Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

About the Partnership

About the Partnership

One organization. One voice. One mission:
To grow Freeport & Stephenson County.

Meet Our Team
Donors & Supporters
2022 Annual Report
Board of Directors

Our Mission

The Greater Freeport Partnership is the place where organizations and people unite to advocate for the region, drive economic growth and champion a talented, workforce ready community.

Our Values

  • Art, Design and Culture
  • Diversity in all Forms
  • Hard Work and an Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • The Outdoor Experience
  • Giving Back
  • Always Learning

Inclusion Statement

The Greater Freeport Partnership is committed to promoting equity, celebrating diversity, and creating a culture of belonging in Freeport and Stephenson County.

What is the Partnership?

The Greater Freeport Partnership is the place where organizations and people unite to tell the story of our region, drive economic growth, and champion a talented, workforce-ready community. The non-profit organization provides business, tourism and economic development services to members in Stephenson County to help them grow, adapt and thrive through educational programming, networking and resource sharing.

Our History

The Greater Freeport Partnership promotes Stephenson County and support businesses.  We accomplish these goals through workforce development, marketing, beautification, business education and providing data resources.

Our history:  In June 2018, four organizations became one: Northwest Illinois Development Alliance – NIDA, Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, Freeport Downtown Development Foundation, and Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau / Visitors Center. The focus: create a seamless economic development, business services and tourism entity focused on providing outstanding service to those looking to start a business, grow a business and visit the area.

Funding comes from the City of Freeport, Stephenson County, partner investors and members.  Revenue is also generated through co-op advertising programs, grants and revenue from events.

The Greater Freeport Partnership board includes members of the Freeport and Stephenson County business community, the Freeport City Manager, Stephenson County Board Chair, and representatives from Highland Community College and Freeport School District.

Annual Reports

2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report

We are the Greater Freeport Partnership

Key Industries

icon box image

Healthcare

icon box image

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

icon box image

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

Calendar Feed

Blog Feed

A Guide to Local Shopping for Mother’s Day May 1, 2024 As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to show our appreciation for the incredible women who have shaped our lives. This year, why not make the day truly special by embracing the charm of local shopping? Supporting local businesses not only adds a personal touch to your gifts but also contributes to the vibrancy and uniqueness of your community. One delightful […]
Oh, the Places We’ll Go April 30, 2024 Dr. Suess, freeport il, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County It is the season of graduations and with it comes an air of pride, not just for parents and students, but for our community, as well. But while graduations celebrate the end of high school or college education, the term commencement is actually preparing for the start of something new! The Greater Freeport Partnership is experiencing its own commencement. After […]
MVP: Membership Value Proposition April 23, 2024 Freeport, greater freeport partnership, olivo taco, Stephenson County When you decide to become a member or investor of the Greater Freeport Partnership, we understand that a value calculation is made. Is the cost of membership equal to or less than the value you get from being a member and supporting the work that we do at the Partnership? Because we understand that, we work hard to provide value […]
A Leadership Lesson from an Eclipse April 22, 2024 Yesterday at 3:26 pm, my city experienced a 97% solar eclipse. In other words, we were just off-center from the path of totality. I ventured outside at 3:15 p.m. with my eclipse viewer. My dog ran around the backyard. Across the street, a neighbor had 20 people at their house for a joint birthday and eclipse party. And I noticed […]