Date: 5/12/2010
Local partnerships will benefit area nonprofit organizations
ROCHELLE, IL…The Rochelle Area Chamber of Commerce & Business Development in partnership with the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Kishwaukee College Center for Business Development and Continuing Education, and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) recently held a Dialogue with over 30 area nonprofit groups to assess their need for support programs and services.
The meeting was facilitated by NICNE Director Pam Reidenbach who led an extensive discussion about the issues facing nonprofits; trends in the sector; and how to work together to address and solve common concerns. Issues included marketing, staffing, computer training, funding, volunteer recruitment and retention, increased demand for services, fundraisers, strategic planning, board development and training, overcoming the diversity of clients, staff benefits, and the need for affordable office space.
The trends are changing in the nonprofit sector with greater demands being placed on social services and fewer resources committed to the work. Cultural differences, an aging population, multi-generational families, and the lack of service by youth are just some of the problems local agencies face.
“The Chamber has the opportunity to positively impact local nonprofits by facilitating partnerships between local business and industry and social service agencies in need of volunteers and operating funds”, said Chamber Executive Director Peggy Friday. “We are creating special services, educational programs, networking and sharing opportunities that will be offered to our nonprofit members”, Friday added.
Leading the Chamber’s efforts is Dave Gerber, Financial Representative/Agent for COUNTRY Financial in downtown Rochelle. Gerber is also an active Chamber Delegate. Jessica Hughes, Executive Director of the Rochelle Child Care Center will assist.
The Chamber of Commerce is ready to assist nonprofits through marketing and promotion. “Too often the community is not aware of the support available to individuals and families until there is a crisis”, said Friday.
The office is assembling a comprehensive list of agencies. If your nonprofit group would like to be included in future discussions and receive information on upcoming events, please contact Peggy Friday, Chamber Executive Director for more information. A nonprofit Chamber membership is affordable and includes membership in the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence, based at Rockford College.
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