Resource Category: Leadership

Lake County’s life science growth is skyrocketing, construction firms are investing in multimillion dollar deals aimed at attracting logistics tenants and the excitement continues from LCP’s recent Big Event. All that, and meet the new Chair of LCP’s Board of Governors, Steve Madden. Steve provides insights on Libertyville Bank & Trust services, the new Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, his time spent at Lake Forest College and his work with the Goldie Initiative to nurture women for senior leadership in commercial real estate.

It’s easy to celebrate when you have strong leaders and BIG business growth. As measured by jobs and investment, the last four years have been one of the best runs in Lake County’s history. 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. It was an honor to gather with a record-breaking crowd of our partners to ring in LCP’s 25th anniversary at our legendary Big Event and celebrate the many accomplishments of outgoing Board of Governors Chair Richard Korengold from Mesirow. Learn about his achievements in our new Q&A.

This newsletter focuses on Lake County’s prominence in the life sciences industry. Chicagoland’s life sciences sector has once again been recognized in the top 10 regional employment clusters in the U.S. by commercial real estate firm CBRE, with Lake County standouts like AbbVie, Abbott, Baxter and Horizon juicing the rankings. The area ranked even higher among the top major markets in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing specialty, where it is #2 in the country. Industry experts have been touting the local life sciences industry as one of the biggest growing business sectors. Prominence on the national and global stage is expected to grow as new lab space – including that at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago – is added to the market. Life sciences and advanced manufacturing are central to LCP’s business attraction strategy. Also in this newsletter, find information on LCP’s upcoming Big Event and the new B2B grant program that will provide $175 million in grants for eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses impacted by the pandemic. Plus, meet Dr. Michael Karner and get his insights on how the education landscape is evolving in Lake County to support those in early childhood and provide new work-based learning experiences.

Lake County is a model of strong economic development according to recent economic indicators. In just three years, the local Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 9.6%, reaching $69.7 billion. Real GDP was also up 1.1% in the same time frame. Projections anticipate a 21.8% increase in metro area GDP by 2027, and Lake County will enjoy another 2.8% uptick in jobs in the same time frame, resulting in 10,000 new jobs. The number of businesses in Lake County now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment is low, and job growth and outputs are high. Growth capital is fueling key industries like manufacturing, life sciences, IT and healthcare, with startups in Lake County having raised $89.79 million in 2022 alone. This has favorable implications for commercial real estate; Lake County celebrated more than 20 investments in spaces of 20,000 sq. ft. or more last year. This issue also looks at Lake County’s thriving craft drink industry, accolades honoring the local workforce development ecosystem, and LCP’s recently issued RFP for a housing study. Also, meet the College of Lake County’s Ali O’Brien, who partners with LCP to develop talent and drive business forward, leveraging the state-of-the-art assets at the new Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee

This newsletter focuses on strategies for business success. Lake County Partners is driving economic growth, developing talent and enhancing economic mobility in Lake County, Illinois. In 2022, Lake County Partners’ work resulted in 419 new jobs, 112 retained jobs and $202 million in direct capital investment – the highest investment number in five years. Major wins in key industries like life sciences and manufacturing coupled with important new partnerships and the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy have set the stage for lasting success and a pipeline full of projects to tackle this year. The exciting new Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership launched to drive economic development and strengthen the region’s competitiveness. In partnership with World Business Chicago, LCP highlighted a new tech talent recruitment engine for H1-B visa holders and profiled World Business Chicago’s Michael Fassnacht.

This month’s newsletter highlights recent ribbon cuttings and a roundtable discussion with manufacturing industry experts, hosted by Crain’s Chicago Business and IMEC. Go behind the scenes at the new Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago, made possible through a generous donation by AbbVie, and see why fine dining restaurants are flocking to Lake County. Also, meet Dr. Ronald Kaplan and get his perspective on the latest developments at Rosalind Franklin University, and the school’s Innovation and Research Park. Lake County Partners is once again ending the year on a high note, with plenty of growth, economic development and investment that is driving key industries like advanced manufacturing and life sciences forward.

The College of Lake County’s new Advanced Technology Center brought together hundreds of leaders for a grand opening celebration. The cutting-edge facility will develop talent to fuel Lake County’s thriving advanced manufacturing industry. Other stories look at strong life science growth, as illustrated by Covira Surgical – young company at Rosalind Franklin University that has had fundraising success and is moving to submit an application for a new drug to prevent post-surgical infections. Finally, meet Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president and CEO Mark Denzler in a Q&A that illustrates the important role that manufacturing has in Illinois’ economy.