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As we dive into the new year 🎉 we want to know: What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Vote below and let’s kick off the year with some local love! 💖

When you meet Mercedes Joyner, the first thing you notice is her energy. The second is her purpose. She is not someone who started a business just to say she owns one. For her, this is personal. It is something she feels called to do.“I grew up watching my dad build things,” she said. “He has always had a business, and he always told us to get our education but also to create something of our own.” That message stuck. What started as a little girl watching her dad make shirts and asking questions about how it all worked slowly turned into a lifelong passion.Years later, while in grad school and on the verge of quitting, Mercedes started a blog called Join Her. What she did not realize at the time was that it would become the foundation for JMC Strategic Consulting, a marketing and communications agency that helps people tell their stories with confidence. “I was completely over it,” she laughed, remembering the day she told her dad she was not going back to grad school. “But instead of quitting altogether, I turned it into something that could help people.” That spark became something much bigger. Today, her work centers on helping others define and embrace their stories, not hide from them.When Mercedes talks about branding, she is not thinking about logos or colors. She is thinking about people. “So many of us carry guilt, trauma, or hesitancy in our stories,” she said. “Before we even get to the marketing part, I have to understand who you are. Sometimes it feels like being a therapist first.”Mercedes believes that storytelling can heal, and that belief comes from experience. When she was just fourteen, two of her friends told her that seeing her every day had kept them from ending their lives. “That changed everything for me,” she said softly. “It made me realize how powerful our words are. They can literally save lives.”Being young, Black, and female in business has come with challenges, and Mercedes is honest about the microaggressions and the doubt she has faced along the way. “There were so many times people did not believe I knew what I knew because of my age,” she said. “I got the most pushback from older women. That is why I started my own company. I wanted to control my own story.”Her strength comes from her network of mentors, family, and community. Her father, a lifelong entrepreneur and a mentor who built his own business from the ground up, both gave her what she calls “the blueprint.” “They taught me what to do, how to do it, and when to listen,” she said. “I did not make a lot of the same mistakes because I had people around me who kept me accountable.”Mercedes’s journey has not been a straight line. When she was younger, she was misdiagnosed with ADHD and other conditions before doctors discovered she had hyperthyroidism, a medical issue that had been mistaken for behavioral problems. “When you tell a kid something is wrong with them, they start to believe it,” she said. “Even after the diagnosis was corrected, I had to unlearn those habits.”Today, that same energy that once felt overwhelming now fuels her creativity and drive. She admits she is still learning to slow down. “I am always thinking two steps ahead,” she laughed. “Okay, probably ten. But I am learning to live in the moment and to remember my story.”That story recently took the stage when she shared it publicly for the first time at a YMCA fundraiser in Rockford. Hundreds of people listened as she talked about her journey from misdiagnosis to entrepreneurship to empowerment. “I was terrified,” she said. “But I knew it was not about me. Our stories are not meant for us. They are meant for someone else.”For Mercedes, storytelling is both strategy and service. “I take an authentic, holistic approach,” she said. “It is not just about telling the story in the best way. It is about helping people understand who they are and who they want to be.” She believes everyone has the power to change and the responsibility to share the journey. “Our stories are like a chain,” she said. “Each one connects to another. When you share yours, it gives someone else permission to do the same.”Now in her thirties and for the sake of me still living twenties, Mercedes has become a mentor to younger entrepreneurs. “It is funny,” she smiled. “I used to be the one looking up to everyone else. Now people come to me for advice. It feels strange, but it is also one of the best parts.” Through JMC Strategic Consulting, Mercedes continues to help people and businesses find the courage to tell their stories with confidence and heart. Because once you understand your story, you can tell it with purpose. And when you tell it with purpose, it can change everything.Go Local and Stay in the Buzz.

