Anticipation is building for this premier gathering of leaders focused on growth and collaboration.
Lake County Partners is excited to announce plans are set for its highly anticipated annual “Big Event,” slated to return to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Building on a consistent track record of sold-out success, this signature breakfast event will convene hundreds of influential business leaders, key stakeholders, and forward-thinking innovators from across Lake County and the surrounding region.
The Big Event has firmly established itself as the preeminent platform for fostering economic growth, igniting collaboration, and celebrating Lake County’s vibrant business ecosystem. Attendees can expect an energizing atmosphere dedicated to idea exchange, inspiration, and invaluable networking opportunities. The program is renowned for delivering cutting-edge insights into critical economic development trends, and this year promises to be no exception, with keynote speaker Dr. Josh Harris focusing on the tangible effects of housing on overall economics.
“Lake County Partners has become known for this signature event, which is no surprise given the organization’s strength in bringing people to the table to catalyze growth,” notes Steve Madden, CEO of Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, N.A., and outgoing Chair of Lake County Partners Board of Governors. “We have really hit our stride, and I am proud of the impact that we have had in the community. Over the last five years alone, Lake County Partners has fueled $1.43 billion in direct capital investment, driven the creation of nearly 4,000 new jobs, and kept nearly 2,500 existing jobs in Lake County.”
Big Event attendees will honor the tremendous accomplishments of Mr. Madden and usher in new Board of Governors Chair, Dan Joyce, Chief Operating Officer at Bath Concepts Industries.
“Because of Steve’s leadership, Lake County Partners has solidified its reputation as the go-to economic development organization in the northern suburbs,” expressed Mr. Joyce. “As Chair, Steve has been integral in sustaining one of the best economic growth runs in Lake County history, and I am excited to build on his momentum and keep Lake County at the forefront of business innovation.”
Attendees will also receive special insights from Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
“It has been an exceptional year, and we have a lot to celebrate,” notes Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Lake County’s high quality of life is a reflection of our strong partnerships, homegrown leadership, fiscal responsibility and remarkable work ethic. The Big Event provides an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate how our collaborative spirit and strategic investments make Lake County a compelling location for businesses to thrive and our communities to prosper.”
One company that has leveraged Lake County’s resources to grow is Fortune Brands Innovations, which recently announced that it will be expanding the company’s headquarters in Deerfield to increase operations and position the company for long-term growth. At the Big Event, the company will be honored with the 2025 Community Investment Award for pledging to create 400+ new jobs.
“We were delighted to find a recently-built campus here in Deerfield, where we can bring FBIN associates from across all our brands and functions into one state-of-the-art new headquarters,” said Fortune Brands Innovations Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Fink. “Illinois is a state with one of the strongest professional labor forces in the nation, and we are excited to tap into its deep talent pool and gather together to innovate for accelerated growth.”
Continuing its tradition of recognizing individuals making significant contributions to the local talent pipeline, Lake County Partners will also present its Talent Advancement Award to Dr. Michael Karner, Superintendent at the Lake County Regional Office of Education.
“From creating a new virtual schools academy, to implementing a countywide mental health initiative to provide free care, launching the Navig8Lake career awareness program, securing millions in funding, and kick-starting events to engage students, I think that our attendees are going to be amazed when they learn about everything he has accomplished since taking office,” notes Lake County Partners president & CEO Kevin Considine. “Dr. Karner is truly a model for this award. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in forging innovative career pathways, mentorship programs, and initiatives that strengthen the local workforce and create the next generation of talent in Lake County.
The anticipated success of the Big Event underscores Lake County Partners’ commitment to fostering growth, creating new jobs, driving innovation, and enhancing Lake County’s competitiveness. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and thought leaders, Lake County Partners continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region, helping businesses actualize their full potential, and advancing the community’s economic development goals.
The Big Event is made possible with generous support from the College of Lake County, Gorter Family Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, Lake County, Old National Bank, Schreiber Philanthropy, Abbott, Comcast, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Bath Concepts Industries, CBRE, Clayco, Great Lakes Construction, Great Lakes Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Lake County Community Foundation, Lake County Workforce Development, Libertyville Bank & Trust, N.A., Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, UCC Environmental, Van Vlissingen and Co., Wirtz Realty Corporation, Five Grain Events and World Business Chicago.