FEBRUARY 18, 2026

BUSINESS HEADLINES

The good, the bad, and the too soon to tell

GRCC’s Q1 2026 Business Sentiment Survey is now open. In just five minutes, you can help us benchmark local and national influences affecting businesses in the Rockford Region. But these factors can change, so it’s important to take the survey each quarter. The Q1 survey is open for a limited time.

Developer, city leaders announce progress
on stalled Colman Yardsin south Rockford

The developer behind the massive Colman Yards revamp on the south side announced on Tuesday the first significant step forward for the project since work stalled more than a year ago. Learn more at RockRiverCurrent.com.

Inflation measure falls to nearly five-year low
as gas prices fall and housing costs cool

Inflation dropped to 2.4% in January compared with a year earlier, down from 2.7% in December and not too far from the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Core prices, which exclude the volatile food and energy categories, rose just 2.5% in January from a year ago, down from 2.6% the previous month and the smallest increase since March 2021. Learn more at APnews.com.

HAPPENING AT GRCC

Coffee & Connections

Feb. 25 | 8:30-10 a.m. | GRCC Offices

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.



Sponsored by Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity:

Rethinking Ability in the Workplace

March 5 | 1:30 p.m. | GRCC Offices

Presented by RAMP Disability Resources & Services

Increase your awareness of how unconscious bias, stereotypes, and ableism can influence hiring, supervision, promotions, and accommodations. You’ll learn to distinguish between assumptions about disability and an individual’s actual skills and potential, strengthening your ability to make objective, equitable, and legally defensible employment decisions.

April VOICE

• Editorial theme: Math in Business
• March 10 article deadline: GRCC members can submit two thought leadership articles a year. See our article guidelines or email editor@rockfordchamber.com.
• March 13 advertising deadline: For info on print and digital advertising opportunities, contact Mike Lacny, director of sales and service, mlacny@rockfordchamber.com.

OF INTEREST

Winners announced in 40th Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition

Judges announced on Feb. 14, Windy City Snowmen won first place for their sculpture titled “Our Founding Father” and were awarded the State of Illinois Champion’s Award for best snow sculpture of the year. Learn more at WIFR.com.

R1 releases Regional Water Quality Report 

A newly released report from Region 1 Planning Council (R1) describes the complex factors that affect the Rockford region’s water quality. The Our Water’s Health in the Rockford Region report lays out the state of our local water sources so that environmental professionals and the public alike can better protect this natural resource.

Work.inspired Seminar Series

Effective Performance Reviews, March 4.

Workplace, in partnership with Rockford University, is offering the work.inspired seminar series throughout 2026. Admission is free, and all sessions are at Rockford University PURI School of Business, 7:45-9 a.m. Visit www.workplacestaffing.com/seminar-series for event calendar and registration info.

RECOMMENDED READING/LISTENING

100+ grants, loans, and programs to benefit your small business

Whether you're starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes.

MEMBER NEWS

Mercyhealth welcomed Amina Adil, MD, board certified advanced imaging cardiologist, to Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford; and Clio Musurakis, MD, board certified endocrinologist, and Denise Dalmacion, MD, board certified internal medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Alpine, 7702 N. Alpine Rd., Loves Park.

Fehr Graham hired Lucas Achilli as engineering technician and promoted Kim Payne to pursuits specialist. 

The Rockford Area Arts Council announced the winners of the Poetry Out Loud Regional

Competition. Representing East High School, Aminah Givens took first place, and representing

Jefferson High School, Mikiah Gerrity took second place. Both will advance to Illinois’ State Poetry Out Loud Competition.