The Tri-Cities of Sterling, Dixon and Rock Falls form the center of a highly productive agricultural area located in Northwestern Illinois, about 115 miles west of the Chicago Loop. The cities are dominated by the Rock River. Dixon is the eastern most city, about ten miles up stream from Sterling. Rock Falls and Sterling are adjacent and separated by the Rock River. The cities are interconnected by labor, service and retail trade, and are the economic and commercial heart of a surrounding 1,600 square mile trade area.

The cities are largely industrial. Manufacturing employment is over twice the national average and has been so for the past two Major area companies produce steel, hardware, small appliances, garage doors, auto parts, printed products, food processing, and electronics. Markets for these products tend to be Midwestern, although a few area companies have a significant volume of export trade. The commercial reach of the cities covers the area between the larger regional centers of Rockford, IL, and the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities. Thus, the Tri-Cities are a sub-regional retail and service pocket for approximately 103,000 consumers.

The Tri-Cities Partnership is a cooperative effort of the public and private development organization in Sterling, Dixon and Rock Falls, Illinois. The Partnership provides prospective businesses with complete, accurate and timely information about the Tri-Cities area and its benefits. There is no charge for its services and all inquiries are handled quickly and confidentially.

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