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Staff

Staff

Meet the Team

The expertise at the Greater Freeport Partnership spans decades of service to community excellence. You can contact us via our general email or call the office at 815-233-1350.

Andrea Schultz Winter is the executive director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. Andrea works on economic development efforts for the Partnership, including downtown Freeport beautification efforts, data analysis, business support regarding financial incentives and loan programs, and employer workforce development support. Andrea has a wide range of experience–from working on complex architecture and construction projects to urban and regional planning developments.  Andrea started her professional career in the Pacific Northwest where she gained an understanding and appreciation for ‘green’ design and best practices.  More recently, Andrea has worked with a local architecture, construction, and development firm where she led local urban planning efforts.  Andrea attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelors of Architecture, Masters of Architecture and Masters of Urban and Regional Planning.  Freeport has been Andrea’s adopted hometown for the past 10 years.  She loves being back in the Midwest and closer to family.  Andrea and her husband have three energetic children.  She values the Freeport community and volunteers her time sitting on multiple non-profit boards.

awinter@greaterfreeport.com

Bill Clow is the business engagement director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. Bill has had a long and varied career, including involvement in four different chambers, working in healthcare, education and consulting, and the running of two radio stations, including one of which he helped to start. Bill enjoys working with local businesses, learning of their stories and helping them overcome challenges. He is happy to be a resident of Freeport and Stephenson County.

Bill lives near downtown in Freeport with Sarah and, except for a three year stint in  northern Wisconsin, lived his adult life in northern and central Illinois. Before his adventure in the Northwoods, Bill lived for 20 years in Woodstock, IL. Bill has a BS in Communications and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He has two adult children, who live on opposite coasts, giving him good vacation options. Bill is always anxious to get his kayak wet in some of the rivers and streams of northwest Illinois. In the meantime, he will mark time sampling all of the great food and drink and meeting the interesting people of Stephenson County!

bclow@greaterfreeport.com

Nicole Haas is the brand director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She is charged with telling the story of the beauty and innovation of Freeport and Stephenson County to attract visitors, employees and residents to the region.  She also helps to curate visitor and community information in multiple media channels to draw visitors into the county and showcase all of its amenities.

Nicole grew up in Pearl City and received her degree in communications and public relations from Western Illinois University and master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Adler University. She worked as general manager for Erickson Publishing in Madison, WI before returning to the area to work in non-profit development and fundraising for several local agencies. Before becoming part of the Partnership’s team, she was the executive director of the Illinois Association of Groundwater Association. Nicole serves on several boards in the area and volunteers her time regularly in a variety of professional capacities. She resides on a farm in rural Stockton with her husband and two sons.

nhaas@greaterfreeport.com

Katie Gentz is the event and engagement manager for the Greater Freeport Partnership, where she spearheads community events and initiatives. With over 20 years of experience living in the area, Katie has deep roots in the community and a keen understanding of its needs.
In her role, Katie not only coordinates a variety of local events but also manages the Illinois Main Street program, working to enhance and revitalize downtown areas through strategic planning and community engagement. Her passion for building strong community connections and fostering local pride drives her efforts to create memorable and impactful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Katie lives in the area with her husband and two kids. In her free time, she enjoys camping and traveling.

kgentz@greaterfreeport.com

Becky Eberle is the administrative services manager for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She assists the executive director in management of the corporation’s board of directors, committee, membership, and strategic allies and establishes a smooth functioning office noted for its excellent customer service, operating efficiency, professional image, product quality and high-quality prospect responses and client research.

Prior to working for the Partnership, Becky’s work history reflects 23 years throughout various areas of the banking industry.

Becky is originally from the Sterling/Rock Falls area but has resided in Freeport with her husband, son and two dogs, for the past seven years. Becky enjoys spending time with family and friends.

beberle@greaterfreeport.com

Billy George is the administrative coordinator at the Greater Freeport Partnership. He holds an A.S. in Digital Media from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.  From there he moved back to the Midwest because he missed the winters.  Freeport is lucky to have him back in the area, first working for his family’s business, Bill George Plumbing and Heating, and now at the Partnership.

In his free time, Billy can be found checking out the awesome food that Stephenson County restaurants have to offer.

bgeorge@greaterfreeport.com

Key Industries

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Healthcare

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Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

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Private Label Food Manufacturing

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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, […]
Speak Softly and Carry Big Scissors May 21, 2025 Freeport, Stephenson County For the last couple of months and for the next couple of months, we have the pleasure of conducting numerous ribbon cuttings. These ribbon cuttings have celebrated businesses that are new or are new to Freeport and Stephenson County, relocated or expanded businesses, completed renovations, and more.    For those who aren’t familiar, ribbon cuttings are ceremonies at which the Greater […]
Why Economic Development Week Matters for Freeport & Stephenson County May 12, 2025 Economic Development Week, celebrated May 12–16, 2025, is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a vital moment to reflect on the work that shapes our community’s future. At the Greater Freeport Partnership, we are proud to lead efforts in economic development, tourism, marketing, business services, and Main Street revitalization. This week gives us the opportunity to spotlight how […]