2024 Was A Standout Year for Business
We're proud to announce that Lake County once again celebrated another record year of growth in 2024, and the year also developed a fresh pipeline of projects for us to pursue in 2025. The success is evidence of LCP's laser focus on outreach strategies that drive results. This year, we fine-tuned our communications to generate leads and nurture new relationships; in turn, we leveraged local resources to help businesses grow and tap into the talent and quality of life for which Lake County is known.
Lake County Partners is Driving Investment & Growth
Over the last 5 years alone, LCP has fueled $1.33 billion in direct capital investment, driven the creation of 4,641 new jobs and kept 4,938 existing jobs in Lake County.
Major Investments & New Jobs Defined 2024
LCP's strategic focus on business attraction and retention paid off this year, with growing companies in key industries announcing major investments in the community and providing plenty of opportunities to celebrate.
Aussie Food Manufacturer Expands in Lake Bluff
Australian-based Thomas Foods International enters the Midwest meat and seafood market with its acquisition of a 60,000 square foot manufacturing plant at 924 Sherwood Drive in the Village of Lake Bluff. With operations beginning in 2025, this $28 million dollar investment adds 108 employees to Lake County’s workforce.
ZF Services Renews Lease & Retains 250 Employees
When assessing the best location for their North American HQ, ZF Services recognized that its existing home at 777 Hickory Hill Drive, Vernon Hills was always the “right place.” Lake County’s exceptional workforce, highly accessible location, robust talent training institutions, and supportive local, county, and state partners secured the retention of ZF’s 250 local employees via a lease renewal on the 290,000 square feet facility.
AZ Polymers Acquires Second Site To Grow
In recognizing the value of Lake County’s workforce talent, optical grade plastic manufacturer AZ Polymers acquired its second site in Gurnee to expand its local operations by an additional 75,000 square feet. This $10 million dollar facility will add 10 new employees and serve AZ’s warehouse and distribution needs while simultaneously allowing for installation of a third production line at their manufacturing plant.
We're Enhancing Economic Mobility
Our focus is on elements critical to Lake County's long-term quality of life and business climate.
In January, LCP joined Lake County, the City of Chicago, Cook County and five other counties across metropolitan Chicago in launching the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), a first-of-its-kind united effort to attract business and strengthen the area’s economic force in a fiercely competitive global market. With financial commitment from each of the partners totaling $1 million for the first in a 3-year pilot, World Business Chicago (WBC) began managing the partnership by expanding its business development and research region-wide to complement existing municipal and county programs. GCEP is focused on promoting the region’s many assets, and work on several fronts began right away.
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Housing Growth
Lake County's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) illustrated the critical need for housing growth due to demographic shifts happening across the country, including in Lake County.
Driven by waves of baby boomer retirements, the working age population in Lake County is projected to drop by 16,000 by 2027. This is on top of an already very tight labor market.
In order to remain competitive nationally, Lake County must continue to attract top talent. In order to do that, we need housing for those new residents – upwards of 18,000 new units across the entire spectrum of type and price point.
In the wake of the groundbreaking housing study published in 2023, LCP continues to work with Lake County and local municipalities to understand the demand and map the path to accommodating growth. Whether it’s repurposing office space, understanding inclusionary zoning, or meeting interested developers, LCP is focused on fueling housing growth.
Regional Collaboration
In 2023, Lake County joined with the other six counties of Chicagoland (Cook, DuPage, Will, McHenry, Kane and Kendall), the City of Chicago, and World Business Chicago, to form the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP). This group, for the first time ever, is working collectively to spur inclusive economic growth across the region. This seminal collaboration has already born fruit.
In June, GCEP hosted a large group of International investors for “Select Chi,” a spinoff from the US Commerce Department’s Select USA. The team had the opportunity to showcase downtown as well as key assets in the suburbs to show how the region work together for their success. Several other international delegations from the UK, China, and elsewhere, have been hosted throughout the year.
More work on these and other opportunities will continue in 2025 with trade missions to Europe, Asia, Central America and cities across the US. These efforts can only be successful when pursued as a region. Chicagoland is well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and more.
We're Fueling The Talent Pipeline
Lake County's workforce sets it apart, which is why talent remained a priority and the year was marked by
major investments in STEM, manufacturing and healthcare education.
Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Helix 51 biomedical incubator, unique in Lake County, which helps scientists make the leap from discovery to commercialization of urgently needed new therapeutics and diagnostics.
A pipeline for companies into RFU’s Innovation and Research Park, the incubator’s 12 companies include U.P. Oncolytics, recently awarded FDA Orphan Drug designation and an NIH $500,000 Phase I fast-track grant for the development of a novel oncolytic virus treatment for brain cancers. Helix 51 company Artec Biotec is developing another approach to brain cancers based on natural killer (NK) cells. Also this year, BLR Bio, another incubator company, was granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation for its investigational therapy for treating scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder.
In addition to driving biomedical innovation, investments in 2024 helped RFU train the healthcare workforce Lake County needs and expand access to care. Those include state capital funds of $8.1 million to build a virtual health system and a $1 million state-funded grant to establish the RFU Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Medical Clinic.
College of Lake County
In 2024, College of Lake County (CLC) prioritized fostering collaboration and workforce development through the creation of the Manufacturing Alliance. This initiative strengthens partnerships with local industry leaders, ensuring that educational programs align with the evolving needs of manufacturers while fostering a skilled and sustainable workforce. As part of its commitment to addressing the skills gap, CLC joined the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Workforce Challenge initiative, which tackles the shortage of skilled workers entering the manufacturing field by aligning training with specific employer demands. These efforts not only prepare students for high-demand careers but also bolster Lake County’s position as Illinois’ second-largest manufacturing hub, contributing to regional and national economic growth.
In addition to these efforts, CLC partnered with the Lake County Workforce Development Board to advance workforce opportunities through the state’s Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). This collaboration supports the transition to clean energy by providing training for high-demand green jobs, ensuring students and workers are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy sector. Together, these initiatives demonstrate CLC’s commitment to driving innovation and economic resilience in Lake County and beyond.
This year also marked a significant milestone for CLC, as the college reached its fundraising threshold to break ground on the highly anticipated Urban Farm at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. This innovative center will serve as a hub for education, community engagement and hands-on training in agriculture and food production, further advancing CLC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and workforce development in green industries.
Lake County Tech Campus
The Tech Campus is proud to be serving 2,300+ students this year. As the school moved towards its 50th anniversary, 2024 marked another big year. The Tech Campus proudly recognized 300+ students at a Student Awards Night, and celebrated the accomplishments of students who competed at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta, where the EMS team earned an impressive 3rd place finish in the entire country.
In March, over 2,100 students engaged with more than 125 employees during the annual Career Expo, exploring exciting regional career opportunities. These events reflect the Tech Campus' ongoing commitment to being one of the Midwest's premier careers and technical education training facilities. Guided by its "Teach, Establish, Connect, and Honor" framework, the Tech Campus continues to connect industry leaders with students, especially with the continued growth of its Give Me TEN+ TECH 50 work-based learning program.
The Tech Campus plans to expand its annual Career Expo to include 150 employees and deepen pathway endorsements with member schools. Additionally, 2025 promises even more exciting developments, including the 10th Annual Career Expo, a partnership Manufacturing Breakfast in February, the grand opening of a new Welding Lab, the 4th annual Car Raffle, and so much more.
Navig8Lake
Educators across the county are investing time and resources in career pathways, and in 2024, the energy gave way to a unique new experience called Career Navig8Lake. It brought together 4,200 middle and high school students, local businesses, and community leaders in a shared mission: to inspire, connect, and lay the foundation for the county’s economic future.
The event intentionally did not look like your typical career fair. From the clang of metal in welding demonstrations to hands-on VR simulations, the event offered students an immersive experience. They didn’t just hear about careers—they stepped into them. Students explored a variety of industries through interactive displays and conversations with local employers. For many, it was a day of discovery, an opportunity to connect with local employers and the start of an invigorated approach to education.
We're Centered on Collaboration & Community
LCP built on its reputation as a connector this year, bringing together business and civic leaders to advance
important discussions around equitable growth and economic vitality.
BIG Event
LCP revived the highly anticipated Big Event, with another sold-out crowd of over 500 business and civic leaders, with insights from Board leadership, County Board Chair Sandy Hart and Keynote Speaker Rajeev Kapur.
