A storytelling gala honoring the Rockford region’s exemplary brands and people, DIAMONDS embodies the pressure and process necessary to achieve the highest level of achievement. DIAMONDS: TOPGUN marks the 2023 theme built to amplify Rockford’s prowess in aerospace and military endeavors through the story of Michael Andrews, a U.S. Navy TOPGUN instructor and Rockford native. Emceed by Nicole Briscoe, a Roscoe native and ESPN SportsCenter anchor, this year’s program is set for Thursday, June 15, at Emery Air’s North Hangar.

https://www.founderscommission.org/diamonds

DIAMONDS: TOPGUN tickets cost $125 per person and include dinner, educational content, entertainment, a cash bar, networking and static display photo opportunities. DIAMONDS is a production of the Founders Commission, a certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to honoring the region’s excellence and ingenuity.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS:

- Champion: Lexus of Rockford

- 1834 Club: Emery Air, Jim and Pam Keeling, MembersAlliance Credit Union, Plus Seven Company, Savant Wealth Management, SupplyCore, Xfinity

- Supporting: Carpetland USA, Code 1 Aviation, Prographics, Ron Clewer

- Production: Founders Commission (501(3))

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

- 6 p.m.: DIAMOND Carpet Reception (Invite Only for Sponsors)

- 6:45 p.m.: Doors Open, Networking + Photo Opps

- 7:05 p.m.: Opening Remarks (followed by Dinner Service)

- 7:15 p.m.: Opening Act

- 7:25 p.m.: Keynote Presentation

- 7:55 p.m.: Intermission

- 8:10 p.m.: Panel Discussion including Audience Q&A

- 8:40 p.m.: Closing Remarks, Closing Act + Networking

- 9 p.m.: Program Ends

Note: Timeline is subject to change.

ABOUT FOUNDERS COMMISSION:

A certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Founders Commission celebrates and leverages the Rockford region’s excellence and ingenuity in business, arts and entertainment, and sports for brand, economic and social good. Inspired by the region’s lineage of success tracing back to 1834 when settlers first arrived along a rocky ford, Founders Commission was established in 2023 as a charitable, educational, civic and scientific nonprofit governed by community advocates and business leaders.