Resource Category: Leadership

AbbVie has announced a major expansion in North Chicago, where the company intends to invest $195 million to expand its manufacturing facility. Lake County’s status as a top 10 county in the country for economic development has caught the attention of The Chicago Tribune. After an extensive site selection process across Illinois, Farm Foundation chose Lake County for its new Innovation and Education Campus. Learn about opportunities to connect with nonprofits, tap into manufacturing career pathway programs, and meet Jim Connell, the Executive Director of Community Programs at the College of Lake County who is overseeing the Manufacturing Alliance.

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Lake County and Illinois continue to top the charts – coming in as one of the top counties and states to do business within the entire United States. Also, do a deep dive in to the biggest wins of 2024 with our new Annual Report. See how local public sector leaders are leveraging our quarterly workshop series to drive economic growth, and hear from new board member Lisa Dziekan as she opines on the latest regional development trends.

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This month, we’re celebrating a ton of business news. Illinois has climbed the ranks, coming in #5 in the Site Selection Magazine Prosperity Cup Rankings. Three Squared Biosciences is celebrating growth too, with the company announcing it has surpassed its seed financing target and is accelerating towards key milestones. Plus, Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune are taking note of rapid business growth and new business openings in Lake County. Also, new Lake County Partners Board Chair Dan Joyce sits down with us for his first Q&A about plans for his tenure.

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We’re celebrating Vantive’s decision to invest $23 million to expand in Deerfield and create new jobs. We’re also recapping another successful Big Event, which awarded the accomplishments of Fortune Brands Innovations and Dr. Michael Karner. We also explore the many reasons why real estate of all kinds is thriving in Lake County. Plus, we honor and thank our outgoing Board Chair Steve Madden, highlighting his achievements in a personal Q&A.

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Lake County delegations are attracting international business. Our latest newsletter explores recent trips to Japan and Mexico, and we sit down with World Business Chicago president & CEO Phil Clement to discuss the strategy for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. Also, explore the new Patriot Wellness Center at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. Discover upcoming grant and event opportunities, including our legendary Big Event.

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2025 is already well underway with huge economic development news. Chicagoland has been named the #1 U.S. location for corporate relocation and investment for the 12th consecutive year. Our president and CEO Kevin Considine has been appointed the Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. The Chicago Tribune has taken note of Lake County’s flurry of activity in a recent story. We are staffing up, looking to hire 2 new positions to keep up with the action. And finally, we sit down with CMAP’s Erin Aleman to discuss recent successes in the region, and what’s next for the planning agency.

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We’re ending 2024 on a high note, with big news showcasing Chicagoland and Illinois’ prominence in life sciences and biotech. Also, we highlight the 20+ year success of nonprofit Reading Power, and a recent ribbon cutting for a Pizza Ranch in Round Lake Beach. Finally, gear up for the Hospitality and Retail Summit, slated to be held in March. We’re also fortunate to have a sit-down with Intersect Illinois’ new president and CEO, Christy George. See what she has to say for economic success in Illinois, and the key industries expected to grow.

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This month’s newsletter goes in-depth on the business decisions driving companies like Sysmex, Hollister, AbbVie, Medline, CDW, Baxter, Real Wheels and ACCO Brands to expand in Lake County. Also, meet Jim McConoughey, the new Director at the College of Lake County’s Manufacturing Alliance. We discuss how the Manufacturing Alliance will drive innovation and workforce development.

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