---
title: Big Boost in Manufacturing Creates Jobs & Investment
---

Business has never been better in Lake County. Get the latest economic development news in our monthly newsletter.

| View in browser     Leading Lake County Forward The Business News You Need to Know     Local Manufacturers Get Big Business Boost   As the economy recovers, Lake County manufacturers of all sizes tell The Chicago Tribune that they are seeing a boom in business and expect more growth in the back half the year. In recent months, companies like Medline, AZ Polymers, Fischer Paper Products, Mighty Hook, Medical Murray, HM Manufacturing and many others have celebrated expansions made possible through large investments, strategic business support and local talent. Over the last two years, manufacturers have added 520 new jobs and invested approximately $180 million in land, buildings, equipment and more in Lake County.  Read The Chicago Tribune Article       Lake County is the Gateway to Global Markets United Airlines Adds Flights & Jobs Metra Ramps Up Train Service Waukegan Airport Building Opens United Airlines' overhaul of its domestic fleet will create more daily flights and increase the number of seats on each plane by nearly 30%. As business travel rebounds, United says it will hire up to 3,000 new positions, making it easier than ever for local business leaders to go global.  In response to demand from workers returning to the office, Metra revised schedules for 7 services, including the Milwaukee District North, North Central Service and the Union Pacific Northwest Lines. Metra also launched new pilot schedules, including for the Union Pacific North Line, to provide off-peak options.  Local officials recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new $2 million U.S. Customs and Border Protection Building at Waukegan National Airport. The investment is significant because it gives Lake County the ability to meet private travel needs and stay competitive in the global market. READ MORE READ MORE READ MORE       Alight Aggressively Hiring to Fulfill Big Contract Lincolnshire-headquartered Alight employs thousands in Lake County and across the globe. It also has the distinction of being one of the top 50 publicly held companies in the area. After winning a multiyear contract to manage the benefits of all 6 million U.S. government workers, Alight is now looking to aggressively grow. Take a look at one of Lake County's big employers in a new Crain's feature. Read the Crain's Chicago Business Profile       West Coast Companies & Talent Head to the Midwest Entrepreneur reports on a growing trend among companies and talent leaving the west coast to settle and grow in the Midwest - moves that are consistent with what LCP is seeing on the ground. Primary drivers are affordable real estate and taxes, a better quality of life, proximity to global giants and solid infrastructure.  See Why Growing Companies are Flocking to the Midwest       Illinois is a Global Business Leader Did you know that Illinois is home to the world’s 18th largest economy? Many of the most recognizable companies are headquartered in Lake County. Watch this new video from Team Illinois to see how companies benefit from tremendous talent, world-class infrastructure, and an abundance of resources. Start Your Journey in Illinois       Quick Takes Medical Murray Celebrates Expansions at Two Lake County Facilities Lake County Culture Guarantees Work & Life Go Hand-in-Hand CLC Supply Chain Program Provides Gateway to High-Paying Careers       Meet a Member Lori Suddick, Ed.D. President College of Lake County (CLC)   Lake County Partners is leading a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to identify and leverage the county's strengths. What is the biggest opportunity over the next five years? The biggest opportunity to meet the diverse skilled talent needs for Lake County businesses and stimulate economic growth is to align all organizations that contribute to the creation of the talent pipeline in evidence-based practices that address the current realities challenging Lake County’s workforce needs. There is no single solution nor any one entity that can address the workforce needs in a holistic way. It is imperative we leverage our collective resources, align efforts and build cross-organizational systems that aim us toward solutions to meet the major industry sector needs of Lake County for small, medium and large businesses.   How is CLC preparing for Lake County's future talent needs?   Over the past three years, College of Lake County (CLC) has been investing in strategic initiatives to advance equity in access and success of students to increase degree attainment rates, as well as expanding programs and community partnerships in the industry sectors of health and wellness, manufacturing and information technology. A key strategic initiative to meet the Industry 4.0 manufacturing and technology needs of Lake County is the development of an Advanced Technology Center (ATC), which will be a center of excellence in manufacturing. The ATC will provide Lake County residents access to advanced education and training to pursue industry-responsive careers aligned with local workforce and economic needs.   How did you get into education?   My journey to higher education has been a winding path. I began my career as a speech-language pathologist working in hospital settings and rehabilitation centers and later as a director of rehabilitation in a long-term care setting. I enjoyed my career in this field and believe my early years spent focusing on patient-centered care were the early formation of my student-focused culture work at CLC.   I transitioned to higher education when I was offered a faculty position at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to develop a speech-language pathologist assistant associate degree. I am fortunate to have worked in a progressive organization that invested in its talent and provided many opportunities for development, new challenges and career progression. I served as an associate dean and then vice president of learning, building my skills on national, state and regional efforts in student success and workforce development.   I was honored when given the opportunity to lead the College of Lake County. It is my privilege to serve in this capacity that offers the opportunity to leverage the power of education to transform the lives of individuals. At CLC, I work with a talented team committed to the purpose of being responsive to the Lake County community and ensuring that every student completes their educational goals within a student-ready inclusive environment.    How do you spend your free time?   I enjoy spending my free time doing the same things I love to do when working—building, growing things, being with people and learning—but in a different form. I occupy my time flower and vegetable gardening, crafting, doing home renovation projects, genealogical research and reading. Most of all, I enjoy spending my free time with my family—cooking, traveling, hiking, playing board games or listening to The Moth Radio Hour on our road trips.   We appreciate your leadership and all you have done to prepare the local workforce and support Lake County Partners. I am immensely grateful for the strategic partners and collaborative partnerships in our ecosystem that are being strengthened and developed, including community organizations, municipalities, local government, K12, universities, businesses and community foundations. It is exciting to be a part of so many great efforts in the County. I am also grateful for the support of the CLC Board of Trustees in advancing a bold strategic plan and the partnership of the CLC Foundation Board. Together, we are keeping students at the center of all we do, and there is nothing better than that. Our work to drive economic development in Lake County would not be possible without the leadership of our Board of Directors & the support of our investors. Get Involved or Request our Support Here                 Lake County Partners, One Overlook Point, Suite 280, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, 847-597-1220 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
| --- |