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NEW LINK: Illinois named #2 U.S. destinations for corporate expansion and relocation
Site Selection Magazine, the leading publication in corporate real estate and facility planning, has ranked Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocation for the fourth year in a row.
NEW LINK: Illinois ranked number one for workforce development in Midwest
For the second consecutive year, Site Selection Magazine named Illinois the number one leader for workforce development in the Midwest region.
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General primary election voter resources
Illinois’ general primary election is March 17, and early voting is already underway. Make sure you’re prepared to cast your vote for party nominees for statewide offices, congressional seats, county boards, judicial posts, and local referendums.
Winnebago County Early Voting Times, Dates, & Locations
Winnebago County General Primary Sample Ballot
Winnebago County 2026 General Primary Referenda
Winnebago County 2026 Candidate's Guide
City of Rockford Board of Election Commissioners
City of Rockford Early Voting Times, Dates, & Locations
City of Rockford General Primary Sample Ballot
City of Rockford List of Polling Places
Check out the Rockford Chamber Political Action Committee (ROCPAC) online at rocpac.vote and www.facebook.com/RockfordChamberPAC.
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Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Launches 2026 “Makers Madness” contest to name the coolest thing made in Illinois
Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the incredible work of manufacturers across Illinois, who have long served as the backbone of the state’s economy. Nominations for the coolest thing made in Illinois will be accepted at www.makersmadnessil.com through 11:59 p.m. on March 8.
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Charleys Cheesesteaks is coming to Machesney Park
Charleys Cheesesteaks is bringing its grilled-to-order cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and signature drinks to a business strip in front of Meijer. Learn more at rockrivercurrent.com.
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The Q1 Business Sentiment Survey is underway and everyone is encouraged to participate—no matter your industry or job title. It only takes five minutes, and all responses are confidential. | | | | |
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Economic Outlook on Tap
March 10 | 3-5 p.m. | Prairie Street Brewing Co, 200 Prairie St, Rockford
Co-hosted by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford University,
and Northwest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS
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A panel of local experts in economics, finance, housing, and trade will share insights on trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the economy—and what to expect in 2026. Get timely perspectives in a relaxed, approachable setting. Cash bar with appetizers provided. Sponsored by Compeer Home, GreenState Mortgage, and Metropolitan Title Agency.
Registration closes March 5.
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Celebration of Leadership
March 26 | 10 a.m. | UMB Bank Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford
Sponsored by Mr. Goodwater
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Celebrate the 71st cohort of the Leadership Rockford program with coworkers and friends. After months of exploring what makes the Rockford Region unique, the 2025/2026 Leadership Rockford graduates embrace their roles as community leaders.
Registration closes March 19.
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Coffee & Connections
March 31 | 8:30 a.m. | GRCC Office, 308 W State St, Suite 190, Rockford
Sponsored by Rockford Symphony Orchestra
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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.
Registration closes March 27.
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- Editorial theme: Math in Business
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March 10 article deadline: GRCC member companies can submit two thought leadership articles a year. See our article guidelines or email editor@rockfordchamber.com.
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March 13 advertising deadline: For info on print and digital advertising opportunities, contact Mike Lacny, director of sales and service, mlacny@rockfordchamber.com.
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Public procurement event
March 12 | 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman Street.
The City of Rockford, in partnership with the Rockford Park District, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), Rockford Mass Transit District, Region 1 Planning Council, and the Awaken Foundation, will host a public procurement event designed to connect contractors, subcontractors, and business owners with critical resources and access to public procurement opportunities. The event is sponsored by ComEd, and registration is required.
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Think Big! Create Your Own Podcast
March 23 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Think Big @ the Provenzano Center, 1311 N Main St, Rockford.
Learn how to strategically build, brand, and launch a podcast that positions you as an authority in your industry. Get a practical blueprint to define your niche, structure your content, select the right tools, and launch with confidence. Taught by podcast subject matter expert Kervin Thomas. Last day to register is March 22.
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RPS 205 College and Career Readiness Team seeks volunteers
Contact: Jessica Hayes, work-based learning coordinator, jessica.hayes@rps205.com or 815-490-7417.
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Bot Blitz, March 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Rockford University, Burpee Center
STEM competition where students showcase robotics skills, innovation, and teamwork. Volunteers needed: corner official, que monitor, Best of Show judge, autonomous official.
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Cardboard Canoe Race, May 4, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Levings Lake
Challenges students to design and build functional boats made entirely of cardboard, promoting creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Volunteers needed: documentation judge, pit judge, scorekeeper, Titanic judge, runners, lane timers.
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ComEd’s Business & Public Sector EV Make-Ready Rebate Program
The ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Make-Ready Rebate Program helps business and public sector customers gain access to EV charging equipment for their employees and their communities. Business & Public Sector Make-Ready rebate reservations are now available for in-progress projects located in low-income or equity investment eligible communities (LIC/EIEC). The program will run through the end of 2028 on a first come, first served basis until funding is depleted.
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Explore America 250 events happening across the Rockford Region
Businesses and organizations across Winnebago County and Rockford are hosting events in celebration of America 250, reflecting the region’s people, history, creativity, and community spirit. Upcoming events include:
March 7 – Tinker's Ball at Memorial Hall
April 22 – Community-wide cleanup
May 8 – Rockford Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert student matinee
June 27 – Immersive 1776 Experience at Veterans Memorial Hall
July 2 – 1776 Concert at Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre
July 4 – Rockford’s Annual Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks
July 10 – City Market Hometown Heroes Night
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RECOMMENDED READING/LISTENING | | | | |
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Mercyhealth welcomed Maureen Lucas, MD, board certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and Muhammad Ali, MD, board certified family medicine and obesity medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Belvidere, 1747 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere. | Rockford Promise named Julisa Gutierrez to its board of directors. | Trekk welcomed Jess Koltz to its client services team as an account manager. | Tad More Tailoring is now a Certified B Corporation® in Rockford, reflecting years of commitment to purpose-driven business, sustainability, and community impact. | | | | |
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