Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Urban Farmgirl
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Women-Owned Businesses in the Stateline all month long!
Today, we’re celebrating Mary Gulbrantson from Urban Farmgirl! Mary’s journey started in 2000 with a booth at a suburban Chicago flea market, and 12 years later, fate led her to a charming neighborhood shop—a historic corner grocery store building—where Urban Farmgirl as we know it truly blossomed.
Supporting local women-owned businesses means investing in the people, stories, and creativity that make Rockford so special.
Presented by Clodius & Company – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more.
Listen to the full interview here:
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Workplace Staffing
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women-owned businesses in the Stateline all month long! Supporting local isn’t just a trend—it’s how we keep our community thriving.
A huge thank you to Lesly from Workplace Staffing for stopping by! With over 35 years of experience, Workplace Staffing has been a driving force in connecting people with opportunities right here in the Rockford area. Their team knows the heart of our community—its values, worth, and challenges—making them experts at attracting top talent.
Let’s show up for the incredible women entrepreneurs shaping our city! Tag your favorite women-owned businesses in the comments and let’s spread the love. Presented by Clodius & Company – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more!
Listen to the full interview here:
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Halo Bakeshop
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on amazing women-owned businesses in the Stateline all month long, thanks to Clodius & Company – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more!
A huge thank you to Liz from Halo Bakeshop for stopping by to share her sweet story! From cupcakes and cookies to stunning cakes for any occasion, Halo Bakeshop is your one-stop shop for all things sweet!
Supporting local means supporting dreams—let’s lift up the incredible women making a difference in our community!
Listen to the full interview here:
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Sheila's Daiquiri Lounge
Dream it. Do it. Own it! In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the amazing women-owned businesses in the Stateline all month long! Supporting local means supporting the incredible women turning their dreams into reality.
Huge props to Sheila from Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge for stopping by! Not only did she dream of opening a daiquiri bar—she made it happen while still working her full-time job! With the support of her husband and her unstoppable drive, Sheila brought her vision to life, creating the perfect spot to sip, relax, and enjoy.
Presented by Clodius & Company – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more!
Listen to the full interview here:
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: After the Vine
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on women-owned businesses in the Stateline all month long! Supporting local means supporting the incredible women who pour their passion into making our community better.
A huge thank you to Connie from After the Vine for stopping by! She personally hand-picks wines from around the world to bring unique and high-quality selections to the Stateline. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass, After the Vine is the perfect place to sip and discover something new!
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Signature Ink & Beauty
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in the Stateline all month long!
Big thanks to Felicia Viveros Signature Ink & Beauty for stopping by. She turned her own struggle with acne into a passion for helping others feel confident in their skin.
Supporting local women-owned businesses isn’t just good for our community—it’s a way to uplift dreams, empower entrepreneurs, and keep Rockford thriving!
Presented by Clodius & Co. Jewelers – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more.
Listen to the full interview here:
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Porch
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in the Stateline all month long!
Today, we’re shining a light on Lori Wetzel, owner of Porch in Rockford! Five years ago, Lori took over the business, and ever since, she has poured her heart into curating the perfect mix of home décor, gifts, and unique finds that make Porch a true gem.
She handpicks every item with love and intention—whether it’s for an adorable sweater, charcuterie board or the perfect statement piece for your home. Every corner of her shop tells a story, and that’s what makes shopping local so special.
Supporting local women-owned businesses isn’t just about shopping—it’s about celebrating the creativity, passion, and dedication behind them.
Presented by Clodius & Company – Rockford’s custom jeweler and more.
Saluting Women Owned Businesses: Little Bow Blossoms
In honor of Women's History Month, we're celebrating women-owned businesses in the Stateline all month long—presented by Clodius & Co. Jewelers.
Today, we're shouting out Summer Harson, the creative force behind Little Bow Blossoms!
Summer started her business as a way to do something fun for herself and her newborn daughter—and now she’s spreading joy with her adorable handmade bows!
Supporting local, women-owned businesses means investing in our community and the incredible women making it thrive! Let’s lift them up, shop small, and show our love!
Listen to the full interview here:
LISTEN: Nicole Bennett is Back on the Ballot: Shaping the Future of Rockford Schools!
We are thrilled to announce that Nicole Bennett, a dedicated advocate for education and current member of the Rockford Public Schools (RPS) Board joining us to discuss her re-election campaign. Nicole's commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students has been evident throughout her tenure, and she is eager to share her vision for the future of our school district.
Nicole Bennett's journey with RPS began when she was elected to the school board in 2023, defeating longtime incumbent and board president Jude Makulec.
Since then, she has been instrumental in addressing key issues such as middle school on-track rates, high school graduation rates, and increasing student engagement.
As she embarks on her re-election campaign, Nicole is hosting a kickoff event titled "Warm Hearts, Bright Futures" on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Illinois Bank and Trust Pavilion. The evening will feature cocktails, remarks, dinner, and dancing, providing an opportunity for community members to engage with Nicole. Listen to the interview below!
LISTEN: Celebrate 14 Years of Autism Awareness with the Rockford IceHogs
The Rockford IceHogs are set to host their 14th annual Autism Awareness Night, presented by LawnCare By Walter, this Saturday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. as they take on the Chicago Wolves at the BMO Center. This event is more than just a game—it's a celebration of inclusion, support, and community impact.
Highlights of the Night:
Specialty Jersey Auction
The IceHogs will don specialty jerseys honoring Chicago Storm Special Hockey (CSSH), an organization providing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to play hockey. Players from CSSH range in age from 5 to 55 and include athletes with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities. After the game, auction winners will take home these jerseys right off the players' backs!
Mystery Pucks
Grab a specially designed mystery puck featuring the Storm logo, signed by IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks players. It's a fun way to support the cause while adding a surprise collectible to your hockey memorabilia.
Supporting the Cause
A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit The Autism Program (TAP) at Easterseals, serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford. Over the past 13 years, the IceHogs have raised over $200,000 for TAP, making a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism.
Autism Awareness Night is a testament to the Rockford IceHogs' commitment to fostering inclusion both on and off the ice. Be part of this incredible night of hockey, community, and purpose.
Listen to the full interview with the Chelsea & Friends Morning Show and IceHogs’ Mike Peck below to learn more about why this event means so much to Rockford and how you can make an impact!