Roscoe, Rockton come together to launch Stateline Chamber
By Jean Seegers
Reporter
MACHESNEY PARK – It was party time at Forest Ridge Events Center, 11189 Forest Hills Road, Thursday evening, Feb. 11. After three years of planning, compromising and working together, members of the Roscoe and Rockton Chambers came together to celebrate the creation of the Stateline Chamber of Commerce.
The evening included a four-course dinner, a short program and music provided by Miles Neilsen and the Rusted Hearts.
Vice President and Marketing Director Ryan Rydell said the culmination of the merger was a huge relief.
“Merging the two chambers will result in one bigger and better chamber,” he said.
Chamber President Laura Baluch explained how the merger came to be.
“Uniting the chambers would only happen if members of both chambers wanted it. There were many legal and logistical steps involved,” she said.
“Members from both the Rockton and Roscoe Chambers overwhelmingly supported the merger. We have taken two great chambers and made it one great chamber.”
Stateline Executive Director Mickey Heinzeroth said the merger brought 95 Rockton members and 270 Roscoe members together. “All stayed the course.”
Heinzeroth said the merger will result in “more events, more educational, networking and marketing opportunities and more fun.”
Stateline Chamber unveiled a new website – www.statelinechamber.com, and a new orange and blue logo with the theme: “Connect, Grow and Prosper.”
The first community event sponsored by the new chamber will be Ro-Ro Expo, March 12-13. This year Ro-Ro will be held at All World Machinery Supply, 6164 All World Way, in Roscoe.
Jean Seegers photo
After three years of effort and hard work, the Rockton and Roscoe Chambers became Stateline Chamber of Commerce. The merger was celebrated Thursday evening, Feb. 11, with a Launching Party at Forest Ridge Events Center. Pictured are – Executive Director Mickey Heinzeroth, Vice President and Marketing Director Ryan Rydell and President of the Stateline Chamber, Attorney Laura Baluch.