2024 Associate: Rockford Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau (RACVB)

Rockford Peach-bobby thompson, cheryl burggrass-Rockford peach-Sis Waddell, lindsay arellano, -vp of sales and services

In 1984 the Rockford community was looking to promote and support growth in the Rockford region. The RACVB was created to do just that, support what already existed and promote new growth through tourism and positively impact the residents who live in the region and those who visit.

Wendy Perks Fisher joined the RACVB as its first PresidenUCEO in 1986 and began coordinating all the amateur sports programs including Slo-Pitch, Fastpitch, soccer, etc. She put together a team which included the above and integrated the newly formed Rockford Area Hotel/Motel Association.

Ms. Fisher's leadership was the driving force in developing the tourism industry. Her vision led to affiliation with the IL USSSA. The RACVB was involved in many tournaments and promotions with IL USSSA including the "On the Waterfront" festival held downtown Rockford over Labor Day Weekend, and the RACVB & Waterfront committee provided Championship & Runner-up awards to those top teams in the Men's & Women's Sic-Pitch Divisional Championships for many years. Also, in the 11th hour the RACVB put in a bid with IL USSSA and the Rockford Park District for the USSSA Women's Sic-Pitch World Series which was awarded to Rockford in 1993. This was just a couple of the numerous events promoted by the RACVB.

Wendy retired in 2006 after 20 years of establishing a great partnership with the IL USSSA and leaving a legacy in the Rockford area. After a couple of interim directors, John Groh was hired as the new PresidenUCEO in 2009. John and his staff improved on Wendy's vision. John and his staff became physically involved with hosting Fastpitch State Tournaments and World Series events. John's "A Team" handled registration at each tournament site, including 22 diamonds at 4 different facilities, providing welcome gift bags for each fastpitch player and coach and keeping the umpires supplied with water on their fields. They provided all the necessary items to make a visitor feel welcome playing in the Rockford region. The RACVB also sponsored Fastpitch World Series Manager meetings and breakfasts and coordinated the Opening Ceremonies for the Fastpitch World Series held in the metro Rockford area each July. Also, attending the USSSA National Convention and making their presence known to host future National/World Series events.

The RACVB is involved in so much more than sporting events i.e. Midway Village, The Laurant House, Stroll on State, CREIV, arts initiative and murals painted on downtown buildings, Rockford City Market, etc. If the event is coming to the Rockford community the RACVB is no doubt involved.

The RACVB has been recognized receiving the Award of Merit and the Distinguished Service Award from the IL USSSA and tonight we welcome the RACVB into the IL USSSA Hall of Fame. Their efforts along with the playing facilities in the area has most definitely put Rockford on the map as a destination and as a great place to play, and for local residents, a great place to live and work. Thank you, Wendy Perks Fisher, John Groh and Lindsay Arellano, VP of Sales & Service for your support in our 28-year partnership!

2012 girl’s fastpitch world series opening ceremonies

“a” team