A new organization aimed at boosting economic development in Freeport and Stephenson County now has a name -- and a launch window.
The Northwest Illinois Development Alliance, Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Freeport Downtown Development Foundation and Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce joined with local officials to discuss forming the new organization, provisionally called “NewCo,” earlier this spring.
The board of NewCo has now selected “Greater Freeport Partnership” as the name for the new organization, which it said is designed to “promote economic development, tourism and business services to grow the Freeport and Stephenson County region.”
A release by area development consortium Newco said “Greater Freeport Partnership” will speak for the entire region with one voice and ease development by providing one main entry to investment. Newco said the new organization would be a “one-stop shop” for those interested in setting up and doing business in Freeport and Stephenson County.
Work on staffing has already started. Newco said a national search for an executive director is underway. The Partnership is slated to begin operations in June.