MEDIA ADVISORY

Michael P. Dunn to Present "State of the Airport" TODAY at Forest Hills Country Club

The Media is invited to attend "State of the Airport," which is the first of nine events as part of The Parks Chamber Legislative Event Series.

The event will be held TODAY at Forest Hills Country Club (5135 Forest Hills Road).

4:00 PM: Networking Begins
4:30 PM: Welcome by Craig Carlson and Tonya Lamia from The Parks Chamber
4:45 PM: “State of the Airport” by Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) Executive Director Michael P. Dunn
5:15 PM: Networking Resumes

"The Parks Chamber Legislative Event Series provides opportunities for government leaders to share official 'State of' addresses that highlight current initiatives and successes," said The Parks Chamber Executive Director Tonya Lamia. "Our primary goal of the Series is to connect the local business community with legislative and government leaders so we can hear from them directly."

Today's event will also feature Informational Tables by federal, state, and local organizations that offer FREE and confidential services to businesses and entrepreneurs:

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: DCEO provide targeted referrals and counseling for economic opportunities to businesses, including site selection; customized workforce training; regional and local collaboration; expedited permitting, licensing and other approvals; connection to key stakeholders and civic and business partners; and potential financial support to include small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois Small Business Development Center: The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses to include free and confidential business advising, a professional referral network, access to capital, technology development, assistance to minority business owners, and more.
The Workforce Connection: TWC is the local workforce development board that provides a fully integrated and accessible workforce development system that balances the needs of individuals and businesses to ensure our region has a skilled workforce to effectively compete in the global economy. TWC provides regional employers in Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties with business services that make organizations more competitive, improve productivity, create new revenue streams, and improve acquisition and retention of valued employees.
U.S. Commercial Service: The U.S. Commercial Service recently hired a Director of International Trade, who provides free and confidential support to businesses in the Northwest Illinois territory by promoting trade, exports, and investment to help U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad.

This nine-month event Series will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from February through October from 4:00-6:00 PM at Forest Hills Country Club. Each monthly event will feature the chef's selection of heavy hors d'oeuvres, and cash bars will be open for the duration of the events.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tonya Lamia 815.997.3724 tonya@ParksChamber.com

www.parkschamber.com/legislative-event-series-2022

SERIES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FEB 16

“State of the Airport”
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) Executive Director Michael P. Dunn

MAR 16

“State of the County”
Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph V. Chiarelli

APR 20

“State of the State”
Illinois State Representative Dave Vella

MAY 18

“State of the State”
Illinois State Representative Joe Sosnowski

JUN 15

“State of the State”
Illinois State Representative Maurice West II

JUL 20

“State of the State”
Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson

AUG 17

“State of the State”
Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman

SEP 21

“State of the Schools”
Harlem Consolidated School District 122 Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough

OCT 19

“State of The Parks”
City of Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury & Village of Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson