2012 RCC Relocation Guide

http://www.leadinglawyers.com

ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2012 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Relocation Guide is published by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Information in this publication is compiled through research and in cooperation with Chamber members and other area organizations. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions which may occur.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101, 815-987-8100, fax 815-987-8122, or e-mail at [email protected]. To inquire about purchasing the Rockford Chamber database call 815-987-8100. For advertising information call Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive at 815-316-4317.

© Copyright 2012 Rockford Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Rockford Chamber.

Live in Rockford Live in Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Healthy Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Key City Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Dining Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Skilled Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Play in Rockford Park/Green Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Fun for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rockford Golfs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Sports Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Rockford Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Advertiser’s Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

308 West State Street, Suite 190Rockford, Illinois 61101

815.987.8100815.987.8122 fax

[email protected]

WritersPaul Anthony Arco

Barb Connors

Layout/Design/ProductionDoug Hessong

Database ManagerJoan Sundvall

Advertising SalesLynette Jacques

Cover PhotographyMillinium Fountain Downtown

Rockford by Mike Graham

2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide 3

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

“We always kept our options open,” Krystle said. “It came down to the affordable living that Rockford offers; you can buy a very nice home for a reasonable price; everything in Rockford is convenient and easy. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping to choose from. You can get anywhere in 10 to 15 minutes.”

The couple purchased a three-bedroom home in Rockford’s historic Edgewater neighborhood. “It has a lot of character, and it’s in a nice, safe neighborhood,” Krystle said. “And the best part is our house payment is 30 percent less than our rent was in Chicago.”

The Rockford area offers residents a high quality of life, and easy access to larger cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, while maintaining the comforts of a mid-sized community. One reason the Rockford area is so “livable” is the af-fordability of its housing.

Rockford typically ranks in the top 15 percent of affordable markets in the coun-try. This year, 12.7 percent of sales are from people moving to the Rockford mar-ket, many of them like the Carters, due to housing affordability.

Growing up in Rockford, Krystle Carter enjoyed a variety of activities - from

playing sports to spending time outdoors. The Rockford Christian High School

graduate and her husband-to-be, Gus, moved away to attend college and

spent an additional year working in Chicago, before they decided three years

ago to move back to their hometown.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Illinois Association of Realtors

Demographic Profile (2008 est.)

City of Rockford Population 157,272

Winnebago County Population 300,252

Average Household Size 2.51 (2.60 U.S.)

Average Family Size 3.26 (3.19 U.S.)

Speak Lang. Other Than English at Home 16.2% (19.5% U.S.)

Median Age 35 years (36.4 U.S.)

Male 48.4% (49.2% U.S.)

Female 51.6% (50.8% U.S.)

Median Household Income $37,455 ($34,561 U.S.)

Median Family Income $47,491 ($60,374 U.S.)

Live in Rockford

Illinois Cook County Winnebago County (Chicago area) (Rockford area)

Median Income, 2007 $54,141 $52,554 $48,394

% Renter Households 33% 42% 30%

Income Needed to Afford, 2009 (two bedroom apartment) $35,723 $40,160 $27,560

Median Purchase Price, 2009, Q1 (single family home) $134,500 $157,000 $98,950

continued on the next page

4 Rockford Chamber of Commerce

LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

COST OF LIVING COMPARISON

Composite Grocery Housing Utilities Transportation Healthcare Misc.

Chicago 116.8 109.6 130.1 127.5 117.4 109.2 105.0

Peoria 97.6 94.9 96.4 103.6 102.8 98.2 96.0

Champaign-Urbana 95.9 98.2 89.1 98.4 97.7 104.6 98.6

Quincy 95.7 96.9 94.5 98.9 95.4 100.5 94.8

Galesburg 94.8 103.3 82.2 107.7 94.9 97.4 98.2

ROCKFORD 93.4 90.8 73.6 121.5 105.5 103.9 97.8

Danville 91.8 95.9 73.4 121.7 106.2 96.0 91.6

Springfield 85.6 88.8 69.7 80.4 103.2 107.4 91.1

Source: Rockford Area Economic Development Council (ACCRA Q1 2010 Cost of Living Index)

“Real estate is a good long-term investment in Rock-ford,” said Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors. “Buying a home is much more attainable for the average resident here than elsewhere in the country.”

“Rockford has realized the need to reinvent itself,” he added. “To me that’s not a negative thing. Now we need to find new ways to add value to the changing world economy and use the systems and engineering resourc-es we’re steeped in to make that change.”

But it’s much more than a cost factor that appeals to those who call Rockford home – both longtime resi-dents and newcomers alike. Rockford is regarded for its nationally-known park district, many forest preserves, world-class museums, beautiful golf courses, theaters and other attractions, as well as leisure activities and ample learning opportunities for people of all ages.

“I’ve always found great opportunity here in Rock-ford.” Bois said. “There are many ways to make a living, chances to get involved and make a difference, and a tremendous park system. It’s a community comprised of very talented and energetic people, and a place where you can dream it, you can do it. It has a rich history of creating things that have changed the world.”

Krystle agrees.

“Rockford is a good place to live,” said Krystle, a local sales representative for Cintas, a national facility ser-vices company; her husband is an academy government teacher at Auburn High School. “Every city has its share of ups and downs, but we see the good in Rockford. We like the smaller, Midwestern feel; we want to stay in the area and try to make it better in the long run.”

The Carters enjoy dining out at the many locally-owned restaurants including the Olympic Tavern and JMK Nippon. They also spend time biking and running at Rock Cut State Park and the Sinnissippi Rec Path.

The couple encourages other people who are contem-plating a move to consider Rockford. “This community has nice people, and great community groups, churches, and schools,” said Krystle. “There are plenty of oppor-tunities to get involved in the community, whether it’s volunteering, continuing education or anything else you enjoy doing.”

Average Sale Price, Existing Single Family Home, April 2009

Madison, WI $319,101

Chicago, IL $297,599

U.S. $234,382

ILLINOIS $232,421

Belvidere, IL $163,840

Peoria, IL $111,164

Milwaukee, WI $106,675

Rockford, IL $87,239

continued from page 5



Quality health care is a top priority in the Rockford area. It’s the

city’s second-largest industry and its largest employer. Thou-

sands of residents work in one of the area’s three major health

systems, which offer services to a 10-county area in northern

Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Another major employer,

the University of Illinois College of Medicine, educates doctors,

pharmacists and other health care professionals, and also runs a

system of clinics for residents.

Tara Pontarelli never had a health problem until last summer, when she tore her ACL playing soccer. Pon-tarelli, a scientist in the research and development labo-ratory at Siemens, spent four weeks in rehabilitation, working to regain mobility in her knee, before under-going ACL reconstruction surgery three months later, which was performed by Dr. Scott Trenhaile at Rock-ford Orthopedic Associates. Two days later, Pontarelli was up and walking.

“I had a good experience,” she said. “I had a lot of in-teraction with my physician, along with a physician as-sistant, who was working on my case. I felt well cared for before, during and after my surgery.”

Following surgery, Pontarelli underwent four months of physical therapy. She looks forward to getting back

onto the soccer field soon. “I’m grateful that there was innovative care available to me right here in Rockford.”

When it comes to local healthcare, Rockford is fortu-nate to have an abundance of facilities, programs and services, and medical professionals available to local residents. Rockford has three excellent health care sys-tems, a nationally-known college of medicine, commu-nity health center, and a number of specialty clinics.

“The quality of healthcare in Rockford is outstand-ing,” said Dr. Bill Gorski, President and CEO of Swed-ishAmerican Health System. “For someone new to Rockford, the reason to ever leave town for healthcare is minimal. There are specialty groups and physicians who would stand out in any market. Our community provides most services at a high level.”

Rockford Health System includes Rockford Memorial Hospital; Rockford Health Physicians with 10 clinic locations; Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hos-pital; Visiting Nurses Association; and the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation. Rockford Memo-rial Hospital, the largest JCAHO-accredited hospital in the region, with 396 licensed beds, is home to a Level 1 Trauma Center and the highest-level Neonatal Inten-sive Care Unit, as well as the area’s only Pediatric Inten-sive Care Unit. Recently, RHS opened The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System, in addition to the Heart & Vascular Center and Brain & Spine Center.

continued on the page 7

PHOTO BY ROCKFORD HEALTH SYSTEM

Healthy Living

http://www.bachrodt.com



“We are proud that our region boasts so many high-lev-el clinical services and we are continually benchmark-ing against the top programs in the nation,” says Gary Kaatz, President and CEO of Rockford Health System. “We all have made substantial investments in key areas such as trauma; cardiology; neonatal care; cancer; pe-diatrics and a wide range of other specialties and sub-specialties. We have a responsibility to the residents of the Rock River Valley to use our resources wisely and we take that very seriously.”

SwedishAmerican is comprised of two hospitals, 30 clinics, a home health care agency, a foundation and an affiliation with UW Health in northern Illinois. The health system is home to the largest network of primary care physicians in northern Illinois, with more than 450 doctors representing about 40 different specialties. It of-fers 24-hour emergency care in both Rockford and Bel-videre, immediate care in three locations and is home to one of the region’s most popular birthing centers. The SwedishAmerican Center For Women offers individual-ized education and guidance; in addition to the region’s

only heart hospital, SwedishAmerican cares for cancer patients through the Regional Cancer Center. In 2013 the center will open a free-standing outpatient cancer center in collaboration with UW Health in northeast Rockford. “Our emphasis has been to develop a large, high-quality medical group so that people can find care close to home,” said Dr. Gorski.


PHOTO BY SWEDISHAMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEM


http://www.swedishamerican.org



OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is a 254-bed tertia-ry care facility located on a 100-acre campus along East State Street. OSF is a regional medical center known for its Level I Trauma Center, Cardiovascular Services, in-cluding Rockford Cardiovascular Associates, Center for

Cancer Care, Illinois Neurological Institute, Women’s Center, OSF Specialty Clinic – Guilford Square and OSF Wound Healing Center. OSF Medical Group pri-mary care physicians can be found at locations across Rockford, Winnebago and Boone County, including the Center for Care-Rock Cut. OSF PromptCare takes care of minor medical emergencies at two locations. OSF also includes the Saint Anthony College of Nursing and the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation.

OSF and Rockford Health System have entered into an affiliation agreement, pending federal and state regulatory approval. “We plan to continue working with Rockford Health System to bring our two organizations together to advance medical services and make Rock-ford the destination for healthcare across northern Il-linois and southern Wisconsin,” said David A. Schertz, CEO/President for OSF Saint Anthony Medical Cen-ter. “Rockford is blessed with three very good hospitals, but we believe the joining of our collective talents and expertise will only enhance our pursuit of quality and provide an even higher level of service.”


Rockford Health System2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford815-971-DRDR • rockfordhealthsystem.org

SwedishAmerican Health System1401 E. State St., Rockford815-968-4400 • swedishamerican.org

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford815-395-0600 • rockford.medicine.uic.edu

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center5666 E. State St.815-226-2000 • osfsaintanthony.org

http://www.millereyecenter.com



Key City Services

ALARM PERMITS - 815-987-8077 Rockford’s False Alarm Ordinance requires owners of monitored secu-rity systems to register their units with the city at an initial, one-time cost of $10 per system. Alarm permits are available at the payment center on the first floor of City Hall.