At the event, LCP presented the "Community Investment Award" to Antioch manufacturer Fischer Paper Products and the inaugural "Talent Advancement Award" to Gina Schuyler, the CTE Department Chair for Careers and Community Partnerships at D127.
Municipal Meeting Series
LCP continued to build on its longstanding meeting series for public sector partners, made possible by the support of Libertyville Bank & Trust, N.A. The meetings continue to reinforce LCP's strong ties with community leaders.
In addition to the meetings, municipalities receive back-end support from LCP in a variety of ways, including through quarterly data reports that help them in their business attraction efforts.
Invested Together
LCP hosted its annual "Invested Together" investor event at Independence Grove to encourage networking, strengthen local connections, and celebrate Lake County's booming economy. Remarks were made by LCP President Kevin Considine, LCP Board of Governors Chair Steve Madden and Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
The evening was a celebration of Lake County's spirit of collaboration, and a testament to LCP's appreciation for its investors.
Top Honors
Lake County and Illinois continued to rake in praise and receive national recognition this year.
LCP became partners in our endeavor to grow our business in Lake County. It has been a partnership built on commitment, can-do mentality, and trust. No matter where or when, LCP was always available to assist in our decision-making, which is why we will always rely on them for our business needs.
Jan Polka
President at RealWheels Corporation
Our collaborative partnership with LCP has significantly increased CLC’s employer engagement through a consistent flow of referrals. We add to the business development team’s resource list as a talent asset for the region, and in return, LCP offers a direct connection to businesses who need talent to grow or locate in the area. CLC is better at responding to business trends and needs because of LCP.
Ali O'Brien
Vice President of Community & Workforce Partnerships at the College of Lake County
LCP has unlocked the essential doors to insight and communication between education and workforce development. The organization has the ability to bring Lake County companies to the table with other-sector partners to learn, collaborate and inspire action. Without this distinct skill, none of our exciting opportunities would be possible.
Cheri Richardson
Executive Director at the Gorter Family Foundation
From the CEDS process, to organizing tours of local manufacturing plants, to convening thought partners around career pipelines in the region, Lake County Partners has led the work to connect our schools to local businesses and careers. Because of LCP's support, our efforts to propel students to their first career placement have accelerated. Our partnership is essential to our students’ success.
John Price
Superintendent, North Chicago Community Unit School District 187
The data provided by LCP allows me to better understand the needs of the future in manufacturing and has brought to light the workforce challenges ahead. Our relationship with LCP helps us reach community members and legislative representatives, and the organization’s connections and diligence are preparing us for long-term growth.
Kim Wimer
Human Resources Manager at Laser Precision
LCP is committed to improving the workforce and business industry. LCP has been very helpful as a thought-partner to improve the youth workforce system. We will continue to work together to ensure that youth can participate in local industry and have meaningful apprenticeships and internships.
Dr. Michael Karner
Regional Superintendent of Schools
Lake County Partners has played a huge roll in the development of our school and its relationship with the surrounding community. The LCP team has introduced us to countless partners that have now become key players in our advisory committees. LCP’s work on the Lake County Ecosystem has played a monumental roll in continuing to see the links between education and the business community.
Derrick Burress
Principal, Lake County Tech Campus
The missions of Visit Lake County and LCP are interconnected, and our collaboration is vital to enhancing the public image of Lake County as a dynamic place to live, work and visit. Our organizations have a shared vision and play critical roles in supporting the economic well-being of our county and its communities.
Maureen Riedy
President, Visit Lake County
Thank You to Our Many Leaders and Investors
As a non-profit organization, Lake County Partners’ work wouldn’t be possible without you. We appreciate the leadership of our Board of Governors and the generous support of our investors.
The Great News Doesn’t Stop Here.
In 2024, LCP refined its marketing strategy to enhance awareness and bolster business engagement, initiating targeted campaigns to captivate decision-makers in key industries like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and real estate. These initiatives effectively integrated owned media resources such as emails, SEO, and content marketing with paid advertising on LinkedIn and Google.
This approach significantly increased LCP's website traffic by 242.2%, attracting approximately 123,272 visitors interested in business opportunities in Lake County. The combination of direct and organic traffic saw double-digit increases year over year. Furthermore, the incorporation of paid traffic campaigns contributed markedly to the surge in website traffic and engagement, all with the goal of driving business expansion leads for LCP to nurture.
