Original Date: 09/20/2004
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Forest City Gear supports its employees who are involved in the community’s social endeavors, cultural functions, community improvement, and athletic functions. Worthwhile projects presented to the company’s Vice President may also receive financial sponsorship.

Community involvement has always been an important part of Forest City Gear’s (FCG’s) culture. Employees are encouraged to participate in the community, from sports and church garage sales to bank and college boards. Often, employees bring proposals to the company’s Vice President for financial sponsorship. Decisions regarding financial contributions are based on the amount of the funds that directly support the need.

FCG has made financial contributions to many community endeavors including the Roscoe Park System and Bike Path, Hononegah High School, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, New American Theater, Keith Country Day School, Rockford Rescue Mission, Burpee and Rockford Art Museums, Roscoe Youth Baseball Association, Red Cross, Goldie Floberg Home for the Handicapped, and Wisconsin and Illinois Departments of Natural Resources. One example of FCG helping in the community was during a teachers’ strike when the annual senior dance was to be canceled. FCG became the sponsor for the event and made arrangements to hold the dance at another high school’s facility. The company provided security, helped with decorations and arrangements, and contributed financial support. FCG also partnered with Rock Valley College and area high schools in the manufacturing Tech Prep program, which resulted in hiring and providing technical and vocational training to three student apprentices. FCG also provided assistance to the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for the training of canine bomb detection animals by allowing them to train the dogs in a factory setting.

FCG employees and management become involved in community activities such as supporting the area’s stream restoration, Volunteer Fire Department, Lions Club, and church missions to construct buildings for underprivileged, hospice, and local church outreach efforts; volunteering on the Roscoe Youth Softball Association; and serving on the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Board, Rock Valley Community College Foundation Board, Rockford Area Arts Council, and Trout Unlimited. FCG’s outreach efforts show the community that it is a partner in making the area a better place to live and helping the disadvantaged live a better life.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.