Winnebago County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

RVC takes lead in complex redevelopment

Officials from the City of Rockford, Rock Valley College, and the Rockford Local Development Corporation have announced plans to redevelop the Barber-Colman Complex in the city’s southwest.

The city purchased the industrial property in 2002, and plans to rename it Colman Village. The centerpiece of the complex will be the Rock Valley Technical Education and Training Center. It will house training programs in various manufacturing fields, as well as skills such as welding and hydraulics.

This movement of programs is part of a greater realignment by the college, which aims to reduce their overall operating costs. Furthermore, the college’s cold forming manufacturing programs have machines too large to fit in their current location.

Brooks resigns from Park District Board

The Rockford Park District Board has accepted the resignation of Commissioner Douglas Brooks, as he will be moving out of the community.

Brooks served on the Board since 2003 and influenced the strategic priorities to include indoor facilities for year-round use to overcome weather dependency challenges of parks and recreation in the Midwest.

His foresight led to what has become known as the Reclaiming First sports tourism economic development initiative. The District has also been implementing lean strategies, thanks to Commissioner Brooks bringing the idea to the District.

Commissioners declared a vacancy and seek a replacement for Brooks to the volunteer position.

Applicants must be a registered voter, and must have resided within the Rockford Park District boundaries for a minimum of one year. Applications must be received by the appointed Park District staff on or before 5 p.m. on July 29.

Park District honored as “healthiest” company

Rockford Park District received national recognition as one of the “Healthiest Companies in America” by Interactive Health, a national leader known for its personalized wellness solutions.

Rockford Park District was one of 154 companies out of over 2,000 Interactive Health clients across the country being recognized for helping employees make significant and sometimes life-saving changes to improve their health. This is the second year the Rockford Park District has won the award.

With the help of strategic and flexible wellness initiatives, the Healthiest Companies in America recipients have accomplished tremendous success, achieving participation rates in excess of 70 percent and a low-risk health score for their total population, based on rigorous and clinically sound health evaluations.

In 2015, the Rockford Park District experienced a participation rate of 77.6% by eligible employees and spouses, an increase of 5.1% from 2014 and employees’ individual scores improved in 2015 verses 2014. This score was better than some of Interactive Health’s healthiest clients.

“We are thrilled to receive this national recognition, which is a reflection of our employees’ commitment to their own health and wellness,”  said Director of Human Resources Rhashonda Williams. “Healthy and more productive team members will in turn provide better, higher quality services to our citizens, and at the same time, lower healthcare costs for taxpayers,”

United Way seeks nominees for Ware Award

United Way of Rock River Valley is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Frank Ware Award of Excellence, awarded to individuals in our area who exemplify a high-level of excellence in service to others, human service advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to our community.

This award honors the spirit of Frank Ware, former President/CEO of Janet Wattles Center, who spent over 30 years advocating and fighting for quality care on behalf of the most marginalized members in this community. His high standards and expectations resulted in better care for those in need.

One award recipient will be determined by a committee of community leaders and announced during United Way’s Campaign Kickoff breakfast event in September. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 10 and are available at www.wevolunteer.org.

For more information on United Way’s Frank Ware Award of Excellence, contact Linda Childers by calling 815-968-5400.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–