What Forward Janesville does

Forward Janesville, Inc. is a Janesville, Wisconsin-based non-profit that operates as a hybrid Chamber of Commerce and private-sector economic development organization. Founded with roots extending over 100 years and the formal Awards Luncheon dating to 2002, it serves more than 640 member businesses representing over 20,000 local employees across Janesville and Rock County. Its product set is organized around tiered membership (standard and Champions Club premium), recurring signature events (Annual Dinner, Awards Luncheon, Rock Regional Business Expo, Golf Outing, monthly Business After Five), publications (FJI Report Magazine, Membership Directory & Resource Guide), and core service lines spanning Economic Development, Workforce & Education, Government Relations, and Community Partnerships.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: recurring membership dues from 640+ businesses, event registration and sponsorship fees, publication advertising, and corporate sponsorships (with named Flagship sponsors including Baker Tilly, BMO, JP Cullen, Foremost Media, and PremierBank). The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: members are acquired through direct outreach, an Ambassador program of 100+ active volunteers, signature events, and community-engagement programs (Adelante Janesville for Latino outreach, JOIN Janesville Young Professionals, CivicCon speaker series). Forward Janesville does not develop proprietary technology, relying instead on standard CMS, email, event management, and member portal platforms to operate.

Strategic focus is on workforce pipeline development (Craftsman With Character, Janesville Business Academy, Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub), place-making via the GM/JATCO Redevelopment Advisory Board with Stantec, and advocacy through a Government Relations Council. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors (George Cullen, Board President) with Shar Hermanson serving as President and CEO, supported by a 1–10 person staff.

Name

Forward Janesville

Legal name

Forward Janesville, Inc.

Website

https://forwardjanesville.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Forward Janesville is Janesville, Wisconsin's Chamber of Commerce and private-sector economic development organization, serving 640+ member businesses representing over 20,000 local employees through tiered membership, signature events, workforce development, advocacy, and community programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Chamber of commerce
• Economic development
• Business networking
• Workforce development
• Membership association

Headquarters

HQ city

Janesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from over 640 member businesses representing various tiers including Champions Club premium membership. Membership provides access to networking events, referrals, advocacy, and marketing exposure.
2. Event Revenue: Registration fees for signature events including Annual Awards Luncheon ($90 individual, $900 corporate table of 10), Golf Outing, and Rock Regional Business Expo. Events also generate sponsorship revenue from member businesses.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships from member businesses supporting events and programs including Lead Sponsors (Baker Tilly), Award Sponsors (BMO, JNB Signs, Boomerang Home Rentals, PremierBank, First National Bank, Minuteman Press, Nowlan Law, Johnson Financial Group, Blackhawk Technical College, JP Cullen), and Silver Sponsors.
4. Publications: Revenue from FJI Report magazine advertising and Membership Directory & Resource Guide listings. Publications provide marketing platforms for member businesses and generate advertising income.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Forward Janesville operates as Janesville's Chamber of Commerce and private-sector economic development leader, delivering membership-based services to over 640 member businesses representing more than 20,000 local employees across Janesville and Rock County, Wisconsin. The organization combines traditional chamber services (networking events, referrals, advocacy, marketing exposure) with private-sector economic development, workforce development programs, government relations, and community partnership initiatives.

Product overview

Forward Janesville operates as a Chamber of Commerce combined with private-sector economic development, offering a unified membership-based platform of services. The core offerings include membership programs at standard and Champions Club premium tiers, featuring networking events (Business After Five, Annual Dinner, Golf Outing), signature events (Awards Luncheon, Rock Regional Business Expo), and the FJI Report Magazine and Membership Directory publications. Supporting services encompass Economic Development, Workforce & Education Programs (Keep Kids Learning, Craftsman With Character, Janesville Business Academy), Government Relations advocacy, and Community Partnerships including CivicCon and ARISENow. Affiliate programs include JOIN Janesville Young Professionals and Adelante Janesville Latino Outreach Program. The organization serves over 640 member businesses representing more than 20,000 local employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Membership Services Annual membership program providing businesses with access to networking events, business referrals, advocacy representation, marketing exposure through publications, and professional development resources across Janesville and Rock County.
• Annual Dinner Premier annual business event featuring networking and a keynote speaker, attended by more than 600 business leaders and community champions each year.
• Annual Awards Luncheon Annual spring event recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made positive community impact, featuring 10 award categories and attracting nearly 500 attendees.
• Rock Regional Business Expo Annual business expo featuring 90+ local exhibitors and 800+ attendees, showcasing the diversity of Rock County businesses.
• Golf Outing Annual golf event combining networking with friendly competition, offering opportunities for client entertainment and member prizes.
• Business After Five (BA5) Monthly networking event series typically held on second Thursdays, connecting local professionals through business-focused social gatherings hosted at member business venues, regularly drawing 200+ attendees.
• Economic Development Services Strategic services helping businesses expand, attracting investment, supporting transformational projects (e.g., GM/JATCO site redevelopment), and strengthening Janesville and Rock County through business retention, expansion, and attraction programs.
• Workforce & Education Programs Initiatives connecting employers, educators, and students to build stronger talent pipelines, including Keep Kids Learning, Janesville Business Academy, Craftsman With Character, Youth Apprenticeships, and Internship Opportunities.
• Government Relations Advocacy Advocacy services supporting pro-growth policies and improving the business climate at local and state levels, including a Government Relations Council monitoring legislative issues such as the I-39/90 Expansion Project and 2026 local elections.
• FJI Report Magazine Quarterly magazine providing in-depth coverage of business trends, community development, and economic initiatives affecting Janesville and Rock County, distributed in digital flipbook format with advertising opportunities for member businesses.
• Membership Directory & Resource Guide Annual printed and digital directory listing all Forward Janesville member businesses alphabetically and by industry category, including Rock County employment data and community statistics.
• JOIN Janesville Young Professionals Young professionals affiliate providing networking, professional development, and community engagement opportunities for emerging leaders in the Janesville area. Employees of Forward Janesville member businesses receive complimentary membership.
• Adelante Janesville (Latino Outreach Program) Latino business outreach initiative providing business referrals, advocacy, entrepreneurship support, networking events, and bilingual resources for Latino business community in Rock County.
• CivicCon Janesville Free public civic education speaker series featuring national experts discussing housing policy, community design, and long-term growth topics to spark meaningful community conversations.
• Ribbon Cuttings and Milestones Celebration service for member business openings, expansions, and significant milestones, providing promotional support and community visibility for local business achievements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 30% membership growth over two years, now representing over 640 member businesses
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.

