ABOUT TRANSFORM ROCKFORD
ABOUT TRANSFORM ROCKFORD
Transforming Our Region From Within
When you make the list of “Most Miserable Cities in the U.S.,” you have two options – you can accept the label and continue living in misery, or you can step up and decide to change. Rockfordians chose the latter, and Transform Rockford was born, a movement designed to rally and guide all of us living in the Rockford region to see Rockford in a new light – one of opportunity, innovation and desirability. This community-driven, grassroots movement was formed to be more than a cheerleader. It began as a catalyst for real change, and as a source for our community members to share their ideas and implement them in order to improve the social and economic well-being of our region. Transform Rockford gives residents a way to get inspired, become engaged, and to see the good, the bad and the great of Rockford and help shape a Community Transformation plan that makes a real difference. And it’s working. Our community-wide goal is to become a “Top Community by 2025” and thanks to the commitment, dedication and creativity of our fellow community members, we are on our way.
Transforming Our Region From Within
When you make the list of “Most Miserable Cities in the U.S.,” you have two options – you can accept the label and continue living in misery, or you can step up and decide to change. Rockfordians chose the latter, and Transform Rockford was born, a movement designed to rally and guide all of us living in the Rockford region to see Rockford in a new light – one of opportunity, innovation and desirability. This community-driven, grassroots movement was formed to be more than a cheerleader. It began as a catalyst for real change, and as a source for our community members to share their ideas and implement them in order to improve the social and economic well-being of our region. Transform Rockford gives residents a way to get inspired, become engaged, and to see the good, the bad and the great of Rockford and help shape a Community Transformation plan that makes a real difference. And it’s working. Our community-wide goal is to become a “Top Community by 2025” and thanks to the commitment, dedication and creativity of our fellow community members, we are on our way.
Mission
To facilitate the Rockford Region’s transformation into a Top 25 community.
How We Facilitate
- Fostering a climate that reflects our shared values, and
- Ensuring that the execution of the strategic plan developed by the community results in the improvement of social and economic well being of our community and its residents.
Mission
To facilitate the creation and implementation of a strategic plan by the community for the purposes of dramatically improving the social and economic well-being of the community and its residents.
The Journey
The Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Steering Committee
Steering Committee

Roberta Holzwarth
Holmstrom & Kennedy
The people and opportunity to be involved, do interesting work, and have fun here have made coming home to Rockford one of my best decisions.

Christie Jarrett
Chair, Stenstrom

Bill Gorski
Treasurer, Community Member
I love Rockford because it is a community of great diversity, authenticity, and resilience.

LoRayne Logan
Vice Chair, Workplace Staff & Search
I love Rockford because of the multitude of ways in which people can connect. The community is large enough to be interesting and enjoyable yet small enough for residents to have good friendships and a sense of community.

Ben Bernsten
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois

Jim Keeling
Hinshaw & Culbertson

Paul Logli
United Way of Rock River Valley

Daniel Saavedra
Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects
I love Rockford because it’s a city that finally understood that maintaining our traditions, but at the same time, having a progressive attitude are the magnets needed to attract businesses and achieve a great affordable quality of life!

Theresa Kegley
Movement Fitness
Rockford has the abundance of a city, yet the community of a small town. This is where we chose to learn, play, work and worship. I am proud to call Rockford home for myself, my family, and our business.

Leon Smith
Rockford public Library

Honorable K. Patrick Yarbrough
Retired 17th Judicial Court, Associate Judge

Terry Voskuil
Woodward
Staff
Staff

David Sidney
Executive Director
I love our downtown, parks, and forest preserves!

Diane Zammuto
Operations Coordinator
I don’t love Rockford because it’s my hometown, I love Rockford because it’s a town that feels like home.

Spitaman (Spitty) Tata
PROGRAM MANAGER

Cira Bennett
Great Neighborhood's Program Director
Strategy Team Co-Leads
Strategic Support Team

Jeff Stewart
Scorecard & Visualizations Team Co-Lead

Zabrina Simonton
Scorecard & Visualizations Team Co-Lead

David Byrnes
Plan Drivers Team
I love Rockford because it’s a great place to raise a family, plus there is so much to do here.

Lauren Zerey
Plan Drivers Team

Jeff Fahrenwald
Red Team
I love Rockford for the great local restaurants, outdoor music all summer long and friendly, welcoming people who really are committed to making this area great!

Mike Schablaske
Red Team
I love the wide variety of towns, cultures, industry and recreation we have in this region. We have lots of opportunity to be productive and enjoy life.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Your voice matters! If you have a question, comment or idea, share it here.
Phone Number
815.977.5840
Email
info@transformrockford.org
Work Hours
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm
Address
303 N Main, Suite 110
Rockford, IL 61101