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IGNITE
Founding Partners
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Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C.
KMK Media Group
Williams McCarthy, LLP
Coyle-Varland Insurance Co., INC
RSM McGladrey
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
GrahamSpencer
Rockford Area Realtors
Rockford Area Economic Development Council
Williams-Manny, INC
Rock River Valley Blood Center
Rockford Park District
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
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The Ignition Switch
| July 8, 2010
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Your IGNITE Membership is a l ot like your gym membership... If you don't use it, it won't do you much good!! We want to help you use your membership to your full advantage! So start flexing your membership muscles... It's time to start getting involved!! How many of these member benefits are you taking advantage of? Could you be more involved? Step outside your comfort zone and attend an event? It's simple... Check out our website or contact Caitlin for current opportunities!
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Get Your Tickets Yet??
What: Rockford RiverHawks Game
When: Saturday, July 17 - 6:05p.m. Game Time
(4:00p. m. RBI Party)
Where: Road Ranger Stadium in Loves Park (Right off of Riverside by SportsCore II)
Who: IGNITE Members, Families and Friends! Kids Welcome!! (Must be 21 or older to purchase RBI Package)Why: Plenty of reasons!! A portion of all ticket sales benefit IGNITE and our mission to attract and retain YPs to the Rockford Region! New to town?? This event is a great way to meet new friends in a casual setting! Already have friends but looking for something to do? Join us for a burger and beer at RBI before the game and then head over to the stadium with us for tons of fun!! The reasons are endless....
How: I'm glad you asked!! Click HERE! Or... contact a Leadership Team member!!
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Understanding the MTV Generation
By Rebecca Ryan, Next Generation Consulting (5/27/01)
Ask, "What's a CD?" and most respond, "Compact Disc." Ask about
bankers' hours and you'll get a puzzled look in lieu of an answer. Ask
about planning for retirement and you'll be reminded that seeing a UFO
is more likely than receiving social security.
They're skeptical, technically savvy, and all but immune to sales
pitches. We call America's young consumers (ages 19-39) "the MTV
generation." The good news is that their earning potential is
tremendous. In September 2000, American Demographics reported that
single 18-24 year olds earning over $50,000 a year grew 75 percent from
1994 to 1997. Single 25-44 year olds earning that amount grew by 59
percent. And the number of 18-44 year olds earning upwards of a cool
100K per year skyrocketed as well.
What do we know about the MTV generation and how can you cash in?
The S's of the MTV generation
When people share their impression of Generation X (b. 1961-1980) terms
like "lazy," "slacker" and "disloyal" surface. But organizations aren't
totally sour on this generation, either. Gen Xers thrive on change, are
creative thinkers, and learn 4-5 software titles each year. Despite
their negative stereotypes, today's young have the skills and chutzpah
to lead tomorrow's teams. So let's look more closely at what makes young
consumers tick.
Skeptical. Gen Xers came of age as American institutions were crumbling.
The Iran-Contra scandal, declining U.S. scores in math and science, the
Challenger explosion, corporate downsizing and unemployment, high
divorce rates, razorblades in Halloween candy, and faces of missing
children were headlines as children came of age in the 1960's, 70's and
80's. The result? A generation of young people who don't talk to
strangers and rely on themselves. Gen Xers are skeptical.
Savvy. Gen Xers grew into savvy consumers because they were raised on a
steady diet of information and technology. This is the first generation
of Americans to understand that Apples™ have memories. Video games,
computers, and cable television exposed them to millions of megabytes of
electronic stimuli, available 24 hours a day. Gen Xers have adapted to
the information overload. They have learned to use technology and other
resources to sift through the hype. They've heard it all from the time
they mere mini-bytes themselves. Gen Xers use technology and information
as tools to make informed decisions. They're savvy consumers.
Self-reliant. 40 percent of Gen Xers were raised in single parent
households. This is America's first generation of latchkey children.
