Category: Uncategorized

Efforts to Build A Regional Economic Development Engine Are Paying Off

, Date: July 31, 2023

This post has been adapted from an Op-Ed submitted to Crain’s Chicago Business by Sandy Hart (Lake County Board Chair), Mike Buehler (McHenry County Board Chair), Deborah A. Conroy (DuPage County Board Chair), Michael Fassnacht (president & CEO of World Business Chicago), Matt Kellogg (Kendall County Board Chair), Corinne Pierog (Kane County Board Chair), Toni Preckwinkle (Cook County Board President), and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (Will County executive), and published on July 28, 2023.

In January 2023, we introduced the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership — GCEP — as a strategic driver of economic development for the Chicago region. Six months later, on behalf of the seven counties of northeastern Illinois — Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will — the city of Chicago and World Business Chicago, we share this six-month update.

GCEP made a significant impact shortly after its launch when it successfully intervened to retain S&C Electric, Chicago’s largest homegrown manufacturer. By preserving more than 300 jobs and paving the way for future growth in Palatine, the partnership showcased its ability to foster a thriving business environment.

GCEP’s ability to connect businesses with the region’s skilled workforce was showcased in a recent pitch to a large out-of-state manufacturer. Now able to swiftly mobilize, the partnership brought together key stakeholders from the City Colleges of Chicago and six community regional colleges, demonstrating Chicagoland’s vast network of resources that support talent solutions.

Last month, we celebrated another resounding win for GCEP, as Lion Electric selected Will County as the site for its cutting-edge manufacturing facility. This decision further solidifies the region’s position as a leader in sustainable technology and the electric vehicle industry. The successful collaboration between Lion Electric and local authorities exemplifies the potential of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

Our region boasts numerous competitive advantages, making it an ideal destination for businesses to thrive. With nearly 4.9 million individuals in our workforce and the presence of the second-most Fortune 500 companies of any U.S. metro area, our economic diversity sets us apart. Moreover, one-third of growth capital investments in the first quarter of 2023 went to startups located in the suburbs, signaling the robust entrepreneurial ecosystem flourishing throughout the area.

Not confined to a specific locality, population growth and available space are spread across the Chicago region, encompassing a distinct mix of urban, suburban and rural communities. Home to a network of diverse economic sectors and emerging industries, renowned institutions, a leading transportation hub, globally ranked innovation centers and with talent as our most valuable asset, the Chicago region boasts a literal ecosystem of intellectual firepower driving transformative change here and around the world.

We remain committed to addressing disparities that persist in underinvested neighborhoods, communities and businesses throughout the GCEP region. Inclusive and equitable economic development provides the foundation of our mission, ensuring that the benefits of our regional approach to growth are shared by all, particularly historically excluded populations.

HOW CAN YOUR COMPANY LEVERAGE THIS SUCCESS?

We are confident that the GCEP strategy will continue to drive prosperity for the 8.5 million residents of the greater Chicago area, and you can discover how it is helping businesses thrive here. As the non-profit organization charged with leading economic development in Lake County, Illinois, Lake County Partners is directly positioned to provide free tools, connections, incentives and insights to help your business grow. Connect with us here to see how we can help you tap into the wide variety of resources available to businesses in Lake County, Illinois.

CNBC Ranks Illinois Among Top in Nation For Business

, Date: July 25, 2023

CNBC has released its “2023 Top States for Business” publication which ranks states based on 10 broad categories of competitiveness. This year, Illinois ranked in the top 10 in the nation for four categories of competitiveness, and six categories in the top 20. Illinois is ranked the 17th best state for business, rising ahead two spots from the 2022 ranking and up from 30th in the 2019 ranking.

The report ranked Illinois:

• #2 in the nation for infrastructure (up from #3 in 2022)

• #2 in the nation for education (up from #6 in 2022)

• #6 in the nation for access to capital (up from #8 in 2022)

• #9 in the nation for cost of living (up from #20 in 2022)

“I couldn’t be prouder that we’re outpacing more and more states, and now CNBC has ranked Illinois number two in the nation for both infrastructure and education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over the last four years, our Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan has been modernizing our transportation systems. Our higher education institutions have become more affordable and have risen in college rankings. We’ve invested historic levels of funding into early childhood education and K-12 schools which now rank 6th in the nation by US News and World Report. Illinois is improving our economic prospects by focusing on the long term. Here’s to continued improvement in 2024.”

“Illinois stands out as one of the best states in the nation, and as leaders, we know it is the people who make our state so great,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Since day one, our administration has been committed to the work that ensures Illinoisans can thrive so we can go even further together. By investing in our schools, infrastructure, and businesses, we are championing an Illinois that soars to greater heights.”

Through the landmark $45 billion Rebuild Illinois initiative, Illinois has made unprecedented investments to modernize roads, bridges, airports, and ports – resulting in the complete renovation of more than 5,300 miles of highway and almost 500 bridges, as well as more than 750 accessibility and safety improvements.

Illinois has long been known for its superior infrastructure, boasting top freight access, miles of interstate highway, and accessibility to 80 percent of locations in the continental U.S. within four hours through Illinois’ superior airports. Over the next six years, Illinois will invest an additional $13.96 billion to continue its full-scale infrastructure revitalization that will enhance all modes of transportation across the state.

Additionally, the Pritzker Administration has prioritized sustained year-over-year investments in education from cradle to career. Most recently passing Smart Start Illinois, building upon the state’s strong educational foundation by ensuring students have access to high-quality early education for generations to come.

Governor Pritzker’s administration has overseen the largest early childhood investments in state history, totaling in over $1 billion to support early childhood care and education. Smart Start Illinois begins a major push across birth-to-five programs, which includes:

  • Pre-school expansion to eliminate preschool deserts and cover every child
  • Improve early intervention services to allow thousands of children to overcome developmental challenges
  • Enhance Illinois’ nation-leading home visiting program
  • Raises for early childhood workers and providers

Illinois ranks sixth in the nation in K-12 education, with funding being increased this year by an additional $525 million, including $350 million for evidence-based funding and $45 million for the first year of an innovative three-year pilot program to fill teacher vacancies.

