9/6/2016
Danielle Tumilowicz, 13 WREX

After 12 years in office, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey's decision not to run for re-election wasn't a surprise to some, for others, it was. Since his announcement Friday, some are already starting to reflect on his impact on Rockford over his tenure. "He conveyed a certain intent to the community that inspired others in the community to act," said Peter Provenzano, President and CEO of SupplyCore, Inc. From the renovation of the BMO Harris Bank Center, to the growth of downtown businesses and City Market - plus the recent opening of the UW Health Sports Factory - some local leaders say Morrissey's vision for the city is being realized, and they hope these successes continue. "He's been a big proponent to City Market, he recognizes the benefit to entrepreneurs and how it incubates businesses," said Cathy McDermott, Manager of Rockford City Market. "As Mayor Morrissey has been in office, visitor spending in our community has increased almost 35 percent, so that's significant," said John Groh, President of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Groups like the RACVB and The River District Association say the work is not done, and that the key to future development is feeding off the the momentum that Morrissey has helped build. "There are many things still in the works, Davis Park is still in the works, there's still street-scaping that needs to be done, some of the new private redevelopment of housing in the downtown," said Josh Albrecht, Board President of The River District Association, and Director of Marketing for the RACVB. "If we can continue that, the city will only get better." Something that they hope is just getting started, creating a ripple effect for the rest of the city. "Go slow to go fast," Provenzano said. "We're really working hard at building a more grass roots approach to strategic planning in the community as a result." These downtown community members say they look forward to the next mayor continuing Morrissey's efforts to grow the city center.


For More Information:
http://www.wrex.com/story/33033155/2016/09/Tuesday/community-leaders-weigh-in-on-mayor-morrisseys-impact-on-downtown-rockford