WATER - 815-987-5700

SANITATION - 815-965-2489 All one- to four-family residential properties are serviced by Rock River Dis-posal Services, Inc. The Water Department handles wa-ter and garbage service.

LIBRARY CARDS - 815-965-7606 Library cards are free to all residents.

BUILDING PERMITS - 815-987-5550 Required for new construction, additions, structural alterations of an existing structure, demolition, or moving a structure, as well as siding, swimming pools, tents, carnivals, aw-nings/canopies and signs. In multifamily and nonresi-dential buildings, permits also are required for change-the-type occupancy, for installing or altering equipment regulated by code, or moving a lot line that has an effect on the fire rating of exterior walls.

THE MAYOR’S OFFICE - 815-987-5590

LEGAL - 815-987-5540 Legal representative for the City of Rockford, its officers and employees. Prosecutes city ordinances and provides a variety of services including

the land acquisition program, administration of liquor licenses and the coordination of special events.

HUMAN SERVICES - 815-987-5782 Mobilizes public and private resources to help persons in poverty achieve greater independence, dignity and self sufficiency. Pro-grams fall under Head Start, Energy Services and Com-munity Services Block Grant.

PUBLIC WORKS - 815-987-5634 Handles water re-sources, solid waste disposal, recycling, transportation needs, road maintenance and improvement, forestry, engineering services and parking.

POLICE - Non Emergency, 815-987-5800, Handles law enforcement, peace preservation, crime prevention, traffic control and education.

FIRE & 911 CENTER - 911, 815-987-5798 Handles fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, am-bulance service including advanced life support on fire apparatus, hazardous material response team, monitor-ing and disaster management.

BUILDING - 815-987-5550 Ensures that the buildings people live in, work in and visit are safe. Issues permits and performs inspections to enforce city building, elec-trical, mechanical, plumbing and property maintenance codes for new construction and the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing buildings.

HUMAN RESOURCES - 815-967-6926

Rockford’s Mayor’s Office is the top level of administration and policy making for the city and is the main of-

fice for residents for city requests and services. The Mayor is assisted by the City Administrator, responsible

for day-to-day municipal operations. The Rockford City Council of 14 council members acts with the Mayor

as the legislative and policy-making body, and meets in open session each Monday at 6 p.m., in Council

Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 425 E. State St. The city’s 14 wards are represented by 14 aldermen,

elected to serve four-year terms all ending in the same year.

“Excellence Everywhere for Everyone” 425 E. State St. • 815-987-3024 • rockfordil.gov



Most Commonly Requested ServicesService Agency Telephone Aldermen/City Council Clerk 815-987-5546Arts Council Rockford Area Arts Council 815-967-6797Annexations Community Development 815-987-5624Animal Control Winnebago County 815-319-4100Attorney General’s Office State of Illinois 815-967-3883Block Parties Public Works 815-987-5570Bus Service Rockford Mass Transit 815-961-9000Chamber of Commerce Rockford Chamber of Commerce 815-987-8100Community Development 815-987-5600CD/Neighborhood Standards Community Development 815-987-5566Consumer Info - Better Business Bureau 815-963-2222Convention and Visitors Bureau RACVB 815-963-8111Crimestoppers 815-963-7867Department of Children and Family Services State of Illinois 815-987-7640Drivers License Illinois Secretary of State 815-987-7383Drugs (to report drug activity) Rockford Narcotics 815-987-5034Economic Development Council RAEDC 815-987-8118Elections (City of Rockford) Board of Election Commissioners 815-987-5750Employment Security, Department of State of Illinois 815-395-6627Employment - YouthBuild Rockford 815-963-6236Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Human Services Department 815-987-5711Environmental Protection Agency State of Illinois 815-987-7760Fire Prevention City of Rockford 815-987-5678Garbage Collection Rock River Disposal 815-654-4726Graffiti Hotline City of Rockford 815-961-3243Head Start Human Services Department 815-987-5480Housing Rockford Housing Authority 815-489-8500Housing Winnebago County Housing Authority 815-963-2133Housing Affordable Housing Coalition 815-962-2011Human Services State of Illinois 815-987-7620Landfill Winnebago Reclamation 815-874-7375Library (Rockford Public Library) City of Rockford 815-965-7606Licenses (new businesses) City of Rockford 815-987-5516Liquor Licenses City of Rockford 815-987-5549Neighborhood Development City of Rockford 815-967-6759Parking Tickets (payment) City of Rockford 815-987-5712Park District City of Rockford 815-987-8800Police Chaplain Police Department 815-987-5889Police Community Services Unit Police Department 815-987-5041Police Detective Division Police Department 815-987-5878Police Property and Evidence Police Department 815-987-5843Police Records Police Department 815-987-5902Police Traffic Unit Police Department 815-967-6963Post Office 815-229-4811Pothole Hotline Public Works Department 815-964-4653Probation-Adult Winnebago County 815-987-2550Property Tax Information County Treasurer’s Office 815-319-4406Property Tax Assessments Supervisor of Assessments 815-987-3024



ComEd, An Exelon Company123 Energy Ave.Rockford, IL800-483-3220exeloncorp.com

Exelon Energy485 Edgewater Dr.Morris, IL815-474-2223Retail supplier

Graceffa Utility Service Inc.12102 Old River RoadRockton, IL815-986-8637

Rock River Energy Services, Inc.2047 S. IL Route 2Oregon, IL815-732-4603rockriverenergyservices.com

AT&T211 N. Church St., Fl. 3Rockford, IL800-222-0300att.sbc.com

TDS9950 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 101Machesney Park, IL815-639-4700tdsmetro.com

US Signal100 W. McArthur St.Sun Prairie, WI608-345-3644ussignalcom.com

Comcast4450 Kishwaukee St.Rockford, IL815-395-8852comcast.com

Nicor Gas4651 Linden RoadRockford, IL888-642-6748nicor.com

Utilities

Public Works (after-hours emergencies) City of Rockford 815-987-5712Purchasing City of Rockford 815-987-5560Rockford Township 815-962-8963Salvation Army 815-969-7408Special Events Information Legal Department 815-987-5540State’s Attorney Winnebago County 815-319-4700Street Lights (burned out) Com-Ed 800-483-3220Street Division (includes forestry) Public Works Department 815-987-5763Traffic Court Winnebago County 815-319-4500Vehicle Stickers City of Rockford 815-987-5594Voter Registration City of Rockford 815-987-5750Water Emergencies (after-hours) City of Rockford 815-987-5712Winnebago County Board Chairman Winnebago County 815-319-4225Winnebago County Circuit Clerk Winnebago County 815-319-4500Winnebago County Coroner Winnebago County 815-319-4790Winnebago County Clerk Winnebago County 815-987-3050Winnebago County Health Department Winnebago County 815-720-4000Winnebago County Jury Duty Winnebago County 815-319-4880Winnebago County Recorder Winnebago County 815-987-3100Winnebago County Sheriff Winnebago County 815-319-6000Winnebago County Treasurer Winnebago County 815-319-4406Zoning City of Rockford 815-987-5585

The City of Rockford provides water and garbage service. All other utilities are provided by private companies. The City’s Water Division is the largest municipally owned ground water system in Illinois. Call 815-987-5700 during business hours one week before you move in to set up water and garbage service.

Electric

Telephone Services, Local/Long Distance

Television, Cable Gas



Mary and Rick Stucy make time for two vacations ev-ery year – one to Arizona, where they enjoy the desert and mountains, and the other in Las Vegas, where they spend a few days at the casinos and taking in the lights and sounds of Sin City.

When they travel west, the couple always flies from Chi-cago Rockford International Airport (RFD), located just six miles from their Rockford home. “If we’re going to fly, it’s from Rockford,” Mary said. “It’s so easy and con-venient. You drop off your luggage, there’s hardly ever a line, and the airport staff is always so friendly – they’ll help you with anything. We’ve never had one problem when we fly out of Rockford.”

Located 85 miles northwest of Chicago, RFD is the 215th largest passenger airport in the country. More than 170,000 passengers depart from RFD each year, and that number is expected to rise this year, according to Amy Ott, deputy director. “Your vacation starts at RFD,” she said. “It begins in our parking lot, not in the airplane or at your destination.”

RFD offers flights to six warm-weather destinations via Allegiant Airlines, including Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cancun, Mexico; Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tampa,

and Orlando. Frontier Airlines now offers flights to Den-ver, one of the top 10 leisure destinations for northern Illinois travelers. Depending on the season, as many as 31 flights depart from RFD each week, with more to come in the near future. “We are always looking for more destina-tions,” said Ott.

Over the past few years, more than $180 million has been invested in infrastructure improvements and facili-ties at RFD, which has helped accommodate growth in passenger and cargo services. When travelers arrive at RFD, they can expect a hassle-free experience, thanks to amenities such as free parking, wi-fi, a children’s area and short waiting times. “Customer service is important to our staff,” Ott said. “Our goal is to treat each of our passengers as members of our own family.”

RFD is also a top 25 U.S. cargo airport and a Midwest ma-jor transportation center. It’s home to the second-largest air hub sorting facility in UPS’s domestic division.

Every summer, RFD is home to AirFest, a two-day event that attracts more than 90,000 visitors from around the region. The popular festival features the biggest and best stars in aviation, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities,” said Ott. “AirFest brings awareness to our airport, es-pecially with those people who didn’t know you could fly out of Rockford.”

While RFD moves people to and from Rockford, the Rock-ford Mass Transit District help residents move about the city. Mass Transit has 1.7 million riders each year.

The District has 64 fixed route and paratransit vehicles, and offers 18 hours of service, Monday through Friday,

TransportationRockford is strategically located at the intersection of a number of interstate, federal and state highways. The city

is well served with fixed-route and paratransit bus service and an award-winning international grade airport with

passenger service to a number of North American destinations. A coach service provides transportation to and

from Chicago. In 2008, bike lanes were added to many city streets and bike racks to the city buses.



13 hours of service on Saturdays, and eight hours on Sundays. “We are the community bus,” said Lisa Brown, marketing and public relations specialist. “For people who don’t own cars or can’t drive, we’re the alternative to get around the city. We provide service all week long throughout Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and now Belvidere.”

The Belvidere route is a welcomed addition for resi-dents who previously lacked transportation to Rockford for shopping, entertainment and medical appointments. The service runs from 7:20 a.m. until 5:20 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“This is exciting for residents of the Belvidere commu-nity,” Brown said. “Rockford and Belvidere are now joined together; people who live in Rockford can take advantage of things in Belvidere and Belvidere resi-dents can get to Rockford. One Belvidere resident had no way to get to his cardiologist’s office before. Now, he’s thrilled to have bus service. This new route really opens that corridor and allows people to pass seamlessly from community to community.”

