The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee is committed to cultivating a symbiotic relationship between businesses and educational institutions to support our region’s workforce. By recognizing the pivotal role of skilled workers in driving economic growth, the committee supports feeding programs and training initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between businesses and education providers. Collaboration with local educational institutions such as Rock Valley College, Rockford Public Schools, and Harlem School District is a cornerstone of the committee’s strategy ..read more

Rockford is making waves in the world of advanced manufacturing, leading the way with cutting-edge technology and attracting both talent and businesses from across the nation. Additionally, Illinois has firmly established itself as a hotbed for advanced manufacturing. The economic impact of manufacturing in the state is staggering, ranging between $580 billion and $611 billion annually, directly or indirectly contributing to over 1.6 million jobs and $142 billion to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents. The Rockford region stands out as a driving force behind this manufacturing ..read more

The Rockford region is a thriving hub of industry and innovation, and the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee is committed to harnessing the potential of our local workforce. In a region boasting an abundance of skilled labor, we are strategically investing in and supporting workforce development programs to propel Rockford into a new era of economic prosperity. Rockford’s workforce is a force to be reckoned with, standing tall with twice the national average in manufacturing employment. Fueled by a strong work ethic ingrained in the Midwest culture, the regio ..read more

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce stands as a beacon of support and opportunity for primary employers seeking growth, development, and success. As a part of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, our Economic Development team plays a pivotal role in the economic landscape, offering a comprehensive range of services and resources to the business community. One of the key areas of focus for our economic development team is helping businesses access funding for workforce development. Through strategic partnerships with entities like The Workforce Connection, we facilitate the utilizatio ..read more

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) has taken a significant step forward in promoting the economic vitality of the Rockford region with the release of a comprehensive overview highlighting its key strengths. This meticulously crafted, 20-page marketing material delves into the area’s manufacturing community, workforce and talent pipelines, infrastructure and utilities, and logistics corridor, providing valuable insights into what makes Rockford a prime destination for businesses and investors. It’s a tool RAEDC wants our investors, businesses, hospitals, school districts, r ..read more

Manufacturing Awareness Month is happening right now, and it provides us a time to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of manufacturing, particularly in the Rockford region. It has played a pivotal role in shaping our identity and economy and that should be celebrated. This reputation has been built over generations of dedicated craftsmen and women who have honed their skills to perfection and can be traced back to the 19th century when it was a bustling center for furniture production. The region’s commitment to hard work, skilled labor, and solutions laid the foundation for a thrivin ..read more

New, Combined Organization – Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce – to Provide Focused, Accelerated Approach to Attract, Develop, and Support Regional Businesses Rockford, IL (August 18, 2023) – On Thursday, board members from Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP) voted to merge the three organizations to provide one consolidated, focused approach to benefit regional businesses. The new organization will be named the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and will integrate all three groups under one b ..read more

August 11, 2023, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS – The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), the region’s leading organization to attract and retain businesses, today announced the resignation of its President Therese Thill who has accepted a position out of state. Thill will remain with RAEDC until the end of the month to help ensure a smooth transition of activities. With more than 25 years of economic and community development experience, Thill was instrumental in providing stability and progressive growth to RAEDC since she began in 2021. During her time at the organization, she helped so ..read more

The Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC) has firmly established itself as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformation within the aerospace industry. As industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators gather for MAC2023, the conference promises to herald a new era in aerospace development and collaboration. Set against the backdrop of technological advancements and global challenges, this event serves as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering partnerships, electrifying aerospace, and nurturing groundbreaking ideas. One of the most remarkable outcomes of the conference is the con ..read more

Rockford is known as an aerospace hub and as a leading community in the industry. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it an ideal destination for aerospace companies. As the leader of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, I see firsthand how important and impactful aerospace is to our region and am dedicated to increasing opportunities for its growth. RAEDC is proud to host the Midwest Aerospace Conference, MAC2023 with IMEC on September 20. It will bring together the best of the best in the industry, creating a unique platform for networking and ..read more