Partnership Behind the Progress: Recognizing Our 2026 Annual Reception Sponsors

Economic development does not happen through the work of one organization, one business, or one project. It happens when organizations across a community choose to invest, collaborate, and take an active role in shaping what comes next.

That spirit of partnership is at the heart of Growth Dimensions Economic Development and our 2026 Annual Reception: The Story Behind Growth.

This year, we are proud to recognize an outstanding group of organizations supporting the Annual Reception and, more importantly, demonstrating their commitment to the continued economic vitality of Belvidere and Boone County.

Presenting Sponsor

OSF HealthCare

As our Presenting Sponsor, OSF HealthCare leads an impressive group of organizations helping make this year's Annual Reception possible. Their support reflects the important role strong institutions and employers play in building communities where businesses, families, and talent can thrive.

Speaker Sponsor

UW Health

UW Health joins us as our Speaker Sponsor, supporting an evening designed to bring business and community leaders together around the people and ideas driving our region forward.

Wine Sponsor

General Mills

A significant member of Boone County's business community, General Mills serves as our Wine Sponsor. Their participation represents something we value deeply at Growth Dimensions: established employers continuing to engage and invest in the community they call home.

Dessert Sponsor

Swenson & Marzak

Swenson & Marzak joins us as our Dessert Sponsor, helping us create an evening that celebrates not only economic accomplishments, but also the relationships that make those accomplishments possible.

Centerpiece Sponsor

Dairy Farmers of America

As our Centerpiece Sponsor, Dairy Farmers of America helps bring this year's theme, The Story Behind Growth, to life throughout the event while joining fellow businesses and organizations in supporting economic development across Boone County.

Networking Sponsor

Midland States Bank

Connections often become the starting point for new ideas, investments, and opportunities. As our Networking Sponsor, Midland States Bank supports one of the most important parts of the Annual Reception: bringing together the people who are helping move our region forward.

Partner Sponsor

Nexus Solutions

Nexus Solutions joins us as our Partner Sponsor, demonstrating the value of businesses and professional partners working alongside economic development organizations to strengthen communities and create opportunities.

Supporting Sponsors

Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA)
Moscato's / Paulina's Panini
Surf Internet

Our Supporting Sponsors represent a range of industries and perspectives, but share an important connection: a commitment to supporting a strong business environment and a thriving regional economy.

The Story Behind Growth Is a Story of Partnership

For Growth Dimensions, sponsorship is about more than supporting a single event.

It represents businesses and organizations choosing to be part of the larger economic development conversation. These partnerships strengthen our ability to tell Boone County's story, build relationships with businesses and decision-makers, support existing employers, attract new investment, and create opportunities throughout our communities.

When site selectors, brokers, developers, businesses, and prospective investors look at Boone County, we want them to see more than available sites and infrastructure. We want them to see a community where businesses, institutions, local leaders, and economic development partners work together.

Our 2026 Annual Reception is an opportunity to celebrate that collaboration and recognize the organizations helping make it possible.

To each of our 2026 Annual Reception sponsors: thank you for investing in the story behind growth and for being part of what comes next for Belvidere and Boone County.