There’s more. This year, Rockford Mass Transit will unveil its new eastside transfer center located at 725 Ly-ford Rd. The state-of-the-art facility will provide connec-tions to other parts of the region.

“People realize the value of using mass transit,” Brown said. “We provide a transportation alternative. Resi-dents who are new to Rockford can use RMTD as a way to get acquainted with the community in a safe and af-fordable environment.”

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)Airport Terminal Building 2 Airport Circle, Rockford815-969-4000 • FlyRFD.comLocated just 85 miles northwest of Chicago, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has made strides as the airport of choice for passengers planning trips to destinations like: Las Vegas, Orlando/Sanford, Tampa Bay/St. Pete, the Fort Meyers Area, Myrtle Beach, Phoenix/Mesa, and Cancun. RFD offers free parking, curbside express lanes for passengers and baggage, and non-stop jet service to these popular destinations.

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)5300 South Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207414-747-5300 • mitchellairport.comClose, affordable and convenient, Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is your low-fare, easy travel O’Hare alternative. A quick 90 minute drive from Rockford, the same as to O’Hare, MKE is the smart choice for northern Illinois travelers. MKE’s competitive fares, reason-able parking rates and unique local amenities make travel enjoyable. Visit “Mitchell Airport” on Face-book to learn more.

Rockford Mass Transit District520 Mulberry St., Rockford815-961-9000 • rmtd.orgThe Rockford Mass Transit District provides fixed-route and paratransit service to Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park. The 39 fixed-route buses operate more than 17 routes, Mondays through Saturdays, six night routes and five routes on Sundays. Fixed-route buses have bike racks. Paratransit service is a curb-to-curb service for persons with disabilities who are un-able to ride the fixed route.

Van Galder Bus, A Coach USA Co.7559 Walton St., Rockford800-747-0994 • coachusa.com/vangalderVan Galder Bus/A Coach USA Company provides frequent, daily line-run service in a modern fleet of motorcoaches to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway air-ports, and to the Amtrak station in downtown Chica-go. The company has served southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois for more than 60 years. The charter department provides motorcoach service for any size group or function, including executive coaches with living-room style seating, a galley area with micro-waves and coolers, AM/FM Stereo system with CD Player and DVD players with monitors. The tour & travel department offers day trips, custom tours and extended motorcoach tours.

PHOTO BY ROCKFORD MASS TRANSIT



Jennifer and Kevin Ross of Rockford have always enjoyed dining out in the Rockford area. But ever since they became empty nesters about five years ago, they’ve made it a regular habit, eating out nearly every Friday evening.

Good atmosphere, good food and reasonable prices are absolute musts, when it comes to finding a locale. The couple often meets up with friends, whether it’s at a na-tional chain like Olive Garden, or, most often, a local dining establishment.

“We believe it’s important to patronize local business-es,” Jennifer said. “You get a better flavor of the com-munity when you visit locally-owned restaurants.”

Kevin and Jennifer live close to downtown Rockford and like to frequent centrally-located restaurants, including The Olympic, Bamboo Asian Noodles & Tapas Bar and the Irish Rose Saloon. They also enjoy Franchesco’s and Giovanni’s.

But they also like to comb the city for the ultimate din-ing experience. Occasionally, Jennifer meets up with friends at Fiesta Cancun along East Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park. They also enjoy discovering new desti-nations, including MashUp, located in the Edgebrook Shopping Center.

“We like to go to a place often, so you can get to know the servers,” Jennifer said. “You build a relationship with the staff, which can help provide better service.”

So, what are you hungry for? Italian, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Indian? Do you prefer vegetarian or traditional American? Do you like burgers, fish, steaks, appetizers, pizzas, sushi, sandwich-es, or maybe just a salad? What’s it going to be tonight - casual, elegant, family-style, buffet, or maybe a quick bite at a fast food restaurant?

The Rockford area has a variety of dining options. From dining downtown along the Rock River, to dining con-veniently near one of the area’s many shopping districts, there’s a unique experience waiting for you. “You can get anything you want here,” said Jennifer.

We agree.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the company of good family and friends any day of the week.

Here are some of our favorites...

Dining OutWhat are you craving? Thai, Japanese, Korean,

Chinese, Swedish, Italian, Mexican, Canadian, Indian,

vegetarian, traditional American? Burgers, fish dishes,

steaks, appetizers, pizzas, sushi, sandwiches, salads?

Casual, elegant, family-style, buffet, fast food?

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM



Abreo Restaurant515 E State StRockford, IL 61104(815) 968-9463www.abreorockford.com

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar6845 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 226-8818

1675 E Riverside BlvdRockford, IL 61114(815) 654-8337www.applebees.com

Aunt Mary’s Restaurant4431 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 397-6461www.auntmarysrestaurant.com

Beefaroo, Inc.6364 Sebring WayLoves Park, IL 61111(815) 637-1008www.beefaroo.com

Buffalo Wild Wings6275 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 397-5649www.buffalowildwings.com

Chili’s Grill & Bar1510 West Lane RdMachesney Park, IL 61115(815) 282-8805

Ciao Bella Ristorante6500 E Riverside BlvdLoves Park, IL 61111(815) 654-9900

Cronies Grill9032 N 2nd StMachesney Park, IL 61115(815) 282-2262www.croniesgrill.com

Culver’s Restaurant5610 Wansford WayRockford, IL 61109(815) 398-9938

D.Q. Grill & Chill2222 S Perryville RdRockford, IL 61112(815) 332-2000

Egg Harbor Cafe1603 N Alpine Rd Ste 121Rockford, IL 61107(815) 399-2650www.eggharborcafe.com

Franchesco’s Ristorante7128 Spring Creek RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 229-0800www.franchescos.com

Giordano’s333 Executive PkwyRockford, IL 61107(815) 398-5700www.giordanos.com

Giovanni’s, Inc.610 N Bell School RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 398-6411www.giodine.com

Granite City Food & Brewery7140 Harrison AveRockford, IL 61112(815) 332-7070www.gcfb.com

Hoffman House7550 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 397-5800hoffmanhouserockford.com

Hooters of Rockford6904 Argus DrRockford, IL 61107(815) 229-0539www.hooters.com

JMK Nippon Restaurant2551 N Perryville RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 877-0505

Jersey Mike’s6284 E State StRockford, IL 61114(815) 226-0118www.jerseymikes.com

Johnny Pamcakes3700 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 229-7415www.johnnypamcakes.com

Kochi Japan7310 Walton St Unit ARockford, IL 61108(815) 391-8885www.kochijapan.com

Maciano’s Pizza5801 Columbia Pkwy Unit 101Rockford, IL 61108(815) 227-5577

6746 Broadcast PkwyLoves Park, IL 61111(815) 633-7500www.macianos.com

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery NP2636 McFarland RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 397-7272www.marysmarket.com

MashUp Restaurant1641 N Alpine Rd Ste 212Rockford, IL 61107(815) 708-8740www.mashuprestaurant.com

Meg’s Daily Grind1141 N Alpine RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 316-7669www.megs-daily-grind.com

Old Chicago Restaurant6280 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 227-4040www.oldchicago.com

The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant6367 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 399-3176www.olivegarden.com

The Olympic Tavern2327 N Main StRockford, IL 61103(815) 962-8758www.theolympictavern.com

Pizza Hut3329 S 11th StRockford, IL 61109(815) 229-5159

3748 N Main StRockford, IL 61103(815) 963-6363

2560 S Alpine RdRockford, IL 61108(815) 399-0128

1533 West Lane RdMachesney Park, IL 61115(815) 639-1111www.pizzahut.com

Der Rathskeller1132 Auburn StRockford, IL 61103(815) 962-2922www.derrathskeller.net

Red Mango6876 Spring Creek Rd Ste 118Rockford, IL 61114(815) 282-1020www.redmangousa.com

Restoration Cafe625 W State StRockford, IL 61102(815) 977-4361www.rockfordrescuemission.org

Shogun Japanese Restaurant293 Executive PkwyRockford, IL 61107(815) 394-0007www.shogunofrockford.com

Sonics of Rockford2137 S Perryville RdRockford, IL 61112(815) 394-2777www.sonicdrivein.com




Stockholm Inn2420 Charles StRockford, IL 61108(815) 397-3534www.stockholminn.com

TGI Friday’s2408 Perryville RdRockford, IL 61108(815) 332-5355

Taco John’s3007 N Main StRockford, IL 61103(815) 282-5171www.tacojohns.com

Texas Roadhouse7240 Walton DrRockford, IL 61108(815) 227-1283www.texasroadhouse.com

Thunder Bay Grille7652 Potawatomi TrRockford, IL 61107(815) 397-4800www.thunderbaygrille.com

Vito’s Ristorante, Inc.1620 N Bell School RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 312-5080

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.)50 W Douglas St Ste 1101Freeport, IL 61032(815) 235-7515

Whiskey’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill3207 N Main StRockford, IL 61103(815) 877-8007www.whiskeysroadhouse.com

Wired Café414 E State StRockford, IL 61104(815) 316-2524www.wiredcaferockford.com

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“This is a really exciting time for education in Rock-ford,” said Dr. Ehren Jarrett, assistant superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. “We are positioned to see dramatic improvements in our schools in the near fu-ture. We have plans to make significant investments in our schools, in terms of physical improvements, thanks to a comprehensive 10-year facility plan.”

Rockford Public Schools have five goals: enhance learn-ing opportunities for all children, ensure parents are partners in the education process, provide clean and safe schools, hold adults accountable, and run an ef-ficient business operation. “There is tremendous sup-port for public education, as well as all education in the Rockford area,” said Jarrett. “We’re working to expand preschool access for all students, bringing back seven-period academic days for students sixth through 12th grades, increase access to higher education, and improv-ing our overall learning environment.”

Rockford Public Schools also offers a variety of suc-cessful alternative programs. For example, Washing-ton Academy is the fifth-ranked school academically in the state of Illinois. Ellis Arts Academy, along with the CAPA program at Auburn High School, provides op-portunities for students looking to develop artistic tal-ents and academic strengths. Barbour Language Acad-emy is a multicultural school that teaches students to speak, read, and write in English and Spanish.

At Maria Montessori School, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education. Work-ing with a trained Montessori teacher, children move freely around the room, selecting materials needed to complete their work. There are 15 classrooms with two or three different age levels in each room. The older children serve as role models for the younger children. Students stay with the same teacher for two or three years, which creates a strong bond between classmates and teacher.

Michelle Marcomb is one parent who knows what type of impact the Montessori program can have on children. Her 14-year-old son, Davin, attended Montessori; her daughter, Avery, is currently enrolled in second grade at Montessori.

Working in small groups with other students, children such as Avery, 8, not only learn subject material, but

Education

New to the District?

For enrollment, contact:Rockford Public Schools Family Resource Center

Roosevelt Community Education Center, Room 124978 Haskell Ave.

815-967-8070

The Rockford area offers a wide variety of educational choices

for people of all ages, incomes and interests.

Rockford residents have access to state-of-the-art

facilities and innovative programs, whether for

preschool, public or private school, work-

force training, career enhancement, GEDs,

higher education or life enrichment.



