Meet Caitlin
When did you move to the Rockford area?
I moved to Rockford after college in 2008.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I have two young kids, so my free time mostly revolves around them. When I do have a free moment, I like to play board games, read, or bake.
Favorite restaurant in Rockford?
JMK Nippon
Best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Lino's! Try the Special Salad, too!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Rockford is a wonderful place to call home. You'll be amazed at the willingness of people to connect if you're interested. Figure out how you want to make your mark, and we can help you get started.
Favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
I love taking my two young kids to Lindberg Pumpkin Patch. It's fun for them and super nostalgic for me.
Favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
I love seeing the Christmas lights around the region. Stroll on State kicks off the season, and then it's non-stop glittery fun through the end of the year!
Favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
One of my favorites is a good old-fashioned walk along the Sinnissippi Bike Path along the river on a beautiful summer day.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I once sang backup vocals for Kenny Rogers.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
You truly can decide what you want to do and do it here. There's support, opportunity, and a network. And, as a bonus, you can afford to live a wonderful lifestyle here.
Occupation
President, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Ethnicity
White
What stage of life are you in?
Professional with young children
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
While I love a good in-person coffee, my schedule tends to be more flexible virtually. But if we can make calendars work, in person works, too!
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
If you have kids, buy more than one pair of snowpants. The first one will get lost, the second one will be wet, and the third one will be the one you need.
Favorite local event or festival
Fall on the Farm at Lockwood Park
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Greenfire or Abreo
One hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Any and all of the Forest Preserves. Rockford has beautiful walking paths with gorgeous views any time of year. Go out and explore!
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
I love how approachable people in Rockford are. Have an idea? You can find people who love it. Want to get involved? You can find an organization to work with. Want to be a change agent? Awesome. We're glad you're here. Rockford is big enough that there are so many opportunities and small enough that you can really grab the opportunities and run with them.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
It depends on who I could spend it with! My husband and I would love a date day enjoying JMK, trying our luck for a bit at Hard Rock, and seeing a show at the Coronado. If I'm with my kids, I'd love to take a walk on the path near Midway Village, explore at Discovery Center, and take in a great playground or two.
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Severson Dells is absolutely stunning.
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
Rockford Art Deli always makes me smile. I can always find something fun, cozy, and positive there.
Best way to get involved in the community?
Determine your passion, your why, the legacy you want to leave, and then reach out to leaders in that world and ask to connect. Invite them to coffee, ask questions, hear their story. And then? Just go and do it!
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
Many of Rockford's neighborhoods have names that aren't known until you know them. My favorite? The Spice Rack (Pepper, Sage, Thyme, etc.) off of Riverside & Alpine. I LIVED there and didn't know it had that nickname until years later!