Governor Pritzker has also increased MAP Grant and AIM High funding to a record-breaking, all-time high of more than $750 million, making it possible for nearly every eligible student at or below median income to attend community college for free.

“Thanks to Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly, Illinois has stronger business attraction incentives than ever before and the state is building momentum,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Combined with our world-class infrastructure, superior education system, and a reasonable cost of living, Illinois continues to grow its economy and improve quality of life for Illinoisans.”

In addition to Infrastructure, Education, Access to Capital and Cost of Living, Illinois ranked among the top 20 states for Life, Health, and Inclusion (17th) – which measures quality of life metrics such as health care, worker protection, voting rights and other data points. Illinois also ranked 14th for Technology & Innovation, which looks at the number of patents, research and similar measures.

The positive rankings in key competitive categories come as Illinois is experiencing a record-setting year for economic development, including ranking #2 in the nation for corporate investment and #1 for workforce development in the Midwest by Site Selection Magazine. Illinois also shattered its record for film production spending (nearly $700 million) and reached an all-time high for hotel revenues in FY23.

Additionally, Illinois reached $1 trillion GDP for the first time in 2022 and nearly tripled companies’ capital investments through EDGE agreements from 2019 pre-pandemic levels to $1 billion in 2022.

Over the past several years, Illinois has launched new business attraction incentives while making improvements to its existing suite. Recent programs and improvements to business attraction include:

  • Invest in Illinois Fund: $400 million closing fund provides discretionary grant assistance for large projects with significant job creation and capital investments.

  • Reimagining Energy & Vehicles Illinois (REV Illinois): Up to 100% income tax withholding for new jobs created in the EV/clean energy manufacturing sectors, among other benefits.

  • Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program: With more than $1 billion in investment from companies receiving EDGE credits in 2022, EDGE is Illinois’ premier incentive program. EDGE provides competitive tax incentives to businesses in all industries locating or expanding in Illinois.

  • Data Centers Investment Program: Provides qualifying data center owners and operators with highly competitive exemptions from a variety of state and local taxes.

  • Enterprise Zones (EZ) and High Impact Business (HIB): Enterprise Zones provide various benefits including building material sales tax exemptions, utility tax exemptions (natural gas and electricity), and investment tax credits.

  • Manufacturing Illinois Chips for a Real Opportunity (MICRO): Provides incentives for manufacturers of microchips and semiconductor parts for job creation/retention benefits, training cost benefits, credits for construction jobs, and investment credits.

HOW CAN YOUR COMPANY LEVERAGE THIS SUCCESS?

As the non-profit organization charged with leading economic development in Lake County, Illinois, we are positioned to provide free tools, connections, incentives and insights to help your business grow. The Chicagoland region has celebrated tremendous success and national recognition in recent years, and it is the perfect time to capitalize on the momentum. Connect with us here to see how we can help you tap into resources offered by our partners, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This post was adapted from this press release.

How We’re Building a Foundation for Inclusive Growth

, Date: June 29, 2023

In 2021, Lake County Partners received a $110,000 federal grant to lead the development of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The award came at a critical time amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when many communities were examining their business climate, addressing social upheavals and placing renewed attention on long-range planning and stability. The money was provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), as part of the CARES Act with the intention of creating jobs and strengthening Lake County’s economy.

“The CEDS plan will help the region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a new economic development vision for the area,” stated a release from U.S. Representative Brad Schneider, issued when the grant was awarded to Lake County Partners. “Long-term, the funding used to update the CEDS plan will create and retain more jobs, attract private investment, and bolster local economic resiliency.”

Immediately upon receipt of the grant, Lake County Partners got to work by issuing a Request for Proposals to conduct the process and finalize a new CEDS for Lake County. After a thorough vetting process, TIP Strategies was selected to lead the effort, which would be overseen by a steering committee made of up a diverse group of stakeholders and include input collected from the public. The process was intentionally inclusive and engaging – the Steering Committee began meeting monthly, conducting roundtable discussions and a “Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats” (SWOT) analysis to determine priorities. As a part of the project, the committee also worked with TIP Strategies to develop a critical site inventory that could be used to inform decision-making and hosted an “Opportunity Workshop” to synthesize feedback.

After a year filled with stakeholder sessions to create a well-rounded strategy that will create jobs, fuel collaboration and strengthen Lake County’s economy, a draft CEDS document finalized; it reflected the group’s desire to establish a framework that supports talent development and attraction, education, housing, and other elements critical to quality of life and the business climate. The draft CEDS was presented to the public for a comment period that culminated in Q1 of 2022, at which time Lake County Partners’ Board of Governors voted to approve the document. Lake County Partners then spent the remainder of 2022 presenting the final version of the CEDS to stakeholders and receiving the endorsement of the Lake County Partners Board, Lake County Board, the College of Lake County Board and the Lake County Workforce Development Board. The CEDS was also submitted to the EDA for certification and approved.

While the final CEDS document reinforces the importance of business retention and attraction, it goes further to explore structural issues that create the foundation for healthy and inclusive economic growth across the vibrant and diverse communities in Lake County – as encouraged by the Steering Committee. As a result, LCP has spent the first half of 2023 spearheading several major initiatives to support the goals of the CEDS.

“Lake County Partners has always excelled at making connections, and the CEDS has presented us with new opportunities to engage our partners and fortify the fundamentals that make Lake County such an attractive place in which to live and work,” notes Bethany Williams, Lake County Partners’ Director of Strategy and Intelligence, and the manager of the CEDS process. “Once the CEDS was completed, we turned our attention to the building blocks of society, and we’re making significant inroads on three very important fronts: early childhood education, housing growth and collaboration.”

FROM PLAN TO ACTION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Lake County is an excellent best place to be a child and raise a family, but there are opportunities to enhance its support systems for children and families from the prenatal period through age five.

Investments of this nature would help fortify Lake County’s talent pipeline and make it possible for more parents in their prime working years to pursue career opportunities without sacrificing the care or education of their children.

LCP is working with a group of philanthropic and educational partners to build on the results of a landscape assessment of the early childhood system, and design a path forward to provide critical services to every child and family who needs them.

HOUSING GROWTH

Talent is a major consideration of businesses considering investments and expansions, and it goes hand-in-hand with housing.