Public Education

Rockford Public Schools Family Resource Center978 Haskell Ave., Rockford815-967-8070 • webs.rps205.comRockford Public Schools is the third largest school dis-trict in Illinois and the largest employer in the Winneba-go-Boone County area. It covers an area of about 170 square miles and serves a diverse group of more than 29,000 students.

Elementary students, grades K-5, and students going to the theme schools are processed at the Family Resource Center. Assignments to the K-5 schools are based on parent choice and seat availability, and made on a first-come, first-served basis. Assignments to theme schools are based on specific admittance requirements. Students entering the middle and high schools receive a letter and assignment to the school in their geographic zone.

THEME SCHOOLS/SPECIAL PROGRAMSEllis Arts Academy (elementary)Ellis Arts Academy celebrates the unique spirit of chil-dren and builds successful and caring citizens through the development of artistic talents and academic strengths.

Montessori School (elementary)In the Montessori classroom, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education. In a pre-pared environment with a trained Montessori teacher, children may move freely around the room selecting materials needed to carry out the child’s plan.

Academic Career Education (high school)Launched in 2008, high schools students gain exposure to technical studies and a new style of work-based learn-ing. Students enter at the sophomore level and take the standard math, science, English, PE/health and elective

respect for her peers, teacher and her environment. “Av-ery is neat and organized,” said her mom. “She learns self control and to be responsible. The students are taught to handle situations for themselves; they know what’s going on in the world. They’re introduced to di-verse cultures, races and nationalities. You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole. This is a great way for the children to figure out their strengths.”

According to Jarrett, one advantage of attending a large school district is the number of programs available for students through neighborhood schools. “For families who want an alternative approach, we have many out-standing programs,” he said. “When families attend

neighborhood schools, they can really invest the time and energy into being part of the school community.”

That’s what Marcomb did. She is president of the Mon-tessori’s Parent Teacher Council. Families at Montes-sori pledge to volunteer at least nine hours a year at the school – whether it’s working family activity nights or pulling weeds. “I’m a firm believer in Rockford Public Schools,” she said. “I tell people all the time that our kids can get a good education at any of our schools. The tools to be successful are available in any of the public schools, as long as the children and parents choose to use them.”


http://www.rasmussen.edu




courses. In addition, they explore areas of critical work-force need, like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and engineering technologies.

Fresh Start/Fresh View ProgramsFresh Start and Fresh View Programs address each student’s behavior and academic needs in a pro-active manner, so that each student, regardless of function-ing level, grade placement or age, will be able to have a reasonable opportunity for success in school and in the community.

Academic Gifted/Creative & Performing ArtsGifted education identifies and nurtures student poten-tial through the development of specialized curriculum offerings modified and adapted to meet the unique learning styles, learning rates, interests, abilities and needs of gifted students.

Wilson AspireThis special education center serves students classi-fied as multiply challenged. The learning program is focused on an integrated approach that incorporates various therapies such as occupational therapy, physi-cal therapy, speech and vision therapy, and recreational and leisure programs.

Barbour Language Academy

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONThe Early Childhood Program provides pre-K classes for children ages 3 to 5. Classes are located in elemen-tary schools, Fairview Early Childhood Center, Dennis Early Education Center, Roosevelt Community Educa-tion Center and five childcare centers located through-

out the city. Program services include in-home child development/case management services for parents and children, ages birth to three years old. These services help families identify family and child goals and educa-tional and community resources to aid them in meeting identified goals.

High SchoolsACE, Auburn, Auburn Freshman Campus, East, Guil-ford, Jefferson, Roosevelt

Middle SchoolsEisenhower, Flinn, Kennedy, Lincoln, RESA, West

Elementary SchoolsBeyer, Bloom, Brookview, Carlson, Cherry Valley, Conklin, Froberg, Gregory, Haskell, Hillman, Jackson, Johnson, King, Kishwaukee, Lathrop, Lewis Lemon, Marsh, McIntosh, Nashold, Nelson, New Milford, Riverdahl, Rolling Green, Spring Creek, Stiles, Sum-merdale, Thompson, Walker, Washington, Welsh, West View, White Swan, Whitehead.

CHARTER SCHOOLSRockfordCharterSchools.comCharter public schools are privately-operated, publical-ly-funded schools of choice open to any student in Rock-ford Public Schools District 205. They are required to meet state academic standards, but are allowed to oper-ate free from many local district regulations that apply to other public schools, allowing for greater academic flexibility and innovation in the classroom. Charter public schools administer the same state standardized tests as traditional public schools and are held account-able to the results required by their charter agreement.

http://www.rockfordcareercollege.edu



Rockford Chamber Educational Institutions

Galapagos Rockford Charter School815-708-7946 • galapagoscharter.orgGalapagos Rockford Charter School is dedicated to pre-paring students to be responsible, productive, college-educated adults who will prosper in the global economy. During the 2009-10 school year, Galapagos serves stu-dents in grades K-3 and will add an additional grade each year as students advance.

Legacy Academy of Excellence815-961-1100 • [email protected] Legacy Academy of Excellence focuses on lofty standards, extensively trained staff, well researched instructional strategies, high levels of accountability

for all stakeholders and the combined efforts of the school, its parents and the community. It believes all students can routinely attain the highest levels of academic excellence. During the 2009-10 school year, Legacy serves students in grades K-5 and adds an ad-ditional grade each year as students advance.

CICS Rockford Charter School (CRCS)815-316-0093 • chicagointl.orgIn February, 2009, the Rockford School Board ap-proved a resolution authorizing CRCS to open for the 2010-2011 school year. It is located at the Patriot’s Gateway Center at 615 S. 5th St., and will focus on pro-viding an attractive and rigorous college-preparatory education that meets the needs of today’s student.


Benedictine University223 S Winnebago StRockford, IL 61102(630) 829-6370benuniversity.com

CICS Rockford Charter School Organization615 S Fifth StRockford, IL 61104(815) 316-0093chicagointl.org

Columbia College2998 W Pearl City RdFreeport, IL 61032(815) 599-3585ccis.edu

Concordia University of Wisconsin2040 Sutler AveBeloit, WI 53511(608) 361-1830cuw.edu/beloit

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University60 Airport Dr Ste 120Rockford, IL 61109(815) 969-4409erau.edu/rockford

http://www.rockford.edu

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Galapagos Rockford Charter School2605 School StRockford, IL 61101(815) 708-7946galapagoscharter.org

Judson University1055 Featherstone RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 399-3500judsonforadults.com

Keith Country Day School1 Jacoby PlRockford, IL 61107(815) 399-8823keithschool.com

Keller Graduate School of Management and DeVry University2250 Point Blvd Ste 250Elgin, IL 60123(847) 649-3980devry.edu

Lydia Home - Rockford2323 S 6th StRockford, IL 61104(815) 966-0039lydiahome.org/rockford

Montessori Private Academy8101 Sayer RdRockford, IL 61108(815) 332-8101montessoriprivateacademy.com

Northern Illinois UniversityNIU - Rockford, 8500 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 753-0835niu.edu

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center5666 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 226-2000osfsaintanthony.org

Rx Tech Prep School6957 Olde Creek Rd Ste 2300Rockford, IL 61114(888) 560-5953rxtechprep.net

Rasmussen College6000 E State St 4th FlRockford, IL 61108(815) 316-4800rasmussen.edu

Regional Office of Education300 Heart BlvdLoves Park, IL 61111(815) 636-30604roe.org

Rock Valley College3301 N Mulford RdRockford, IL 61114(815) 921-7821rockvalleycollege.edu

Rockford Career College1130 S Alpine Rd Ste 100Rockford, IL 61108(815) 965-8616rockfordcareercollege.edu

Rockford Christian Schools1401 N Bell School RdRockford, IL 61107(815) 399-3465rockfordchristian.org




Rockford College5050 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 226-4000rockford.edu

Rockford Lutheran School3411 N Alpine RdRockford, IL 61114(815) 877-9551rockfordlutheran.org

Rockford Public Schools, District #205501 Seventh StRockford, IL 61104(815) 966-3101rps205.com

Saint Anthony College of Nursing5658 E State StRockford, IL 61108(815) 395-5091sacn.edu

University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County1040 N 2nd St #40Rockford, IL 61107(815) 986-4357web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw

University of Illinois Rockford, A UIC Health Sciences Campus1601 Parkview AveRockford, IL 61107(815) 395-0600rockford.medicine.uic.edu

Upper Iowa University - Rockford Center1161 Tebala BlvdRockford, IL 61108(815) 332-1414uiu.edu

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Skilled Workforce

Employment ResourcesVisit the Rockford Chamber’s Business Direc-tory, www.rockfordchamber.com, for a listing of employment agencies and services.

The WorkForce Connection, an Illinois workNet Center“One-stop shop” for employers to find workers and job-seekers to receive training, education and employment services.

Rockford Office303 N. Main St.815-395-6600; TTY 815-966-2436

Belvidere Office998 Belvidere Road815-547-9616; TTY 815-547-0253Hotline 815-395-6608theworkforceconnection.org

Largest Area EmployersEmployer - Industry Employees

Rockford Public Schools - Education 3,730

Rockford Health System - Health Care 3,003

SwedishAmerican Health System - Health Care 2,988

Wal-Mart Stores - Retail 2,750

Rockford Memorial Hospital - Health Care 2,700

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center - Health Care 2,303

Hamilton Sundstrand - Aircraft Components 2,200

Winnebago County - Government 1,731

Chrysler LLC - Automotive 1,700

UPS - Parcel Sorting Hub 1,600

Woodward - Governors & Auxiliary Equipment 1,325

City of Rockford - Government 1,122

Harlem Consolidated Schools - Education 1,099

Kroger Company - Food Stores 1,067

Belvidere CUSD 100 - Education 967

NCO Group - Customer Service Center 904

Honeywell - Telemarketing 885

Anderson Packaging - Pharmaceutical Packaging 883

Carpenter - Framing Contractors, Truss, Millwork 800

Lowes - Distribution Center 787

General Mills - Food Processing 750

Source: Rockford Area Economic Development Council, 2010

Rockford is the center of manufacturing, health-care, employment and commerce for the more than 300,000 residents who live in or near its bor-ders. The area’s top employers come from a variety of industries. The three major healthcare systems and the college of medicine employ a large number of the area’s private sector employees. Rockford re-mains, as in the past, an important manufacturing town, with hundreds of companies as major em-ployers and producers. It’s a world leader in the manufacture of machine tools and auto parts and increasingly is recognized as an important center for aerospace components. Retail makes up anoth-er important sector. Over the years, Rockford has diversified itself and now is home to a broader set of enterprises, including distribution centers and call center/office operations.

Number Employed in the Rockford Area148,898

Mean Travel Time to Work20.6 minutes

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PLAY IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

The Nicholas Conservatory & GardensNo one was more excited than Heather Obert for the arrival of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rock-ford’s newest attraction, located along the banks of the Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens.

