Members and prospective members of The Parks Chamber are invited to join us via Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 AM to learn more about the chamber, our events, and the benefits of membership. 

Advance registration is requested, and the Zoom link with dial-in details are provided below:

• Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83698309372
• Meeting ID:  836 9830 9372
• One tap mobile:  +13126266799,,83698309372#
• Dial by phone:  312-626-6799

Bret Michaels with Tommy DeCarlo (Singer of The Band Boston) and 7th Heaven
Saturday, September 17
6:00 pm (Gates Open @ 5:00 pm)
Rivets Stadium

• VIP: $89 SOLD OUT – Private Cash Bar & Restrooms (Access To Stage PIT)
• STAGE PIT: $69
• FIELD GA: $45
• GA GRANSTAND: $35

• 4:00 PM:  Networking Begins
• 4:30 PM:  Welcome & Featured Speakers
• 5:15 PM:  Networking Resumes

SEPTEMBER 21 FEATURED SPEAKER: 
“State of the Schools” by Harlem Consolidated School District 122 Superintendent Dr. Terrell Yarbrough


Ronald Terrell Yarbrough was named Superintendent of Harlem Consolidated School District #122 in July of 2021 after a 20-year career in education to include eight years as Principal of Harlem High School and work with public, private, charter, and parochial schools. Dr. Yarbrough earned his Doctor of Education degree from Aurora University, his Master’s degree from Marquette University, and his Undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Dr. Yarbrough is an avid sports fan, and he has coached both basketball and track at the high school level. He is dedicated to focusing resources and energy on helping diverse learners realize they have unlimited potential through academic programming at all levels Pre-K through Grade 12.

• 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.

COMEDIAN CHARLIE BERENS BRINGING MIDWEST SURVIVAL

GUIDE TOUR TO CORONADO PAC SEPT. 23

Tickets On-Sale Jan. 14

ROCKFORD, IL (January 7, 2022) – Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host and creator of the "Manitowoc Minute" Charlie Berens will perform live at the Coronado Performing Arts Center as part of his “Midwest Survival Guide” tour on September 23 at 8p.m. Tickets for the event start at $33.50 and go on-sale Friday, January 14 on Ticketmaster.com, in-person at the Coronado Performing Arts Center box office and by phone at 815-968-5222.

Berens is a Wisconsin native and has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News and more. In 2017, Charlie began the viral Midwest comedic news series “Manitowoc Minute.” His fans flock daily to his Facebook page to view his content, where he currently has over 1.8 million followers. After garnering hundreds of millions of views, he’s toured the United States selling out venues within minutes.

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About Charlie Berens

CHARLIE BERENS is an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. The Wisconsin native has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News and more.

Charlie began his career working for MTV News' Choose or Lose. In 2012, Tribune Media tapped Charlie to host the comedic news show “Nightcap.” In 2013, he won an Emmy for "The Cost of Water" while reporting for KDAF, a television station in Dallas, TX.

In 2014, CBS Sports Network hired Charlie to host the sports gameshow “You’re So Money.” Also in 2014, PMC (Variety, Deadline) made Charlie the host of their comedy/entertainment news brand @Hollywood. From red carpets to Sundance to SXSW to Coachella, Charlie has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, politicians, actors, and musicians.

Charlie is a frequent collaborator on Funny or Die. His comedic mashups including “If Jack Dawson Was Really from Wisconsin” have garnered more than 13 million views.

In 2017, Charlie began the viral Midwest comedic news series “Manitowoc Minute.” His fans flock daily to his Facebook page to view his content. He currently has over 1.8M Facebook followers. After garnering millions of views, he’s toured the United States selling out venues within minutes.

Most recently, Charlie’s Midwest-focused sketch comedy videos have garnered hundreds of millions of views. In addition to sketch comedy and the Manitowoc Minute, Charlie also hosts Dark Side Of on Discovery ID.

• MembersAlliance Credit Union President Cheryl Sio
• City of Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury
• The Parks Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Craig Carlson
• Rockford Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Dan Ross
• Young at Heart Royal Court
• Aldermen, Trustees, and senior staff from the City of Loves Park and Village of Machesney Park
• Board Members from The Parks Chamber of Commerce