Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

09/03/2026

How lucky are we that this piece of paradise is right here in our region?

The word is officially out for Hidden Creek Estates' wine barrel rooms and we're thrilled to see such positive coverage about them! Thank you for making our region a better place to stay and play!

Hidden Creek Estates in Roscoe, Illinois, debuted five new Wine Barrel Guest Homes, with king-size beds and private patios.

09/02/2026

This is a great article about our super cool city. It honors our legacy and energy and puts into words how we're using those things to propel forward.

"Through creative reinvention, deep community roots, and a willingness to invest in local culture, the city is not just preserving its heritage but also actively shaping a new narrative — one in which resilience and pride fuel a vibrant resurgence."

A city’s transformation from factory floors to cultural innovation—and why that matters for artists seeking community and opportunity

09/02/2026

DID YOU KNOW? As America mobilized for WWII, Rockford's manufacturing expertise became a critical national asset. Local factories rapidly shifted production to supply precision components and advanced aviation systems for military aircraft.

A primary driver of this wartime transformation was Sundstrand. The company's lineage began as the Rockford Milling Machine Company, which later evolved into the Sundstrand Machine Tool Company. Long before building advanced flight systems, they were famous for precision commercial innovation, including inventing the revolutionary 10-key adding machine layout used on computer keyboards today.

When war broke out, Sundstrand pivoted its precision industrial engineering to the skies. They redesigned the core hydraulic technologies from their factory tools into revolutionary Constant Speed Drives (CSDs) for military bombers like the Convair B-36. Following subsequent modern mergers, this evolution moved through United Technologies (Hamilton Sundstrand), and today, that manufacturing legacy continues as part of Collins Aerospace.

This October, the tradition of innovation continues right here in Rockford. Aerospace industry leaders and innovators are gathering for the MAC2026: Midwest Aerospace Conference to connect, share insights, and discuss the future of Midwest manufacturing.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation!

📅 When: October 14–15, 2026
🏢 Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
⚠️ Registration closes October 2
🎟️ Secure your spot today: https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/mac2026-midwest-aerospace-conference-1608362?sourceTypeId=Website

09/01/2026

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: It's time to celebrate the women making a real impact in our business community! Nominations for our Women in Business Awards are now open, and we'd love your help recognizing the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who deserve the spotlight.

Nominations close October 2, 2026 at noon — don't miss the deadline!

Nomination details here: rockfordchamber.com/recognize-a-leader/2026-woman-business-owner-of-the-year-nomination-prompt/

08/31/2026

Congratulations to Palace Wine Barr! We helped cut the ribbon on downtown's newest place to hang. We can't wait to see the city celebrate, meet up, have fun, and enjoy this great spot!

It's wine time, Rockford!

08/27/2026

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce was proud to host Airbus Supplier Day, connecting the global aerospace giant with the incredible talent and capability of our region's aerospace manufacturing industry. The day was filled with networking opportunities, B2B matchmaking, and impactful insights from industry leaders at Woodward, Inc., Collins Aerospace (RTX), and United.

This is the work we do: connecting and convening our region's manufacturers and suppliers with the partners, pipelines, and opportunities that help them grow and compete on a global stage.

A huge thank you to our partners for their support and sponsorship:

✈️ U.S. Commercial Service
🏛️ U.S. Department of Commerce
🏭 Illinois Manufacturers' Association
⚙️ IMEC
🌐Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
🌐 Illinois EDC
🛫 Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
🎥 Luxe Productions
📸 Mindy Joy Photography
🤝 Rockford Area Aerospace Network

We'll be back for more on Oct. 14–15 for the 2026 Midwest Aerospace Conference, where we'll have expanded networking, exclusive tours, industry insights, and additional B2B matchmaking opportunities built to connect our region's manufacturers with the partners and opportunities that drive growth!

Register for :
https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/mac2026-midwest-aerospace-conference-1608362?sourceTypeId=Website

08/27/2026

𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗖𝗖 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠! This week, we’re featuring Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology, who has been part of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce team for an incredible 24 years!

What’s his favorite part of the job? Making sure the Chamber team has what they need to do their jobs. While some things can become routine, Doug says there’s always something new or different happening at the Chamber.

What is he most looking forward to this year? The Annual Dinner! It’s always an exciting night and a highlight of the year.

When he’s not at the Chamber, Doug says he’d never turn down breakfast at The Potato Shak.

His favorite Chamber event? The Golf Classic. He enjoys getting out of the office, spending the day with members and, weather permitting, cruising around in the golf carts.

One thing Doug wishes more people knew about the Chamber? The Chamber isn’t part of the government. It’s made up of individuals and businesses working together to improve the community for the people who live and work here.

Fun fact: Doug probably has more Darth Vader collectibles than any one person should be allowed to have.

Doug is also a U.S. Navy veteran and has been married to his wife, Felicia, for 35 years. Together, they have two grown children, Derek and Megan, and two granddaughters, Raven and Sammi.

We’re grateful for Doug’s 24 years of dedication, knowledge and behind-the-scenes work that helps keep the GRCC moving forward!

08/26/2026

Happy Dog Day to Remi, our GRCC Office Dog!

She answers no calls, schedules no meetings, but somehow keeps the whole office running. We couldn’t do it without her! 🐾

08/24/2026

COOLER WEATHER, WARM CONNECTIONS! 🍂

Join us for the Fall Member Mixer on Thursday, September 17 from 4–6 PM at Rockford Country Club for an evening of networking, appetizers, a cash bar and great conversation with fellow Chamber members.

Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone new, Member Mixers are a great way to build relationships, spark new opportunities and stay connected to the business community.

Thursday, September 17 | 4–6 PM
Last day to register: September 10

REGISTER TODAY: https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/fall-member-mixer-1563401?sourceTypeId=Website

08/21/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Rockford's aerospace story started long before airplanes filled the sky. ✈

Before the Rockford region became a global aerospace manufacturing leader, it was already building the foundation for aviation success.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, companies like Barber-Colman and Ingersoll Machine Tools helped establish Rockford as a center for precision manufacturing and industrial innovation. Their expertise in machining, tooling, and advanced manufacturing created a highly skilled workforce capable of producing some of the most complex components in the world.

This culture of innovation attracted engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs who continually pushed manufacturing technology forward, earning the Rockford region a reputation for solving difficult engineering challenges.

Those early investments in people, technology, and craftsmanship laid the groundwork for what would become one of the strongest aerospace manufacturing clusters in North America.

Today’s industry leaders will gather with manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators at the Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC2026) in October. The event, presented by the Rockford Area Aerospace Network, is a hallmark event for the industry.

These photos are from the collection of Midway Village Museum. A huge thanks to them for sharing!

Register today for today! - https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/mac2026-midwest-aerospace-conference-1608362?sourceTypeId=Website