A tight housing market has turned LCP’s attention on a study that is examining demand across a variety of types and price points to ensure that Lake County’s housing landscape is competitive and attractive. 

The final study, scheduled to be completed in late 2023, will help communities make land use, transportation and infrastructure decisions and identify opportunities for reuse of underutilized spaces.

BROADENING COLLABORATIONS

The CEDS challenged LCP to expand the scope of its work, inviting conversations about how Lake County fits within the region, the Midwest and the global economy; one of the results of this discussion was the formation of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. 

The CEDS also dug into socioeconomic themes, encouraging a deeper look at LCP’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. LCP subsequently amended its bylaws for the first time in nearly 20 years to ensure that its guiding principals are reflective and respectful of Lake County’s vibrant and diverse community. To further support this goal, LCP staff also assumed leadership roles on boards tackling wide-ranging issues like land use, affordable housing, community health, college and career awareness, workforce development, transportation and transit. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CEDS?

Our work on the CEDS doesn’t end here. Stay up to date with news on the initiatives here, and connect with us here to see how your company can work with us to grow in Lake County, Illinois.

Manufacturers Are Making Major Investments in Lake County, Illinois

, Date: June 27, 2023

Based on job growth and investment, business has never been bigger in Lake County, Illinois. Lake County Partners is poised to stoke the success with a strategic workplan focused on business retention and attraction, which is leveraging Lake County’s incredible talent, real estate, and quality of life, and resulting in significant investments.

“In the last four and a half years, Lake County Partners has fueled $810 million in direct capital investment, created nearly 4,200 new jobs and retained over 4,723 existing jobs,” says Lake County Partners’ Director of Business Development Director Ron Lanz. “I am currently managing a robust project pipeline, with 42 projects in key industries like advanced manufacturing, life science and sustainable energy. Our involvement with the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is also opening up new business attraction opportunities. In my conversations with business leaders, their optimism remains strong, so I expect to see continued investment and growth in the back half of 2023.”

One in every 7 local jobs is in manufacturing, and Lake County has two times the workforce to support it than other similarly-sized communities. Top talent, coupled with innovation, leading-edge technology, access and infrastructure, are among the many reasons that local leaders are choosing the area to grow. The industry has become a major focus of Lake County Partners; as a result, many local employers are enlisting Lake County Partners’ support as they make major expansion and hiring decisions.

Over the past year alone, Lake County Partners has been directly involved in brokering deals for a variety of manufacturers – work has included coordinating economic incentives, tapping into workforce initiatives, finding space, making connections and producing ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. Examples of recent wins follow.

RECENT MANUFACTURING WINS IN LAKE COUNTY

Belle Aire Creations, a creator of market-leading fragrances and flavors for the world’s leading brands, worked with LCP to celebrate a sustainable 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Round Lake Park, a short distance away from its main campus in Mundelein. The new facility quadrupled the company’s manufacturing footprint, and created 15 new jobs that shortened lead times and increased capacity. The company is also currently expanding in Libertyville with a new global headquarters and creative center.

Graph-Pak Corporation, a 35-year leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of paperboard packaging, relocated into a 207,000 sq. ft. facility in Island Lake. The project represented a $7 million capital investment and created 110 new jobs. LCP worked with the state and leveraged Enterprise Zone economic incentives to keep Graph-Pak in Illinois.

Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids, committed to a $25 million retrofit and expansion of portions of its 75,000 sq. ft. Zion facility.

LCP teamed with the state to provide Enterprise Zone economic incentives, including those that exempted the company from state and local sales taxes on eligible building material purchases to offset project costs. The project retained 31 employees and created 10 new jobs.

Margolin Fanletic, an Illinois-based e-commerce apparel and shoe retailer, purchased a 232,000 sq. ft. building in Gurnee to expand its warehouse and distribution operations.

This $17 million capital investment created 40 new jobs. LCP worked with the company to leverage Enterprise Zone economic incentives and defray a portion of the retrofit expenses.

Since 1978, RealWheels has manufactured stainless steel accessories for heavy-duty trucks and vehicles. With demand growing and new product development underway, RealWheels worked with LCP to expand into a 65,000 sq. ft. facility in Zion. LCP coordinated with city officials and the state to help RealWheels tap into TIF, EDGE, and Enterprise Zone incentives. As a result, RealWheels invested $6 million, retained 45 local employees and hired 15 new people.

For more than 40 years, Advanced Prototype Molding (APM) has been providing its prototype molding services via a wide range of capabilities including 3d printing, RTV molding, and tool and die. With business booming, APM made a capital investment of $5 million to expand into a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility and create 45 new jobs in Wauconda. With LCP’s help, APM tapped into a suite of incentives including TIF, Enterprise Zone, and EDGE.

BECOME ONE OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES

The good news doesn’t end here. Review other recent wins, and keep an eye on our social media, blog and news to know more about businesses in Lake County, Illinois and access our Lake County data hub.

Lake County Partners has over 25 years of experience driving economic growth and the resources to take your growing company further. Learn more about Lake County’s advanced manufacturing market and request our support here.

Exciting Life Science Space Enters the Market at Rosalind Franklin University

, Date: June 13, 2023

Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) launched the Helix 51 incubator over four years ago to advance early-stage and start-up life science companies in Lake County, Illinois. Since its inception, Helix 51 has welcomed 15 companies specializing in fields such as oncology, cardiovascular health, infection disease, fibrotic disease and fibromyalgia.

LCP has profiled many of the startups, including Covira, Everyplace Labs, and ARTEC Biotech, going in depth to look at the groundbreaking ways that they will change the life science landscape and have global impact.

Helix 51 also graduated one company, AirAnswers, which then became the first company to reside within the school’s Innovation & Research Park (IRP). The IRP is a fertile environment for collaboration and creativity among academic and industry scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. Through cutting-edge, in-demand laboratory and office space, users are encouraged to interact and share ideas, expertise and tools.

Using $2 million in matching funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce’s wetlab buildout program awarded in 2022, RFU invested in the build out an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of wetlab space in the IRP that was recently completed and is now coming online. The new built-out lab space features:

  • 8,000 sq. ft. on the first floor, divided into 2 spaces of approximately 4,000 sq. ft. each that can be used by one or two growing companies; and,
  • 6,000 sq. ft. on the second floor, divided into 9 individual labs.

