Latest news with #WinnebagoCountyBoard
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ComEd Celebrates Rockford's First Graduating Class of New Market Development Initiative
BUSINESS WIRE)-- ComEd today graduated nearly a dozen participants of its first Skilled Cohort in Rockford; part of its Market Development Initiative (MDI) that provides resources and training to help create a diverse, local workforce that is qualified to take on roles in the growing energy efficiency industry. Over the course of five weeks, entrepreneurs completed training to become certified in the latest building standards and receive relevant knowledge to help advance their careers in energy efficiency, HVAC, or weatherization. 'To help support the communities we're privileged to serve, ComEd has made increasing training and contracting opportunities a top priority,' said Gil Quiniones, ComEd president and CEO. 'Through MDI, local entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses gain a competitive edge in the growing field of energy efficiency and can play a key role in advancing the clean energy transition.' MDI, launched in early 2024, integrates energy-efficiency skills training for both novice and experienced workers and entrepreneurs, while also providing opportunities for diverse vendors to obtain certifications and join a vendor database. This database will facilitate access to business opportunities through ComEd and other primary contractors. These resources aim to strengthen the current pipeline of diverse, skilled, and local talent necessary to undertake the increasing number of clean energy projects arising from the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). "The graduation of these Rockford-area residents from ComEd's Market Development Initiative represents a significant investment in our community's future," said Joseph Chiarelli, Chairman of the Winnebago County Board. "By providing our local workforce with specialized skills in energy efficiency, this program not only creates economic opportunities for our residents but also supports Winnebago County's commitment to sustainability and clean energy. We're proud to see our community members developing expertise that will benefit both their careers and our region's environmental goals." Since its inception over one year ago, ComEd's MDI program has successfully graduated a total of 80 participants across five distinct cohorts. Education and certification are offered to individuals from various experience levels and backgrounds, focusing on areas that support the energy efficiency industry, including: air sealing; mold identification and remediation; proper ventilation; and understanding how homes function as systems to improve energy efficiency. All training is provided at no cost to participants. Depending on the course, participants may be eligible for a weekly stipend, daily meals, and assistance with transportation. Additionally, ComEd's MDI enlists the support of over a dozen community-based organizations who serve as local navigators to recruit and connect job seekers and firms to training opportunities provided through the initiative. The skills and tools provided by MDI assist families and businesses throughout northern Illinois in leveraging the benefits of ComEd's award-winning Energy Efficiency Program, which includes services, rebates, and discounts to help customers manage energy usage and reduce bills. Since its start in 2008, the program has supported hundreds of thousands of families and businesses in saving a total of over $11 billion on energy bills and over 99 million megawatt-hours of electricity. Additionally, the program has contributed to reducing over 74 billion pounds of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting more than 33 million acres of trees. For an in-depth look into MDI and how individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs can apply and contribute to expanding the energy landscape, visit
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ComEd Celebrates Rockford's First Graduating Class of New Market Development Initiative
5-week, hands-on training program provides northern Illinois residents with skills to complete in Illinois' fast-growing energy-efficiency sector ROCKFORD, Ill., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ComEd today graduated nearly a dozen participants of its first Skilled Cohort in Rockford; part of its Market Development Initiative (MDI) that provides resources and training to help create a diverse, local workforce that is qualified to take on roles in the growing energy efficiency industry. Over the course of five weeks, entrepreneurs completed training to become certified in the latest building standards and receive relevant knowledge to help advance their careers in energy efficiency, HVAC, or weatherization. "To help support the communities we're privileged to serve, ComEd has made increasing training and contracting opportunities a top priority," said Gil Quiniones, ComEd president and CEO. "Through MDI, local entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses gain a competitive edge in the growing field of energy efficiency and can play a key role in advancing the clean energy transition." MDI, launched in early 2024, integrates energy-efficiency skills training for both novice and experienced workers and entrepreneurs, while also providing opportunities for diverse vendors to obtain certifications and join a vendor database. This database will facilitate access to business opportunities through ComEd and other primary contractors. These resources aim to strengthen the current pipeline of diverse, skilled, and local talent necessary to undertake the increasing number of clean energy projects arising from the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). "The