Young Professionals Network (YPN)

Connect. Grow. Lead.

A community for Stephenson County’s rising professionals

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) was created by the Greater Freeport Partnership as a space for the region’s emerging professionals to build meaningful business connections, develop leadership skills, and give back to the Stephenson County community. Whether you’re new to the workforce or new to the area, YPN is where you’ll find purpose, build your network, and grow into the community’s next generation of leaders.

Interested in learning more about YPN – Young Professionals Network? Contact the Greater Freeport Partnership at (815) 233-1350 or email business@greaterfreeport.com.

YPN Member Benefits

• Attend monthly networking events and socials with fellow young professionals

• Hear from local leaders on professional development, leadership, and community topics

• Build your personal and professional brand within Stephenson County

• Give back through community service projects and volunteer opportunities

• Access exclusive invitations to GFP Business After Hours and Rise N’ Shine events

• Have the opportunity to serve on a YPN planning or task force committee

Get Involved

• Join YPN — complete the interest form below

• Attend an event — check the calendar for the next social or morning program

• Get more involved — ask about joining a YPN planning committee

• Bring your company — ask about group/company involvement for your team

Key Industries

Healthcare

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

Calendar Feed

Blog Feed

Greater Freeport Partnership Receives $18,500 State Tourism Marketing Grant to Promote Freeport and Stephenson County September 30, 2026 STEPHENSON COUNTY, IL —The Greater Freeport Partnership has been awarded an $18,500 Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), providing additional resources to promote Freeport and Stephenson County as a destination for outdoor travel, events, and overnight visitors. Tourism remains an important driver of economic development in Stephenson County, supporting jobs, generating tax […]

Stephenson County Tourism Direct Spending Reaches $56.3 Million in 2025, Up 9.3 Percent September 10, 2026 freeport il, Stephenson County STEPHENSON COUNTY — Tourism continues to be a significant economic driver for Stephenson County, with visitors generating $56 million in direct spending in 2025—a 9.3 percent increase over 2024. The growth in visitor spending supported more than 350 direct hospitality jobs throughout Stephenson County, benefiting local restaurants, retailers, lodging properties, attractions and other tourism-related businesses. The strong performance follows continued […]

A Stronger Economy Starts with a Welcoming Community June 30, 2026 In business, we understand a simple truth: growth depends on people. Talent, entrepreneurs, and investment follow opportunity—but just as importantly, they follow communities where they feel they can belong. Across Illinois, that idea is not just a value—it’s a strategy for economic growth. Communities that are welcoming to newcomers and open to people with different backgrounds are consistently positioned to compete more effectively for jobs, investment, […]

Downtown Freeport Celebrates Successful Launch of “The Great Pretzel Bite” During Pretzel Fest May 13, 2026 FREEPORT — Downtown Freeport made history on April 25 as community members gathered for the inaugural Great Pretzel Bite, a new signature event held during the Greater Freeport Partnership’s annual Pretzel Fest celebration. A total of 216 participants joined together in downtown Freeport to simultaneously take a bite of their pretzels, officially establishing the benchmark for future Great Pretzel Bite […]