We have become well known for our Big Event over the years, and several years ago we embarked on a smaller, more intimate celebration with our closest partners, and we titled it “Invested Together.” The evening is a celebration of Lake County’s spirit of collaboration, and a testament to our appreciation for the many partners that make our work to fuel economic development possible. We host exciting groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and other events all year long, but Invested Together is our opportunity to do what we do best: bring together the public and private sectors to reflect on our wins and inspire us all to build on our strategic work to strengthen Lake County’s economy.
At Invested Together this year, we were thrilled to again celebrate another record-breaking streak of wins. As a direct result of Lake County Partners’ work, we have fueled 4,400 new jobs, retained nearly 4,800 jobs and driven $1.2 BILLION dollars in direct investment in the community over the last 5 years. With plenty of projects in the pipeline, particularly in key industries like life science and manufacturing, sustainability, and energy, we are continuing to build on the momentum this year.
So far in 2024, Lake County Partners’ work has driven $204 million in direct investment—primarily in manufacturing and more recently in datacenter projects.
From the groundbreaking at Midwest Industrial Funds’ new corporate center in Libertyville, to ribbon cuttings at RealWheels, Ymer Technology and major announcements at Henry Broch Foods, Roncadin, Carlson Labs, Nemera and others, the year has been busy.
The result of the activity has been a promising surge in jobs. Last year, Lake County Partners was directly involved in the creation of nearly 800 new jobs, and the retention of over 500 existing jobs. This year, we’re already at an additional 312 new jobs and 259 retained jobs in which we’ve played a direct role. These aren’t just numbers—they are real people with real opportunities, and they’re all contributing to our vibrant, thriving economy.
We are particularly proud to report that several of our most recent wins have included expansions of manufacturers who located in Lake County in just the past few years, such as AZ Polymers. Not to be outdone, our more tenured manufacturers like Polar Wire, ZF Industries and others, also continue to reinvest and expand throughout Lake County.
Lake County’s key industries of advanced manufacturing, technology, and life sciences represents a potent mix of innovation and high-quality jobs. Employers are at the forefront of new trends, and local educational partners are more than keeping pace. Talent continues to be the main consideration for growing businesses, and fortunately, this is where Lake County shines.
Lake County’s success is deeply rooted in its commitment to workforce development. Investment in education and training programs has been pivotal in preparing residents for the job market. Through partnerships brokered by Lake County Partners and Lake County Workforce Development, and the ingenuity of partners at educational institutions like the College of Lake County, the Tech Campus, Rosalind Franklin University and Lake Forest College, we have collectively forged new opportunities to nurture talent, leverage our abundant industry leaders, and bring employers and prospective employees together.
Lake County schools, coupled with a groundbreaking approach to workforce development, high quality of life, deep bench of talent, unique mix of businesses, and commitment to equitable growth have captured the attention of those in Illinois, and outside of it.
Lake County has so much to leverage when it comes to business attraction, and we continue to reach new audiences thanks to the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership—formed through an alliance with our counterparts in the region.
None of this would be possible without the support of our investors and the collaborative efforts of our community’s government, business and community leaders. As we have solidified the long term competitiveness of the Chicagoland region, our close ties have been crucial in helping us to address complex challenges—such as housing growth, early childhood education and economic mobility—and leverage our collective strengths to achieve common goals.
The spirit of partnership and innovation that defines Lake County has been a driving force behind Lake County Partners’ accomplishments. By working together, we’ve created a supportive environment where ideas can flourish, businesses can grow, rewarding new jobs can be created, and transformative projects can come to life.
Much of this is owed to community leaders who are responsive, efficient, forward-thinking, financially responsible, and committed to policies and investments that support Lake County’s vibrant municipalities, residents and businesses.
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development. Each year, local government makes substantial investments in Lake County’s networks through projects aimed at enhancing roadways, supporting public transit, and strengthening connectivity.
Lake County’s transportation system is vast, and it is also state-of-the-art. Roads, bridges, sidewalks and bike paths are part of an incredible network that makes it easy for everyone to safely and efficiently travel in Lake County.
Strategic work plans add resiliency to our systems, address climate change and improve stormwater management systems to reduce flooding on roadways and protect businesses, schools, and homes. The work completed by the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) not only improves our infrastructure, but it also helps to protect the quality of our water for work and recreation.
Lake County’s environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. Initiatives focusing on green building practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable land use are at the forefront of local priorities. This is on display with Lake County’s C-PACE partner program, which enables commercial property owners to get 100% financing for eligible improvements such as HVAC, lighting, and solar system improvements in existing buildings and for new construction.
The community has a demonstrated desire to foster healthy buildings and healthy people. Programs like C-PACE and Solar Switch, and initiatives related to healthcare, 211, digital growth and Regional 911 consolidation, guarantee that Lake County remains at the forefront of sustainability and residents and businesses enjoy a higher quality of life.
The future is promising, and we invite you to connect with us to see how we can help you be a part of Lake County’s impressive legacy.