Latest news with #JohnGroh
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
From Grit to Glory: Rockford Hosts Illinois' First IRONMAN, Cementing Its Role on the National Sports Stage
The sold-out IRONMAN 70.3 marks a multi-year partnership and a $25M economic win for Rockford ROCKFORD, Ill., June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 athletes and spectators are arriving in Rockford today as the city hosts Illinois' first-ever IRONMAN 70.3, a sold-out race that marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership and further positions Rockford as a sports hub powerhouse. The multi-year partnership with IRONMAN is expected to deliver more than $25 million in economic impact through 2027, generating an estimated $8 million in direct visitor spending in the first year alone. From hotels and restaurants to local shops and tourism-related jobs, Rockford's small business community is poised to benefit from the city's investment in athletic events that drive lasting momentum. 'This is a major milestone—not just for our team, but for the entire Rockford community,' said John Groh, President/CEO of Go Rockford. 'To be chosen as Illinois' first IRONMAN host city speaks to the caliber of what we've built—a welcoming, event-ready destination with national appeal. It's the result of strong local partnerships and a clear vision for how sports tourism can drive lasting impact.' The 70.3-mile course showcases the region's natural and urban assets: a 1.2-mile swim in the Rock River, a 56-mile bike ride through the scenic countryside of Winnebago County and the historic Village of Rockton, and a 13.1-mile run along the Rockford riverfront path, culminating in a downtown finish line celebration. IRONMAN selected Rockford after a highly competitive, multi-city vetting process, citing the city's: Proven record of hosting high-caliber athletic events across youth, amateur, and collegiate levels Robust infrastructure, including modern sports facilities and a walkable, revitalized downtown Natural amenities like Rock Cut State Park and the Rock River, ideal for endurance sports Strategic Midwest location with easy access via I-90, multiple airports, and proximity to major metros including Chicago Strong community partnerships and a demonstrated ability to mobilize volunteers and local support More than 1,000 Rockford-area volunteers have stepped up to support the race—showing off Rockford's civic pride, hospitality, and unity. Their commitment, along with extensive coordination across City of Rockford departments including Public Works, Police, and Fire, ensures a seamless, safe, and welcoming experience for athletes and spectators alike. The event was made possible through a grant from the State of Illinois' $15 million Tourism Incentive Program, which supports efforts to bring marquee events to the state. IRONMAN joins a growing slate of top-tier competitions headed to Rockford, including the 2026 American Hockey League All-Star Classic and the 2026 WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage—affirming Rockford's emergence as a go-to destination for high-profile sports. For more information on the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon visit . For more information on Rockford, visit . LINKS: B-Roll & Images for editorial use About Rockford, Illinois Rockford, Illinois is fast emerging as the Midwest's next great playground for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Anchored by the Rock River and framed by scenic bluffs, forest preserves, and over 100 miles of paved and natural surface trails, Rockford offers year-round access to running, cycling, paddling, and multisport adventure. As host of Illinois' first-ever IRONMAN 70.3, the city showcases its growing national reputation as a dynamic hub for outdoor recreation and sports tourism. With investments in riverfront revitalization, event-ready park spaces, and a robust volunteer culture, Rockford blends natural beauty with civic muscle. Athletes, residents and visitors alike are discovering a community built for grit, movement, and momentum—where finish lines become invitations to explore more. View original content: SOURCE The Rockford
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
From Grit to Glory: Rockford Hosts Illinois' First IRONMAN, Cementing Its Role on the National Sports Stage
The sold-out IRONMAN 70.3 marks a multi-year partnership and a $25M economic win for Rockford ROCKFORD, Ill., June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 athletes and spectators are arriving in Rockford today as the city hosts Illinois' first-ever IRONMAN 70.3, a sold-out race that marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership and further positions Rockford as a sports hub powerhouse. The multi-year partnership with IRONMAN is expected to deliver more than $25 million in economic impact through 2027, generating an estimated $8 million in direct visitor spending in the first year alone. From hotels and restaurants to local shops and tourism-related jobs, Rockford's small business community is poised to benefit from the city's investment in athletic events that drive lasting momentum. "This is a major milestone—not just for our team, but for the entire Rockford community," said John Groh, President/CEO of Go Rockford. "To be chosen as Illinois' first IRONMAN host city speaks to the caliber of what we've built—a welcoming, event-ready destination with national appeal. It's the result of strong local partnerships and a clear vision for how sports tourism can drive lasting impact." The 70.3-mile course showcases the region's natural and urban assets: a 1.2-mile swim in the Rock River, a 56-mile bike ride through the scenic countryside of Winnebago County and the historic Village of Rockton, and a 13.1-mile run along the Rockford riverfront path, culminating in a downtown finish line celebration. IRONMAN selected Rockford after a highly competitive, multi-city vetting process, citing the city's: Proven record of hosting high-caliber athletic events across youth, amateur, and collegiate levels Robust infrastructure, including modern sports facilities and a walkable, revitalized downtown Natural amenities like Rock Cut State Park and the Rock River, ideal for endurance sports Strategic Midwest location with easy access via I-90, multiple airports, and proximity to major metros including Chicago Strong community partnerships and a demonstrated ability to mobilize volunteers and local support More than 1,000 Rockford-area volunteers have stepped up to support the race—showing off Rockford's civic pride, hospitality, and unity. Their commitment, along with