The Dakota High School agriculture teacher was one of the first visitors through the doors when the Conserva-tory opened in October 2011. “It’s a great place to go and relax,” she said. “I like going and seeing the change in the plants. Every time I visit, I see something different. And I love the fact it’s located right here in Rockford.”

Five years ago, the Rockford Park District selected the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens as the signature project to be the centerpiece of the District’s 100th an-niversary. The facility, which replaced the Sinnissippi Greenhouse, is 22,000 square feet and the third largest conservatory in Illinois.

The state-of-the-art, LEED certified Conservatory in-cludes an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area com-plete with water features, seating areas and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. The exhibition house in-cludes trees, shrubs, flowers, aquatic plants, streams, a waterfall, stone walls, an infinity pool, Koi, glass art totems, sculptures, and a children’s education and play area. There’s a spacious lobby area for displays and ex-hibits, classroom and workroom space, and a meeting room with an outdoor courtyard.

“Our community has such a strong connection to Sin-nissippi Gardens and the surrounding area,” said Ruth Miller, Conservatory manager. “Many people have fond memories of time spent at the gardens. It’s our hope that new memories will be created at the Nicholas Conserva-tory & Gardens for generations to come.”

The Conservatory is named after the Nicholas family, who made a lead donation toward the project in honor

of their late parents, William and Ruby Nicholas. The couple met, married, and raised their family in Rock-ford. The three Nicholas brothers, Bill, Dan and Ab, spent much of their time outdoors enjoying favorite spots such as the Sinnissippi Gardens.

In addition to being open to the public, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is available for special events, weddings and meetings. Educational seminars and pro-grams also are held on a variety of topics such as the environment, beautification and recycling.

The Conservatory is popular with school groups. Obert has already brought her class to visit on a field trip – a first for many of the students. “They had a great time,” she said. “They didn’t know what to expect, but when they went through the doors, you could see their mouths drop and eyes open wide. It was a thrill to see how ex-cited they were to be there.”

There is a minimal cost to visit the Nicholas Conser-vatory & Gardens: the fee for residents is $6 and $8 for non-residents. Children ages 4 and under are free. There is free admission on the third Wednesday of every month. Memberships are also available.

Parks/Green Space


rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD

The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens compliments many other major attractions, including Anderson Gar-dens, Severson Dells, Nygren Wetlands, Klehm Abore-tum & Botanic Garden, and the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens.

Rockford Park District officials expect 200,000 visitors – including 40,000 out-of-town guests – a year. “The Conservatory is a place the community will embrace,” said Obert, who is now a member. “It will draw people to the area. It’s exactly the type of recreational resource our community needs.”

Rockford Park District401 S. Main St., Rockford815-987-8800 • rockfordparkdistrict.org(TTY 888-871-6171)The Rockford Park District is nationally recognized as one of the best park and recreation systems in the United States, twice awarded the National Gold Medal for Excel-lence by the National Recreation and Parks Association, and accredited as a Distinguished Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. With abundant recreational facilities, you will discover enjoyment of life because of these terrific assets in our community, not often found in a city our size. There are golf courses, nationally-recog-nized museums and 175 parks in the system, including many neighborhood parks located within easy walking distance from most homes. You will find terrific access and enjoyment of the Rock River, one of our commu-nity’s greatest assets, with multiple boat launches, public docks and the Rock River Recreation Path. For walkers, runners, bicyclists, dog walkers, there are more than 30 miles of paved recreational paths throughout the commu-nity and neighborhood parks.

The Park District offers specialty parks for many outdoor interests, including BMX racing, dog parks, soft indoor playgrounds, disc golf courses, skate parks and a radio con-trolled plane park, Pickleball courts, and lawn sports. The

Park District has an award-winning and highly acclaimed Therapeutic Recreation Department, making facilities, programs, and services accessible to all participants, with adapted sports and veterans programs. It oversees public recreation facilities for virtually every kind of indoor and outdoor enthusiast. Environmental experiences are found at the Atwood Center, figure skating and hockey abound at the ice arenas, there are multiple outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools, excursion rides on the Forest City Queen Riverboat and Trolley Car 36, free concerts at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, and much more.

Byron Forest Preserve District7993 North River Road, Byron, IL815-234-8535 • byronforestpreserve.comThe Byron Forest Preserve District is located on the rolling hills along the Rock River in Byron, Illinois. With many acres of prairie and woodlands, you don’t want to miss this beautiful setting during all seasons! You can enjoy these natural areas by walking our trails, using one of our picnic shelters, playing on the playground, going horseback rid-ing, playing a round of golf, or just looking out over the prairie from the windows at the Jarrett Prairie Center.

The Byron Forest Preserve has a strong belief in pres-ervation, conservation, and restoration of our natural lands. Our agency is devoted to purchasing and man-aging natural areas to increase biodiversity along with conserving rare animals and plants of our region.

The mission of the Byron Forest Preserve District is to provide for Preservation of open space/natural resources, provide Education concerning our natural environment/heritage, and provide Recreation opportunities and en-terprise operations that are consistent with District goals.




MuseumsBurpee Museum of Natural History737 N. Main St., Rockford815-965-3433burpee.orgBurpee is home to the famous dinosaur, Jane, a restored 21-foot skeleton of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex who lived and died 66 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period. Burpee volunteers found Jane, and a number of other di-

nosaur skeletons in southeastern Montana. Kids of all ages will love visiting Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur; and other top-notch exhibits like the Children’s Gallery, the Carbonif-erous Coal Forest, the Ordovician Sea, Geoscience, First People and Windows to Wilderness: Exploring Nature in the Rock River Valley. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Dean Olson Specimen Viewing Lab for a window into how the museum works. Homer, the museum’s sub-adult Tric-eratops is found in and just outside the lab.

Discovery Center Museum inRiverfront Museum Park711 N. Main St., Rockford815-963-6769discoverycentermuseum.orgRanked one of the “12 Best Children’s Museums In The U.S.” by Forbes magazine, Discovery Center is a science adventure right at your fingertips with more than 250 interactive exhibits to satisfy any curiosity. There are many exhibits to explore with Get the Mes-sage, Team Up! Explore Science & Sports, Discovery Center Planetarium, Tot Spot, Power House, Wild Weather, Simple Machines, Color & Light, Math & Puzzles, Body Shop, Art Studio, the WIFR Kids News Studio and Robotics Lab. Don’t forget to make a stop at Rock River Discovery Park, the nation’s first com-munity-built outdoor science park, which reopened with the museum’s expansion in May, 2010.

Fun for Everyone


Rockford is rich in cultural resources and offers a variety of entertaining and educational destinations,

including numerous professional performance groups and facilities, museums and art galleries. The city

boasts an award-winning Japanese garden and an arboretum. Water lovers have an outdoor park in the

summer and indoor park all year round to choose from. There’s a place to visit for everyone – from the

car aficionado to the ice skater, from the historian to the weekend scientist.





Rockford Art Museum in Riverfront Museum Park711 N. Main St., Rockford815-968-2787rockfordartmuseum.orgLocated in the heart of downtown Rockford and Illinois’ third-largest museum, Rockford Art Museum houses 17,000 square feet of exhibition space in three galleries. The permanent collection is a rotating display of more than 1,500 pieces representing Modern and Contempo-rary American Art, American Masters from 1830-1940, Photography, Contemporary Glass Art, and Outsider Art. Local, national and international artists are rep-resented with a special emphasis on local and Chicago artists. The museum is home to the annual Greenwich Village Art Fair and the Rockford Midwestern juried art exhibition.

Ethnic Heritage Museum1129 S. Main St., Rockford815-962-7402ethnicheritagemuseum.orgEthnic Heritage Museum, located in a home built in 1850, celebrates the history of six nationalities that helped shape the culture of Rockford’s southeast side. In the heart of the old water power district, the mu-seum houses African-American, Irish, Italian, Lithu-anian, Polish and Hispanic galleries. History buffs will appreciate the scrapbook of newspaper clippings on Rockford’s west side residents beginning in the 1940s, and the book, That Men Know So Little About Me, about well known, local African-Americans in the Rockford area.

Lockwood Pioneer Scuba Diving Museum7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park815-633-6969lockwoodmuseum.comLocated in the Lighthouse Point Retail Center, the 2,000-square-foot museum houses vintage scuba and World War II hardhat diving equipment and shipwreck artifacts. The museum honors scuba diving pioneer James E. Lockwood of Racine, Wis. After moving to Rockford, Lockwood founded Lockwood Oil Co. service stations, and in 1938 invented a diving lung as well as an underwater housing for the Bell & Howell camera used during the 1930s filming of the original Tarzan movies.

Midway Village Museum, Rockford’s History Museum6799 Guilford Road, Rockford815-397-9112midwayvillage.comMidway Village Museum is a true destination for turn-of-the-century enthusiasts. Take a walk through yesteryear in a picturesque Victorian village set on 136 acres, with 24 historic buildings, artifacts and 19th century gardens. Costumed interpreters give seasonal guided tours. The museum features galleries on Rockford history, includ-ing The Old Dolls’ House, The Girls of Summer on the Rockford Peaches, Queen City of the Prairies, and The Missing Link: Socks, Monkeys and Rockford’s Industrial Past. The Flight exhibit showcases Rockford’s pioneer aviators. See the Old Millhouse at Severin Lake -- a work-ing replica of an operating water-powered machine shop. Shop for unique gifts, sock monkeys, books and replica toys. Return for events throughout the year on museum grounds like World War II Days, the Scarecrow Harvest


PHOTO BY STEVE PITKIN




Festival, All Hallows Eve, the Sock Monkey Madness Festival and 1900 America Chautauqua.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum411 Kent St., Rockford815-964-2424tinkercottage.comTinker Swiss Cottage Museum is one of only two dozen Victorian Swiss-style homes left standing in the United States and a rare example of Victorian “exotic” architec-ture. Built in 1865 by early Rockford industrialist Robert H. Tinker, the cottage tells the story of the family that lived there through a rare collection of original furnish-ings, photos, diaries and household belongings. Visitors can walk across the restored swinging bridge that Tinker built over Kent Creek to connect his estate with his soon-to-be wife’s, Mary Manny. Take guided tours through the Victorian Rose Garden, the Tinker Railroad Garden and the Tinker grounds. The museum plays host to the region’s only croquet tournament, Mallet Mayhem. In December, enjoy a Victorian Christmas.