Each area has space provided for lab refrigerators/freezers, storage, and other scientific equipment. RFU has also provided chemical fume hoods and biosafety cabinets, and both spaces are also equipped with emergency power. Occupants of the spaces also have access to the IRP’s 8 conference rooms and Harris Collaboration Zone as well as autoclave/glass wash and lab ice machines and a café. Also available nearby in the Helix 51 incubator is a new class 100,000 clean room and state-of-the-art lab equipment. Furthermore, the campus is located in an Illinois Enterprise Zone, giving prospective tenants fiscal incentive opportunities.

Avison Young is representing the space, and interested companies are encouraged to seize the opportunities quickly. Get the building specs in this brochure.

LAKE COUNTY IS LEADING IN LIFE SCIENCE

As part of the buildout, RFU expanded the Helix 51 incubator to handle additional lab-based companies – an important step because Helix 51 is the only biomedical incubator north of downtown Chicago.

Two new companies have signed on to the Helix 51 Incubator in the last 6 months: UP Oncolytics, a spinout from Advocate Aurora that was founded by a neurosurgeon and focuses on oncolytic viruses for treatment of glioblastoma, and Integrated Life Systems, a medical device company founded by two former Abbott executives.

The flurry of activity at RFU has grabbed attention and confirmed what many economic development pros across the nation know: Chicagoland has quickly emerged as the life science industry’s “third coast.” Over 125 regional biotech leaders recently converged for the Lake County Bioscience Real Estate Summit to celebrate the industry’s growth and marvel at the IRP, with representation from AbbVie, World Business Chicago, Aptinyx, Intersect Illinois, Jones Lang Lasalle and many other leading life science companies and architectural/engineering firms.

The summit zoomed in on Lake County’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem, which includes 147 companies, supports 33,000+ jobs and generates $85 billion in worldwide sales.

Bisnow’s participation in and coverage of the event highlighted Chicagoland’s unstoppable force in the life science market. The region has leapt to No. 7 on CBRE’s annual list of largest life science employment clusters, surpassing Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul and becoming the highest-ranked noncoastal city on the 2023 list.

Major league pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Lake County like Abbott, AbbVie, Pfizer, Horizon Therapeutics, Takeda, Amgen and Fresenius Kabi have also powered the metro to #2 in the nation for pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. There is no end in sight, with Lake County’s life sciences job market growing steadily at 10% per year.

The region is now poised to rise into the top 4 national markets, turbocharged by investments in talent and institutions like the IRP, and the landing of the Chan-Zuckerberg project – an instance in which Chicagoland life science leaders beat out 57 applications from 36 US cities to land $250 million to fuel lab infrastructure and research to propel growth and innovation in Illinois. It’s no wonder that so many growing life science companies are taking an interest in the IRP and looking at ways to leverage Lake County’s success.

READY TO GROW YOUR COMPANY?

LCP has over 25 years of experience driving economic growth in Lake County, Illinois and the resources to take your growing life science company further. Learn more about Lake County’s strong life sciences market and request our support here.

LCP’s Popular Big Event Returns to the Stage Better Than Ever

, Date: May 3, 2023

Lake County Partners’ signature annual breakfast, aptly named “The Big Event,” once again brought together hundreds of business and civic leaders for a morning focused on continued collaboration and business growth. The morning will also marked the organization’s 25th anniversary of fueling economic development in Lake County, Illinois.

The Big Event specializes in providing insights on the latest tools and trends driving economic development, and this year’s program will zero in on performance. Keynote Speaker David Epstein, a New York Times best-selling author of the books Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, and The Sports Gene, will discuss his bold and challenging ideas on the most effective path to success, as inspired by his analysis of some of the greatest executives, scientists, artists and athletes in history.

Big Event attendees honored the tremendous accomplishments of Richard H. Korengold, the outgoing Lake County Partners Board of Governors Chair and Senior Managing Director at Mesirow Wealth Management.

“Under Richard’s direction and vision, Lake County Partners has flourished as the go-to economic development organization in the northern suburbs. His leadership has defined our organization, and we are so grateful for the time and energy that he has put into his position,” noted Steve Madden, the incoming Board of Governors Chair and CEO of Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, N.A. “As measured by job growth and investment, the last four years have been one of the best runs in the county’s history. As the incoming Chair, I am committed to sustaining the forward momentum that will keep Lake County at the forefront of business growth and innovation.”

“Richard has championed the development and approval of the county’s new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS),” adds Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “The CEDS is extremely important because it collaboratively aligns economic priorities across the region and creates an action‐oriented, five‐year economic development strategy that will enhance our communities and business climate. I am confident that the final CEDS product has set us up for success and will result in a better Lake County for generations to come.”

“Richard’s achievements, and the economic growth that we’re seeing in Lake County, are nothing short of extraordinary,” says Lake County Partners president and CEO Kevin Considine. “Our team is currently nurturing 22 new projects, with six wins already under our belt this year. In the last four months alone, we have welcomed a new PR company, food manufacturer, vitamin supplements manufacturer, frozen pizza manufacturer, food equipment manufacturer and an affordable senior housing project into the area, which has resulted in over $190 million in new capital expenditure, 666,000 sq. ft. of new and reactivated space, 493 new jobs and 450 retained jobs. We expect that trajectory to continue through the back half of the year. All told, since 2019, Lake County Partners has been directly involved in projects that have resulted in 4,155 new jobs, 4,677 retained jobs and $807 million in direct investment. I am very proud of what we have accomplished with the support of our partners and Lake County Partners’ Board of Governors.”

“It has been my pleasure to work directly with local leaders to enhance the economy, grow business and make sure that we are positioned for future prosperity,” responded Korengold. “Lake County is in excellent shape. Over the last several years, our Gross Domestic Product has grown 9.6%, reaching $69.7 billion. The number of businesses in Lake County now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, and growth has been particularly prominent in our key industries of advanced manufacturing, life science, healthcare and professional and technical services. Economic projections indicate that more new jobs, increased consumer spending and growth capital investment, and continued state-of-the-art real estate construction are on the horizon. My tenure as Chair of the Board of Governors has been very rewarding, and I have appreciated the opportunity lay the foundation for another 25+ years of success at Lake County Partners.”

