News and Events

Gov. Pritzker Awards $7.9 Million in Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores and Equipment Upgrades Grants, Launches Round II of New Stores GrantsPress Release - Thursday, October 03, 2024Funding supports new stores in food deserts, energy-efficient equipment upgradesMORE!Continue Reading

VIEW EVENT PHOTOSGrowth Dimensions Economic Development held their annual reception on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, with OSF HealthCare as the Presenting Sponsor. The event, which saw attendance in excess of 250 guests, celebrated the organization’s 45th year as the County’s economic development...Continue Reading

IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession. July 30, 2024 (Boone County, IL) – Growth Dimensions Economic Development for Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the...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

Taking place from May 6 - 10, the 2024 Economic Development Week  recognizes and honors the dedicated work of economic developers, along with their contributions to communities around the world. This is a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)."As the local and regional economies evolve, the...Continue Reading

On February 13, 2024, Growth Dimensions Economic Development and Illinois Manufacturers' Association presented “Navigating Laws & Legislation.” The event was sponsored by NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS.Donovan Griffith, Vice President of Government Affairs at IMA, did a wonderful job of bringing the audience up-to-date on governance and legislation in the...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

On Friday, January 5th, Growth Dimensions Economic Development for Belvidere and Boone County officially opened their new office, located at 982 Belvidere Road, in Belvidere. After ten years co-located in Belvidere City Hall, the community-based organization moved to a new location which promises to provide businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs direct...Continue Reading

The following press release is from illinois.gov. To view the original, click here.CHICAGO, October 30, 2023 - Governor Pritzker issued the following statement regarding the tentative contract deal reached by UAW and Stellantis:“With the announcement that United Auto Workers and Stellantis have reached a tentative agreement that’s good for workers...Continue Reading

Manufacturing facilities play a pivotal role in shaping the economic, social, and environmental landscape of a community. These facilities serve as the backbone of a region's economic vitality, contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic & community development. Let's explore the importance of manufacturing and their facilities in a community,...Continue Reading

Agriculture holds immense importance in America due to various economic, social, and environmental reasons. Here are some key aspects of why agriculture is vital in the United States:Economic ContributionAgriculture is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. It generates billions of dollars in revenue each year, providing employment to millions...Continue Reading

The following press release is from Walmart Inc. 1.2 million square-foot facility in Belvidere, Illinois to create new local tech-powered jobs Belvidere, Ill., June 20, 2023 – Today, Walmart announced plans to build a 1.2 million square-foot high-tech perishable distribution center (PDC) in Belvidere, Illinois. The new facility, located approximately 12 miles east of...Continue Reading

Boone County is seeing a flurry of activity in new and expanding business construction. Growth Dimensions is currently working with 54 new businesses and 31 existing businesses.   The Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone continues to yield substantial investments in locations prime for...Continue Reading

The following press release is from illinois.gov. To view the original, click here.SPRINGFIELD, May 17, 2023 - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the launch of the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit application for eligible companies. BCJA is a bipartisan legislative package designed...Continue Reading

Economic growth is the core of a community’s vitality. The ability of businesses to operate and flourish offers jobs for residents, increases financial opportunities and improves the overall quality of life in an area. But starting and running a business is a challenging endeavor. From the established company to the...Continue Reading

On January 18, 2023, we celebrated the graduation of Angelica Zarco, Nancy Tejeda, Ruth Mendez and Esteban Gutierrez, as they successfully completed the first-ever Spanish-led Kauffman FastTrac® Program for entrepreneurs in Belvidere and Boone County, IL, offered through Growth Dimensions. Participants followed a rigorous 10-week schedule, covering five content areas: ...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

Established in 1979, Growth Dimensions Economic Development provides a progressive and cooperative environment which improves the quality of life by fostering economic opportunity and personal growth. With economic development partners throughout Belvidere-Boone County, Growth Dimensions is advancing a coordinated economic development strategy to create jobs, promote community assets and stimulate...Continue Reading

A ceremonial groundbreaking held on August 25, 2022, marked the official start of construction on the future home of General Mills’ 1.3 million square foot warehouse and distribution center, in Belvidere, Illinois. This facility, located on 111 acres at the intersection of Irene Road and U.S. Route 20, will...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

Growth Dimensions Economic Development's website developer and economic development marketing partner, Golden Shovel Agency, put extensive work into putting together a Social Media eBook. They are allowing Growth Dimension Economic Development to share this detailed guide with their investors and community.  Enjoy this social media treasure.  ...Continue Reading