City of GardensAnderson Japanese Gardens318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford815-229-9390andersongardens.orgYou might not think that the #1 ranked Japanese garden in North America would be in Illinois, but it is, accord-ing to Sukiya Living, a premier Japanese garden jour-nal. Built by Rockford industrialist John Anderson and

Japanese landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu, Anderson Japanese Gardens lies on a 14-acre site in the heart of Rockford and features two distinct gardens. The formal Japanese garden is in the style of the Kamakura period, 1185 to 1333 A.D., and the Guest House, Teahouse, and machiai are 16th century Sukiya-style architecture. The Garden of Reflection is a contemporary international garden with a strong Japanese influence. Come for se-renity and reflection at the gardens, stay for the unique finds at the gift shop.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden2715 S. Main St., Rockford815-965-8146klehm.orgKlehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden has more than 155 acres filled with rare and unusual trees and shrubs, plus the Midwest’s most vigorous evergreen collection and the nation’s most extensive Azalea collection. As a “living

PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM





museum,” there’s something new every season from the majestic colors of fall, to the hundreds of blooming crab-apple trees in spring, to the butterfly gardens in summer, to the snow-covered evergreens in winter. There’s a 1.8-mile, handicapped-accessible paved path going through the heart of the arboretum with many secondary, chipped trails. View the Fountain Garden, the Nancy Olson Chil-dren’s Garden, the Demonstration Gardens, the Prehis-toric Garden, the Hosta Garden, the Grass Garden, the Butterfly Garden and the Daylily Garden. Tour the Visi-tor Center with a library, exhibition gallery, information center, classroom and the Flowering Magnolia gift shop.

Water FunCoCo Key Water Resort at Clock Tower Resort& Conference Center7801 E. State St., Rockford815-398-6000cocokeywaterresort.comThere are many months of cold weather in the Midwest. Rockford’s first major indoor waterpark at a warm 84 degrees is just the solution for the cold weather blues. Lo-cated at the Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, CoCo Key is a fun-filled getaway any time of year with a Key West tropics theme and 60,000 square feet of water resort attractions, three thrilling water slides, an activity pool, outdoor splash pad, snack bar, lounge, arcade, ca-banas, bar, private function and birthday party spaces. Enjoy the Barracuda Blast two-person raft slide – an ad-venture river, and the Palm Grotto indoor/outdoor spa. Kids will love Parrot’s Perch interactive play island with a 300-gallon tipping bucket and the “Dip-In Theatre” – a shallow pool with a constant display of movies and car-toons. This fun-filled attraction was rated as one of Nick Jr. Family Magazine’s “Top 7 Trips of ’07.”

Magic Waters Waterpark7820 N. CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley815-96-MAGICmagicwaterswaterpark.comBring the whole family to Illinois’ premier water park for waves of FUN! For the adventurous, ride the Abyss, a dark tunnel tube five stories above the park. Board a two-person raft and ride Splash Blaster, rising a dizzying 80 feet above Magic Waters and plunging 35 feet over the edge. Enjoy some of the Midwest’s best body slides, the Keelhauler,

SeaSerpent and Bonzai, rising five stories above the park. Breaker Beach is everyone’s favorite wavepool, the largest in Illinois. For relaxation, float down SPLASHmagic Riv-er, a 1,200-foot-long river pool. For kids, nothing’s more fun than Splash Magic Island’s Castaway Adventure, a 50-foot tall interactive water complex with a 1,000-gallon wa-ter bucket that tips and sends water splashing everywhere. For the youngest, there’s Little Lagoon.

PHOTO BY COCO KEY WATER RESORT





Unique AttractionsBlackhawk Farms Raceway15538 Prairie Road, South Beloit815-389-2000blackhawkfarms.comThis 1.95-mile private circuit racetrack is located on a 219-acre farm on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois. Established in the mid 1960s, the track is a favorite of SCCA, Midwestern Council, VSCDA, SVRA and other local and national racing organiza-tions. Special events include Automotive Track Days for all experience levels to learn the fundamentals of track driving, and Motorcycle Track Days which gives street, sport and advanced riders the optimum envi-ronment to ride their motorcycles on a world-class race track facility.

Byron Forest Preserve/Jarrett Prairie Center7993 N. River Road, Byron815-234-8535byronforestpreserve.comFormed in 1980 to preserve a small prairie remnant and to reestablish the plant and wildlife once flourishing at the site, Byron Forest Preserve has grown to nearly 900 acres. It has many activities for visitors including the Jarrett Prairie Center natural history museum; J. Weiskopf Observatory; PrairieView Golf Club, its ac-claimed 18-hole bentgrass public golf facility; Heritage Farm Museum; Stone Quarry Park Recreation Park, and nearly 600 acres of restored dolomite prairie land. The 6.5 miles of well marked trails through the restored prairieland and wooded areas provide opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmo-biling and more.

Carlson Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park815-969-4069rockfordparkdistrict.orgPart of the Rockford Park District, this indoor ice arena is fun for all ages and open year round for hockey, figure and public skating. Sapora Playworld is Rockford’s larg-est indoor, three-level soft playground for children 5 to 12. Tiny Tots Play Space offers a safe, fun place for tod-dlers to play, exercise and explore.

Historic Auto Attractions13825 Metric Dr., Roscoe815-389-7917historicautoattractions.comAuto aficionados and nostalgia fans will get a kick out of this museum where history meets entertainment. His-toric Auto Attractions has a unique collection of more than 75 special interest autos and countless pieces of Hollywood memorabilia. See limousines used by Pres-idents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon and world leaders like Evita Peron. Tour the White House Room with furnishings used by several presidents. See the movie car from the 1967 film “Bonnie & Clyde,” and Al Capone’s 1929 Ford Model AA beer truck. View the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters Cadillac ambulance and more. In Legends of Racing, see Mark Martin’s 1980 short track Camaro stock car and Richard Petty’s earli-est race car in existence, a 1960 Plymouth.

Macktown, a Living History Education Center2221 Freeport Rd., Rockton815-624-4200macktownlivinghistory.comOn a forested bluff overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers are the remnants of Winnebago County’s earliest settlement. See life as it was in the 1830s at the home of fur trader Stephen Andrew Mack, Jr., one of the ar-ea’s first settlers, and his wife, Hononegah. Founded in 1829, Macktown, then known as Pekatonic, represents a time of change on the Illinois frontier, when the fur trade collided with a progressive world. The buildings are open to visitors, schools and groups by appointment. Grounds are open to enjoy during regular Macktown Forest Preserve hours.





Riverview Ice House324 N. Madison St., Rockford815-963-7465rockfordparkdistrict.orgRockford Park District’s original indoor ice arena, Riv-erview Ice House offers year-round ice skating on twin rinks and instruction in hockey and figure skating for all levels. Many Olympic, national and regional skating stars have trained here. Enjoy figure skating, hockey, broomball, parties, lessons and exhibitions; and the Strength and Conditioning Training Center.

Rockford Speedway/Forest Hills Lodge9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park815-633-1500rockfordspeedway.comRockford Speedway is northern Illinois’ oldest profes-sional and continuous sports venue and features a family-oriented racing schedule. The high-banked, quarter mile oval has been tabbed as “Mid-America’s Finest Race-track.” Racing is sanctioned by the National Association of Stock Car Racing, NASCAR. Rockford Speedway par-ticipates in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. The divisions that compete at the Rockford Speedway include: Late Models, All-American Sportsmen, Ameri-can Short Trackers, Road Runners, Hornets, Winged Women on Wheels and Figure 8s. The track also hosts many different touring series including: Big 8 Series, Mid-American Series, ASA Late Model Series North-ern Division, INEX Legends, INEX Bandeleros, Super Cups, FIRA Mini-Indy, Allison Legacy, Rascal Outlaws and many more. Some of the events have been shown on Speed Channel’s “On the Edge” series.

Theater/MusicCoronado Theatre314 N. Main St.815-968-0595coronadopac.orgThe historic Coronado Theatre, Rockford’s “Crown Jewel,” is the home of “Coronado Presents,” a season of live musical and entertainment shows for all ages and demographics. The regional performing arts cen-ter is an anchor for downtown Rockford and plays host to performances by the Rockford Symphony Orches-tra, the Rockford Dance Company, and the Rockford Coronado Concert Association, as well as Broadway at the Coronado. The theater maintains its original grand style, featuring Spanish castles, Italian villas, oriental dragons, starlit skies and a Grande Barton Pipe Organ, thanks to an $18.5 million restoration completed in 2001 by the Friends of the Coronado.

Davis Park at Founders Landing320 S. Wyman St.Davis Park near the MetroCentre showcases a variety of outdoor concerts, local festivals and recreational events throughout the year. Situated on seven acres along the city’s beautiful Rock River, it serves as center stage to Il-linois’ largest musical festival, On the Waterfront, which takes place over Labor Day weekend. Davis Park was giv-en to the people of Rockford by Morris and Roberta Da-vis as a place to play, celebrate and relax. Development of the park was accomplished with money from the Davis Trust, public funds and many private donations.

PHOTO BY THE ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY




Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center415 N. Church St.815-964-9713mendelssohnpac.orgMendelssohn Performing Arts Center has the distinc-tion of being the oldest, continuous community music organization in the United States. In 1884, Chandler Starr entertained her first group of Rockford music lov-ers at her home on North Main Street. Today it’s home to the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, the Mendels-sohn Chorale, the Rock Valley Children’s Choirs and the Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford. Mendels-sohn is synonymous with quality music with perfor-mances by local and world renowned artists in the Men-delssohn Series and Music on Main.

Rockford Coronado Concert Association711 N. Main St.815-968-9863rccaconcerts.orgThe association plays host to world-class performances of classical, semi-classical music and dance at the his-toric Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford. From opera to dance, symphonies to world music, live musi-cal performances are priced affordably so young people can be introduced to the magic. Established in 1936, the RCCA has brought world-class artists like Itzhak Perlman, the Vienna Boys Choir, the Teatro Lyrico d’Europa production of the opera “Carmen” and the popular Peking Acrobats.

Rockford Dance Company711 N. Main St.815-963-3341rockforddancecompany.comThe Rockford Dance Company, a pre-professional dance company, is one of four resident performing or-ganizations of the historic Coronado Theater. Now in its 35th season, it produces The Nutcracker with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra annually and a full-length ballet in the spring, as well as a variety of small concerts throughout the year in various venues. Most of the company members received their dance training through the School of Rockford Dance Company and have participated in DanceReach, the performing com-pany of the school.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra711 N. Main St.815-965-0049rockfordsymphony.comHoused at the Coronado Theatre in downtown Rock-ford, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra has enter-tained music lovers in the community since 1943. Named Illinois Orchestra of the Year, RSO performs more than 20 annual classics, pops, summer and youth concerts; featuring compositions from Beethoven, Handel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Ameri-can composer Aaron Copland and more. The orchestra has hosted some of the world’s most renowned classical music talents such as legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman and internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. RSO is




home to the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra, a performance ensemble for young people.

Starlight Theatre - Bengt Sjostrom Theatre/ Studio Theatre3301 N. Mulford Road815-921-2160rvcstarlight.comLocated on the Rock Valley College campus in Rock-ford’s east side, the world-class Bengt Sjostrom Theatre houses Starlight Theatre, the longest-running summer theater program in the Rockford area. An average of 40,000 people come each June, July and August to see productions under the theater complex’s dramatic hex-agonal dome roof made of six triangular “roof leaves.” During cool summer evening performances, the retract-able roof opens from the center point like the petals of a flower to give the audience a glimpse of the night sky through the star-shaped opening. The theater also plays host to a number of concerts and other entertainment. In winter, Rock Valley College’s Studio Theatre hosts Agatha Christie murder mysteries and original plays.

