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Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Hires Angela Kay Larson as CEO

Angela LarsonContact: Rebecca Epperson
815.282.9976 | repperson@chartwellagency.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Hires
Angela Kay Larson as CEO

Experienced Leader to Focus on Business Growth through Strategic Priorities, Service to Members, and Regional Collaboration

Rockford, IL (July 22, 2024) – The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors today announced the selection of Angela Kay Larson as its Chief Executive Officer.

Larson brings a demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships and drive strategic initiatives with a focus on team development, communication, and execution. Her experience as a corporate leader and business consultant spans several sectors including manufacturing, non-profit, tourism, technology, healthcare, and agriculture.

As a long-time resident of the Rockford area, Larson is keenly aware of the opportunities and challenges faced by the region’s businesses and communities. Through professional, volunteer, consulting, and board experiences, she has gained insights into the needs and priorities of area businesses and organizations. She will blend these local perspectives with decades of experience from national and global companies to identify and implement innovations central to the Rockford area’s long-term economic success.

"Angela is the ideal leader to move the organization forward,” said Terry Voskuil, Board Chair, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “She’s customer-centric, understands how businesses operate, and has extensive experience in developing and launching new products and services. We’re thrilled to have a CEO with her breadth of experience, as well as firsthand knowledge of our region.”

“When the board approached me with this opportunity, I was honored by their trust in my leadership and energized by their commitment to the organization,” shared Larson. “I’m eager to begin interacting with our members and getting to know the staff, particularly Caitlin Pusateri. I’m grateful to for the work she has done to lead the organization through this transition and am interested in learning from her extensive experience as a chamber professional.”

Larson will be in the office the first week of August. In preparation, she has been connecting with staff and key stakeholders to understand their perspectives on the organization’s priorities.

“We have a lot of work to do in outlining and executing a strategic plan that honors our mission and the expectations of members and investors. In doing so, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the staff, board, and other organizations engaged in supporting and growing our business community,” she said.

In addition to her professional roles at Elco Industries, SwedishAmerican Health System, and Woods Equipment Company, Larson has gained deep knowledge of membership organizations through involvement in advocacy, business intelligence, and market expansion as a volunteer leader for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. In her consulting roles, Larson has coached and provided guidance to C-suite executives, mid-level managers, and start-up entrepreneurs. She has facilitated strategic planning for companies such as Foresight Financial, JL Clark, Hargrove & Associates, and Chicago/Rockford International Airport, as well as for regional tourism and economic development organizations including GoRockford, Discover Peoria, and Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. She serves as chairman of the board for German American State Bank and as a board member of Pec Playhouse Theatre. Larson resides in rural Pecatonica with her husband, a fourth-generation farmer.

Last year, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership boards voted to merge organizations, resulting in streamlined operations and a stable financial position. Since the merger, the board and staff have made considerable progress in implementing foundational changes toward providing greater value to members and investors. Building on this momentum, the Chamber’s new CEO will lead efforts to further realize its mission to “develop, accelerate, and support a thriving business community.”

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About the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce's mission is to relentlessly develop, accelerate, and support a thriving business community. We work to benefit our community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of businesses, and providing service and educational opportunities that help our 950 members grow (rockfordchamber.com).

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