One company that has leveraged Lake County Partners’ resources to expand is Henry Broch Foods. At the Big Event, the company will be honored with the 2023 Community Investment Award for investing in its existing Waukegan headquarters by adding 160,000 sq. ft. of new production, robotic warehouse and distribution space. Not only is the company retaining 400 existing jobs, but it is adding an additional 150 new jobs in Lake County too. The project represents a capital investment of nearly $40 million.

“I am thrilled to accept the award on behalf of Henry Broch & Company,” said VP of Business Development Edan Antonetti. “From our headquarters in Lake County, Henry Broch Foods has established itself as one of the leading food manufacturers in the nation. Our success is the direct reflection of the work environment that we have created in Waukegan. People have been a game changer for us. In deciding to invest in more people and new space, we knew that we wouldn’t find better talent and support than what we have here in Lake County.”

The Big Event is made possible with generous support from the Lake County business community including Lake County, the College of Lake County, Old National Bank, the Hunter Family Foundation, Abbott, AbbVie, Comcast, Horizon Therapeutics, Innovation Park, the Gorter Family Foundation, 1818 Renewable Energy, a5 Branding & Digital, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Aston Carter, Bridge Development, BCI Acrylic, CBRE, Great Lakes Construction Association, Great Lakes Credit Union, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, JP Morgan Chase, Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, N.A., Mesirow, Pace Suburban Bus VanGo, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, UCC Environmental, The Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority, Van Vlissingen and Co, Walgreens, Barbara’s Bookstore, Five Grain Events and World Business Chicago.

Henry Broch Foods’ Expansion Highlights Streak of Food Manufacturing Wins in Lake County

, Date: May 3, 2023

At Lake County Partners’ legendary Big Event, so-called because it brings together the largest group of business and community leaders in Lake County for an inspirational morning focused on economic growth, the year’s Community Investment Award honored advanced manufacturer Henry Broch Foods.

Henry Broch Foods has a long history in Lake County, and especially in Waukegan. The family-owned company was founded in 1941 and today, the company is one of the largest and most successful U.S.-based international food ingredient, processing and co-packing companies in the world. The company sources quality natural ingredients from growers, and its suppliers produce vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and natural colors that have been concentrated, dehydrated, extracted or pasteurized.

Henry Broch Foods is at the cutting-edge of the food industry, and it is devoted to the pursuit of new blending, formulating and packaging ideas that keep up with evolving consumer demands. You can find their products in a variety of applications including spice and seasoning blends, batters and breading, bakery blends, sauces, soups, salad dressings, flavors, extracts and colors, fruit juices, flavored beverages, jams and jellies, prepared meats, entrees, ethnic foods, pasta, rice and grains, pizza and snack foods.

Despite many attempts by other states to lure them away from Lake County, the company has made a commitment to grow and invest in Waukegan to leverage the area’s significant talent and proximity to other business leaders in Lake County’s steadily growing food manufacturing cluster.

Lake County Partners worked closely with the company’s leadership to help them expand their existing Waukegan headquarters by adding 160,000 sq. ft. of new production, robotic warehouse (ARSR) and distribution space. Not only is the company retaining 400 existing jobs, but it is adding an additional 150 new jobs in Lake County too. Their project represents a capital investment of nearly $40 million.

“Our family is very proud of what it has built in Lake County over the generations, and we are excited to begin this next chapter,” noted VP of Business Development Edan Antonetti. “In Waukegan, we have found and nurtured creative and committed people, honed our technologies and committed to being at the forefront of food manufacturing innovation. This has been our secret recipe for business growth.”

“This is an incredible commitment to long-term expansion in Lake County,” noted Business Development Director Ron Lanz. “Lake County Partners is fortunate to have had the opportunity to assist Henry Broch Foods in its decision. We have celebrated a steady stream of new business development in Lake County, and a lot of our recent work has been concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Food production is particularly pronounced, and we’re expecting that trend to continue in the coming quarters.”

The Lake County Partners team is currently nurturing 22 new projects, with six wins already completed this year. In the last four months alone, Lake County Partners has welcomed a new food manufacturer, vitamin supplements manufacturer, frozen pizza manufacturer, food equipment manufacturer, PR company and an affordable senior housing project into the area, which has resulted in over $190 million in new capital expenditure, 666,000 sq. ft. of new and reactivated space, 493 new jobs and 450 retained jobs. The back half of 2023 is lining up to be equally as successful.

All told, since 2019, Lake County Partners has been directly involved in projects that have resulted in 4,155 new jobs, 4,677 retained jobs and $807 million in direct investment.

The success at Henry Broch Foods is emblematic of the huge role that advanced manufacturing plays in Lake County’s economy. It is a $20 billion dollar business and the largest contributor to our gross regional product. One out of every seven local jobs is in manufacturing, which is more than any other private sector industry.

Food and beverage manufacturing, in particular, employs over 2,100 people in Lake County and provides a very stable, rewarding and welcoming career path. Non-durable goods, which includes food and beverage manufacturing, is a $13.7 billion industry by output. Since 2019, five food-related companies in Lake County have received over $33M in growth capital investment, including Cool Beans in Lake Forest, McClary Innovation in Barrington, Produce Alliance in Buffalo Grove, Riceworks in Long Grove and Winestyr in Gurnee.

Importantly, 29% of sales for Lake County’s food and beverage manufacturing firms stays within the county—making it a huge economic engine in the community.

The food manufacturing success in Lake County really reflects industry trends in the greater metro region. Chicagoland is the nation’s food innovation and manufacturing capital, and it is home to its largest food manufacturing workforce as well.

Its proximity to the nation’s most productive farmland and an extensive transportation network helped grow the historic industry. Today, Chicagoland is the nation’s crossroads, making it easy for food manufacturers to get their products to market. The region has 6 of 7 Class I railroads, and it is home to North America’s largest inland port: CenterPoint Intermodal, which occupies ~6,400 acres and handles ~3M TEU annually. Nearby O’Hare International Airport is the #1 U.S. port by value, moving $330B in imports and exports in 2022.

Chicagoland also benefits from an interconnected web of partners that support industry innovation and food-related business growth, including over 75 incubators and accelerators.

