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Leading Lake County Forward
The Business News You Need to Know
 
 

LCP Fuels $933 Million in Capital Investment

We leverage Lake County's talent, education, quality of life and strong industry leaders to attract and retain business, and the results are paying off. Over the last 5 years, our work has resulted in over 4,300 new jobs, nearly 5,000 retained jobs and $933 million in direct capital investment. See how we're doing it, and why outlets like CNBC, Site Selection, and U.S. News & World Report are taking note. 

See What Strong Economic Development Looks Like
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RealWheels Invests $6 Million in Lake County

RealWheels Corporation joined local leaders and officials in celebrating the company’s expansion at 3905 Route 173 in Zion, Illinois. The advanced manufacturer completed the move-in following its renovation of a 65,000 sq. ft. facility to accommodate growth, new jobs and additional product development.

Learn How LCP Helped RealWheels Expand in Lake County
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GCEP Unveils New Asset Report To Attract Business

Lake County has teamed up with World Business Chicago and our six regional partners to produce the new Greater Chicagoland Economic Development Partnership (GCEP) Asset Report & Map, a first-of-its-kind analysis that breaks down the area’s strengths, opportunities, and growth areas to attract business. 

Explore Chicagoland's New Digital Assets

Meet a Partner

Kimberly Wimer

Human Resources Manager
Laser Precision, LLC 
Board Chair, Lake County Workforce Development Board

 

How did you get involved in manufacturing?

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    In late 2016, I was encouraged by a close family friend who previously owned multiple manufacturing companies in Lake County to consider employment opportunities in the industry. He insisted that the disciplines I had applied for 14 years to build a successful mortgage due diligence firm would transfer to manufacturing, which at that time was on the cusp of exponential growth. I began seeking these opportunities and was referred to Laser Precision, who at the time was looking to onboard a Human Resources Manager and expand their workforce due to increased business demand. After meeting with Jeff and Cameron Adams, it was an easy decision to join the family-owned organization in late February 2017.  

     

    Based on your experience, what jobs are most in-demand in manufacturing right now?

    Currently, manufacturing has a number of in-demand career opportunities. These needs are largely due to an aging workforce population that is retiring, companies who have made the decision to discontinue outsourcing product creation outside of the US, and the need to expand business operations domestically that produce positive economic results for manufacturers.

    Rampant demand has grown since the pandemic as we quickly learned that relying on goods from our international relationships can break down our supply chain. Open positions for careers in welding, metal forming, CNC machining, and maintenance are multiplying daily. Click here to see how local educators are building a manufacturing talent pipeline.

     

    How does the Workforce Development Board help develop talent in Lake County?


    The Workforce Development Board uses a number of methods to develop local talent through the programs offered and the relationships that have been formed with employers in the community. It all begins at the Job Center in Waukegan with the Workforce Development team and the family coaching that they provide to every client.

    The idea that an individual is only seeking a job is a theory of the past. A person coming in for assistance is not only seeking employment; in most instances, they have other considerations like childcare, transportation and training. Individuals who find themselves impacted by a lay-off can apply for funding to skill-up and change career fields. Incumbent workers and returning citizens are being encouraged to enter careers that are in high demand and offer work experiences through on-the-job training.

    In large part, the work being done with the local area high schools, the College of Lake County and the Lake County Tech Campus offer introductions to career paths with work-based learning experience and formal education. The youth summer camp programs being offered throughout the county also expose young adults to career paths and increase their interest in industries that will rely on a growing workforce. The Lake County Workforce Development Board does high-level work and is impactful because of the career specialists who are engaged one-on-one with clients to provide a holistic approach to a new career path.

    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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