#bignumberoftheweek 16.76 MILLION = Pets or Pennies

GUESTS: Jeff Wilsea, Hunter Hokoth, and Liam Ellingson - Rockford Robotics

https://www.rockfordrobotics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RockfordRobotics

HAPPYHAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Tom’s Trivia Challenge

Big # of the Week ANSWER

NEXT WEEK - ROOFTOP ANGELS Brad Steele / LUCHA CANTINA Josh Bining

INCROWD815 website and NEW MERCH!! https://incrowd815⁠

"You change the world when you help 1 person! Be a blessing to someONE today." +GES

#bignumberoftheweek 4 BILLION = Plows or Poinsettias

GUEST: Our Co-Host TOM WARNER His story of surviving a horrendous motorcycle accident and the GOOD that came out of it!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-warner-06905338/

The AI Questions of the Week

Tom’s Trivia Challenge

Big # of the Week ANSWER

NEXT WEEK - .. Episode 300! HAPPY NEW YEAR with

ROCKFORD ROBOTICS Jeff Willsea and President at NWVU Rockford SheVet Chapter Nancy Clark

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INCROWD815 website and 815 MERCH!! ⁠https://incrowd815⁠

SHOUTOUTS: Recap of the Hosts of The INCROWD815 Networking Group Events for 2025

MPowr, Tad More Tailoring, NAMI, Gregory Saunders Realtor KWRS at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, Marshmallow’s Hope, Boone County Jiu-Jitsu, Macktown Construction, Barnstormer Distillery, Wholesale Payments at Chilangos Authentic Mexican Cuisine, Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

"You change the world when you help 1 person! Be a blessing to someONE today." +GES

#bignumberoftheweek 38 = Gingerbread or Game

YEAR IN REVIEW

We are up to 103 local Not-For-Profits that have been on the podcast !!!

+ Special Events = 6

MASKED KARAOKE TRIVIA CONTEST

2.0 Apr 17 (2K Grand Prize) and 3.0 Nov 13 (5K GRAND PRIZE!)

BIG TIMBER Axe Throwing Competition Fundraiser July 17 / Rivets game July 19 / RRVBC Blood Drive Aug 12 / Christmas Party and Fundraiser for Vets Smile at Ross Pearson VFW Rockford

+ Networking Group = 10 = 9 Meeting Hosts plus 1 NAMI Trivia Night support team Mar 27

https://www.facebook.com/SaturdayMorningStateline/past_hosted_events

+ Podcast = 50 Episodes (Numbers 248 - 298 .. next week 299 .. Jan 3, 2026 will be Episode 300!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE .. and HAPPYHAPPY BDAY DAD!

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NEXT WEEK - .. SHE VETS Founder Nancy Clark

"You change the world when you help 1 person! Be a blessing to someONE today." +GES

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INCROWD815 website and 815 MERCH!! https://incrowd815

SHOUTOUTS:

#1 Fan of 2025 = Linda Wennmacher

#1 Supporter of 2025 = Tracey Fults MEDICARE411

#1 Most Attended Networking Group Event of 2025 = Angela Larson SUNSET FUNERAL HOME & GARDENS
The INCROWD815 podcast, hosted by Greg Saunders and Tom Warner, is a cornerstone of the Rockford, Illinois community. Formerly known as The Saturday Morning Stateline Show, it focuses on local non-profits, "difference makers," and small businesses.

The year was characterized by "Action-Based Networking." Beyond the studio, the INCROWD815 Networking Group took over venues like the Ross Pearson VFW, Tebala Event Center, and local businesses to turn podcast conversations into real-world connections. On Facebook and Instagram, followers saw a constant stream of "Giving Back" moments, most notably the Masked Karaoke Trivia Contest, which saw a staggering $5,000 donation to Marshmallow’s Hope from MEDICARE411.

A major theme throughout these past 50 episodes was regional legacy. Whether it was visiting the curator at Veterans Memorial Hall to preserve veterans' stories or celebrating the Golden Apple Foundation, Greg and Tom focused on the institutions that provide the foundation for the Stateline’s future. These episodes served as a bridge between the city’s rich history and its modern professional evolution.

One of the most high-octane moments of the year was the Masked Karaoke Trivia Contest Recap (Episode 293). This event was a masterclass in "fun-raising," resulting in massive wins for local charities. With a $5,000 Grand Prize going to Marshmallow’s Hope from MEDICARE411 and additional $1000 wins for Nik’s Wish and RAMP from GEMINI SOLAR and WALDOM ELECTRONICS, the podcast proved that the INCROWD815 audience doesn't just listen—they show up and give back.

As the show approaches the 300-episode mark, the diversity of topics has expanded even further. The podcast explored everything from specialized healthcare with the GABA-A-Alliance to regional heritage and sports media. This variety ensured that the "In-Crowd" wasn't just a business circle, but a cross-section of everyone making a difference in the 815.

The social media buzz in 2025 was dominated by INCROWD815’s monthly mixers, while Instagram showcased the "unfiltered" fun of the special events, most notably the MKTC. The synergy between the podcast and the networking group has turned INCROWD815 into a true community engine.

As we head toward Episode 300 on January 4th, the momentum is undeniable.

We are celebrating the people who make Rockford a better place to live, work, volunteer, and play.. one episode at a time.