April 2025

As we close out the month of April and eagerly await the arrival of spring, there is much to celebrate in terms of recent workforce development accomplishments in Lake County. Last month, as part of the NAWB Forum and Advocacy Day, LCWD representatives visited Capitol Hill to tell the story of workforce development in Lake County and to let Congress know how they can support this work locally. Earlier this month, the Governor’s Office announced nearly $1M in additional funding for Lake County organizations as part of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and both Abbott and Vantive announced major investments in workforce expansion in Lake County.

Enjoy this month’s newsletter as we highlight these and many other notable workforce and economic development accomplishments throughout Lake County.

Abbott Expanding and Adding 200 Jobs in Illinois

Big news for Abbott, as the company announces its exciting plans to expand in Illinois and hire 200 people to boost research and development for its transfusion business.

Abbott is headquartered in Lake County, and the community continues to be the epicenter of life science innovation. In fact, nearly 50% of Illinois’ biopharma output comes from Lake County. Major investments like this reaffirm Abbott’s commitment to long-term growth in Illinois, and its reliance on Lake County’s deep bench of industry talent.

Article reposted from Lake County Partners.

Healthcare Company Vantive to Invest $23 Million in New U.S. Headquarters in Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Vantive announced that Vantive will invest $23 million and locate its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield. Vantive, formerly the Kidney Care segment of Baxter International, is a global vital organ therapy company with a 70-year legacy. Today, as a standalone company, Vantive is dedicated to elevating the standards of kidney and vital organ therapies with a vision to enable longer, fuller lives for patients around the world. Today's announcement builds upon Illinois' reputation as a global hub for health innovation, biotech, pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

"Thanks to Governor Pritzker's and DCEO's tireless efforts to promote and support Illinois' economic development, Vantive has chosen Deerfield for their U.S. headquarters, further solidifying Lake County's position as the number one life sciences hub in the Midwest," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "We welcome Vantive and look forward to their continued growth and success."

Illinois Payroll Jobs Climb to Record High

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payrolls increased +14,800 (+0.2%) over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 in March, while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8 percent in March.

"The record-breaking job growth throughout Illinois is a true testament to the State's commitment to supporting its world-class workforce," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Our work continues as we strive to ensure Illinois remains the best place to live, work and do business."

In March, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government (+4,500), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2,200).

Governor Pritzker Announces Second-Highest Film Production Expenditures in State History

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Illinois film industry leaders to announce film production expenditures of $653 million in 2024 – the second-highest expenditure total in state history – along with estimated wages of $351 million and 18,200 estimated hires in the industry (excluding extras). The high expenditures demonstrate Illinois' ability to bounce back in the wake of the strikes that halted production in 2023.

In order to build upon the state's reputation as a national destination for film and TV production, in 2022 the state launched the Film and TV Workforce Training Program, which is designed to increase diversity in Illinois' film industry. Since the program's launch, the Illinois Film Office has partnered with various organizations across the state to train and hire over 200 individuals per year from groups that are historically underrepresented in the industry.

"Illinois has been the heart of our ‘One Chicago' universe for over a decade," said Jerry DiCanio, EVP Production Operations, Universal Television. "The state's support for our television productions has allowed us to create thousands of local jobs and tell impactful stories that resonate with audiences around the world. We're grateful to be part of a thriving community and look forward to continuing our work in this incredible city and state."

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Comes to Lake County

We join in the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation’s excitement in welcoming Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Lake County! This incredible program will mail free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, helping foster a love of reading and building strong literacy skills from the very start — no matter a family’s income.

Lake County Workforce Development Board Member and Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner said it best: “Access to books at an early age is one of the most effective ways to build literacy skills and prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond.”

Article reposted from Lake County Partners. Photo courtesy of Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation.

Stevenson Becomes First High School in the World to Receive WELL Platinum Certification

Lake County is once again at the forefront of education and innovation. Stevenson High School in the Village of Lincolnshire is making history with its new Patriot Wellness Center & Fieldhouse – the first high school facility in the world to achieve WELL Platinum Certification, which is the highest distinction awarded by the International WELL Building Institute.

This project, shepherded through by Wight & Co., a top-ranked Illinois-based architecture, engineering, and construction firm, is a bold reimagining of student-centered design, prioritizing every aspect of human well-being, from air and water quality to mental health and physical fitness. With features like natural daylighting, biophilic design elements, wellness-driven materials, and spaces that promote movement, the facility is a model for schools nationwide.

Article reposted from Lake County Partners. Photo courtesy of Wight & Co.

Waukegan to Become Home to Region’s First All-Electric Bus Facility as Pace Breaks Ground on North Division

The electric transformation of Pace Suburban Bus reached a major milestone on April 4 when state and local officials joined agency leaders to break ground on the renovation of Pace’s North Division Garage. The project will create the region’s first bus facility designed to support an all-electric fleet and move forward Pace’s transition to a zero-emission fleet.

