

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: 4th Annual Business (& Economic Development) Summit
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 07:45 am – Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 03:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Rockford does not chase progress. Rockford engineers it.About this EventThe 2026 Rockford University Business Summit brings together regional leaders, employers, and innovators to explore the ideas, strategies, and partnerships, shaping what comes next for our economy. This year’s focus is on “The Progress Paradigm” and will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Join us from 7:45 am – 3:00 p.m. in the Burpee Student Center at Rockford University.In the spirit of collaboration, this year Rockford University is partnering with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce to focus on Economic Development for the region as an integral part of the Business Summit.The registration fee for this event includes breakfast and lunch. A Networking Expo will provide an opportunity for B2B connections, networking, and informal conversations. Interested organizations can reserve and pay for an 8-ft table during registration. All tables will be in the same area. Organizations can set up their displays before 8 am or between 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.Agenda🕑: 08:15 AMOpening Remarks🕑: 08:25 AMRockford University Update🕑: 08:40 AM - 10:00 AMKeynote Panel Discussion: The Progress ParadigmInfo: Panelists: Kika Young, President, Forest City Gear; Sam Kirker, CEO, SJK Enterprises; Julie Bosma, President &amp; CEO, United Way of Rock River Valley; Matthew Simpson, 815 Capital &amp; Think Big! Moderated by Martesha Brown, Market President, Midland States Bank.🕑: 10:00 AMRemarks by Mayor Tom McNamara🕑: 10:30 AMBreakout SessionsInfo: Choice of The Future Workforce [Student Panel]; Conflict Transformation [Master Class]; Operational Excellence Meets Human-Centered Culture [Master Class]🕑: 11:15 AMNetworking EXPO🕑: 12:00 PMLunch &amp; Lunch Keynote: Dave Hataj, Founder, Craftsman with Character🕑: 12:45 PMFuture of Utilities🕑: 01:30 PMPanel Discussion: Economic Development🕑: 02:30 PMFuture of Trade/logistics
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/rockford/4th-annual-business-and-economic-development-summit/100001989904981366
- **Event Categories**: business, workshops, exhibitions
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0
- **Event Highlights**: 
  - Duration: 7 hours 15 minutes
  - Location: 5050 E State St
  - Languages: English

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 33.85, max: 108.55, currency: USD

## Event venue details

- **city**: Rockford
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 5050 E State St
- **lat**: 42.2645044
- **long**: -89.0184415
- **full address**: 5050 E State St, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: 4th Annual Business (&amp; Economic Development) Summit
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/da0d25f8f4d5b2348a85cd47bac5f477c3b989cd9b835337c187e06b243737fe-rimg-w860-h568-dcd8d7d9-gmir.jpg?v=1779200348

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is 4th Annual Business (& Economic Development) Summit being held?
  - **A:** 4th Annual Business (&amp; Economic Development) Summit takes place on Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 07:45 am to Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 at 03:00 pm at 5050 E State St, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing 4th Annual Business (& Economic Development) Summit?
  - **A:** 4th Annual Business (&amp; Economic Development) Summit is organized by RU College of Professional and Extended Learning.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** 4th Annual Business (&amp; Economic Development) Summit is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Rockford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If 4th Annual Business (&amp; Economic Development) Summit sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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