“Chicagoland’s prowess in the food manufacturing industry is remarkable,” notes Hannah Loftus, the Regional Director of Research for World Business Chicago. “The region is #1 in the U.S. when it comes to employment, output and talent. It is also #1 in a variety of sub-industries including sugar and confectionary products, graining milling, fruit and vegetable preservation and dairy. Over 43% of supply chain inputs for food and beverage manufacturing companies come from this area. Just last year, we saw $328 million in growth capital for food-related firms, which represented 175% growth from 2019.”

IS YOUR COMPANY READY TO JOIN IN THE SUCCESS?

As the nonprofit charged with fueling economic growth in Lake County, Illinois, we can help you tap into the resources and connections that many businesses are leveraging to grow. Connect with us here to tap into our resources, connections and twenty-five years of experience driving the economy forward.

Lake County High School Students Are Primed to Fuel Business Growth

, Date: April 27, 2023

Lake County Partners is fortunate to work with incredibly skilled education leaders who are training the next generation of talent in Lake County. In pursuit of the best way to arm young students with the in-demand skills that they need to flourish in the workplace, local innovators are shaking up the traditional mold and charting a new path forward in education. Illinois schools and the businesses they serve will benefit immensely. The following is part of an ongoing series of blogs spotlighting Lake County’s strong education system. Learn more about the Illinois State Career Pathway Endorsement process here, and see how investments are shaping next generation talent here.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides high-school level instruction for careers in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations. CTE programs have been crafted to strengthen students’ technical skills, articulate transitions to postsecondary programs and/or employment, help meet learning standards and close achievement gaps.

“Lake County has emerged as a leader in CTE, and it has helped put our schools at the forefront of education in the state and the nation,” says Dr. Michael Karner, Lake County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools. “Educational leaders around the county are aligning programming with CTE courses to build career pathway endorsements. Because of the cutting-edge approach, career exploration is much more robust, and students are better prepared for the working world.”

A recent survey of 18 Lake County high schools found overwhelming support for and enrollment in CTE.* There are currently 14,244 high school students participating across the fields of manufacturing, healthcare and information technology. Manufacturing makes up the largest percentage of the cohort, with 8,016 students participating.

Most of the respondents indicated that they expect the enrollment numbers to continue to climb as the schools transition to more robust course selections. In fact, the Lake County Tech Campus’ enrollment continues to increase each year, and the school is anticipating more than a 10% increase next year. Many schools will be adding new opportunities in fields like sports medicine, agriculture, video/animation and robotics.

Round Lake High School is one such example, where planning is underway for a new sports medicine pilot that will train 28 students next year. The school has also made incredible connections with local employers to create seemingly unorthodox training opportunities. “This year, our Project Lead the Way classroom is working with Takeda to create prototypes that will be used in real world quality inspections on their manufacturing line,” says Eddie Adamson, the school’s CTE Department Chair. “Round Lake High School students meet with employees from Takeda multiple times throughout the year in order to perfect their ideas and products. It is a very synergistic process, and one that inspires our students to think big.”

WORK-BASED LEARNING IS A GAME-CHANGER

What used to be a 10-minute career inventory survey in most high schools has evolved into an entirely new process that weaves curriculum in with the philosophy of education. Schools leverage resources like SchooLinks and YouScience to help students understand their passions and interests, and this knowledge informs class selections and career opportunities. Supplemental career exploration events, internships and connections with mentors in the community round out the approach. The result is a well-informed, passionate and committed individual who is ready to build a career and immediately meet business needs in Lake County.

Meaningful CTE experiences are brought to fruition through a “Work-Based Learning (WBL)” strategy that connects employers and future employees through structured learning experiences that develop transferable skills for postsecondary education and the workplace.

“We have prioritized community partnerships, and they have been instrumental to our success at Grayslake D127,” reports Gina Schuyler, the CTE Department Chair for Careers and Community Partnerships. “Students can be seen meeting with companies at lunchtime for summer hiring, exploring areas of interest and taking field trips to job sites to understand the reality of certain work environments. Our coordinator also creates monthly calendars for students and parents to engage with the community.”

“We understand that today’s high school is not just the physical walls of the classroom; it is the classroom and the community together that helps create REAL learning,” adds Schuyler. “We even use the hashtag #D127GetsREAL – an acronym that stands for Real, Engaging, and Authentic Learning. Often times, these mini experiences turn into rewarding internships or more intensive career exploration opportunities. CTE’s popularity has growth so much that we have created 8 new positions in the last four years alone, taking our staff from a team of 12 to a team of 20 to accommodate demand.”

WBL is critical to advancing equity and opportunity for all Lake County students because it results in affordable or no-cost advanced education.

For example, at D127 in Grayslake, students participated in the College of Lake County’s Apprenticeship Spring Break Program, which then launched into a “Learn and Earn” program that combines job-related classroom learning with structured on-the-job training with a mentor in fields like business, education, horticulture, manufacturing and information technology.

D127 also received a grant through the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) to host a summer camp for middle schools called Nuts Bolts and Thingamagjigs that enabled students to tour Libertyville-based manufacturer Laser Precision and learn how to earn tuition reimbursement for manufacturing training.

“Laser Precision has experienced tremendous success, in part because of Lake County’s high quality workforce,” said Human Resources Manager and Lake County Partners Board of Governors Member Kimberly Wimer. “As a growing manufacturer, it has been our honor to engage with students and provide exposure to the high-tech careers that await them in this industry.”

Students and parents will also connect with Waukegan-based manufacturer LMT Onsrud to begin “pre-apprenticeship” talks. Several others will be placed in embedded school-day internship classes with local manufacturers like SuperShox.  

The crown jewel of manufacturing education – the College of Lake County’s new Advanced Technology Center in Grayslake — will also play a role, as students take tours of the space and learn to apply their CTE class skills in a new environment.

Curated experiences like this are certainly among the reasons that so many Lake County high school students are exploring CTE. Further growth is anticipated, with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) recently announcing scholarships for those earning the manufacturing career pathway endorsement.

