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About the Partnership

About the Partnership

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

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

We are the Greater Freeport Partnership

Key Industries

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Healthcare

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Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

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Private Label Food Manufacturing

Calendar Feed

Blog Feed

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 […]
Exposure to Manufacturing April 18, 2024 Freeport, greater freeport partnership, Manufacturing, Stephenson County It is human nature to gravitate towards the familiar. That holds true for high school students. They will frequently choose careers or educational pathways aligned to future careers based on their exposure to that career. So how do we expose more students to the varied manufacturing careers available locally? That was the most prominent conversation thread at our recent Manufacturing […]
Stephenson County Home Show – April 20 April 18, 2024         Participating Vendors include: Acri Company PO. Box 737 Milan, IL 61264 (309) 787-3580 cfilali@acricompany.com Affordable Water 214 W. Menomonie St. Belvidere, IL 61008 (815) 544-1021 affordablewater.durham@gmail.com Bader Construction 1506 S. Oak Ave. Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 821-5733 Bath Planet 7111 N. Alpine Rd. Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 205-0049 aileen@bathplanetlocal.com Bowen’s Carpet Dry 108 2nd Ave. […]