Welcome to the spring issue of the FJI Report. If you are a firsttime reader – a very special welcome. I hope you enjoy its contents and find it a meaningful showcase of local businesses and our members. I am very honored and excited to serve as the Chair of Forward Janesville for our 2025-2026 program year. I hope to continue the history of achievements from previous boards and chairs that have meant so much to our community. I know this will take hard work and time, but we have an incredible community that is Forward Janesville (FJ). The FJ community is made up of our members, staff, Ambassadors, Government Relations Council members and the Board of Directors. We welcome our new board members in this issue. Together, these groups provide a pool of talent and experience, making us capable of achieving our goals – and maybe even taking on a few new initiatives. We can do this because Janesville is incredibly strong and resilient. The spirit of resilience was evident at the 24th Annual Forward Janesville Awards Luncheon. I was struck by how all the winners were honored to receive the awards, but also how they recognized that they could not have made it to this point in their lives, careers, and businesses alone; many have an incredible community they built and relied on to help them succeed. The award recipients also recognized that they could use the same community to help those around them. This pay it forward attitude creates a positive impact on our larger community. It demonstrates how professionals can grow and achieve business goals while also helping others. This improves Janesville’s wellbeing and, in turn, provides a stronger base to help grow and develop businesses. This is the power of community. This is what is so important to Janesville. Every day we are faced with challenges in our businesses, community and lives. At the same time, opportunities are presented to us. We work through these situations with those around us, making us stronger. As Mark Bush put it, “Forward Janesville is on fire!” He meant this in the best possible way. He meant that we are using the power of community to accomplish our goals. Last year, the FJ Board of Directors set the goal to strengthen Janesville as a good place to do business. Several initiatives were identified to support the goal. The Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey is complete and a report will be released in June. The Janesville Housing Study was presented at the City of Janesville Leaders Breakfast on April 30, and our Child Care Directory is ready to launch. It is energizing to see meaningful outcomes on these initiatives in a single program year. Janesville’s community momentum is evident throughout this Report. In reading “The Road to Health,” I am amazed by the wonderful park and trail infrastructure our city has. I am also struck by the businesses and people bringing healthy living to life. From our large healthcare providers like Mercyhealth and SSM Health, to smaller providers like Davis Physical Therapy, there are so many resources and options to live well in our community. The recap of the 2025 Rock Regional Business Expo, with 70+ exhibitors and attendance of 450+, captures the vitality of a thriving business community while our Business Milestones recognize longevity by featuring companies that are celebrating 50+ years in business. “Looking Out for One Another” reminds us of the importance of the human element by highlighting the contributions of Nathan Burkart, Dona Hohensee and Andy Jones to our organization and the community. “How Did I Get Here?” provides lessons on leadership and nuggets of career success through the story of Mark Hasting, the new CEO & President of Blain Supply, Inc./Blain’s Farm & Fleet. Building our businesses and focusing on people is how we keep Janesville healthy. I hope you find insight, useful knowledge and helpful tips in the following pages. And I hope Forward Janesville helps you find community, build community, and pay it forward. A Thriving & Healthy Community 4 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Mick Gilbertson 2025-26 FJ Board Chair The Developing Edge People enjoying Janesville trails Photo courtesy of Full Spectrum Photography and Janesville Area Convention Center and Visitors Bureau
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