“As manufacturers look to build a skilled workforce of the future, it’s important we work collaboratively with employers, educators, and policy makers to create chances for students to learn about manufacturing through career exploration and specialized training opportunities. The many wonderful programs available in Lake County provide a model for the rest of the state to follow,” said Sarah Hartwick, Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Executive Director of the IMA’s Education Foundation. “Manufacturing provides young people with safe, clean and high-wage careers, and job opportunities are abundant in exciting fields like robotics, machining, electrical vehicle production and more.”

Lake County also stands to benefit from the new Youth Systems Building Academy, which was established in December 2022 and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Academy provides training and technical assistance to workforce systems and community partners to help them explore, design, test, implement and expand approached to workforce attraction, particularly for young workers.

Nationwide, nine communities were recently chosen by the Department of Labor to participate in the Academy, and Lake County was one of those selected. Participating partners include Lake County Workforce Development, the College of Lake County’s Indiana, Illinois and Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, and the Lake County’s Regional Office of Education.

The group held its first in-person session in March, and is collaborating online before the Academy convenes again later this summer. Expect to hear more on this exciting initiative as it moves forward. It is sure to have a lasting impact on Lake County’s robust talent pipeline.

*This estimate does not include Deerfield/Highland Park and Zion Benton high schools.

Lake County Celebrates Increases in Population, Businesses and GDP

, Date: March 1, 2023

The new year kicked off with fantastic economic news, presented by World Business Chicago (WBC) to Lake County Partners’ Municipal Economic Development Group at its first meeting of the year.

The highly engaged group, comprised of City Managers and senior staff from municipalities across Lake County, has been meeting quarterly for over eight years to get insights into the latest economic development trends and access to tools that serve the needs of the county’s diverse communities. The meeting series is hosted by Libertyville Bank & Trust, in the family of the Wintrust Community Banks.

“Wintrust Community Bank serves the entire Chicago metro region and extends into southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. Our priority is supporting local communities by engaging in local organizations and events,” said Libertyville Bank & Trust Chief Executive Officer and Lake County Partners Board of Governors Vice Chair Steve Madden. “It is important for us to develop and strengthen relationships with the very leaders that make Lake County so vibrant. This municipal meeting forum is a perfect fit because we can share our extensive financial expertise in a format that also relays the personal touch of a small institution.”

Other economic indicators also paint a picture of solid economic health in Lake County. In just three years—from 2018 to 2021—Lake County’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 9.6%, reaching $69.7 billion. Real GDP was also up 1.1% in the same time frame. The GDP metric is considered the gold standard measure of overall economic activity because it accounts for the value of the final goods and services produced in an area.

The GDP increase is inextricably linked with the growth of local businesses—an area where Lake County once again shines. As of Q2 2022, Lake County had 20,278 businesses, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels. As a result, demand for labor continues to increase. The number of job postings went up 36% between 2019 and 2022. Growth was particularly prominent in in-demand fields such as nursing, software development, retail and customer service. Importantly, these are high-quality jobs with a median advertised hourly salary of $21.02.

“The tight labor market has resulted in a very low unemployment rate of 4.1% which is close to pre-pandemic levels and greatly improved from the 14.2% rate experienced at the peak of COVID,” said LCP’s Director of Strategy and Intelligence Bethany Williams. “Lake County’s key industries of life science, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and professional and technical services will continue to thrive, and we expect to see outputs grow. This means that we must engage all of our human resources, which is why LCP’s strategy is so laser-focused on talent development and business outreach.”

“Lake County is a great model of economic development. The economy is in excellent shape, and the entire Chicagoland region is poised for future growth,” said WBC Regional Director of Research Hannah Loftus. “Economic projections indicate that you can expect to see a 21.8% increase in metro area GDP by 2027, and Lake County will enjoy another 2.8% uptick in jobs in that same time frame. Top sub-industries projected to grow include company management, restaurants, education, advanced manufacturing, child care and computer systems design. All told, those will help generate over 10,000 new jobs. LCP’s strategic business support, coupled with the power of the new Greater Chicagoland Regional Partnership, will sustain the forward momentum.”

Economic growth is certain to be bolstered by local spending power. In 2022, consumer spending totaled $20.8 billion, which made the local business ecosystem the third largest by county in the entire state of Illinois, and roughly 9% of the entire metro area. This figure is expected to go up, with forecasts projecting an additional 14.8% spend over the next five years.

The year was also record-breaking for Chicagoland’s growth capital ecosystem, with $18.38 billion in raised—including $10.36 billion in venture capital and $8.02 billion in private equity. This figure has continued to climb over the past several years, having grown 14.28 billion over the last four years alone.

Growth capital investment has been particularly powerful in fueling many of the same key industries that support Lake County’s economy—manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, finance, consumer and business products, healthcare, energy, transportation, distribution and logistics. In 2022, Lake County companies raised $89.79 million in growth capital through just 15 deals in these areas.

This has had favorable implications for commercial real estate, with Lake County seeing more than 20 investments in spaces of 20,000 sq. ft. or more in 2022. As a result, the industrial market is particularly tight; vacancy remains at 3.59% – a historic low. Last year, Lake County saw a net absorption of 908,035 sq. ft. of industrial space, and there is another 367,750 sq. ft. under construction through big, state-of-the-art projects like the Hawthorn Mall redevelopment and the Panattoni development in Vernon Hills and the Bridge Point Development in Mundelein. Overall, Lake County’s real estate costs remain competitive in the metro area.

“The upbeat data shared by World Business Chicago at the recent municipal meeting is completely in line with what we are seeing in Vernon Hills and more broadly across the county,” said Jon Petrillo, Vernon Hills’ Assistant Village Manager. “There has been tremendous investment, and our economy continues to thrive. In Lake County, you’ll find leaders who are willing to work with businesses and open to innovative development that strategically lays the groundwork for future growth.”

READY TO TAP INTO LAKE COUNTY’S SUCCESS?

We can help your business get established and grow in Lake County, Illinois. Connect with us here to tap into our resources, connections and twenty-five years of experience driving the economy forward.

Libation Trail Showcases Lake County’s Rich Tradition of Artisan Drink Making

, Date: February 15, 2023

This post is contributed by our partners at Visit Lake County – the official destination marketing organization and champion of tourism for Lake County, Illinois. The organization is comprised of thirteen community partners plus Lake County, along with 200 industry partners including hotels, attractions and hospitality-related industries, all of whom recognize the powerful economic impact of tourism.

