026
Despite a more stable economy, small business owners are still feeling the impact of affordability issues, rising costs, and evolving government policies heading into 2026. In the first Small Business Update of the year, CO— Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Mulvey and Neil Bradley, EVP and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, discuss key trends to watch for and how business owners can prepare to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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For the Love of the Region
Feb. 19 | 8:30 a.m. | Radisson Hotel Rockford
| Join GRCC on Feb. 19 for an in-depth look at what’s working across the Rockford Region. You’ll hear from community leaders, GRCC member businesses, manufacturers, and partners who are backing their belief in this region by growing here, reinvesting here, and building their future here. | | | | |
Coffee & Connections
Feb. 25 | 8:30-10 a.m. | GRCC Offices
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Our January networking event sold out, and the February event is filling up fast. Coffee & Connections is designed to help business owners and professionals meet the right people, not just more people. We even provide a Connection Menu with attendee contact info and the type of referrals each business is looking for—making it easier to spark meaningful connections from the first handshake.
Coffee provided by Ivy House Creative Café.
Sponsorship opportunities still available.
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Discount ticket offer for AHL All-Star Classic events
Rockford IceHogs and the GRCC are offering discounted tickets to the AHL All-Star Classic events coming to the BMO Center:
- AHL All-Star Skills Competition, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. – Tests players in seven events, including hardest shot, fastest skater, and accuracy shooting.
- AHL All-Star Challenge, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. – Pits the league’s four divisions (Atlantic, North, Central, Pacific) against each other in a round-robin, three-on-three tournament.
In addition to discounted tickets, you’ll also receive an exclusive hockey puck featuring the AHL All-Star Classic logo and the GRCC logo (while supplies last).
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Develop Your Leaders: Well-Rounded Leadership Foundation
Begins March 3, Rock Valley College Advanced Technology Center (ATC), Belvidere
This 8-week leadership development program is designed for new and emerging leaders who are stepping into supervisory or leadership roles. Presented by IMEC.
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RECOMMENDED READING/LISTENING | | | | |
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The Rockford Public Library appointed Michael Laskonis to its board of trustees. | Alexis Wright Conniff, senior director, associate general counsel, Aerospace, Global Legal & Compliance at Woodward, Inc., was appointed to the Crusader Community Health Foundation Board of Directors. | Diego Lopez accepted the position of vice president of Outpatient and Ancillary Services, at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. | Stillman Bank welcomed Kelly Pospischil as a commercial lender. | Rockford Mutual Insurance Company hired Judi Betancourt, marketing representative-Michigan; Paul Claussen, marketing representative-Indiana; and Roger Bendorf, casualty specialist. RMIC also promoted Tiffany Herron to chief financial officer and vice president of accounting, Aaron Powers to assistant vice president of accounting, and Paige Frey to farm underwriter. | Mercyhealth welcomed Amina Adil, MD, board certified advanced imaging cardiologist, to Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. | Amy Young, director of nursing at Rosecrance Behavioral Health, was named a Frontline Honoree in Behavioral Health, recognizing leaders who are redefining frontline care and making a lasting impact on patients, families, and communities. | | | | |
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