Donors & Supporters

The Greater Freeport Partnership could not do the work we do reinforcing and promoting Freeport and Stephenson County without the support of many organizations, businesses and individuals. That support comes in many styles and levels. Thank you to all our private partners who support our work. In this part of our website, we want to recognize those whose backing make what we do possible.

Partnership Level Members

Some companies and organizations voluntarily provide additional support above and beyond normal membership levels. They do so to invest in the Greater Freeport Partnership’s work in workforce development, economic development, business services, tourism, downtown development and more.

Find a complete list of our members in our membership directory.

Volunteers

From organizing committees to workers at events, volunteers provide the brain and muscle power to make our events a success. From our volunteer board of directors to the Partnership Ambassadors to the set-up and clean-up crews at our events, volunteers are essential to what we do. To join a Partnership committee, please contact 815-233-1350.

Marketing Committee

Mike Marten, Chair
Josh Elliott
Lance Ferguson
Carolyn Mitchell
Christy Sosnowski
Erica Winters
Chloe Zuberbuhler
Caitlyn McNutt

DEIB Advisory Committee

Josh Elliott
Lance Ferguson
Julie Hartman-Linck
Greta Herrell
Michael Johnson
Kim McIver
Pat Norman

Design & Placemaking

Berin Jackson
Elizabeth Ontiveros
Wayne Duckman
Devin Mielke
Aubra Palermo
Cal Wescott

Downtown Promotions

Sarah Brennan
Tim Connors
Jaime Elliott
Brandon Harmon
Mark Mannino
Ginger Mercier
Devin Mielke
Aubra Palermo
Angie Spachman
Cal Wescott

Event Sponsors

Some companies and organizations voluntarily provide additional support above and beyond normal membership levels. They do so to invest in the Greater The Greater Freeport Partnership would like to thank our event sponsors who help cover costs to make more affordable events and activities for attendees. If you are interested in helping to bring one of these events to our residents and visitors, contact kgentz@greaterfreeport.com.

Key Industries

Healthcare

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

Calendar Feed

Blog Feed

From Freeport to Everywhere: A simpler way to reach 350+ destinations with RFD + American Airlines Landline November 5, 2025 Freeport, Stephenson County Families and businesses across Stephenson County have a new, easier way to start a trip. American Airlines, operated by The Landline Company, connects Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) to American’s global network through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)—all on a single American itinerary that you book on AA.com or the American app. You begin your journey right here in our […]

Guest Columnist Kim McIver – Native American Heritage Month November 5, 2025 Freeport, quiet souls, Stephenson County The Partnership is honored to commemorate Native American Heritage Month with a guest column from Kim McIver of Quiet Souls in Freeport. Kim is also an Illinois Road Scholar and award-winning Ojibwa author from the White Earth Reservation in northwest Minnesota. We asked Kim a few questions to provide a better understanding of Native culture. As most of you know, November is […]

Saved by the Swifties August 18, 2025 Last week, I had the privilege of joining thousands of tourism industry professionals from around the country at the Destination International Annual Conference in Chicago. This is a conference our small destination wouldn’t usually attend, but being so close to home, it was a great opportunity to meet and learn from a much wider group. The people were amazing, education […]

A Welcoming Community Fuels Economic Growth June 12, 2025 A thriving economy starts with a welcoming community. When people from different backgrounds, cultures, races, and orientations feel valued and accepted, they bring new ideas, businesses, and opportunities that strengthen our local economy. Cultural competence is more than just embracing diversity—it’s a powerful driver of economic development, tourism, and business growth. Communities that foster inclusivity become attractive destinations for visitors, […]