Event Details
May 20th, 2025 Local Government Update & Workforce Development
| Date: | May 20, 2025, 8:00am – 10:00am |
| Organizer: | Zach Rice and Maureen Hagen: VP of Professional Development |
| Location: | Rockford City Market 116 N Madison Street Rockford, IL 61107 |
| Price: | No Cost for RASHRM Members / $50 Non-Members |
| Event Type: | Meeting |
| iCal link | Add to Calendar |
Register via the link below:
http://rockford.shrm.org/forms/may-20th-2025-local-government-update-workforce-development
AGENDA:
8:00-8:15: Register and light breakfast provided
8:15-8:20: Welcome from the Board
8:20-8:30: Word from Sponsor - M3 Insurance
8:30- 9:45: Tom McNamara & Angela Larson
PRESENTATION INFORMATION:
This month’s Rockford SHRM meeting focused on critical insights around local government initiatives and the future of workforce development in our region.
We were honored to welcome Angela Kay Larson of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce as our keynote speaker. Angela brought a powerful perspective rooted in both strategic leadership and community impact. With a rich background in marketing, business strategy, and economic development across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, she shared actionable insights into how Rockford is prioritizing workforce readiness, talent retention, and regional growth. Angela’s engaging presentation highlighted how local partnerships, employer collaboration, and strategic investments are fueling the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen the business landscape in Rockford. She also emphasized the importance of aligning workforce needs with educational pipelines and leveraging data to drive long-term success.
We also appreciate opening remarks from Mayor Tom McNamara, who will provide a high-level update on local government initiatives, economic priorities, and the collective effort to create a thriving, sustainable Rockford.
PRESENTERS: Angela Kay Larson & Mayor Tom McNamara
Angela Kay Larson is a proven business leader, strategist, and marketing professional with a recognized talent for building collaborative working relationships and driving execution through leadership, coaching, and team dynamics – all toward translating business strategy into action. Angela has experience in several sectors including manufacturing, non-profit, tourism, economic development, healthcare, and agriculture. Before joining the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in August 2024, Angela served clients through her consulting firm, Grindstone Strategic. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of Marketing for Woods Equipment Company, a Division of Oregon Tool where she was responsible for new product initiatives, pricing optimization, channel communication, brand awareness, and facilitation of overall business strategy. Earlier in her career, Angela served as Director of Marketing for SwedishAmerican Health System, now UW Health. Currently, Angela is Chairman of the Board of German American State Bank, a Foresight Financial Bank, and serves on the board of Hargrove Association Insights, a research and collective intelligence firm. Angela is married to a fourth-generation farmer and lives on a farmstead in the rolling hills of Pecatonica.
Tom McNamara is the 41st Mayor of Rockford, Illinois, having first taken office on May 1, 2017. He is the son of former Mayor John McNamara, who served from 1981 to 1989. Prior to his mayoral tenure, Tom represented Rockford’s east and west sides, as well as downtown, as the 3rd Ward Alderman. Mayor McNamara holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology and criminology and a master’s degree in nonprofit administration, both from John Carroll University in Cleveland. He and his wife, Sarah, reside in the Churchill’s Grove neighborhood with their two children. Mayor McNamara serves on various boards, including the Illinois Municipal League Board of Directors, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Workforce Connection Board. In April 2021, he was re-elected unopposed for a second term, and in April 2025, he secured a third term with 78% of the vote.
Sponsor: M3 Insurance
Thank you to our monthly sponsor. We appreciate your organization being a resource to our community!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Rockford Area SHRM is a professional association serving the greater Rockford area. We are dedicated to professional development and building community for individuals who regularly engage in some aspect of the human resources profession.
The mission of Rockford Area SHRM is to advance the human resources professional by providing opportunities to share best practices through experiences, education and networking.
Members of the Rockford Area SHRM are able to attend most events at no additional cost. You will find events at https://rockford.shrm.org/. Be sure to register for events through the website.
