In an organization that has “partnership” in its name, it is no wonder we like making friends. But when using the word “partner,” we aren’t just talking about the noun meaning the people and organizations we are thrilled to work with, we are also talking about the verb – the action of coming together toward a common goal for the betterment of Freeport and Stephenson County.
The Verb
In the last week, the staff has welcomed many opportunities to work with other fantastic organizations on shared goals for our region. We partnered with Highland Community College and CareerTEC to host Manufacturing Day with great connections between students, employers, and each other. We are partnering with local childcare organizations to review, visit, and imagine what additional childcare facilities and services can provide to area families and our workforce. We partnered with government agencies to submit a grant application to facilitate site readiness for future industrial growth. And we partnered with local event planners and organizations to print a 2025 community calendar to promote next year’s events.
The number of actions that occur daily in our organization that involve amplifying, accentuating, and collaborating with other important companies and agencies would be impossible to count.
The Noun – YOU
Whether you are an investor in our work, a member of the organization, a community supporter, a government official, or just an interested reader you are a partner in the work of creating a better Freeport and Stephenson County. Each of the collaborative efforts we initiate and contribute to are the result of work by many like minds. You have the opportunity to be a partner in any of them. How? Talk about the projects that are coming to fruition or ones still in progress, encourage others to get involved in work that affects us all, or attend the meetings, education opportunities, and events that are hosted to bring great ideas and people together. With your efforts and positive voice, our messages of development and growth in Freeport and Stephenson County grow louder.
Whether talking about the work of coming together, or referring to the people who make it happen, the Greater Freeport Partnership is making strides with you.
Andrea Schultz Winter is the executive director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She can be reached at awinter@greaterfreeport.com or 815-233-1354.
