The real estate market may not be as active as it was this time last year, but there is constant movement of new people and families into Freeport and Stephenson County. The Partnership connects with newcomers to provide information on things to do in the area that may interest them, services they need to make Freeport and Stephenson County home, and opportunities for employment.
To best meet this need, the Partnership is pleased to announce the Stephenson County Area Advocate program. Working with businesses in the real estate and mortgage industries, the Partnership is gathering contact information from new homeowners who opt-in to the program and matches them with local “advocates” who can welcome them personally. Advocates contact and meet with the newcomers to provide them with a welcome bag, answer questions about the area, suggest things to do that match their hobbies and passions, and help them get acquainted with their new surroundings.
Each advocate is trained on talking points with the goal of providing a positive experience for newcomers. Partnership staff are available as a resource for advocates and newcomers to help provide information on any topics that can’t be answered in the conversation.
We want your business to reach these newcomers, too! The Stephenson County Area Advocate program will include information about your business in the welcome bags for a $300/six-month sponsorship. As a sponsor, you have the opportunity to place a menu, gadget, brochure, or other leave-behind in the bag. As the advocate reviews the contents of the bag, they will be sure to point out information regarding your business.
Meeting with newcomers and providing them with a great start is another way the Partnership is working to promote your business and change the way visitors and residents interact with our region. Please help support this initiative as a sponsor as well as the added bonus of promoting your business!
Whether you are interested in being a sponsor or learning more about becoming an advocate, you can join us for a brief informational webinar on Wednesday, April 17 at 3 pm via Zoom.
Nicole Haas, MIOP is the Brand Director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She can be reached at nhaas@greaterfreeport.com or 815-801-3676.
