Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Dei topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County board member criticizes DEI programming at Greater Freeport Partnership; GFP staff says programs serve businesses
Summary
During public comment, a county board member objected to a DEI presentation hosted by the Greater Freeport Partnership and Highland, citing a recent executive order and arguing the county should avoid funding controversial programming. GFP staff said the organization’s work is centered on economic development and small-business support.
A Stephenson County board member used the meeting’s public-comment period to criticize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs he said were promoted at a recent Greater Freeport Partnership event, and to urge the partnership to avoid controversial topics when the county supports the organization.
Larry Jogress, identified himself as a District F county board member during public comment, told the committee that he and others had discussed concerns with Greater Freeport Partnership staff and that “DEI is not a talent retax retention item.” He referenced an executive order and said federal policy changes could affect entities that receive federal funds. He also criticized the partnership and Highland (Hyland) for hosting a DEI-related seminar, saying the county’s tax support should not subsidize programming he considered controversial.
Andrea Schulz Winter, who attended the meeting representing the Greater Freeport Partnership, said the organization’s programs are meant to support local businesses. She explained Hyland received a grant from the Illinois Community College Board to offer a DEI-focused program intended for small businesses that might not otherwise afford training; the partnership opened one session to its business membership. “Serving our businesses is really our focus,” Schulz Winter said, and she added she is available to answer questions: “I'm a phone call away.”
Board members who spoke during the subsequent discussion emphasized the partnership’s mission of economic development and urged that the organization remain focused on services that advance business growth. One committee member asked for the partnership to prioritize activities that directly support economic development and to avoid using county-supported channels for programs that board members consider outside that mission.
There was no committee vote or formal policy action in response to the public comment during the meeting.
The exchange matters locally because the Greater Freeport Partnership receives annual county funding and the partnership’s programming choices can affect which businesses and community groups engage with county-supported economic development services.