They learned how to set the VCR, set the table, and set the agenda for
what they wanted from dad on weekend visits. This generation is highly
self-sufficient and can take care of themselves. Don't micromanage them.
They want responsibility and credit for doing a good job. Generation X
is our first consumer group of multi-taskers. They rely on themselves to
build the skills and networks that will take them from the break room
to the boardroom.
Swift. Gen Xers like fast computers, quick turn-around time and instant
access. Gen Xers don't wait for organizations to open. They do research,
apply for loans, and comparison shop electronically, preferring to
search online than wait inline. Gen Xers do face to face banking less
than twice per year. Why? It's not convenient. And convenience is the
name of the game. Gen Xers want to streamline their lives, to make
things simpler, and swifter.
What are you doing to attract and keep the next generation of talent?
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 Calling All Leaders!!
IGNITE members this Chamber event is made for you!!
July 16th will be here before you know it!! 40 Leaders Under 40 honors the region's best and brightest YPs who make a difference in their community and are seen as tomorrow's leaders.
To be named one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 really is an honor.
Those chosen will be honored in a special 40 Leaders Under 40 article in the October issue of The Voice as well as at the reception on September 30 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Questions? Let Caitlin know!
Start nominating!! Nominations are due by 5:00p.m. on July 16th!
Nomination forms available HERE!
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Looking to get in some summer reading but stumped on what to read? Enter a book you like and the site will analyse its database of real
readers' favorite books (nearly 70,000 different titles so far, and
more than a million reader recommendations) to suggest what you
could read next. You can register on
the results page and build your own favorites list! Looking for other suggestions for your next read? Check out the IGNITE LinkedIn Group and join in on the discussion!! Share your all time favorite books - both for professional development as well as for leisure! 
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Rockford Rocks!!
At Ignite, we know that Rockford Rocks but we want to share what we know! Submit events, happenings, cool things to do, things you love about Rockford and we'll share with our members. Let us know what you think makes Rockford Rock!  Byronfest - July 9, 10, 11 - Byron, IL - Head to downtown Byron for their local yearly festival! Enjoy great food, two beer tents, rides, games, craft show, car show and entertainment galore! Entertainment to include Joie De Vivre, Matter of Fact, Mike & Joe, 7th Heaven, Cowboy Troy, Dot Dot Dot and more! Kids activities also available! For more info, visit their website!  Historical Walk-About - July 10 - Downtown Rockford - 10:00a.m.-Noon - Meet
at Millenium Fountain, 100 block of N. Water Street about 15 - 20
minutes before start time of 10 a.m. to tour the East State Street Business District and the Prairie Hill Neighborhood. This historic area includes a large sample of architectural styles from buildings constructed between the mid-1800's to the early 20th century. Cost $8 per person/$5 for River District Members. Order tickets by phone (815.964.6221) or day of.  Sunday in the Park - July 11 - Downtown Rockford - Davis Park - Noon-5:00p.m. - Musical performances by local and regional favorites, browsing and shopping for original, handmade items in the Artisans Market, delicious food and drink from local establishments, special kids activities... Everything you need for a leisurely afternoon downtown at Davis Park. Rockford Pro-Am - Jul y 12 - Forest Hills Country Club - 8:15a.m.-6:00p.m. - The Rockford Pro-Am is the nation's longest-running, free-standing
pro-am not associated with a professional tournament. This year's event
features 28 amateur foursomes paired with 28 professional golfers. The
foursomes play in a best-ball handicapped format, while the pros keep
straight 18-hole scores. Parking for the Pro-Am spectators will be available at the
Cadbury lots on Forest Hills Road and the Sears Essential lot on
Riverside Boulevard. A continuous free shuttle bus will run from Sears Essentials to Forest Hills Country Club. 
Rockford Chamber 100th Birthday Celebration - July 13 - 4:00-7:00p.m. - Midway Village - Celebrate the Chamber's 100th Birthday with a birthday party
and networking at Midway Village & Museum Center. It's time to celebrate! All IGNITE Members welcome! Great networking opportunity! |
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