graduation of these Rockford-area residents from ComEd's Market Development Initiative represents a significant investment in our community's future," said Joseph Chiarelli, Chairman of the Winnebago County Board. "By providing our local workforce with specialized skills in energy efficiency, this program not only creates economic opportunities for our residents but also supports Winnebago County's commitment to sustainability and clean energy. We're proud to see our community members developing expertise that will benefit both their careers and our region's environmental goals." Since its inception over one year ago, ComEd's MDI program has successfully graduated a total of 80 participants across five distinct cohorts. Education and certification are offered to individuals from various experience levels and backgrounds, focusing on areas that support the energy efficiency industry, including: air sealing; mold identification and remediation; proper ventilation; and understanding how homes function as systems to improve energy efficiency. All training is provided at no cost to participants. Depending on the course, participants may be eligible for a weekly stipend, daily meals, and assistance with transportation. Additionally, ComEd's MDI enlists the support of over a dozen community-based organizations who serve as local navigators to recruit and connect job seekers and firms to training opportunities provided through the initiative. The skills and tools provided by MDI assist families and businesses throughout northern Illinois in leveraging the benefits of ComEd's award-winning Energy Efficiency Program, which includes services, rebates, and discounts to help customers manage energy usage and reduce bills. Since its start in 2008, the program has supported hundreds of thousands of families and businesses in saving a total of over $11 billion on energy bills and over 99 million megawatt-hours of electricity. Additionally, the program has contributed to reducing over 74 billion pounds of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting more than 33 million acres of trees. For an in-depth look into MDI and how individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs can apply and contribute to expanding the energy landscape, visit ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 250 energy company serving more than 10.5 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. View source version on Contacts ComEd Media Relations312-394-3500 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Promising to build on 'momentum,' new faces join familiar Rockford City Council
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and the City Council began a new four-year term on Monday as newly elected city officials were seated. McNamara won election for a third time April 1, defeating Rockford real estate agent Derrick Kunz who campaigned as an independent candidate. "I'm excited to build on that momentum and continue moving our community forward with this new council," McNamara said. More: Rockford area mayors: Winnebago County needs a chairman, not 'a team mascot' There are three new faces among the city's 14 City Council members. Dawn Granath, D-9, who upset Bill Rose, former Winnebago County Board member Jaime Salgado, D-11, who defeated Isidro Barrios, and Tamir Bell, D-13, who defeated Jeff Bailey, each took an oath office, promising to uphold the Constitution. Salgado resigned his Winnebago County Board seat to become a City Council member. He said his goal is to attract economic development to the 11th Ward while eliminating blight. Granath thanked voters and said she is ready to get to work for the city. Believed to be the youngest person ever elected to Rockford City Council, Bell thanked voters for placing their trust in him. "I am standing here because of you, because of your vision, our vision, your concerns, my concerns, your hope and my hope for a better future," Bell said. McNamara thanked the three departing aldermen for their service and provided them each with a plaque. Incumbents who won re-election include Tim Durkee, R-1, Jonathan Logemann, D-2, Chad Tuneberg, R-3, Kevin Frost, R-4, Gabrielle Torina, D-5, Aprel Prunty, D-6, Janessa Wilkins, D-7, Karen Hoffman, D-8, Frank Beach, R-10, Gina Meeks, D-12, and Mark Bonne, D-14. Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@ and on X @jeffkolkey. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Newest Rockford City Council members ready to work
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election results: Here's who won contested battles for Rockford City Council, Township
Rockford residents cast ballots in the 2025 Consolidate Primary Election Tuesday, and here are the results of those races. Voter turnout was just under 6% with 5,381 people voting across the city. Ward 5: Ald. Gabrielle Torina received 49% of the vote to Virgil Hobson's 35% and Christopher Williams 16%. Ward 6: Ald. Aprel Prunty, D-6, faced a challenge from U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Lawrence Steward. Steward withdrew from the race Monday. His name remained on the ballot, but his votes were not counted. Ward 9: Dawn Granath received 65% of the vote to Ald. William "Bill" Rose's 35%. Ward 11: Winnebago County Board Member Jaime Salgado received 57% of the vote to Ald. Isidro Barrios' 42% and 1% for a write-in candidate. Ward 12: Ald. Gina Meeks received 58% of the vote to Carrie Crosby's 42%. Ward 13: Tamir Bell received 63% of the vote to Ald. Jeff Bailey's 21%, Eddie Jane Harrell's 15% and Giovanni Mikaelson's 1%. Ward 14: Ald. Mark Bonne received 81% of the vote to challenger Ali Abuihmoud's 19%. Five Democrats ran for four seats on the Rockford Township Board of Trustees. Winners were Tami Goral with 23% of the vote, Simon McNamara with 22%, Kylee Miller with 21% and L.C. Wilson with 18%. Mustafa Abdall received 16%, according to unofficial election results. There were no contested Republican primary races. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here's who won contested battles for Rockford City Council, Township
