Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Young Professionals Network

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

icon box image

Healthcare

icon box image

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

icon box image

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Calendar Feed

Blog Feed

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 […]
New tourism brand “Simply Stephenson County” invites visitors to discover more May 4, 2026 The Greater Freeport Partnership is proud to announce the official launch of Simply Stephenson County, a new tourism brand designed to showcase the communities, attractions, and locally owned businesses of Freeport and Stephenson County as a Midwest outdoor getaway destination.  Unveiled this week to coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week, the brand reflects a growing demand among travelers for meaningful, affordable, […]
BASE Camp Pitch Competition awards local entrepreneurs May 4, 2026 The Greater Freeport Partnership is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 BASE Camp Pitch Competition, the culminating event of its Business Academy for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BASE) Camp program.  After weeks of intensive coursework and business development training, three local entrepreneurs were selected as top finalists and awarded cash prizes to support the growth of their businesses:  First […]