Posts by Doug Hessong

Seasonal hiring begins soon Collaboration and cooperation create sustainable solutions By Gina Caronna, The Workforce Connection In our region, we take a collaborative, holistic approach to workforce development. Collectively, we strive to address not only the immediate needs of businesses but to also prepare individuals and employers for the workforce of tomorrow. We embrace cooperation…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Lessons from Paul Sletten’s entrepreneurial journey By Christine Hand, managing editor It’s often said that if you do what you love, then success will follow. Sounds simple, right? However, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. Chasing your dreams can be a tale of setbacks, thwarted hopes, and maximum effort with little reward.…

Seasonal hiring begins soon GRCC executive recognized by industry professionals By Christine Hand, managing editor Caitlin Pusateri, chief operating officer for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), was named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2024 Forty Under 40 list of emerging leaders shaping the chamber of commerce industry. This annual…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Business Sentiment Survey open now until February 14 By Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce As a business leader, you understand the necessity of reliable data when evaluating needs, developing solutions, and planning for the future. Data exposes weaknesses, reveals trends and opportunities, uncovers truth, and gives us the tools to drive…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Understanding what industries want now, and in the future By Michael P. Dunn, Jr., executive director, R1 Planning Council Region 1 Planning Council (R1) is a government entity that serves a five- county area in northern Illinois by providing support to local governments through resources at the U.S. Dept. of Transportation,…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Coming full circle in my career at the Chamber By Caitlin Pusateri, COO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce In 2008, I found myself newly graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, a semester earlier than the traditional four-year experience, mostly friendless, and tired of binging Netflix alone on my newly purchased adult couch.…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Reinforce your vision through consistency and frequency By Angela Kay Larson, CEO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce As four travel companions and I piled into a minivan outside our rented home on the big island of Hawaii, we happily chatted about our morning spent snorkeling, getting fitted for gear at the…

Seasonal hiring begins soon Stellantis investment expected to ignite thousands of jobs in the region By Christine Hand, managing editor Chrysler parent Stellantis announced plans to build a new midsize pickup truck at the assembly plant in Belvidere. The shuttered plant is expected to reopen in 2027, restoring more than 1,500 union jobs and sparking…