STEPHENSON COUNTY, IL —The Greater Freeport Partnership has been awarded an $18,500 Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), providing additional resources to promote Freeport and Stephenson County as a destination for outdoor travel, events, and overnight visitors.
Tourism remains an important driver of economic development in Stephenson County, supporting jobs, generating tax revenue, and strengthening quality of life by helping sustain local amenities and experiences enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
The funding will support ongoing tourism marketing efforts designed to showcase Stephenson County’s unique attractions, vibrant downtowns, outdoor recreation opportunities, cultural experiences, and community events. The grant is matched by the Partnership from local hotel/motel tax collected by the City of Freeport and Stephenson County.
“This investment recognizes the tremendous value tourism brings to our local economy,” said Nicole Haas, Partnership marketing and tourism director. “We are proud of the momentum we’ve built through the Simply Stephenson County brand and our collaborative efforts with local attractions, businesses, and event organizers. This grant will allow us to tell our story to a broader audience, attract more visitors, and continue positioning Stephenson County as a welcoming destination filled with authentic experiences and uncompromising hospitality.”
The award is part of a statewide investment of $4.6 million announced by the Illinois Office of Tourism for tourism funding to destinations and tourism organizations throughout Illinois.
“Millions of people visit Illinois every year, and we want them to experience more of what our state has to offer from Route 66 to the Chicago skyline,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These grants will help local partners reach travelers across the country and around the world and show them what they can discover here in the Middle of Everything. More visitors mean more customers for our restaurants, hotels, and shops, supporting local jobs and businesses in communities throughout Illinois.”
The award comes at a time of continued growth for tourism throughout Stephenson County. Through the Simply Stephenson County tourism campaign, the Partnership has expanded regional marketing efforts, increased digital engagement, and enhanced awareness of the county’s attractions and events. Those efforts have contributed to positive tourism trends, with recent data showing a 9.3 percent increase in tourism-related revenue between 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the growing impact of visitor spending on local businesses, restaurants, lodging establishments, and attractions.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is a catalyst for dynamic economic growth fostering an inclusive environment where businesses thrive, and our community prospers. We are dedicated to nurturing new opportunities while enriching the fabric of Freeport and Stephenson County.
