Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

09/15/2026

For 20 years, Rockford has made a Promise.

What began as an ambitious idea to make higher education more accessible has grown into a community-wide effort supporting hundreds of Scholars as they pursue college degrees and build their futures.

On September 24, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Rockford Public Library, join Rockford Promise for the Platinum Promise Gala to celebrate 20 years of impact and help ensure the Promise continues for generations to come.

Hear firsthand from the people who helped build Rockford Promise and those experiencing its impact today, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a silent auction featuring unique local experiences.

Come celebrate what Rockford has built together!

🎟️ The registration deadline is this Thursday! Get your ticket today: www.bit.ly/PlatinumPromise

09/09/2026

HOTTEST HOUSING MARKET! Realtor.com's August 2026 Hottest Housing Markets rankings are out. The top spot? Rockford, IL!

Homes are affordable, we're close to major cities, and we have a music, food, and arts scene that provides a promising sense of community. Rockford is proof that opportunity and affordability can be found in one place.

As an affordable and commuter-friendly alternative to neighboring Chicago and Madison, Rockford, IL, has all the access with far less cost.

09/09/2026

Congratulations to Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. on the official deployment of their groundbreaking AquaNereda® Aerobic Granular Sludge technology, which is now fully operational at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority.

This advanced system cuts energy use, shrinks the environmental footprint, and protects our water resources while proving that our community remains a powerful hub for world-class engineering.

It never ceases to amaze us that global, industry-leading technology is engineered and built right here in our region.

09/09/2026

Visitor spending is up 5 percent in Winnebago County, a record for our region! The momentum is real, the feedback is great, and people are telling their friends how great it is to be here. Thank you to the people and businesses who make this happen!

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Here's to the workers, dreamers, and doers who keep our community running strong. Enjoy the day, you've more than earned it.

09/03/2026

How lucky are we that this piece of paradise is right here in our region?

The word is officially out for Hidden Creek Estates' wine barrel rooms and we're thrilled to see such positive coverage about them! Thank you for making our region a better place to stay and play!

Hidden Creek Estates in Roscoe, Illinois, debuted five new Wine Barrel Guest Homes, with king-size beds and private patios.

09/02/2026

This is a great article about our super cool city. It honors our legacy and energy and puts into words how we're using those things to propel forward.

"Through creative reinvention, deep community roots, and a willingness to invest in local culture, the city is not just preserving its heritage but also actively shaping a new narrative — one in which resilience and pride fuel a vibrant resurgence."

A city’s transformation from factory floors to cultural innovation—and why that matters for artists seeking community and opportunity

09/02/2026

DID YOU KNOW? As America mobilized for WWII, Rockford's manufacturing expertise became a critical national asset. Local factories rapidly shifted production to supply precision components and advanced aviation systems for military aircraft.

A primary driver of this wartime transformation was Sundstrand. The company's lineage began as the Rockford Milling Machine Company, which later evolved into the Sundstrand Machine Tool Company. Long before building advanced flight systems, they were famous for precision commercial innovation, including inventing the revolutionary 10-key adding machine layout used on computer keyboards today.

When war broke out, Sundstrand pivoted its precision industrial engineering to the skies. They redesigned the core hydraulic technologies from their factory tools into revolutionary Constant Speed Drives (CSDs) for military bombers like the Convair B-36. Following subsequent modern mergers, this evolution moved through United Technologies (Hamilton Sundstrand), and today, that manufacturing legacy continues as part of Collins Aerospace.

This October, the tradition of innovation continues right here in Rockford. Aerospace industry leaders and innovators are gathering for the MAC2026: Midwest Aerospace Conference to connect, share insights, and discuss the future of Midwest manufacturing.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation!

📅 When: October 14–15, 2026
🏢 Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
⚠️ Registration closes October 2
🎟️ Secure your spot today: https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/mac2026-midwest-aerospace-conference-1608362?sourceTypeId=Website

09/01/2026

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: It's time to celebrate the women making a real impact in our business community! Nominations for our Women in Business Awards are now open, and we'd love your help recognizing the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who deserve the spotlight.

Nominations close October 2, 2026 at noon — don't miss the deadline!

Nomination details here: rockfordchamber.com/recognize-a-leader/2026-woman-business-owner-of-the-year-nomination-prompt/

08/31/2026

Congratulations to Palace Wine Barr! We helped cut the ribbon on downtown's newest place to hang. We can't wait to see the city celebrate, meet up, have fun, and enjoy this great spot!

It's wine time, Rockford!