FEBRUARY 24, 2026

BUSINESS HEADLINES

Tariff Update: What Supreme Court decision
on tariffs means for small business

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley breaks down the recent Supreme Court tariff decision and what it could mean for your business.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce tariff refunds FAQ

A guide to understanding eligibility, identifying IEEPA‑based tariffs, and navigating the evolving refund process.

Battle over data centers in Illinois pits consumer costs against state competitiveness

The debate over how to regulate data centers in Illinois is intensifying as lawmakers struggle to balance costs to consumers and the state’s need to be competitive economically. Learn more at WIFR.com.

National coffee chain planned for former gas station site in Loves Park

A former BP gas station at the corner of Riverside Boulevard and McFarland Road is slated to be torn down for a new Dutch Bros Coffee. It’s the third area location brewing for the growing chain. Learn more at rockrivercurrent.com.

Mortgage rates sink to the lowest level in a month, sparking more refinance demand

U.S. mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level in about a month, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates moving down nearer 6%, prompting a rise in refinance demand as borrowers take advantage of cheaper borrowing costs. Learn more at cnbc.com.

ROCPAC opposes sales tax increase on the ballot
for Winnebago County

Recognizing that Winnebago County residents and visitors already pay some of the highest combined sales tax rates in the region, the Rockford Chamber PAC (ROPAC) launched a campaign to raise awareness of the negative impact of this new tax and convince citizens to vote “no” in the March 17 election.

Rockford’s first 7 Brew planned for Riverside and Bell School Road

The city’s first 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop is planned for the southwest corner of Riverside Boulevard and Bell School Road. Learn more at rockrivercurrent.com.

HAPPENING AT GRCC

Why business data is important to regional economic development

According to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (oldcc.gov), business data is crucial for regional economic development, because it provides insights into the local economy's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. By analyzing business data, policymakers and economic developers can make informed decisions that enhance and diversify the regional economy, leading to increased prosperity for the region and its residents.

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.

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

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.

April VOICE

• Editorial theme: Math in Business
• March 10 article deadline: GRCC member companies 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

Think Big! School of Business 2.0 – Retail Focus 

Thursdays, March 5-April 9 | 6-9 p.m.

Think Big at the Provenzano Center, 1311 N Main St, Rockford

Eligibility requirement: 1+ years in business 

Think Big School of Business 2.0 is an advanced, cohort-based program designed for established entrepreneurs ready to scale their retail businesses. Participants are assigned a business coach and a business navigator at the start of the program. Navigation support will focus on key operational areas, including legal entity structure, sales tax compliance, banking readiness, and overall business sustainability. Last day to register is March 4.

Think Big! School of Business 1.0 Spanish-speaking class

Saturdays, March 7-28 | 9 a.m.-noon

Think Big at the Provenzano Center, 1311 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103

The Think Big School of Business 1.0 is a four-week program designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs, small business owners, and visionaries with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to launch and grow a successful business. Focused on minority and women-owned businesses.​ Last day to register is March 6.

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.

New initiative celebrates transformational collaboration in Rockford

Transform Rockford launched 1834 Alliance of Transformational Dreamers & Doers, an initiative created to celebrate the extraordinary, transformational achievements that happen in the Rockford Region when people work together strategically—and to encourage more transformative work in the future. To learn more about the 1834 Alliance’s mission, visit 1834alliance.org.

RECOMMENDED READING/LISTENING

The Unconventional Places to Learn and Sharpen Leadership Skills

Most leadership development programs focus on what happens at work. But the most powerful leadership skills aren’t learned in conference rooms—they’re learned long before someone hands you a team.

MEMBER NEWS

OSF HealthCare welcomed Christopher Sparrow, MD, to the OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, 444 Roxbury Road, Rockford.

First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recognized its top mortgage producers in its Northern Region for 2025 for helping individuals and families throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, achieve homeownership:

• Warren Swanberg, originated more than $28 million in Rockford.
• Jared Fewell, originated more than $21 million in Machesney Park.
• Kristi Amenda, originated more than $19 million in Roscoe.

Mercyhealth welcomed Shilpa Mehta, MD, board certified family medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Alpine, 7702 N. Alpine Rd., Loves Park. 

Anthony “AJ” Lombardo of Colowave Graphics earned his 3M Preferred Installer designation.