Fall in Rockford is something special. The air turns crisp, the leaves start showing off their colors, and suddenly a simple weekend feels like a getaway. Whether you’re here to pick apples, sip cider, or just slow down with a walk through the park, Rockford has plenty of ways to make the most of the season.🍏 Apple Orchards to Visit Near RockfordStart with a trip to one of our local orchards. Curran’s Orchard is the cozy choice, known for warm cider donuts and caramel apples that taste like fall itself. If you want the full family outing with pumpkin patch, play area, and bakery included, head to Edwards Apple Orchard West, where there is as much to do as there is to eat. And if picking your own apples sounds like the perfect afternoon, Valley Orchard’s 35 acres will not disappoint. Do not skip the cider slushies, they are a local favorite.🍲 Cozy Restaurants & Fall MenusFall is all about comfort food, and Rockford has no shortage of cozy spots to enjoy. Kick off your Saturday morning with brunch at Fresco at the Gardens, where fresh, farm-to-table dishes pair beautifully with the changing colors at Anderson Japanese Gardens. For a hearty Sunday brunch, Bourbon Street Lounge is a laid-back favorite that never leaves you hungry. And if you are looking for dinner with a little flair, Lucha Cantina brings bold Tex-Mex flavors and a fun atmosphere that is perfect for a Saturday night. Other local gems worth mentioning include Alpine View for soups, La Croute Bakery for pastries, and Ambiance Cuisine for farm-to-table dining.🍂 Parks & Walks for Fall FoliageNo fall weekend is complete without a walk under the trees. Anderson Japanese Gardens is breathtaking this time of year, especially if you pair your visit with breakfast at Fresco. For open-air strolls by the river, Sinnissippi Park & Gardens is always a good idea. And if you are up for a longer adventure, Rock Cut State Park offers hiking trails, kayaking, and plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities just a short drive from town.🎯 How to Spend a Perfect Fall Weekend in RockfordIf you are planning a fall getaway, here is a weekend itinerary that blends the best of Rockford. Friday evening: Arrive in Rockford, grab dinner downtown at Ambiance or Culinary Underground, and stroll along the Rock River. Saturday morning: Breakfast at Fresco at the Gardens, followed by a walk through Anderson Japanese Gardens. Saturday afternoon: Pick apples at Curran’s or Valley Orchard, then head to Rock Cut for a crisp fall hike. Saturday evening: Dinner at Lucha Cantina, and maybe catch a concert or show at Coronado Theatre. Sunday morning: Brunch at Bourbon Street Lounge before heading out. Sunday afternoon: Stop at Edwards Orchard for cider and pumpkin treats, then wind down with a quiet walk through Sinnissippi Gardens.Fall only lasts so long, so grab your flannel, call your friends, and make this one to remember that it's a good day to go local!🍁

Region 1 Planning Council in Rockford just got a boost to help shape the future of our region’s economy. The group received a $70,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, money that will be used to map out the next five years of economic priorities for Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry Counties.So, what does that really mean? In short, this funding will help R1 put together a plan that looks at everything from infrastructure and workforce training to making sure we have sites ready for businesses that might want to move here. The idea is simple: if the region is prepared, it’s easier to attract new companies and create jobs.Michael Dunn Jr., who leads R1, said the grant isn’t just about planning on paper. “When we work together, we get more done,” he explained. “Good planning leads to better roads, stronger utilities, and sites where businesses can actually set up shop. That, in turn, means more jobs and more investment for Northern Illinois.” The plan they’re building is called the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS for short. Think of it as a roadmap. It’s updated every five years and brings together voices from both the public and private sectors. Having this plan in place also makes the region eligible for future funding from the EDA, which can be used to put projects into action.According to Isaac Guerrero, who heads up economic development and policy at R1, this kind of support opens doors. “With the EDA’s help, we can go after more state and federal dollars to back up our strategy. That means real progress for the businesses and people who call this region home,” he said.Region 1 Planning Council itself might not be a household name, but its work touches nearly everyone in Northern Illinois. The agency focuses on big-picture issues that cross city and county lines, like transportation, data analysis, and long-term planning. Its job is to make sure different governments and partners are pulling in the same direction.This grant is another step in making sure our corner of Illinois is ready for the future. From supporting manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture, the work that comes out of this planning process will play a role in how the region grows. For more about the Region 1 Planning Council, visit r1planning.org. To learn about the U.S. Economic Development Administration, head to eda.gov.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Queen of Swords Divination & More LLC in Rockford, Illinois, is led by Kaiserin Kali, a psychic and tarot reader with over a decade of experience and two master’s degrees — one in Leadership and Management and one in Psychology.The name comes from the Queen of Swords tarot card — a symbol of truth, clarity, and wisdom — combined with the art of divination, meaning to seek insight from the divine.At Queen of Swords, clients experience accurate tarot readings, personalized spellwork, and emotional clarity during life’s toughest moments. Kaiserin’s mission is to help people find hope, healing, and empowerment while building lasting relationships based on care and trust.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

The International Women’s Baseball Center is transforming Beyer Stadium and the surrounding area into Maybelle Blair Park — creating a world-class home for women’s and girls’ baseball.This project will honor Rockford’s history while building a future full of opportunity, education, and empowerment. From the legacy of the Rockford Peaches to the next generation of athletes, it’s all happening here.

CRE8IV: Transformational Art is a community-building public art program created by GoRockford to bring color, creativity, and connection to the Rockford region.What began with just a handful of sculptures has grown into a citywide collection of more than 30 unique installations, featuring work from both local and national artists. These sculptures celebrate imagination, community pride, and the power of art to transform public spaces.From downtown Rockford to neighborhood streets, GoRockford’s CRE8IV Sculpture Program continues to enrich the city — turning everyday spaces into open-air galleries for everyone to enjoy.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Meet Master Barber Erick Laureano, a professional barber from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, bringing over 20 years of experience to Exquisite LX Barbershop in Rockford, Illinois.Erick is known for his precision fades, clean lineups, and detailed craftsmanship that make every client look and feel their best. His passion for barbering shows in every cut — blending classic style with modern techniques to create a personalized experience.Whether you need a fresh fade, a beard lineup, or a complete transformation, Erick delivers quality and confidence in every chair session. Visit Exquisite LX Barbershop today and experience the skill of a true master barber.Remember, it is a good day to go local.