Medline Opens 1.4 Million Sq. Ft. Distribution Center 

Medline celebrated the opening of its new LEED-certified, medical-grade distribution center - the largest of its kind in the U.S. - during a ribbon cutting in Grayslake. Medline has operated in Lake County for 50 years, and this investment reflects a commitment to further growth in the community.

The $125 million facility will handle more than $1 billion in annual orders and distribute thousands of products to healthcare providers across a continuum of care. It has created an initial 350 new jobs, with a total of 700 at full capacity. 

This new Medline facility is an anchor at Cornerstone - one of the largest master-planned projects in the country. Upon completion, the development will offer 3 million sq. ft. of light industrial, R&D and logistics space and leverage Lake County's incredible talent, location, infrastructure and competitive costs.

Lake County Leaders Shaping Future of Education

This past school year, Grayslake D127 was one of only 12 schools in the state to pilot the Illinois State Career Pathway Endorsement Process. The program graduated its first "Health Science Endorsed" students this spring, and many of them had already passed their CNA exams and begun an earnest pursuit of a rewarding career.  This is just the start of a bold new approach to career readiness, and more Lake County schools are expected to follow. 

Major Hotel Investment is "Big Deal"

The renovation of the Illinois Beach Hotel has been perfectly timed with Lake County’s surge in hospitality and tourism. The state-of-the-art facility welcomes visitors to the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, oak forests and a variety of animal life and vegetation.

Business is Top-Ranking in Lake County

Meet a Partner

Gina Schuyler

CTE Dept. Chair for Careers & Community Partnerships

D127 - Grayslake Central & North

You have been instrumental in Grayslake D127's new career pathway endorsement program. How does it prepare students to meet employer needs?

The Career Pathway Endorsement helps schools align the coursework to better prepare students for both careers and college. By including experiences outside the classroom and with community partners, employers learn about our talented students, and our schools learn what employers need. Career & Technical Education (CTE) can pivot to reflect employer needs through certifications, essential readiness skills and stronger partnerships between employers and educational institutions. Read more about the endorsement program here. 

What are your insights on Lake County's next generation of talent?

The endorsement is proof that students are eager. Students are identifying career pathways and shaping their school experiences around classes, clubs, and internships. Post-COVID, students and families see that there are additional options for education after high school. There are so many businesses and industries in Lake County that provide students with the opportunity to intern or complete an apprenticeship - making post-high school education very affordable.

Our students and teachers learn a lot from employers. Our schools are adding equipment and industry certifications to the curriculum to help students more easily enter the workforce. Our board is very supportive of the partnerships in the community, and we now offer internship classes for credit during the school day.

If anything, we are in need of more businesses and partnerships to place our talented students. Employers can also come into the classroom to help assess readiness needs and hire from hands-on observation. The resources are rich for employers! 

How has LCP impacted what you do?

LCP is my go-to resource. If I have a need in an area, I know that LCP can directly connect me with the right business leader. They are huge supporters of high school programming - for mock interviews or career expos, I know that I can rely on LCP and the other Ecosystem partners to help me prepare. 

When the Career Pathway Endorsement came out, president Kevin Considine was one of my first calls because I knew that LCP was the perfect avenue to connect with local employers and nurture the young talent that businesses want to invest in and employ. 

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.