Rockford Construction 2020 Year in Review

Several years ago, Rockford chose “Builders of a Changing World” as our tagline. Our aspiration was, and still is, to be a forward-thinking company – one that understands our clients’ business challenges and opportunities and strives for innovation in all that we do. Change is inevitable. Leaning into and through change is part of our DNA.

Then 2020 happened. COVID-19 created a sudden and vast disruption of businesses, schools, hospitals and communities on a global scale the likes of which I have never seen. Without the benefit of early warning, established science or clear direction, we were all forced to pivot quickly at work and at home. With safety at the core of everything we do, Rockford’s team of problem-solvers mobilized in support of our clients, trade contractors, tenants and community. We quickly adopted best practices related to health and wellness, closed and reopened several projects successfully, and worked with each client to meet the new realities of budget, financing and schedule brought about by COVID. As I reflect on 2020, I am grateful for the faith and support of our clients and tenants. I am thankful for our trade contractors, without whose perseverance and craftsmanship our work would not be possible. And I am so proud of the resiliency, determination and compassion of the Rockford family.

Almost a year into this pandemic, the lasting impacts to business and organizations are still unclear. We learned to embrace remote work and used technology to stay connected. But human nature craves personal interactions – the kind of connections that can only be made when two or more people interact in the same space. I believe in the power of spaces to enrich and shape our lives. Schools, restaurants, stores and workplaces – like those you will see on the following pages – are catalysts that unleash the full power and potential of the people within them. I know our clients’ plans and trajectories have been disrupted and may never return to “normal.” At Rockford, our job is to understand a post-COVID world and its impact on our clients. Not only will we embrace the change, but we will continue to build spaces that reflect their new worlds.

COVID has not been the only challenge in 2020. Political divide, racial tensions and economic hardships have shaken our country and brought intense focus to our differences. My hope for 2021 is that we can unite in our humanity, serving each other with grace, understanding and the promise of a better future. The great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Too many of us have been knocked down this year. Now, we don’t just need to get up – we need to lend a hand and pull others up with us. The Rockford team is committed to a better world and a brighter future as we live out our promise to be “Builders of a Changing World.”