PHOTO BY GREG MURPHY


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Concerts. Professional Hockey. Harlem Globetrotters. Dis-ney on Ice. Monster trucks. The BMO Harris Bank Center has something for everyone.

Since opening in 1981, the BMO Harris Bank Center has been home to live entertainment and sporting events for residents across the region. In the last five years alone, the BMO Harris Bank Center has hosted more than 30 sold out performances such as Brad Paisley, Kelly Clark-son Reba McIntire, Toby Keith, Larry the Cable Guy, Möt-ley Crüe, Blue Man Group, and Carrie Underwood.

“We have all the amenities of a major arena, yet you are never more than 25 rows away from the action,” said Gen-eral Manager Gordon Kaye. “This facility has a great inti-macy. It’s very much reflective of Rockford. This commu-nity has everything someone could want.”

The downtown arena, which is operated by Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority (RAVE), has 7,000 seats and hosts more than 115 event days a year, most of which are open to the public. The regional destination attraction draws patrons from a 45-mile radius, including DeKalb, Marengo, Beloit, Janesville, Freeport, as well as Rockford.

“Having a corporation like BMO Harris Bank invest new dollars in the arena and Davis Park that heretofore were being paid by taxpayers is tremendous,” said RAVE Au-thority Chairman Mike Dunn. “The ongoing investment, in addition to the sponsorship dollars in the BMO Arena and Davis Park in items that reduce costs or increase efficien-cies, allow us to continue to attract better shows and larger audiences.”

One of the arena’s biggest draws is the Rockford Ice-Hogs. The hockey club is the top minor-league affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. Six months a year, the IceHogs provide quality entertainment for thousands of fans like Shane Hartje, a former season ticket holder, who still gets downtown for at least 10 games a year with his two young children.

“To live in Rockford and watch these players grow up who will someday play with the Blackhawks, that’s cool,” said Hartje, who gets to a handful of Blackhawks games as well. “The food is excellent, the parking is reasonable and the staff goes out of their way to make you feel comfort-able. From a hockey fan’s perspective, taking in a game at the BMO Harris Bank Center is the ultimate experience.”

These days, the fan experience is even better, thanks to a $23 million renovation completed in 2008 by the BMO Har-ris Bank Center Authority, City of Rockford and Winnebago County. Upgrades focused on enhancing the patron experi-ence, attracting corporate clients, improving revenue-gen-erating amenities, and increasing awareness in the region.

The project included adding a state-of-the-art video score-board, club boxes and club lounge, 11 executive suites, a new press box, a 200-person group terrace, additional bathrooms, an exterior façade update, a new box office and new entrance. Most of the renovations were complet-ed by the end of 2008.

“There’s life, activity, and an energy in the building that was lacking before,” said Kaye. “Most of all, it’s a new be-ginning. We are committed to being a strong partner in the revitalization of downtown Rockford. We need to continue to get the word out that downtown is a fun and exciting place to be.”

Others agree.

“Rockford is now beginning to understand that we are developing up and down North Main and South Main a “Cultural Corridor” for our region,” said Dunn. “From the museums, to Mendelssohn, Coronado Performing Arts Center, the Sullivan Theater, the BMO Harris Bank Center, to Davis Park, Tinker Swiss Cottage and the Ethnic Heri-tage Museum, these venues, in addition to all of the other entertainment and performance venues in the area, really cause people new to the city to stand up and take notice of who we are and what we have here.”

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Rockford GolfsThere’s no question about it, this is a city that loves golf! Rockford has a national reputation for the

quality and number of its public golf courses. It has consistently been named by Golf Digest as number

one for mid-sized U.S. cities for the excellence of its public courses. In 2005, the magazine ranked

Rockford 22 out of 330 in the United States for the quality of its golf. Between the Rockford Park District

and the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, the city offers eight of the finest and most

affordable competitive courses in the region.

Brad Benjamin has accomplished things on the golf course that most golfers can only dream about. He’s achieved success at every level, from winning the first tournament he ever played in, to doing the unthinkable – winning a national, state, and city title in consecutive tournaments.

In 2010, Benjamin became the first Rockford golfer to compete in the prestigious Masters at the Augusta Nation-al Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. Last year, Benjamin was the first Rockford native to ever make the cut at the U.S. Open.

Not since Rockford native Dean Lind defeated future U.S. Open champion and legendary golf announcer Ken Venturi in the first U.S. Junior Amateur in 1948, has there been so much buzz on the Rockford golf scene.

Benjamin was just four years old when he started swing-ing a club. Within a few years, he began putting balls on the green his father, Steve, designed in the family’s base-ment. Benjamin played in his first tournament at the age of 10, and won the nine-hole event by seven-strokes.The rising star credits his start in Rockford with the suc-cess he’s achieved on the course. “The golf resources we have in this community are amazing,” Benjamin said. “It’s not only the facilities, but the competition. I’ve played against the best golfers in the community – many of them have become my good friends.”

Rockford is a city that loves its golf. Rockford has a national reputation for the quality and number of its public golf courses. It has been named by Golf Digest as

number one for mid-sized U.S. cities for the excellence of its public courses several times.




Rockford Park District Coursesrockfordparkdistrict.org

Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford • 815-282-4653AldeenGolfClub.comThe course located near Interstate 90 on Rockford’s east side sets a new standard for upscale public golf. With 18 landscaped holes, 14,000-square-feet of putting greens, challenging water hazards on 12 of 18 holes, and 62 sand bunkers (including three Dick Nugent-designed “beach bunkers”), the course has earned 4½ stars by 2004 Golf Digest magazine’s Places to Play guidebook, the highest rating available for a public course. It was chosen as one of the “top 50 courses in the USA under $50” in the September 2004 issue of GOLF magazine. Par is 72.

The golf club is home to the Practice Centre, one of the finest practice facilities in the United States, with well positioned and shaped greens, bent grass fairway, trees, and rough areas.

Elliot Golf Course888 S. Lyford Road, Cherry Valley • 815-332-5130Opened in 1968, Elliot Golf Course is conveniently lo-cated off Interstate 90 on the city’s far east side. This 18-hole championship course was rated 3½ stars by Golf Digest. Elliot’s 6,433 yards of rolling terrain, large trees, spacious greens, and a smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make it a challenging course for any golf-er. Par is 72. The course also offers a driving range. The course is named for Earl F. Elliot, a long-time director of the Rockford Park District.

continued on page 40

In 2005, the magazine ranked Rockford 22 out of 330 in the United States for the quality of its golf. Between the Rockford Park District and the Winnebago County For-est Preserve District, the area offers eight of the finest and most affordable competitive courses in the region.Aldeen Golf Club was rated 4-1/2 stars by 2008 Golf Di-gest Magazine’s Places to Play guidebook. GOLF Maga-zine calls it one of the Thrifty Fifty (top 50 courses in the country under $50).

“If it wasn’t for the Park District and Aldeen Golf Club, I never would have played in the Masters,” Benjamin said. “You can go out there any day of the year to work on your game. I have played all over the country, and have yet to find a public course like Aldeen Golf Club. It’s quality and affordability is impressive.”

The Park District has other noteworthy golf courses. Opened in 1968, Elliot Golf Course is located off Inter-state 90, near the hotel district on Rockford’s far east side. Ingersoll Golf Course is a west side 18-hole course with narrow fairways and gently rolling terrain. Inger-soll, which includes a Learning Links four-hole course and practice center adjacent to the clubhouse, was se-

lected by the Tiger Woods Foundation to host Tiger Woods for a two-day golf clinic in 2001 and 2004. Sandy Hollow Golf Course, which opened in 1930 on the south side, is an 18-hole tree lined fairway course.

Besides the Park District, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve features three popular courses of its own – the Ledges, Macktown and Atwood. Growing up, Benjamin played many tournaments on these golf courses. “With each course, you get three different golf perspectives,” he said.

Over the past few years, Benjamin has teed it up on many of the best golf courses around the country. He’s played in tournaments with some of golf’s best, includ-ing Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. While his future appears bright, Benjamin will always have a fondness for Rockford golf.

“Each Rockford golf course has its own character,” he said. “If you play these types of courses in other parts of the country, you’re paying at least $70 or $80. In Rockford, golf opportunities are available to everyone. From a dollar perspective the golf around here doesn’t get any better.”




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Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford • 815-987-8834Ingersoll is a heavily wooded, 18-hole, par-71 course on Rockford’s west side with narrow fairways and gently rolling terrain on 6,107 challenging yards. Opened in 1922, the course is named for Lt. Clayton Ingersoll, who lost his life in an air crash over France in World War I. While there is no water, the par fours are short, and the tightly tree-lined fairways make keeping the ball down the middle imperative. Ingersoll was selected by the Tiger Woods Foundation to host Tiger Woods for a two-day golf clinic in 2001, as well as the Tiger Woods Foundation’s In the City Festival in 2004.

Ingersoll Learning Links includes a four-hole, par-three golf course, practice green, practice bunker and driving range. Dedicated in 2004, the facility is the primary site for the park district’s extensive youth instructional pro-gram, and the perfect place for families and children. Adults can level the playing field for a more competitive experience by using Cayman or “Almost Golf” balls to lengthen the Learning Links.

Sandy Hollow Golf Course2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford • 815-987-8836Opened in 1930 on Rockford’s south side, this beautiful and challenging course on 6,228 yards is by far the most popular of the five park district courses. Golf Digest rat-

ed the 18-hole, tree-lined fairway course with three stars. Par is 71. One of the more challenging holes is number 11, which requires a tee shot over a pond. Sandy Hol-low is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and placed first in the Public Space category of the 2002 City of Gardens Rockford in Bloom Awards.

Sinnissippi Golf Course1401 N. Second St., Rockford • 815-987-8838Sinnissippi Golf Course opened in 1912 and is the old-est of the five Park District courses. Centrally located in beautiful Sinnissippi Park, the nine-hole, par-37, 3,230-yard course is best known for its hilly layout and tree-lined fairways. Sinnissippi offers challenges for advanced golfers as well as opportunity for novices. From the fore-sight of the first Park District commissioners, Sinnissippi has been nationally recognized for many years. At one time, it was the longest nine-hole course in the nation.

Winnebago County Forest Preserve Courseswcfpd.org

Atwood Homestead Golf Course8990 Old River Road, Rockford • 815-623-2411Located six miles north of Rockford, this 18-hole course opened in 1971 on land donated by Seth B. Atwood. Par is 72. The course was designed by Charles Maddox to present a variety of alternatives so that golfers could select the tees most appropriate for their ability. The site includes a Clubhouse and Pro Shop remodeled from the Atwood family’s large stone homestead.

Ledges Golf Course7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe • 815-389-0979Built originally as a private course in 1966, the 18-hole course was purchased by the Forest Preserve in 1978. Par is 72. Fairway bunkers and sand traps test skill and accuracy. Water hazards are featured on 10 holes.

Macktown Golf Course2221 Freeport Road, Rockton • 815-624-7410This sporty 18-hole, 5,770-yard blue grass course was built in the 1930s. The mature trees and established conditions make it a popular course for beginning golf-ers. With limited sand traps and one small pond, the course plays rapidly. Par is 71.





