Celebrating the legacy businesses that helped build downtown

With a once-in-a-generation downtown improvement project nearly complete, and summer activities coming fast – Rock Island has a lot to celebrate.  

Tucked among downtown's eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, bars and theaters are companies that have quietly shaped the city’s economic foundation for generations. 

Major employers Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors of America have flown their flags in Downtown Rock Island for well over 100 years. Fellow national insurance company Illinois Casualty Company has proudly called downtown home for decades. And neighboring Gas & Electric Credit Union (GECU) just celebrated its 90th year in business. Adjacent to the Mississippi River in the heart of the county seat, a variety of other professional services, including law offices, financial institutions and government entities, are also located downtown. 

GECU has seen Rock Island change through the decades. And the company has changed along with it – with two expansions in the past 27 years.  

“The city has been a fantastic partner for us,” said Daryl Empen, GECU President. Empen noted the institution has had several locations throughout the downtown area over its many years in business, landing at 2300 4th Ave. in 1998. “Since 1998, we’ve seen tremendous growth and rejuvenation all around us. Immediately to our east, the U.S. Social Security Administration office was built, and the gorgeous and historic Jackson Square apartments now stand where the old Jackson Oil/Ladder Company stood vacant for decades. The 3rd Avenue corridor to our north has seen the most dramatic transformation,” he said, citing the mixture of new buildings and restoration of historic buildings. “We consider Rock Island our home and see a strong future ahead for Downtown Rock Island – something we definitely want to be a part of.”  

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s largest women-led life insurance companies, just celebrated its 130th anniversary on May 18 at its home office at 230 16th St.  

The company, whose beautiful Art Deco building is part of the nationally recognized Downtown Rock Island Historic District, earned a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Insurance Companies in 2025.  

“For more than a century, Royal Neighbors of America has proudly called Rock Island home,” said Zarifa Brown Reynolds, CEO and President. “Here, we’ve built a legacy rooted in financial protection and community impact.”  Employing over 200 people and delivering an impact of more than $43 million in social impact initiatives, Royal Neighbors continues to invest in programs that support women and serve communities.  

“Rock Island has provided us not only with a strong foundation to grow our business, but also with an exceptional employee base — people who are passionate about our mission to insure lives, support women and serve communities. Rock Island is a vibrant, values-driven place to do business, and we’re honored to be part of its rich history and continued growth,” Brown Reynolds said.  

On June 26, Illinois Casualty Company (ICC), 225 20th St., celebrated 75 years in business with a ribbon cutting event, bringing together community partners, employees and friends to honor a legacy of service and commitment to the food and beverage industry.  

Founded in 1950, ICC delivers expertly crafted insurance products and services for the food and beverage industry, including fellow downtown businesses. The company has called Rock Island home since its inception, employing 112 people, including 72 in the Quad Cities.  

ICC employees are deeply involved in the community, serving as members of Rock Island Rotary and donating countless hours of service to local volunteer organizations and thousands of dollars to local charities, as well as scholarship funds for college-bound ICC employees.  

“We are proud to have been a part of the rich history of Rock Island for 75 years,” said Arron Sutherland, President/CEO of ICC, and founding member of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance Board of Directors. Sutherland was integral in the formation of the City of Rock Island's Downtown Special Service Area in 2022 and Downtown Alliance in 2023.

“ICC looks forward to being a part Rock Island’s bright future,” Sutherland said.