Forbes Names Goodwill to its ‘America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies’ List

Goodwill Industries was recently named to “America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies’ List by Forbes, a designation that not only recognized the work of the nation Goodwill enterprise but the work of its 165 independent community-based organization.

The independent community-based organization includes Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, which operates within northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

“This is the first time that Goodwill has made the Forbes list, and we are very proud to be ranked 23rd nationally,” said Sam Schmitz, President of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. “This national honor reaffirms our belief that people understand when they donate and shop at Goodwill, the revenue from the sale of their donated goods is invested locally and makes a difference in the lives of people in their community.”

The Forbes’ “Most Inspiring Companies” list was based on the results of a survey conducted by the consulting firm, Performance Inspired, Inc. The firm surveyed 2,175 consumers online to identify the companies that they felt were the most inspirational and why. Goodwill was one of the smaller companies on the list that did well because of the good story behind the name.

“Consumers are really appreciative of the Goodwill retail stores and the perceived feel-good value they are bringing to local communities,” said Terry Barber, chief inspiration officer for Performance Inspired.

According to Schmitz, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois helped improve the lives of more than 4,500 people last year through its job training and employment placement programs and services. The organization covers 18 counties and has 9 retail stores in the Illinois communities of Rockford, Machesney Park, McHenry, Huntley, Freeport, DeKalb, Sterling, and Ottawa as well as Beloit, Wisconsin.

“Although we are truly honored to have been named to the Forbes list, we are even more honored that the people throughout our region choose to support the important work that Goodwill does each and every day,” Schmitz said. “We would not be able to fulfill our mission without you.”