our purpose
Revitalizing American Manufacturing — Together
Launched in April 2025, the Rockford Collective already includes more than 70 SMEs representing 1,400 employees and supporting an estimated 7,000 additional jobs across the Rockford metro area.
The Rockford Manufacturing Collective
The Rockford Collective is a modern revival of a powerful idea that began in 1998 with the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Council of 100. Back then, a network of over 120 manufacturers sparked millions in new contracts and built hundreds of valuable peer relationships.
Today, we’re building on that legacy with sharper tools, better data, and a focused commitment to helping small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMEs) grow and thrive.
Individually, many of our firms are easy to overlook. Together—offering over 300 manufacturing capabilities—we demand attention.
Why It Matters
This initiative is more than local—it’s aligned with national goals around reshoring, supply chain resilience, and quality job creation.
For Winnebago County, the benefits are real and immediate:
Business Retention
Access to new customers strengthens our incentive to stay and grow locally.
Job Growth
New contracts support hiring, career development, and wage growth.
Economic Multiplier
Every manufacturing job supports up to five more. The Collective’s impact? Roughly 7,000 jobs and counting.
Designed by Synchronist Lab
The Collective Model
Synchronist Lab is a national nonprofit helping communities rebuild their manufacturing base, create quality jobs, and strengthen U.S. supply chains.
The Collective Model is a proven framework developed over 25 years. It builds strong, purpose-driven relationships among SME manufacturers and local partners, from workforce to education to government.
We’ve successfully launched this model in Rockford, Peoria, and South Cook County, Illinois. The approach works across industries—whether it’s manufacturing, food processing, cybersecurity, or mobility. With enough local participation, any sector can thrive.
Each Collective begins with local public, private and then, federal government support, aiming to become fully self-sustaining by year six.
All Collectives share a common structure but are funded and driven locally. The Lab provides the tools, training, and support to get them off the ground—and keep them growing.
We’re ready to partner with any region serious about reshoring and resilience.
leadership
Meet Our Team
Derek Sherman
Industrial Engineer, Synchronist Lab
Derek brings deep manufacturing expertise to every project—from plant assessments and process mapping to supply chain matchmaking. He’s an industrial engineer who translates complex systems into real-world wins for manufacturers.
His work laid the foundation for the Collective Model, first in Rockford and now across multiple regions. Derek also brings experience in international trade, lean manufacturing, and executive coaching—making him a trusted advisor on and off the plant floor.
Eric Canada
Managing Director, Synchronist Lab
Eric leads Synchronist Lab’s strategy, partnerships, and operations. With more than 30 years advising over 1,700 organizations, he knows what drives regional success.
He founded the Illinois Energy Consortium, developed patented software used in over 640,000 executive interviews, and has authored two books on economic development. Today, he’s focused on AI, automation, and helping regions maximize ROI on every development dollar.