On November 19, 2008, over 700 Illinois business and community leaders came together for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council's (RAEDC) annual meeting. The event featured a keynote address by Paul C. Brophy, one of the nation’s leading urban economic consultants, authors, and professors of economic development, housing, and neighborhood improvement. In addition, RAEDC President, Janyce Fadden, outlined three regional calls to action to further build a strong foundation for regional growth, including: embrace and grow International connections, build a strong, sustainable region, and improve our educational system.