Lake County is proving ground for what’s possible when an entire region rallies behind manufacturing talent. A recent roundtable, hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association at the College of Lake County, brought together educators and industry and government leaders to showcase how collaboration is transforming workforce development.
For businesses looking to scale, innovate, and thrive, Lake County has a deep bench of leaders who work well together to provide quick access to resources, talent, incentives, infrastructure and cutting-edge approaches like this:
Industry leaders can be at the table to help shape training programs that match real-world needs.
Local schools are aligning curriculum with high-demand skills in automation, mechatronics, machining, and more — ensuring students graduate job-ready.
Workforce partners are closing gaps, connecting residents with apprenticeships, internships, and pathways that raise incomes and strengthen the regional labor pool.
Public–private collaboration is accelerating growth, helping companies hire faster, expand confidently, and access a deep pipeline of next-generation talent.
Lake County has swiftly become THE Midwest's premier destination for industrial investment because it offers the best of both worlds. Here you can maximize the benefits of a huge metropolis like Chicagoland - things like accessibility, workforce and innovation - while tapping into a charming, business-friendly environment.
As the lively discussions at a recent Bisnow Industrial Summit in Libertyville can attest, that's an unbeatable combination. Developers, investors, and public leaders all said the same thing: Lake County is uniquely positioned for the next generation of industrial growth.
We drilled down into the themes of the event to cover the state of the Midwest market, capital investment, the economic outlook for 2026, cold storage space, and innovation. Our latest blog will help you understand where industrial trends are heading next, and how your business can plug into this momentum.
Lake County is leading one of the most dynamic economic transformations in Chicagoland. With over $1.7 BILLION in new investment and thousands of jobs created or retained over the last 5 years, the region is proving its strength across life sciences, manufacturing, housing, innovation and more.
Drawing on recent insights from Dr. Joe Schwieterman at DePaul University and Chris Brewer at AECOM, presented to our municipal partners, we're exploring how Lake County is balancing growth, resilience, and reinvention in a changing economy.
