Defining thriving

GRCC’s vision for the future is to “relentlessly grow, develop, and support a thriving business community.” In strategic planning terms, it’s a vision that’s aspirational, akin to the Lexus slogan touting “the relentless pursuit of perfection.” Both demonstrate a commitment to continuous progress toward the goals of perfection, or, in GRCC’s case, a thriving business community.

To give more clarity to GRCC’s vision, I’ve been working to define “thriving business community.” In researching how others describe thriving communities, I’ve narrowed the definition to five characteristics of a community in which businesses actively engage, innovate, and grow.

Strong social connections
A close-knit community of diverse business-people who genuinely know each other and actively support and promote each other’s goals and ventures.

When I participate in GRCC committee meetings, attend networking events, and join site visits with potential developers and businesses, our region’s strong social connections are evident. I’ve heard outsiders describe our diverse gatherings as “authentic,” “honest,” and “genuinely collaborative.”

Does everyone in our business community experience these strong social connections? Probably not. But I believe we’re working to create more and more social networks among business groups, and GRCC is working hard to connect them all together. As people come and go from our community, we must work relentlessly to invite them in and keep the networks strong and connected.

Engaged leaders
Those with authority act in service to others, devoting time to enriching themselves, as well as teams and individuals within their organizations and throughout our community.

To lead is to accept the responsibility of serving others. I’ve seen the effects of “command and control” leadership styles, and while they have their place, the most effective leaders rely on styles that build trust and inspire action—styles that put others before themselves. These leaders follow the old adage of ensuring the “right people are in the right seats” and trusting them to leverage their time and talent to achieve their goals. I’ve learned that serving up a little recognition, a little fun, and a lot of coffee can help a team feel recognized, supported, and inspired.

One of the most popular programs offered by the Chamber is Leadership Rockford. Soon to celebrate its 70th cohort, Leadership Rockford is an eight-month program that exposes 50 leaders to the many civic, cultural, and business aspects of our region while providing opportunities to network, give back to the community, and develop as leaders. The program is a model for what it means to be an engaged leader.

Opportunities for all
Whether starting a business, expanding responsibility within their organization, or accepting a promotion at a new company, doors are open to talented individuals based on their aptitude and merit.

Equity and opportunity are areas where our region has recently begun to emerge and shine. We are blessed with a mosaic of programs and services that allow individuals to grow, develop, and excel:

• Several local chambers that serve the needs of minority communities.
• Business and economic development entities that support neighborhoods and corridors.
• Bureaus and incubators that help ideas become small businesses.
• Maker spaces and programs that drive innovation.
• Education and training providers that develop talent.

GRCC’s commitment to “opportunities for all” is captured in our Equity Promise, a central tenant of our strategic plan and a way of conducting business. The promise states, “We partner with members and the community to foster a business culture of equity and belonging where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.”

Supportive regulatory environment
Local, state, and federal leaders and policies that encourage entrepreneurship and business development.

Our new business sentiment survey (results on pages 12 and 13) revealed that nearly 40% of respondents are spending more time addressing government requirements and regulations. While I’m told that our local, state, and federal leaders are collaborating more than ever to improve our region, we have much to do to reduce taxes and regulations that negatively affect business growth.
This year, GRCC re-chartered our Government Affairs Committee, and that team, led by Jean Crosby, is working on our policy agenda. This agenda will outline the specific issues we will address and the positions GRCC will take to advocate on behalf of our members locally, in Springfield, and in Washington.

Economic strength
Our private, public, and nonprofit sectors are attracting new investments and developing new businesses in a variety of industries that offer workers living wages and benefits, programs to develop their education and skills, and opportunities to give back to the community.

As the region’s economic development organization, GRCC is one of many players that supports business retention, expansion, and attraction. Post-merger with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), our organization is building our collaborative muscle to support innovators and start-ups, to attract new businesses to our region, to grow the pool of qualified workers, and to refer and connect businesses to each other and to resources that support their growth.