AbbVie Breaks Ground for Manufacturing Facility

AbbVie celebrated its $195 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility and create new jobs in the City of North Chicago with a groundbreaking, marking a significant commitment to its hometown of Lake County.

The facility is expected to be operational by 2027, and will produce the active components for immunology, oncology and neuroscience medications that will treat millions of patients around the world. 

 Leaders Celebrate Sheridan Crossing Development

Lake County's Winning Streak Is Not By Chance

Since 2021, Lake County Partners has facilitated $1.78 billion in capital investment, helped create nearly 4,000 new jobs, and retained over 2,700 existing ones. And with 65+ new projects in the pipeline, 2025 is shaping up to be one of our biggest years ever.

What’s behind this growth? It's a powerful combination of: 

• Top-tier talent and education institutions like the College of Lake County, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Lake Forest College, Lake County Tech Campus, and others
• Robust infrastructure and global connectivity
• Strong public-private partnerships
• Forward-thinking economic development initiatives

From AbbVie’s $195M investment to ribbon cuttings, housing developments, and more, we’re seeing big wins that are transforming how people live, work, and thrive in the community.

Manufacturing Month Opportunities Abound

Manufacturing isn’t just about machines and materials — it’s about people. And increasingly, it’s about women. Women now represent 42% of Lake County’s manufacturing workforce, outpacing the state average by a full 10 percentage points. Thanks to shifts in technology, workplace culture and education, women are finding new pathways into high-tech, high-skill manufacturing careers. And they’re bringing fresh perspectives that are critical to the industry’s future.

This October, the College of Lake County (CLC) is leveraging Manufacturing Month to celebrate the contributions of women who help to reimagine and reshape what a career in manufacturing can look like. From the production floor to the design lab, women are taking on leading roles in an industry that’s more innovative, inclusive and dynamic than ever before.

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Meet a Partner

Maureen Riedy
President
Visit Lake County

What impact has Visit Lake County's tourism initiatives had on investment in Lake County?

Most people see the fun side of tourism, with images of Lake County’s great attractions and festivals and our seasonal marketing campaigns like Spooks & Spirits, Holiday Your Way, Flavor Festival, the Libation Trail and Summer Road Trips. Click here to learn more about how VLC is serving up fantastic flavors and festive fun this fall. 

But the real product of our work is helping to attract leisure and business travelers who in 2024 brought $1.96 billion dollars in revenue, generated $71.1 million in local tax revenue and nearly $136 million in state tax revenue. The VLC sales team alone recruited $8.1 million in meetings, sports, reunions and group tour business. And the 15,514 hospitality jobs in Lake County represent a significant economic force and supports thousands of local families.

In the 20+ years that you've been leading Lake County tourism, how has the approach changed?

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) were traditionally formed to promote the big attractions and put “heads in beds” at local hotels through sales and marketing efforts. Now, the priorities have evolved into strategic community leadership, steering destination development, workforce issues and creating measurable economic impact.

The work we do helps reflect the quality of life in Lake County, encouraging new business investment, residential diversity and lifestyle enhancements in all the communities we serve. Welcoming guests to personally experience our unique destination can set the wheels in motion to make Lake County a worthy home - It all starts with a visit!

How do you work with public and private partners to attract visitors?

We are fortunate to now have 18 communities plus Lake County government, who all understand the economic power of tourism, and are partnering with us to provide positive messaging to attract outside investment. Everybody wins in this collaborative approach to promoting the whole destination, while also lessening the burden on local taxpayers.

Our fine arts community, culinary treasures and natural amenities position us as the perfect place to spend leisure dollars. Each town has its own character, special events and landmarks that we can combine into attractive packages. With all the amazing people, accommodations and unique attractions that call Lake County home, it is not a hard sell!

Get Involved!

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