Freeport – The Greater Freeport Partnership is among 58 award recipients to receive grant funds for the Illinois Tourism Marketing grant program. The Partnership will use funding to expand the “Be A Trailblazer” campaign which focuses on the extraordinary outdoor land and water trails in Freeport and Stephenson County to entice and invite visitors.
Through the grant opportunity, the State is matching local funds used to promote destinations, attractions and events through marketing such as promotional materials, media production costs, billboards, and promotional materials at trade shows. The ultimate goal of the program is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the state.
“Freeport and Stephenson County are fortunate to have a vast number of amazing outdoor experiences and we are thrilled to receive grant funding to spread the message of these attractions to an even larger, broader audience of potential visitors. Being a trailblazer in Freeport and Stephenson County expands beyond just trail usage, it’s also about finding the unique and exceptional opportunities that exist,” said Partnership Brand Director Nicole Haas.
The campaign focuses on inviting visitors from more than 50 miles to visit Freeport and Stephenson County using digital advertising, social media, billboards, print advertising and creative production.
The success of Illinois’ tourism sector is due to the commitment to supporting the industry as an economic engine for communities of all sizes.
“Overnight guests and day-trip visitors are not just important to the economy of Freeport and Stephenson County but also play a vital role in how we imagine our destination as a place to start and grow a business, live, and call home,” said Partnership Executive Director Mark Williams.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is a collaboration of economic development, business and tourism efforts united to promote and grow Stephenson County.
For more information:
Nicole Haas
Brand Director, Greater Freeport Partnership
815-801-3676
nhaas@greaterfreeport.com
