FREEPORT — The Greater Freeport Partnership recently received honors from the Lieutenant Governor Awards for Design, Volunteer of the Year, and Board Member of the Year, recognized at this year’s Illinois Main Street Conference in Pontiac, Ill. 

The City of Freeport, Fehr Graham and Greater Freeport Partnership won the award for Design for the Chicago Avenue Streetscape Design in downtown Freeport. Devin Mielke received the award for Volunteer of the Year, and Josh Elliott was honored as the Board Member of the Year.

The Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization is one of the most notable recognitions for Illinois Main Street communities to achieve for their work in bringing economic prosperity to their communities. Work highlights projects, activities, and events focused on the Main Street Approach, as well as outstanding volunteers and board members. 

“Main streets across Illinois showcase the very best of small businesses and revitalization efforts. I’m so proud of the 2023 award recipients for their hard work and talent to create positive change in our Main Street communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “That positive change will spark economic opportunities and jobs that build purpose and a sense of community throughout Illinois.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton alongside Illinois and Chicago Main Street Coordinators Jim Miller and Frankye Payne, respectively, of Main Street America recognized 16 awardees. Twelve awards were given for program efforts, two for outstanding volunteers, and one each for Board Member and Volunteer of the Year. 

“As a new Illinois Main Street community, we are very excited to see our projects and the work of our volunteers aligning with the priorities of Main Street. It is always wonderful to see the work recognized and these efforts will continue momentum for future development and investment downtown,” said Partnership Executive Director Andrea Schultz Winter.

Awards were announced by Tasha Sams, Manager of Entrepreneur and Small Business Support and Joi Cuartero Austin, Sr. Program Officer for Economic Vitality, with a special welcome by Dionne Baux, Vice President of Field Services, Neighborhood Commercial Districts, all representatives of Main Street America. 

“Throughout the year, Illinois Main Street communities work tirelessly to build relationships with businesses, property owners and other economic development partners to create a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike,” said Jim Miller, Illinois Main Street State Coordinator. “Collectively, these recognitions showcase just a portion of what can be accomplished when using the Main Street Approach as a method for economic development.”

The 2023 Illinois Main Street Conference was hosted alongside the Chicago Main Street program, and in partnership with the office of Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the City of Pontiac.

All projects, activities, or events submitted for recognition must have been completed in 2022 through June 30, 2023. Volunteer nominations reflect an amalgamation of work done with the Main Street organization and community. 

The Greater Freeport Partnership is a collaboration of business, community, visitor, and economic development services with the mission to drive economic growth for Freeport and Stephenson County.

Learn more about Illinois Main Street and view a full list of award winners at ilmainstreet.org.