SR0725 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0725 LRB103 38725 MST 68862 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to recognize Dave Rydell for his business and civic leadership, his charitable generosity, his abiding respect for others, and his decades-long dedication to the betterment of his community; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell serves as chairman of Bergstrom Inc., a designer and builder of climate systems for the commercial vehicle industry, which was founded in 1949 and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary on June 22, 2024; currently, the company employs over 1,500 people globally, and additional locations include Wales, Spain, China, and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell's business strategy has always revolved around employment in Rockford; expanding the company globally has secured, sustained, and expanded employment opportunities locally; a code of conduct, which all employees are expected to follow, includes treating everyone with respect, honesty, dignity, and courtesy; employees maintain Bergstrom's integrity and reputation through behavior that is performance-driven, professional, and ethical; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell has served on many community boards and continues to do so; he currently serves on the boards for SwedishAmerican Hospital (past board chair), the Salvation Army, the Golden Apple Foundation, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Dean's Action Committee; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell previously served on the boards of Rockford University (chair), the Transform Rockford Steering Committee, the Rockford Rescue Mission, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, U.S. Bank, the United Way of Rock River Valley (2005 campaign chair), the Center for Sight and Hearing (past board chair), the Rockford YMCA, the Midway Village and Museum Center, the Nicholas Conservatory Steering Committee, and Friends of the Coronado; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell has received numerous recognitions, including the 2004 Betty Henry Award, the 2005 Excalibur Award, the 2008 Rockford Business Hall of Fame Award, the 2016 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, and the 2018 Lincoln Laureate Award; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell has supported many events, including Stars & Stripes - A Salute to Our Veterans, A Night of Appreciation for the Rockford Fire Department, and the Bergstrom Stateline Quiz Bowl; and

WHEREAS, Dave Rydell founded the Bergstrom Inc. Charitable Foundation in 1967, which has provided much needed support for organizations in the Rockford region, including not-for-profits, healthcare, the arts, and education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Dave Rydell on his commitment to his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dave Rydell as a symbol of our respect and esteem.