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

Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2)The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently-owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.Deadline: December 15, 2025Route 66 Grant ProgramProviding grants to certified...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

Capitol Warehousing and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) networked with industry and business partners, as they held an open house on Thursday, January 24, 2024. The open house, sponsored by BDG International, Inc., was the region’s introduction to the newly-activated Foreign Trade Zone 176 (FTZ#176) services available at Capitol...Continue Reading

The following is an excerpt from Thomson Reuters, published on December 6, 2022 in the article titled, "Illinois Legislature amends REV Illinois Act; Makes Other Tax Changes," written by Margaret Eisler. The Illinois Legislature has adopted changes to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV Illinois Act), including...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