extensive coordination across City of Rockford departments including Public Works, Police, and Fire, ensures a seamless, safe, and welcoming experience for athletes and spectators alike. The event was made possible through a grant from the State of Illinois' $15 million Tourism Incentive Program, which supports efforts to bring marquee events to the state. IRONMAN joins a growing slate of top-tier competitions headed to Rockford, including the 2026 American Hockey League All-Star Classic and the 2026 WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage—affirming Rockford's emergence as a go-to destination for high-profile sports. For more information on the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon visit For more information on Rockford, visit LINKS: 2025 Event Logo B-Roll & Images for editorial use Course Maps Traffic Impact Event Schedule About Rockford, IllinoisRockford, Illinois is fast emerging as the Midwest's next great playground for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Anchored by the Rock River and framed by scenic bluffs, forest preserves, and over 100 miles of paved and natural surface trails, Rockford offers year-round access to running, cycling, paddling, and multisport adventure. As host of Illinois' first-ever IRONMAN 70.3, the city showcases its growing national reputation as a dynamic hub for outdoor recreation and sports tourism. With investments in riverfront revitalization, event-ready park spaces, and a robust volunteer culture, Rockford blends natural beauty with civic muscle. Athletes, residents and visitors alike are discovering a community built for grit, movement, and momentum—where finish lines become invitations to explore more. View original content: SOURCE The Rockford Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ladies and Laughter show going on this week benefitting Erie Cancer Wellness Center
Just a few of Erie's funniest women will be cracking jokes for a good cause. Comedy show Ladies and Laughter' will take place at Kellar's Comedy Club on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Seven local women will do standup comedy, bringing their best jokes to raise money for the Erie Cancer Wellness Center. Penn State Behrend welcomes students for annual Math Options Career Day The center serves as a community space with over 30 programs to assist anyone who has been impacted by cancer 'We're really blessed to have a fanstatic team of volunteers and staff who really help to make our mission possible i dont know anyone who has not been impacted by cancer in some way shape or form and really it takes a whole community to make us who we are,' said Katelyn Kruszewski, marketing & development coordinator for the Erie Cancer Wellness Center. Morning lane closures planned for I-90 this week 'This is one of the things that I like doing is helping different charities raise money to help their operational costs and this time the Erie Cancer Wellness Center was chosen to do that because of the great work that they do,' said John Groh, the organizer for Ladies & Laughter. Thursday's show is all sold out, but there are still tickets available for Wednesday night. Those can be purchased Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GoRockford takes home top honor as sports tourism organization of the year
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford's visitor and convention bureau, GoRockford, has been named the 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year, recognized as best in class among U.S. communities with a population of 500,000 or less. GoRockford was selected from more than 80 national entries, and honored for its efforts in recruiting sporting events by the Sports Events & Tourism Association. 'This is a really big deal, not just for our team, but for Rockford and the region,' said John Groh, President and CEO of GoRockford. 'It affirms that what we're building here, a thriving, high-performing sports destination, continues to gain national attention. This recognition is a tribute to our hard-working staff and our board, partners and this community that supports and believes in the power of tourism to create opportunity.' The team highlighted events such as the upcoming IRONMAN tournament, NXT Pro Basketball, and the National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships as examples of high-profile sports events drawn to the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
51 Rockford restaurants receive $189K in COVID-19 pandemic relief grants
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Fifty-one Rockford restaurants will share $189,871 in COVID-19 pandemic relief grants to offset high unemployment taxes. Each business received different amounts, depending on their tax liability. The highest grant awarded by the Illinois Restaurant Relief Grant was $21,622. 'The Restaurant Relief Grant is making a real difference for our local hospitality industry,' said John Groh, President/CEO of GoRockford. 'These businesses shape our community identity, spark creativity and create vital jobs. We're proud to see another round of funding go to the hardworking restaurant, bar, and coffee shop owners whose passion helps Rockford and our region grow, thrive and remain a vibrant place to live and visit.' The funding aims to help with the financial strain placed on restaurants due to unemployment tax payments incurred during government-ordered shutdowns during the pandemic. The following restaurants received grants in the third round of the program: 27 Aluna @ Octane Abreo Restaurant Alchemy at Aldeen/ Gio events Alpine View Restaurant Broadway Joe's (Dusty Boots Saloon) Carlyle Brewing Casey's Pub Culver's of Winnebago District Bar & Grill Don Carter Lanes Famous Dave's Rockford Forest Hills Lanes Franchesco's Ristorante Golden Corral Greenfire Restaurant & Bakery Hoffman House Hope & Anchor English Pub J. W. Marc's Fusion Café Joe's Casa Di Amici Johnny Pamcakes Johnny Pamcakes Too John's Restaurant LimaMar Restaurant Lucha Cantina Machine Shed Mary's Market Mulligan's of Rockford Murphy's Pub & Grill Onyx Bar & Grill Oscar's Pub & Grill Park Lanes Pig Minds Pizza Ranch Rookie's Pub & Grill Rusty Nail Tavern Scanlan's Spider Sushi Stockholm Inn Stockyard Rock Burger Bar/Half Baked Bar Tad's Bar & Grill Tavern on Clark Thai Hut Restaurant The Cherry Bowl The Filling Station The Norwegian The Olympic Tavern The Pomodoro Thunderbay Grill Tower Kitchen & Bar Viking Lanes Vintage @501/TacoLibre This is the third round of funding from the grant program, which has administered $855,158 to local businesses in total. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
