Medline Celebrates Solar Installation in Grayslake
Medline recently installed a huge new solar installation at its distribution center in Grayslake—an investment that reflects both environmental leadership and long-term commitment to the region.
With more than 11,500 solar panels generating an estimated 5,900 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, this project represents a meaningful step toward reducing operational impact while strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure. Medline’s continued growth in Grayslake—including a 1.4 million-square-foot facility supporting more than 900 jobs—demonstrates how global companies can scale while staying deeply rooted in the local community.
North Chicago has earned national recognition as a pro-business community, underscoring a broader story of momentum across Lake County and greater Chicagoland. The community was just ranked the #1 small city in Illinois for entrepreneurship by WalletHub, and #56 nationwide among 1,300+ communities.
Nearby Waukegan continues to play a critical role in this success story—serving as a regional anchor for workforce, infrastructure, and continued economic growth. Together, Lake County communities are demonstrating what’s possible when communities align around pro-business policies, access to resources and talent and long-term vision.
Through the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), Lake County is helping lead a unified strategy that positions Chicagoland as a globally competitive super-region — one that leverages world-class talent, infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity to attract investment and create jobs across all our communities. The partnership has driven thousands of jobs and major business wins by showing the world that our region is stronger together. As a result:
🏆 Chicagoland is celebrating its 13th consecutive year as the #1 U.S. metro for corporate relocations and expansions
🏆 Lake County just had its best year on record for economic growth and was named one of the top 10 counties in the country for economic development
For Lake County, GCEP means greater visibility, stronger business attraction opportunities, and a seat at the table in shaping the future economy of the entire region. It’s proof that collaboration — not competition — is how we win..
Lake County is proving what’s possible when local leaders come together with a shared vision for housing growth. From strategic studies to coalition-building and actionable solutions, the momentum happening across the community is creating real opportunities for residents, developers and employers. At a recent networking event, sponsored by Old National Bank, we brought municipal partners and developers to the same table to explore sites, share market intel, and align visions for future multifamily housing. These connections are a step forward, building off of Lake County's Economic Development Strategy and the Housing Lake initiative — and they are critical to overcoming barriers, accelerating thoughtful development, and ensuring communities have housing to support long-term economic growth.
Tourism is big business. Visitor spending now generates nearly $2 BILLION annually in Lake County, supporting more than 15,000 jobs and delivering millions in local tax revenue that helps strengthen local communities.
Few organizations have had a bigger impact on that success story than Six Flags Great America. As the park celebrates its 50th anniversary, we join local leaders in celebrating the role it has played in putting Lake County on the map as a regional tourism destination and economic powerhouse.
Our work would not be possible without the leadership of our Board of Governors & the support of our investors. Thank you to the latest businesses to invest:
