Client Successes

ATS Medical Services Rockford, IL The RRVEC Challenge Grant that ATS Medical Services received was effective in achieving positive marketing results. As a new company in a competitive market it was imperative that ATS move forward effectively and efficiently in a timely manner. Thanks to the RRVEC. -Andy Schultz
A’Wego Caledonia, IL The Challenge Grant A'Wego Enterprises Inc. (AEI) received from the RRVEC is of continuing assistance to AEI’s marketing efforts. While part of the grant assisted us with media advertising, in addition we created a 30 second information commercial which is an integral element on our web site; www.Petloader.com. Each potential customer who visits has an immediate overview of our Pet Loader product…A salesperson that never rests. Our sales have doubled over last years sales and it is due in part to this commercial; instrumental in educating and demonstrating to potential customers. We greatly appreciate the Grant. -Robert Whalen
Blackhawk Lumber, Inc. Home Design Showplace Oregon, IL
CorePole, Inc. Belvidere, IL The RRVEC Challenge Grant that Corepole received assisted us with our baseline branding of the new product. Our second grant receipt was used for Web development. -Larry Cunningham
The Depot Forreston, IL The RRVEC Challenge Grant funds received by A & B Marketing, Inc., were used in conjunction with various marketing efforts. We appreciate receiving the Grant, which have substantially moved us forward more quickly with our marketing goals. -Roger Birkholz
Deveco Corporation Belvidere, IL Deveco Corporation was able to use the EC Challenge Grant funds to secure a team of NIU students to do some much need consumer research. From their research, the team was able to formulate a marketing plan for us to use as a guideline as we progressed into an industry that was beyond our realm of experience. We feel these funds were the motivation we needed to get our project off the ground. The team of students presented their ideas & we used many of them as we launched our new Renewable Resource product line. We feel this was a positive experience for both Deveco & the NIU students. This program could benefit companies of all types & sizes and we are very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it. -Lisa Norgard
Emery Air, Inc. Rockford, IL The Entrepreneurship Center Challenge Grant awarded to Emery Air Inc. has contributed greatly to our recent growth. Our ability to attract and hire highly skilled employees is the key to our success. The award gave Emery Air the opportunity to apply additional resources to meet our employment goals and ultimately provide our customers the best possible service. -Bob Pike
Josef's Barbados Rockford, IL
Prairie Shield Belvidere, IL The Prairie SHIELD Regional Alliance continues to make progress thanks in part to a grant from the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center. The Alliance is composed of six counties (Boone, DeKalb, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago) with police/fire first responders represented, and grant funds have enabled critical research of internet based voice/data/video communications to proceed. A strategic plan is underway which will document a roadmap for first responder agencies in the six county region to lobby for more funding and set priorities to implement the next generation communications platform for public safety. Essential to this undertaking is the link to broadband capability and public/private partnerships. Grants such as this are critical for these projects to succeed.
Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. Rockford, IL The opportunity to apply for a challenge grant through the RRVEC forced us to think our new business strategy through in greater detail. As a result, we have hired a new program manager and intend to offer a new inspection service to our community. The RRVEC matching grant will be instrumental in designing an aggressive marketing strategy for this new service which should provide several new jobs over the next three years. -Teresa Beach-Shelow