Government Affairs Committee update
The newly formed Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) Government Affairs Committee is tasked with helping Chamber members get to know their local government and helping local officials—and the voting public—better understand the needs of the business community.
Any individual or business concerned about promoting a pro-business economic environment in the greater Rockford area needs to know about the issues facing our community. Political education is essential to increase voter awareness of how legislation, policies, regulation, and government resources can promote or impede economic growth in our region.
The Government Affairs Committee is currently laying the ground work necessary to implement our key initiatives.
Build stronger relationships
Central to the work of the Government Affairs Committee is building stronger relationships with members of our local city councils and county boards. Our goal is to make connections that foster trust, support decision-making, enhance credibility, share expertise, and promote collaboration for effective, long-term legislative and political success. A strong partnership between the public and private sectors is an avenue to sustaining the future of the Rockford Region.
Educate voters
Conducting candidate forums is one way to educate voters. A candidate event or forum is excellent for increasing community awareness around an upcoming election. Because we are nonprofit, nonpartisan, and rooted in our local community, we are well positioned to sponsor forums and enhance members’ understanding of the election process and the candidates running.
Educate candidates
Our candidate development program will help identify and prepare future candidates. Successful campaigns need strong campaign strategies, voter contact, communication, budgeting, and fundraising. A campaign can be won or lost because of the quality of the campaign execution and candidate resources.
Advocate for pro-business policies
Competitive, pro-growth policies are essential to the success of the Rockford Region’s economy. The Chamber’s vision is to relentlessly “grow, develop, and support a thriving business community.” The Government Affairs Committee supports that vision by advocating for the regulations, legislation, and public policies essential to attracting and retaining businesses to the Rockford Region.
Focus on local issues
Citizens have a right and privilege to influence how their city and county are governed. Civic engagement is an essential factor in determining the health of the local economy and the well-being of the population. The Government Affairs Committee is focused locally to make a difference in policy decisions and regulations that directly affect our region.
Align with GRCC’s overall initiatives
The Governmental Affairs Committee is aligning its vision with the seven initiatives that drive GRCC’s 2025-2029 strategic plan:
- Strengthen capacity for business retention and expansion to ensure the long-term success of local companies.
- Coordinate collaborative efforts to attract new businesses to Winnebago County, positioning the region as a prime destination for growth.
- Establish GRCC as a proactive voice in pro-business advocacy, actively influencing policies and initiatives that benefit members.
- Develop leadership and workforce through targeted training, best practices, recognition, and networking opportunities.
- Reinvent GRCC’s communications and publications to become a reliable and confident source of business news and information.
- Partner with GoRockford and The Workforce Connection to address current and future workforce needs, enhancing the talent pipeline.
- Design productivity, efficiency, and innovation systems to model profitability and performance excellence.
Civic engagement is a fundamental part of democracy for individuals, organizations, and businesses. When citizens are engaged, they can exchange ideas, invest in finding solutions, and take part in civilized discourse to address the issues facing their communities.