Gary Anderson Named Citizen of the Year 2020

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce recognizes one individual a year at their Annual Dinner in January. This year, they chose our very own, Gary Anderson. The honor recognizes an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the welfare and progress of the community over a period of years. He is described as a passionate leader, activist and volunteer. In 1982, he opened Gary W. Anderson, Architects and has worked tirelessly over the course the past several decades to improve the community. His name is synonymous with economic redevelopment, historic preservation, urban planning and urban revitalization. He is responsible for many downtown restoration projects including the Prairie Street Brewhouse, Stewart Square, Spafford Square. The list of community organizations he supports reflects his dedication not only to the downtown, but the entire city of Rockford. Great Neighborhoods, Fordam Forward, River District Association, Keith Creek Pathways as well as Friends of the Coronado, Land Bank, Friends of Ziock and Transform Rockford, just to name a few. Not to mention the time he dedicates to his church, Salem Lutheran and his neighborhood community, Haight Village. We are very proud of our founder for his boundless energy, unstoppable determination, and compassion to continually improve our city!