“In wine there is wisdom, in beer, there is freedom, in water there is bacteria,” said U.S. Founding Father and esteemed libation consumer Benjamin Franklin.

Lake County makes its own, from beer and wine to vodka and whiskey. Thirty-plus independent businesses highlight the Lake County Libation Trail which winds throughout the county and showcases adult beverages from locally-sourced ingredients, designed to dazzle and educate the most discerning tastes.

Visit Lake County launched the Libation Trail initiative in 2017 with only eight participants, and since then it has blossomed.

The Libation Trail marketing strategy aims to support the county’s thriving craft beverage scene throughout the year, with February designated as “Libation Trail Month” and an added focus during the “Spooks and Spirits” Autumn Celebration. These campaigns encourage locals and visitors to taste Lake County’s character, enjoy its vibrant communities, and support local businesses in the process.

“Visit Lake County supports these hospitality partners year-round in our promotional efforts and referrals to groups we attract to stay here, and the locals show great loyalty to their favorites,” said Visit Lake County Programs Director John Maguire. “Guests will find the state’s oldest brewpub, innovative newcomers, creative collaborations and great camaraderie among the industry peers. Award-winning craft beer, fine wine and delicious spirits make it an easy sell.”

Visit Lake County designates every February as “Libation Trail Month,” which includes a Check-in Challenge. When craft drinkers arrive at a participating location, they check in using their mobile passes to show they are in attendance. The user can scan the QR code on table tents or go to the website for a current list of participants and receive Libation Trail updates. If libation-ers check in to five or more Lake County Libation Trail partners during February, they are entered into a sweepstakes to win a commemorative long-sleeved shirt.

Finding a suitable multi-purpose facility is an essential element of opening a brewery, winery or distillery. Several new businesses and expansions are planned for 2023. Lake County has certainly demonstrated that it is a welcoming home for food, drink, and craft artisans. This is true not only for new businesses, but also for existing businesses that decide to expand into local communities to build on their success.

Lynfred Winery is one such example, having launched two Lake County locations over the last 14 years. Although the headquarters of its winery sits in DuPage County’s Roselle, the 40-year-old berry beverage maker opened its doors to its Wheeling location in 2009, while the Highland Park facility is nearing its first anniversary in June.

“For Wheeling, it was the charm of the building itself and its prime location on Milwaukee Avenue,” said Lynfred Wheeling and Highland Park Director of Operations Matt Philips. “We’re nestled between two nice restaurant districts, and being adjacent to the tollway was also a selling point. Lynfred is fortunate to have name recognition, and the community and our partners in town fully embraced us.”

“In Highland Park, the ability to be a part of a community with an established downtown, nestled in an area that gets daily foot traffic is what attracted us. There is a spillover from the traffic, whether they visit before dinner or go shopping, and they discover us along the way. We’re in great company among other industry leaders located nearby, including 28 Mile Distilling Company, Ravinia Brewing Company and Half Day Brewing Company.” As is the case with many growing small businesses, Lynfred Winery’s expansion plan has relied on community support and appealing brick and mortar spaces.

This also applies at Harbor Brewing Co., where the business has expanded to three Lake County locations since its inception. These spaces include the company’s first taproom facility in Winthrop Harbor, the lakefront Biergarten that sits on the Lake Michigan harbor at North Point Marina and its most recent Lake Villa establishment.

Camaraderie in the industry is a cornerstone of success, as Harbor’s Lake Villa location shares its space with other Lake County Libation Trail participant 9th Hour Brewing Co.

“Breweries are very tight-knit,” said Harbor Brewing Co. owner Kyle Wenzel. “When we opened our Lake Villa location, we were interested in sharing a space with a few fellow home brewers so that we could share ideas, energy and success. 9th Hour Brewing Co. decided to dip their toes in, and now, they’re distributing. It’s a nice way to help other potential breweries and entrepreneurs come up at a low-cost entry.”

“The community was receptive to us when we started 10 years ago. Winthrop Harbor is my hometown. I had a home brewer hobby and passion. We started really small, and it helped in the beginning, to get up and running in a community that knows you. We started with a small tap room, kept our day jobs, and slowly grew from there. We expanded as we could, but being in a local community that knew us definitely helped us to start.”

Other burgeoning breweries, wineries and distilleries have also found opportunities and jumped at the chance to call Lake County home. They have found immense support from municipal leaders, reliable utilities, a lively entertainment scene and a variety of spaces that can adapt to their uses and support retail spaces as well as manufacturing and distribution.

“Our current location in Lake Zurich stood out as a central location between both the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. It affords us with reasonable rent and the opportunity to purchase as we grow,” said Phase Three Brewing Co. co-owner and director of operations Evan Morris.

“The Village of Lake Zurich has been instrumental in not only streamlining the governmental approval process that comes with operating a business, but also in their willingness to actively facilitate community engagement for our brand.”

The Lake County Libation Trail is only growing and achieving more fame. For example, North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks was the first craft distillery to open in Illinois since the Prohibition Era. Sonja Kassebaum, one-half of the ownership at North Shore Distillery, was featured in “Chemists, Bartenders and British Royalty: Eight Women Who Changed Gin History” in Wine Magazine. Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville was the state’s first brewpub in 1993 and continues to win brewing industry awards today.

Several other breweries, distilleries and wineries have been honored with the Illinois Office of Tourism honor of “Illinois Made,” recognizing the state’s makers, creators, artisans, artists, family-owned businesses and more, including the aforementioned North Shore Distillery and Lynfred Winery, as well as the Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich and Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. Many Libation Trail partners have received countless awards for their innovative and fresh creations.

“As someone who grew up in Lake County, in the Buffalo Grove and Grayslake area, and then moved on to live and operate businesses elsewhere in Chicagoland for several years, the opportunity to return and tap into all that the area has to offer was exciting.” Morris said.

READY TO HIT THE LIBATION TRAIL?

Venture out on the Lake County Libation Trail throughout February and all-year round, and click here to learn more about how to support some of Lake County’s most unique small businesses along the way. Cheers! Salud! Prost! Kan-pie!