Economic momentum doesn’t happen overnight. It takes vision, partnership, and a relentless focus on delivering results. In Lake County, Illinois, that formula has translated into one of the most successful economic development runs in county history—and there’s no sign of slowing down.
At our annual Invested Together event, which is focused on bringing key partners from government, business, and community organizations together to reflect on major accomplishments, we shared a bold outlook and celebrated our shared purpose of fueling economic growth and a high quality of life in the community.
$1.78 Billion in Investment & Growing
Since 2021, Lake County Partners has directly contributed to $1.78 billion in capital investment, helped create nearly 4,000 new jobs, and retained over 2,700 existing jobs. And 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year: the county is on pace for one of the highest growth periods on record, with 65+ new projects in the pipeline.
Much of this activity is centered in key industries like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, and energy. With expansions from global powerhouses like AbbVie, Fortune Brands Innovations, Sysmex, and Plano Pharmaceuticals, the message is clear: Lake County is a prime destination for business growth.
A Business-Friendly Environment Backed by Strategic Investments
Lake County’s success can be traced to its unique combination of:
- Highly educated and skilled talent
- Robust transportation infrastructure
- Reliable power and utilities
- Global connectivity through nearby airports including O’Hare International Airport
- Strong public-private partnerships
The region was recently named one of the Top 10 Counties in the U.S. for Economic Development by Site Selection magazine—a recognition based on real data, real investments, and real results. And while the numbers are impressive, it’s the spirit of collaboration that truly sets Lake County apart.
“This year, we have celebrated major wins, including Vantiv’s new $23 million headquarters in Deerfield, Fortune Brand Innovation’s decision to locate its headquarters and hundreds of new jobs here, AbbVie’s recent announcement to invest $195 million in North Chicago, T5 Datacenters multi-billion dollar data center in Grayslake, Sysmex’s $20.6 million investment in Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove, and more,” notes Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “These are not just buildings; they are commitments to our community. Lake County is a national leader in economic development, and together we are building a vibrant, inclusive community where every single person and business has the opportunity to succeed.”
“None of this happens in a vacuum,” said Dan Joyce, Chair of Lake County Partners’ Board of Governors and COO at Bath Concepts. “It takes strong leadership at every level of government, education, and business working together with a shared vision. Lake County has exactly that.”
Infrastructure That Supports Growth
Beyond job creation and investment wins, Lake County is laying the physical groundwork for long-term resilience. This summer, the County opened a new Regional Operations and Communications Facility in Libertyville. By consolidating 911 services and coordinating emergency response across multiple agencies, the project ensures faster, more reliable public safety support.
Infrastructure isn’t just about responding to emergencies. It’s about building a better future, which is why upgrades also extend to transportation and sustainability. With over 700 miles of bike paths and a commitment to multimodal transit, Lake County is building a community that prioritizes health, sustainability, and accessibility. Ongoing stormwater management upgrades are helping mitigate flooding and protect homes and businesses from climate-related risks.
Fortifying The Talent Pipeline
In today’s economy, talent is the new economy, and Lake County is rich in it.
“Our greatest asset in Lake County is our people, which is why our community continues to make significant investments in education and workforce development, and benefits from world-class education as a result,” notes LCP president Kevin Considine.
Lake County is home to a powerhouse network of education and training institutions, including:
- College of Lake County
- Lake County Tech Campus
- Lake Forest College
- Rosalind Franklin University
- Regional Office of Education
- Award-winning schools spanning K-12
These institutions are working hand-in-hand with employers to prepare students for high-quality careers. Events like Navig8 Lake, taking place this October, are giving students early exposure to in-demand career pathways, ensuring that local businesses have access to the talent they need.
Lake County Partners is also tackling longer-term issues like housing, early childhood education, and workforce mobility—recognizing that inclusive, sustainable growth requires a holistic approach.
Housing as Economic Infrastructure
To attract talent and sustain the vibrant communities for which Lake County is known, housing development has been put front and center. Needs are being addressed head-on with a new housing task force and strategic partnerships between municipalities and developers.
New developments are already moving forward in towns like Fox Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lake Villa, Mundelein, and Hawthorn Woods to create more opportunities for people to live, work, and thrive locally.
“Housing is definitely an economic issue that we are focused on right now,” notes Considine. “It’s at the heart of our ability to grow and sustain a dynamic workforce.”
A Model For Regional Collaboration
Lake County is also reaching new audiences through its involvement with the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, and with Considine at the helm as the group’s new Chair, Lake County is at the forefront of a united effort to attract business to Chicagoland.
Over the last three years, this partnership has delivered 205 regional wins, making the entire region more competitive on a national and global scale. Recognition from organizations like the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) further highlights Lake County’s role as a leading force in economic development.
The Path Forward: Inclusive, Innovative and Intentional Growth
The work to drive continued economic growth in Lake County is far from over. But Lake County Partners is uniquely positioned to seize on the momentum by leveraging local leadership, resources and partnerships to tackle pressing issues and land big opportunities.
Whether it’s supporting the next Fortune 500 headquarters expansion, growing a life sciences cluster, or ensuring students have clear paths to career success, the county is all in on building a more resilient and inclusive economy.
LCP-hosted events like “Invested Together” are a reminder that when the public and private sectors unite around a common goal, big things happen.