News and Events

VIEW EVENT PHOTOSGrowth Dimensions Economic Development held their annual reception on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, with OSF HealthCare as the Presenting Sponsor. The event, which saw attendance in excess of 280 guests, celebrated the organization’s 46th year as the County’s economic development...Continue Reading

The iconic movie starring John Candy and Steve Martin ‒ Planes, Trains and Automobiles ‒ the classic 1987 John Hughes-written and directed Thanksgiving comedy about an uptight ad exec (Steve Martin) and a cheerful but clumsy shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) makes for a convenient and fun template for...Continue Reading

The State of Illinois was awarded a Silver Shovel in the 19th Annual Area Development Gold & Silver Shovel Awards, with Belvidere's Walmart Perishable Distribution Center project being named a ‘Non-Manufacturing Project of the Year.'Read the excerpt, below, from Area Development's article.The Silver Shovels States with population of more than...Continue Reading

WHAT IS AN ENTERPRISE ZONE? Enterprise Zones are designed to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in specified areas, through state and local tax incentives, regulatory relief and improved governmental services. The goal is to encourage private economic development and job creation. The Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone is...Continue Reading