Hatch celebrates its new HQ, Hawthorn Mall Kicks off $5 Million project and more.... ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
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Leading Lake County Forward
The Business News You Need to Know
 
 

CNBC Names Illinois a Top State for Business

CNBC just gave Illinois its highest-ever ranking in its Top States for Business, reflecting years of momentum driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, and innovation. Illinois has climbed 27 spots since 2007 and 18 spots since 2019, with a #3 national ranking for infrastructure—CNBC’s most heavily weighted category.

 

The ranking aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground. Companies across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, agtech, and quantum computing are making significant local investments. For executives evaluating where to grow, the conversation is about more than incentives. It’s about access to talent, transportation, utilities, innovation ecosystems, and long-term business resilience. Importantly, Lake County makes a compelling case on all of these fronts and more.

See Why Illinois Earned a Historic High in CNBC's Rankings

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Hatch Product Development Celebrates New HQ

Lake County is celebrating another exciting investment in advanced manufacturing. Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing has expanded into a new headquarters in Wauconda, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth.

 

The new facility brings Hatch’s engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and administrative teams together under one roof, creating additional capacity to support innovation and serve customers across industries including medical devices, industrial equipment, defense, and consumer products.

 

Founded in 2021, Hatch has quickly become a leader in helping companies bring products from concept to production. This expansion reflects the strength of Lake County’s manufacturing ecosystem and our ability to support innovative companies as they grow.

Take a Look at How Hatch is Growing in Lake County

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Major Investments Continue at Hawthorn Mall

Hawthorn Mall is taking another step forward in its evolution with a $5 million interior renovation designed to create an engaging, community-focused experience for visitors. Improvements include updated common areas, enhanced dining spaces, new furnishings, upgraded finishes, and redesigned gathering areas that reflect the changing role of retail destinations.

 

The investment builds on Hawthorn’s broader redevelopment strategy, which has added new retail, restaurants, and residential elements to create a vibrant mixed-use destination. The strategy is already paying off. In 2025, the Village of Vernon Hills generated more than $2 billion in annual retail sales – a remarkable 13.2% increase year over year. 

 

For the entire Lake County business community, Hawthorn’s success highlights how established commercial properties can adapt, attract new activity, and remain important economic anchors for the region.

Get the Details on the Latest Investments at Hawthorn Mall

Meet a Member

 

Steve Whitehill

Market President

Huntington National Bank

Steve Whitehill

Tell us a little about your professional journey and what led you to your current role at Huntington Bank.


I focus on growing Huntington Bank's presence across all lines of business in the North Shore area of Chicago. I’m also responsible for leading a team of Commercial Bankers who are tasked with managing client relationships across greater Chicagoland. Prior to Huntington, I spent almost 20 years with JPMorgan Chase.

 

Huntington Bank has been expanding its presence in Lake County. What makes Lake County an attractive market for investment and growth, and what opportunities do you see here for businesses and residents?


Lake County is home to a diverse and dynamic economy, strong businesses, and thriving communities. We see tremendous opportunity to support the financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses throughout the region.

 

We're excited to expand our presence with our second full-service branch and corporate office in Northbrook. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the community and our desire to deliver personalized service, local decision-making, and the resources of a regional bank with a national perspective.

 

As Huntington continues to grow across Chicagoland, what is the bank's broader strategy for the region, and how does Huntington aim to make a positive impact in the communities it serves?

 

Chicago is a strategic growth market for Huntington and a priority for our leadership. Our approach is centered on making people's lives better, helping business thrive, and strengthening the communities we serve. We do this by having a client-centric approach, leveraging a strong-corporate culture, and showing up everyday for our customers and our colleagues.

 

You recently joined Lake County Partners' Board of Governors. What motivated you to get involved, and what are you most looking forward to contributing or learning through your work with the organization?

 

I'm passionate about this community. Since joining Huntington, I've been focused on supporting the bank's growth across the northern suburbs and throughout Lake County, making my involvement with Lake County Partners a natural fit. I'm looking forward to contributing Huntington's perspective as we continue investing in local growth, while also learning from other business and community leaders who are helping shape Lake County's future.

Get Involved!

 

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

Fuel Economic Development With Us
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Lake County Partners, One Overlook Point, Suite 280, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, 847-597-1220

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