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
County Board member elected to third term seeks Rockford City Council seat
Two men experienced in local politics will face off in the Feb. 25 Democratic primary election for the chance to represent the 11th Ward in near southeast Rockford. Isidro Barrios, 64, was appointed to City Council after his friend, Ald. Tuffy Quinonez, died of a stroke in February 2023. A retired union carpenter, Barrios previously served on the Winnebago County Board from 2009 to 2012. He and his wife, Melanie, operate the El Barrio community center. As he seeks election to the seat for the first time he faces a challenge from Jaime Salgado, 43, an accountant, who has served as a Winnebago County Board Member since 2016. "I have the time and the knowledge to help with progress for the 11th Ward and the city of Rockford," Barrios said. Salgado is seeking a seat on City Council even after being elected unopposed to a third term on the Winnebago County Board in November. Salgado is serving two years probation after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving following a June 2023 DUI arrest. Salgado said he sees vast potential in the Broadway corridor and the Midtown District, but he said it is time for stronger leadership in the 11th Ward. "Some of the big challenges are helping local business grow, bringing in investment, tackling blight, fighting crime, and beautifying the ward," Salgado said. "There hasn't been leadership in creating strategic investment and growth for our ward. We have gone a long time without great representation and someone that can be a voice for the ward." Without a Republican running, the Democratic primary is likely to decide the next alderman of the ward. Early voting began Jan. 16. The Register Star sent questionnaires to City Council candidates in contested primary election races. Here are some of their responses. Age: 64 Occupation: Retired union carpenter (member of Carpenters Union Local # 58 since 1985). Hometown: Zacatecas, Mexico Family: Married to beautiful wife, Melanie, for 40 years; Five adult children and thirteen beautiful grandchildren. Education: GED Wells High School, Chicago, 1979; Penn State University, construction science. Hobbies/Interests: Fly single engine planes, help my grandchildren get opportunities in life. How do you feel about Rockford? Rockford is a great city with everything. What is Rockford getting right? Metra train to Chicago. Better communications. Clean water. What are Rockford's most pressing challenges? Economic development: Bring industry back to Rockford to produce jobs. Rockford should assist businesses obtain new permits. Property taxes: Do not increase taxes. I propose that we build new homes to help expand the tax base. Housing: Rockford needs additional housing. I propose keeping building and water connection permits free for new housing developments. Age: 43 Occupation: Accountant Hometown: Belvidere/Rockford Family: Three children: Adrian, Elena and Luisa. Education: Belvidere High School, 1999; Rock Valley College, 1999; Northern Illinois University, accountancy and finance, 2004; Rockford University, MBA — management, 2013. Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, traveling, hiking, fishing, running and home improvement. How do you feel about Rockford? I love the 815, Rockford. I like the various activities in the city, City Market, Stroll on State, 815 Day and many more. There is always something to do. Good place to work, play and raise a family. Rockfordians are great people! What is Rockford getting right? Bringing 815 pride and working hard to show our potential. We are a very diverse city. We come from all walks of life and we embrace our rich culture! What are Rockford's most pressing challenges? Public safety: We need to bring streetlights back. We need to put an emphasis on more surveillance cameras to prevent and solve crimes. Establish a Ring doorbell program for neighbors to secure their homes and record any crimes being committed. We need to work with our police department to walk through our crime statistics, determine root causes and implement initiatives to tackle the root causes. We cannot just keep throwing money to a problem without comprehensive solutions. Blight reduction: Our ward has many properties that are abandoned, boarded up or run-down. We need to find mechanisms to help current residents to improve their homes, fix condemned homes and use HUD grants for developers to refurbish homes. I would continue to push for the city and county to use the Northern Illinois Land Bank as an opportunity to invest in trustee properties. I would look into ordinances to possibly build modular or small homes in vacant lots to spur housing opportunities in our ward. Business development: Both the Broadway corridor and Midtown District have a difficult time filling store fronts and luring businesses to fill empty store fronts. I would encourage the city to invest in our business associations to connect and provide local businesses support. I would support continuation of programs like the business growth and commercial corridor revitalization programs. I would also encourage City Council to set aside a portion of casino tax revenue to provide business grants and loans at low interest rates, primarily in business districts that are struggling. Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@ and on X @jeffkolkey. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Alderman challenged by County Board member for Rockford City Council