• JOIN Janesville Young ProfessionalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial young professionals affiliate relationship strengthening long-standing partnership. Effective April 2026, all employees of Forward Janesville member businesses are eligible for JOIN Janesville membership at no additional cost. Originally launched in partnership with Forward Janesville nearly a decade ago.
• MercyhealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub at UW-Whitewater at Rock County, enabling local students to earn BSN degrees while gaining clinical experience. Kara Sankey, VP of Operations at Mercyhealth, serves on Forward Janesville Board of Directors.
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner hosting Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub for BSN nursing program. Admission sponsor for Rock Regional Business Expo to keep event free and open to the public.
• Edgewood UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub, providing accredited BSN nursing program in collaboration with Mercyhealth and UW-Whitewater at Rock County.
• Rock County Development AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative economic development partnership supporting business expansion, investment attraction, and transformational projects strengthening Janesville and Rock County.
• Rock County 5.0coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development initiative focused on regional growth and opportunity development in Rock County communities.
• StantecmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNationally respected planning firm working alongside the GM/JATCO Redevelopment Advisory Board to develop long-term redevelopment strategy for the former GM/JATCO site (approximately 250 acres).
• Baker TillyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLead Sponsor for 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon. CPA and advisory firm providing professional services to member businesses. Prominent supporter of Forward Janesville events.
• BMO BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor (Advocacy Award) and Champions Club member. Major financial institution serving as sponsor for Emerging Leader Award and organizational supporter.
• JP CullenflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor (Lifetime Achievement Award) and early supporter of Adelante Janesville initiative. Construction and development firm serving as sponsor for highest honor at Annual Awards Luncheon.
• Foremost MediaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLead presenter/sponsor of Rock Regional Business Expo. Website creator for Forward Janesville. Champions Club member providing digital marketing and web development services.
• School District of JanesvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in workforce development through Craftsman With Character program, Janesville Business Academy, and Keep Kids Learning initiative. Educators of the Year recipients at 2026 Awards Luncheon.
• Blackhawk Technical CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in workforce development initiatives including Youth Apprenticeship mentor training. Educators of the Year award sponsor. Technical education provider for region.
• PremierBankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Adelante Janesville Latino outreach program. Award sponsor (Community Improvement Award). Financial institution supporting Forward Janesville initiatives.
• Quint and Rishy StuderflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Presented Finding Your Purpose Summit in partnership with Forward Janesville. Major philanthropists and community development leaders driving revitalization in Pensacola and Janesville.
• GM/JATCO Redevelopment Advisory BoardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitizen-led board working with Stantec planning firm to develop long-term redevelopment strategy for former GM/JATCO site. Forward Janesville participates in Government Relations Council focused on this redevelopment.
• City of JanesvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner in economic development, GM/JATCO redevelopment, Downtown Fire Suppression Grant Program ($250,000), and Business Leaders Update panel discussions.
• CivicCon Partner OrganizationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborative partnerships supporting CivicCon public speaker series on housing, community design, and civic engagement. Quint Studer helped start CivicCon series in Pensacola (2017) and brought model to Janesville.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: Wisconsin-based regional chamber of commerce serving a similar mix of SMBs and major employers with membership dues, networking events, advocacy, and economic development programming. Direct peer in operating model and geography.
• Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce: Regional Wisconsin chamber providing membership, networking events, business advocacy, and workforce initiatives to a suburban county business community comparable in structure to Forward Janesville.
• Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce: Southeast Wisconsin regional chamber with membership tiers, signature events, and economic development focus serving a mid-sized Wisconsin city — directly comparable in scale and scope to Forward Janesville.
• Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce: Regional Wisconsin chamber offering membership, networking events, advocacy, and community development programming to a mid-sized city business community, with a similar employer-membership mix to Forward Janesville.
• Greater Racine Chamber of Commerce: Southeast Wisconsin regional chamber serving a manufacturing-anchored county with similar mix of SMB and enterprise members, signature events, and economic development advocacy.
• Rock County Development Alliance: Regional economic development organization operating in the same Rock County geography as Forward Janesville, focused on business expansion, investment attraction, and transformational projects. Direct peer in mission and territory.

Broad incumbents

• Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Statewide Wisconsin business association and chamber coalition providing advocacy, networking, and policy representation at the state level. A broader incumbent that competes for sponsor attention and political capital in Forward Janesville's territory.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: National federation representing chambers and business associations across the U.S., providing advocacy, programming, and resources. Broad incumbent in the same overall category.

Others

• Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE): Industry association for chamber of commerce executives and staff, providing training, certification, and best-practice resources. Adjacent/ecosystem participant relevant to Forward Janesville's leadership and operational benchmarking.

Regional players

• Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: Local tourism and convention bureau operating in the same Janesville/Rock County geography. Operates in a related space (events/conventions/community promotion) but does not directly compete with Forward Janesville's business membership focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ForwardJanesville
• Instagraminstagram.com/forwardjanesville

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forward Janesville