Chicagoland Ranked Among Top Life Science Hubs

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. 

Tickets Now Available for Our Popular Big Event

Our in-demand annual breakfast program is back and better than ever. Join us Tuesday, May 2nd at the Lincolnshire Marriott for unparalleled networking and an inspirational morning focused on ways to strengthen, sustain, and leverage Lake County's business assets. Get insights from keynote speaker and New York Times best-selling author David Epstein as well as local leaders like Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, LCP Board Chair Richard Korengold, LCP Vice Chair Steve Madden, LCP President Kevin Considine and others. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

B2B Program Announces $175 Million in Grants

The Back to Business (B2B) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will provide $175 million in grants for eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses impacted by the pandemic. Applications are open through May 10th, and all applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet requirements. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the program and reach out to local community navigators for help in preparing your application. 

Meet a Partner

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

After recently being re-elected, what are your top three priorities?

Three priorities for this term are to improve upon initiatives started under my leadership, including the Countywide Safety Conference, Educator of the Year Ceremony and SPLASH Conference. I will work to create more opportunities for Work-Based Learning, and provide more support to our school districts in the areas of early childhood, safety and mental health to help our children succeed.  

Your office oversaw an early childhood system assessment for Lake County. What did you learn, and what are the outcomes?  

It is estimated that there are 50,660 students under the age of 6 in Lake County. Out of that number, 29,554 students do not have access to an early childhood program or care. The State of Illinois needs to increase the number of funded slots for families in Lake County. Lake County schools need more access to funding to provide more childcare, early education, and other resources for students and families. At the Regional Office of Education (ROE), we are working with school districts and communities to find ways to increase the number of students served in their early childhood years.  

What is the College and Career Pathway Endorsement program, and where is it being used in Lake County?  

The Postsecondary and Workforce Act included a process for school districts to award College and Career Pathway Endorsements to high school graduates. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes approved endorsements from local high school districts that have approved programs. Students receive the endorsement on their high school transcript by completing an individualized learning plan, a career-focused instructional sequence, and professional learning opportunities. Grayslake District 127 and Lake Zurich District 95 already have approved programs, and many other districts in Lake County are awaiting approval from ISBE. Learn more about the College and Career Pathway endorsement program in our blog.

How has Lake County Partners impacted what you do?

LCP is committed to improving the workforce and business industry. LCP has been very helpful being a thought partner with the Lake County ROE 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/internships.

LCP Welcomes Its Newest Board Members

Dan Joyce, Chief Financial Officer at BCI Acrylics

Angelo Kyle, President at Lake County Forest Preserves

Cheri Richardson, Executive Director at the Gorter Family Foundation

Our work would not be possible without the leadership of our Board of Directors & the support of our investors.