Growth Dimensions- Economic Development for Belvidere-Boone County

06/17/2026

Join us on September 2, 2026 for the Growth Dimensions Annual Reception.

This year's theme, The Story Behind Growth, celebrates the people, partnerships, and moments that transform lives and strengthen our region.

We're excited to welcome Robert Lieske, Senior Director of Operations and General Manager of the Walmart Distribution Center, as our keynote speaker. His leadership overseeing one of the region's largest operations offers a unique perspective on growth, workforce, innovation, and opportunity.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details and formal invitations.

06/08/2026

🎥 Missed an EconTalks session?

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, elected official, or simply interested in the future of Boone County, EconTalks offers insights into the people, projects, and partnerships shaping our region.

Explore conversations on economic development, workforce trends, business growth, infrastructure, and more—all designed to help our community better understand how growth happens.

Watch past episodes and stay tuned for upcoming discussions with regional leaders and industry experts.
▶️ Visit our YouTube channel to watch the series.
https://lnkd.in/gPfUZvD9

06/05/2026

Growth shouldn't create chaos.
As companies scale from $5M to $20M to $50M+, operational complexity often becomes the biggest barrier to continued growth.

Join us for an in-person working session with Ryan Middlesworth, MBA where you'll identify where your organization is losing time, money, and momentum, and leave with a practical 90-day action plan.

Designed for owners, CEOs, COOs, and senior leaders of growth-focused businesses.

📅 June 19, 2026
📍 In Person, Growth Dimensions Office Belvidere, Illinois
🎯 For $5M–$100M operators

Spots are limited, register today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hidden-cost-of-growth-why-operations-break-at-5m-20m-and-50m-tickets-1990399175514

06/03/2026

Will you be joining us tomorrow? You still have time to register and join Pamela Lopez-Fettes and The Middlesworth Group, LLC for an engaging discussion on performance transformation, operational excellence, and strategies to help your business grow with purpose and efficiency.

Register Now!

What’s the biggest challenge businesses are facing right now? For many owners and operators, it’s the pressure that comes with growth. - Growing revenue without growing complexity - Implementing technology that actually delivers ROI - Building systems that don’t rely on the owner for every dec...

05/28/2026

Growth Dimensions was honored to receive a proclamation from Boone County recognizing 2026 Economic Development Week and the impact of economic development across our region.

Board President, Michael Goelitz, of FNBO accepted the proclamation on behalf of Growth Dimensions from Boone County Board Chairman Karl Johnson.

We’re grateful for the partnerships, leadership, and shared commitment that continue to move Boone County forward, supporting business growth, workforce development, investment, and long-term community prosperity.

Economic development is truly a team effort, and we’re proud to work alongside organizations, businesses, elected officials, and community leaders who believe in the future of our region.

05/27/2026

JOIN US! EconTalks W/ The Middlesworth Group, LLC
What’s the biggest challenge businesses are facing right now?
For many owners and operators, it’s the pressure that comes with growth.

📈 Growing revenue without growing complexity
⚙️ Implementing technology that actually delivers ROI
👥 Building systems that don’t rely on the owner for every decision

As part of the EconTalks series, Growth Dimensions is proud to present an upcoming webinar alongside The Middlesworth Group, LLC focused on operational performance, sustainable growth, and preparing businesses for what’s next.

EconTalks is a Growth Dimensions webinar series designed to bring together industry experts, business leaders, and community partners to explore the trends, strategies, and conversations shaping the future of our region.

Built for manufacturers, business leaders, operations professionals, and community partners across the region.

📍 Hosted by Growth Dimensions
📅 June 4, 2026 12:00-1:00pm
🔗 Register Here - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bZBEWPpLS-SK1k-q6zcWWA

What operational challenge are you seeing most right now?

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

We’re especially grateful for the veterans, military families, and community members across Boone County whose sacrifices and service continue to shape and strengthen our community.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Growth Dimensions offices will be closed Monday, May 25, and will reopen Tuesday, May 26.

Today, we remember and give thanks.

05/18/2026

Introducing EconTalks.

A new webinar series from Growth Dimensions focused on the ideas, partnerships, and progress driving economic growth across Boone County and the region.

Join us as we explore the conversations shaping our future — featuring local leaders, industry experts, and community voices.

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions.
🌐 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOyMnLUoZ3o&t=2s

05/14/2026

More manufacturers are building stronger teams from within through apprenticeship programs.

Through our partners at IMEC, Illinois manufacturers can create structured training programs that strengthen retention, reduce strain on supervisors, and build long-term workforce pipelines.

Funding opportunities are currently available on a rolling basis.

Interested in exploring whether an apprenticeship program could work for your business? Contact Mary Hallock at [email protected] to start the conversation.