Sonya Hoppes, South Beloit City Administrator

Sonya Hoppes has served as South Beloit’s First City Administrator since 2021. Sonya was born and raised in South Beloit and is a 1999 South Beloit High School graduate.

Sonya served on the South Beloit Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Vice Chaired the South Beloit Centennial Committee and served two partial terms on the South Beloit City Council. Sonya earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration. Sonya also brings 16 years of professional, municipal experience from the City of Beloit, Wisconsin and the City of Wildwood, Florida.

Sonya is passionate about the potential for South Beloit to continue the path of continuous improvement, professionalism and stability. Sonya’s forward thinking and spirit of collaboration mixed with dedication and professionalism makes for a perfect fit.

“I am honored to continue to serve the residents of South Beloit and take great pride in the City Staff and the work we do. This team is committed to providing fiscally responsible, highly dependable, quality services with integrity and professionalism.”

Colin Schindler, ReThink Realty

I started my real estate career in 2019, and it’s been a pretty wild ride ever since. I’ve had the opportunity to help hundreds of people buy, sell, and invest in Wisconsin and Illinois, earn some recognition along the way, and even speak at the RE/MAX R4 convention in Las Vegas. I’ve worked hard, but I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to meet and work with people who have helped me get much farther than I could have gone alone. The relationships have always been my favorite part of this business.

I became a little detached from my business and my community after spending a couple of years living on Milwaukee’s North Shore, but I’m excited to be back home in Beloit and hands on in this new chapter as broker and owner of ReThink Realty. I launched the brokerage earlier this year with a focus on collaboration, community, and putting people over property. I’m still actively helping clients, while also supporting our agents and building a business where we can grow together and have some fun along the way. There’s plenty to learn, but I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and help make good things happen in the community that helped shape me.

Jaron Combs, Mid-States Concrete Industries 

Born, raised, and proud Beloiter! Started Craftsmen with Character as the lead company for Turner High School (4th year). This is such a great community program and truly wish this opportunity had been there when I was in school. Participated in Junior Achievement for 5 years (until Covid). Worked with BMHS, Turner, Beloit Learning Academy, Lincoln Academy, Hononegah, South Beloit, and various middle schools providing tours, presentations, job shadows, mock interviews, and sharing my personal “tuition” of mistakes to help prevent them from being repeated. Hosting CareerTek Trades After School program for the last 4 years. Currently on the GBCC and GBEDC boards. Vice President of Beloit 200 and Chair of the SMA. Member of the Board of Review and chair of the Planning Commission for the Town of Beloit.

Career started in our installation department where we built the building at job sites throughout the Midwest region for a little over 10 years. Had the opportunity to move into the office as a project manager and was promoted to director of project management. Then a chance to work in production and scheduling arose and began learning the production operation of the business from building formwork, pouring of product, storage and loading, finishing of product, and all things related to the facility and equipment.

This then led to role of VP of operations. During this time I also had the opportunity to work with our engineering and design department teams for a year. This was an extremely valuable experience as I was able to gain a better understanding of this phase of a job’s life cycle. Then approximately a 2 years ago was promoted to current position of Senior VP of Operations.

Tara Tinder, Stateline Community Foundation, Inc.

Executive Director of the Stateline Community Foundation, Inc. since 1993. Guide the Foundation in its growth to over $17 million in assets. Directed $20 million in grants to non-profits and scholarships to our Stateline area.

Throughout her career, Tara has been an active and engaged leader, serving as a trusted convener, advisor, and advocate for the Stateline Community. She is known for bringing people together, encouraging collaboration, and helping organizations identify the resources and partnerships they need to fulfill their missions and serve their communities effectively.

Recognized for her common sense, candor, accountability, and practical approach to problem-solving, Tara remains committed to strengthening the Stateline area and advancing the great good for all.