By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — What are the first three words that come to mind when you think of the Rockford region?
What are the best things about the region? What are the worst?
Those are just a few of the questions on a new resident survey being conducted by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce.
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The survey sets out to assess residents’ perceptions of the region’s strengths and weaknesses to help shape the future of travel and tourism.
“We hope that the outcome of this whole process is a shared community vision of what the future can look like – within arts and culture, outdoor recreation, sports tourism, etc.,” John Groh, president and CEO of the visitors bureau, said on This Week in the Stateline. “Having the feedback from our residents helps makes sure that the plan and the vision that’s being created and in the future implemented meets the needs and the hopes of our residents.”
The survey also asks what initiatives you think deserve to have public funding and seeks to learn residents points of pride in the Rockford region.
It’s open for anyone in Boone and Winnebago counties to take through Sept. 30.
The survey seeks to identify key elements that can further enhance the area as a unique and appealing destination for visitors.
The survey is a component of the Momentum 2035: A Destination Blueprint long-term planning process. That initiative was launched in response to the disruption the coronavirus pandemic had on the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Coming out of the pandemic we wanted to take a look at the future of travel and tourism and quality of life amenities in our region,” Groh said. “Obviously, we know that restaurants and hotels, and museums, attractions, all suffered a lot of pain through that time.
“Also, some opportunities emerged.”
Anyone who fills out the online survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes, will get a coupon for free cheese fries from Beefaroo.
Take the survey
You can fill out the survey until Sept. 30 by going HERE.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas