Andrew, a Partnership staff member, told the committee that Stephenson County’s local labor market is “tight” and that May data show 776 people were unemployed while employers posted 927 unique job openings.

That mismatch — 776 job‑seekers versus 927 unique job postings — reflects increased postings and competition among about 249 employers, Andrew said. He reported an average advertised wage of $26.40 per hour, roughly $54,000 a year.

The update outlined several active projects and initiatives. Partnership staff are discussing a redevelopment agreement with a local automotive dealership to expand its facility and add about 10 maintenance positions. Officials are also in talks with a small data center interested in locating adjacent to a downtown substation. Andrew said he is convening a meeting with the Economic Development Administration and Black Hawk Hills Regional Council to explore potential EDA technical‑assistance or planning grant opportunities.

On downtown redevelopment, staff are working with a Rockford architectural studio on conceptual plans for an existing downtown building and how it could be marketed to developers. The Partnership was awarded $50,000 through T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grant program to create a small public pocket park adjacent to downtown restaurants to support outdoor dining and public use.

Workforce resources include links aggregated by Lightcast (via IDES) and local workforce connections at the 524 Building in Freeport, where staff can help residents prepare resumes and search for jobs. Andrew also briefed the committee on the Midland Institute CEO entrepreneurship program, which will use the coming school year as a planning year for a fall 2026 launch in local high schools; the nearest chapter is at the Whiteside Area Career Center.

Andrew said additional business events — a social‑media workshop July 16, an HR roundtable July 29, and a presentation from the Quad City Regional Economic Development Authority later in the month — are planned to support local employers’ recruitment and redevelopment needs.

Committee members asked about timing and grant availability; Andrew said the EDA is funded and operates on a rolling basis but that award timing this year is uncertain. He concluded that more details will be shared as grant and developer conversations advance.