Sandy Hollow Golf Course18 holes - 6,228 yards. Par 71 (Municipal)2500 Sandy Hollow RdRockford, IL 61109-2350(815) 987-8836

Sinnissippi Park Golf Course9 holes - 3,230 yards. Par 37 (Municipal)1401 N 2nd StRockford, IL 61107-3044(815) 987-8838

The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club18 holes - 6,419 yards. Par 71 (Private)5151 Guilford RdRockford, IL 61107-2410(815) 399-0682

Elliot Golf Course18 holes - 6,433 yards. Par 72 (Municipal)888 S Lyford RdRockford, IL 61108-2749(815) 332-5130

Rockford Country Club18 holes - 6,626 yards. Par 71 (Private)2500 Oxford StRockford, IL 61103-3192(815) 962-0948

Forest Hills Country Club18 holes - 6,650 yards. Par 72 (Private)5135 Forest Hills RdRockford, IL 61114-5998(815) 877-5733

Aldeen Golf Club18 holes - 7,058 yards. Par 72 (Municipal)1900 Reid Farm RdRockford, IL 61107-5644(888) 425-3336

Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links18 holes - 6,107 yards. Par 71 (Municipal)101 Daisyfield RdRockford, IL 61102-1300(815) 987-8834

Atwood Homestead Golf Course18 holes - 7,470 yards. Par 72 (Municipal)8990 Old River RdRockford, IL 61103-8738(815) 623-2411

Newburg Village Golf Club9 holes - 3,154 yards. Par 36 (Public)253 Club House DrCherry Valley, IL 61016-8810(815) 332-9002

Swan Hills Golf Course18 holes - 6,359 yards. Par 71 (Public)2600 Gustafson RdBelvidere, IL 61008-9775(815) 547-3232

PrairieView Golf Club18 holes - 7,117 yards. Par 72 (Municipal)7993 N River RdByron, IL 61010-9533(815) 234-4653 x 12

Timber Pointe Golf Club18 holes - 7,077 yards. Par 72 (Public)5750 Woodstock RdPoplar Grove, IL 61065-8837(815) 544-1935

Westlake Village Course18 holes - 6,337 yards. Par 71 (Public)3820 Westlake Village DrWinnebago, IL 61088-8024(815) 335-7177

Savannah Oaks Golf Club of Candlewick Lake18 holes - 2,925 yards. Par 35 (Public)100 Savannah DrPoplar Grove, IL 61065-6601(815) 765-0111

Red Barn Golf Course9 holes - 1,598 yards. Par 28 (Public)12379 Wagon Wheel RdRockton, IL 61072(815) 624-8037

Macktown Golf Course18 holes - 5,770 yards. Par 71 (Municipal)2221 Freeport RdRockton, IL 61072-1817(815) 624-7410

Ledges Golf Course18 holes - 6,740 yards. Par 72 (Municipal)7111 McCurry RdRoscoe, IL 61073-8288(815) 389-0979

Oregon Country Club9 holes - 2,901 yards. Par 35 (Private)250 S Daysville RdOregon, IL 61061-9701(815) 732-7405

Sugar River Greens9 holes (Public)7330 Yale Bridge RdRockton, IL 61072-9538(815) 629-2227

Rochelle Country Club Inc18 holes - 4,677 yards. Par 66 (Private)US 251 SouthRochelle, IL 61068(815) 562-6666

Area Public and Private Courses

Source: golflink.com

http://www.membersalliance.org



CherryVale Mall and The District At CherryVale7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford815-332-2440 • shopcherryvalemall.comRockford’s largest indoor shopping mall, at Harrison Avenue and Perryville Road, has more 130 stores, in-cluding Bergner’s, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney depart-ment stores, and 16 eateries. The District at CherryVale houses Barnes & Noble, Coldwater Creek, Granite City Food & Brewery, Jos. A. Bank, Talbots and more!

River District Association127 N. Wyman St., Rockford815-964-6221 • riverdistrict.comRiver District, located in Rockford’s historic downtown, offers a collection of unique boutiques and retail stores and some of Rockford’s trendiest restaurants. The dis-trict is in walking distance of some of the city’s top enter-tainment destinations including the Coronado Theatre, Sullivan Center and BMO Harris Bank Center.

North Towne MallNorth Main Street & West Riverside Blvd., RockfordNorth Towne Mall features specialty stores, restaurants and taverns, and Gustafson’s Furniture.

The Shops of Edgebrook1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford815-226-0212 • edgebrookshops.comThe Shops of Edgebrook features an eclectic mix of stores and services. The upscale shopping center has res-taurants, clothing boutiques, furniture, gifts and more. It plays host to a number of events throughout the year, including Farmers Markets and Music on the Mall in

summer and fall, the Cider N’ Cinnamon craft fair and Festival Of Fantasy Halloween Contest & Parade in fall, and a Fashion Show in spring.

Highcrest Centre1670 N. Alpine Road, Rockford815-397-6400

Machesney Park Mall8750 N. Second St., Machesney ParkMachesney Park Mall enclosed mall facilities are an-chored by Bergner’s, JC Penney Outlet Store, Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory.

MainStreet MachesneyN. Second St. & Harlem Road, Machesney Park815-877-5432This is the village’s original “downtown.” Remember shopping before the big box stores? Most of the shops are independently owned by local residents and fami-lies who have been doing business in the community for 30 years or more. The area features a beautiful streetscape, with brick walkways and old-fashioned lantern lighting.

Gateway DistrictIL 173, Machesney ParkLocated along a five-mile corridor on IL 173 between IL 251 east to the I-90 interchange, the Gateway District is a shopper’s paradise, offering national big box retailers, small-er boutique stores, financial institutions, and restaurants. Stores include Menards, Kohls, Target, Home Depot, Gord-mans, Office Depot, Pier I Imports and PetSmart.

ShoppingThere are many places to shop, both indoors and out, in

the Rockford area. Retail stores with ample parking and

distinctive selections have coalesced around key transporta-

tion intersections, including State Street and Perryville Road,

Broadway and Alpine Road, North Second Street and IL 173,

Riverside Boulevard, and State Street in downtown Rockford.

Unique stores, big box stores and shopping centers are found throughout the region.



Sports Town


The Rockford Park District’s Sportscore Complexes are revered by athletes, respected by coaches, and recognized by professional organizations as some of the finest amateur sports facilities in the Midwest and the USA.

Athletes know these as the “field of dreams.” Sports Turf Manager’s Association has twice awarded Sportscore Complexes “Sports Complex of the Year.”

Because of earned reputation and past experience, we can accommodate larger tournaments - we were selected to host the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) Region II soccer tournament five times in the past decade, and the Midwestern location for the Olympic Development Program for soccer.

The Rockford Region is the Amateur Sports Capital of the Midwest Sportscore Complexes

Sportscore One - Veteran’s Memorial Sportscore1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, IL 61103(815) 636-8339

The original Sportscore One complex is located ad-jacent to the Rock River in northwest Rockford. The 105-acre complex was built in 1983 and has 8 lighted softball diamonds, 8 regulation soccer fields, and 11 practice soccer fields.

Recreational activities at Sportscore One include soccer, softball, baseball, boating, fishing, and recreational path use. Local play plus regional and national tournaments attracts over a million visitors to this location a year, and is consistently rated as the area’s top tourist destination.

Sportscore Two8800 East Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Illinois(815) 885-1135

Sportscore Two is a busy hub of activity, a 124-acre site developed in 2001. It’s a major tourism draw on week-ends and provides local players home field advantage! On weekdays, local teams use the Sportscore Complex for practice, training, and matches. On weekends, local clubs host tournaments so players can participate close to home on high quality fields.

Sportscore Two has 19 regulation soccer fields and 14 practice fields outdoors, with an Indoor Sports Center containing 3 multi-sport surfaces. This recreation center hosts activities that include soccer, rugby, football, vol-leyball (hard court), golf, softball, basketball, Pickleball, wiffle ball, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, adapted and wheelchair sports.

The Indoor Sports Center is also the venue for trade shows, expositions, and entertainment, including women’s roller derby.




Rockford IceHogs Professional Hockey300 Elm St., Rockford815-986-6465 • icehogs.comThe IceHogs hockey organization has established itself as a staple in the Rockford community. As the longest running professional sports team in Rockford, the IceHogs prides itself on its work in the community through the IceHogs Charitable Foundation and as the premiere choice for entertainment in the Forest City. The IceHogs are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks in the American Hockey League and have an unprecedented 10-year affiliation agreement with the Blackhawks.

Rockford RiverHawks Baseball4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park815-885-BALL • rockfordriverhawks.comThe Rockford RiverHawks makes its home in Loves Park, IL in a more than 3,000-seat sta-dium off Interstate 90 and Riverside Blvd. As a Central Division member of the independent professional Frontier League, the RiverHawks plays dozens of home games against teams from across the Midwest and is host to concerts and other events throughout the summer and early fall. The team has won multiple league championships.

Rockford Foresters BaseballPO Box 611, Rockford815-708-0242 • rockfordforesters.comThe Rockford Foresters are an amateur base-ball team based in Rockford, Illinois. The team began play at Marinelli Field in down-town Rockford in the May 2010. The Forest-ers are a member of the Great Plains Baseball League and consists of college players playing in collegiate summer ball leagues. In their first season at Marinelli Field, the Foresters won the league’s Championship.


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Chamber StaffThe Rockford Chamber of Commerce staff can be reached directly with the contactinformation listed below:

Einar K. ForsmanPresident & [email protected]

Heidi GarnerExecutive Assistant to the [email protected]

Doug HessongDirector of Publications & [email protected]

Lynette JacquesAdvertising and Sponsorship [email protected]

Vee JevremovicManager of Education Programs & [email protected]

Jazzminne KeyesDirector, IGNITE Young [email protected]

Cyndie LandisFinancial [email protected]

Joy MoriartyVice President, [email protected]

Stacy MullinsDirector of [email protected]

Diane NavickisMembership Development [email protected]

Joan SundvallMembership Contact [email protected]

Valerie TippittMembership Development [email protected]


ROCKFORD CHAMBER - rockfordchamber.com

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Anderson Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Baker Tilly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Choice Funiture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Egg Harbor Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Furst Staffing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Jersey Mike’s Subs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Johnny Pamcakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Kochi Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Leading Lawyers Network . . . . Inside Front Cover

Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Maciano’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Miller Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Northern Illinois University Conference Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Octopus Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Old Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Rasmussen College, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Red Leaf Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Reno & Zahm, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Rock River Valley Blood Center . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Rock Valley College - BPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Rockford Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Rockford Career College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Rockford Christian Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Rockford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Stockholm Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SwedishAmerican Health System . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TDS Metrocom . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

University Club of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Vito’s Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Wipfli LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Advertisers IndexThe Rockford Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our advertisers for supporting this publication.

http://www.tdsbusiness.com

http://www.osfhealthcare.org/

2012 RCC Relocation Guide

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Transcript of 2012 RCC Relocation Guide