Business Environment
Mission: The Business Environment Team identifies and advocates for issues important to the business environment and economic development of the region through the following teams and initiatives:
Business Recruitment Assistance Program
- Will work with ARTRA to develop an online resource/Rockford Area Info Packet
- Proactively provide resource to local employers/HR directors to
- Proactively seek to present an annual update to RASHRM
Explore Opportunities to Connect with High School & College Students
- Community Foundation’s “In Youth We Trust” program
- Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council
- High School Key Club’s
- Partnering with ARTRA at College Career Fairs
- Connect with additional opportunities as we learn of them and feel they are appropriate for our efforts
Provide Assistance to Next Rockford General Membership Meetings
The HR Team will work to provide programming for up to (3) General Membership meetings annually on topics relating to the Rockford business environment.
Meeting Schedule:
- Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – Noon @ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s
- Wednesday, January 2, 2013 – Noon @ Kuma’s
- Wednesday, March 6, 2013 – Noon @ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s
- Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – Noon @ Kuma’s
- Wednesday, July 3, 2013 – Noon @ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s
- Wednesday, September 4, 2013 – Noon @ Kuma’s
- Wednesday, November 6, 2013 – Noon @ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s
Co-Chairs:
Mary Cacioppi, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, 815-969-4259, mcacioppi@rockfordil.com
James Patterson, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 815-316-9465, jpatterson@cfnil.org
RAEDC Solutions Teams – Next Rockford members are also encouraged to join one of the teams outlined below:
Business Retention & Expansion Solutions Team
Meetings: Fourth Thursday, 7:30 a.m. @ Associated Bank
Work Plan Items:
- Conduct Voice of the Customer Surveys
- Generate New Growth Opportunities for Local Industry
- Advocate for a Robust Entrepreneurial Environment
- Improve the Workforce Pipeline
Business & Community Relations Solutions Team
Meetings: Fourth Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. @ RAEDC
- Assist Investor Relations
- Develop & Implement Multi-Media Strategy
- Provide Guidance on Public Policy Priorities
Business Attraction Solutions Team
Meetings: Second Tuesday, 4:00 @ Rockford Area REALTORS
Work Plan Items:
- Ground Development Opportunities
- Building Availability
- Community Branding