The upgrades to this facility place Waukegan at the forefront of Project Zero, Pace’s initiative to reduce pollution and honor statewide climate goals by converting its entire bus fleet to zero-emissions technology by 2040. By launching this effort in Waukegan, Pace is prioritizing communities historically impacted by industrial pollution and economic disinvestment, ensuring they benefit from the agency’s clean energy transition.

Pace is represented by Edward Gallagher, Community Relations Representative, on the Lake County Workforce Development Board.

Lake County Board Chair Joins State Trade Delegation to Mexico

Earlier this month, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and a delegation of public and private sector leaders on a trade mission to Mexico. The trip focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering greater collaboration to create opportunities that will benefit communities across the state, including right here in Lake County.

The mission, organized by Intersect Illinois, the state’s economic development organization, connected the delegation with leaders in agriculture, finance, education, and government. These relationships help open doors for future business collaborations, attract new investments, and ultimately fuel job creation and economic growth throughout Illinois.

“It was an honor to be part of Governor Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico,” said Hart. “I was impressed by the strategic efforts of Intersect Illinois, which is making it clear that Illinois is open for business. Here in Lake County and across the state, we are committed to expanding economic opportunities that strengthen and benefit our families, businesses and communities.”

Meet the Board – Board Member Rachel Loberg

Rachel Loberg is a current Board Member and the Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Condell Medical Center.

In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Rachel is a dynamic leader with nearly 30 years of nursing and leadership experience. She has a strong knowledge of comprehensive nursing care procedures and proven management skills, and a reputation as a self-directed professional with superior problem solving, innovation, and communication skills. Rachel has also achieved outstanding results in challenging environments while maintaining strong loyal relationships with colleagues, physicians, and team members.

Advocate Condell Medical Center is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the U.S. At Advocate Condell, you can expect expert, compassionate care to help you and your family live well. The facility offers a full spectrum of medical services and is the largest health care provider and only Level 1 trauma center in Lake County. It is also home to Lake County’s first and only comprehensive Trauma Recovery Center and features an emergency department approved for pediatrics backed by the resources of Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Partner Spotlight – Youth Conservation Corps

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a non-profit organization committed to providing Lake County’s young people with education, certification programs, and career development to build skills for life. In the majority of programs, YCC serves youth 16-24 years old who have dropped out of high school and face other challenges, such as being low income, homelessness, disabilities, and more. Through hands-on job skills training, GED courses, and other career readiness work, YCC empowers these young people to get back on track, gain self-worth, and develop lifelong skills to achieve their goals.

Youth Conservation Corps is a key partner of the Lake County Workforce Development Board and is one of several organizations that participate in the Job Center under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Reminder: Lake County Partners “Big Event” is Back

Lake County’s largest gathering of business and civic leaders is back! The much-anticipated “Big Event,” hosted annually by Lake County Partners, returns to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on Thursday, May 1.

This popular breakfast program will include an inspirational morning focused on ways to strengthen, sustain, and leverage Lake County's business assets.

Lake County Offers No Cost Digital Skills Software to Community Organizations 

Lake County is distributing 29 licenses for digital skills software at no cost through Northstar Digital Literacy, a Literacy Minnesota program, to nonprofit, educational, and government organizations that engage in skill-building programs with residents who meet specific criteria.

Northstar Digital Literacy provides organizations with a curriculum to teach residents how to improve their basic digital skills in everything from sending emails to accessing telehealth and using Microsoft tools. Organizations awarded a software license will have access to Northstar’s curriculum, online lesson plans and digital skills assessments.

Breaking Down Barriers with Free Laptops

In an ongoing commitment to student success, the College of Lake County (CLC) Foundation hosted a Laptop Giveaway Event on April 9, where 50 pre-selected students received laptops and backpacks donated by Meridian Group International, Inc.

This marks the latest in a series of donations made by Meridian Group International, Inc. to the CLC Foundation, including past contributions of laptops and backpacks. Each year, these donations aim to support students in their educational journey, empowering them to engage in coursework and pursue their career goals.

“This generous gift from Meridian Group International is more than a donation—it’s an investment in our students’ futures and in the strength of our local workforce,” said Leigh Ann Jacobson, executive director and chief development officer of the CLC Foundation. “By donating 50 laptops, Meridian is removing a critical barrier to education for so many who are working hard to build better lives for themselves and their families. Meridian has proven to be a valued partner in our shared mission to create equitable access to education and opportunity.”

Article reposted from College of Lake County.

Help Shape a More Accessible Lake County

Lake County is developing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Comprehensive Transition Plan to enhance accessibility across the community. Regular updates to this plan are essential to ensure compliance with ADA standards and to improve access to public spaces, programs and services.

To locate areas of most significant concern to the public, Lake County is seeking input through a survey and an interactive map. Your feedback will help shape the content and implementation of the plan, ensuring that Lake County remains inclusive and accessible to all. The comprehensive transition plan is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. 

Save The Date: North Shore Veteran’s Benefit Fair

Calling all Veterans and Military Families: Join us for the Second Annual North Shore Veteran’s Benefit Fair — a free event honoring your service and connecting you with the benefits you've earned.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

3 PM – 7 PM

Greenbelt Cultural Center

1215 N. Green Bay Road, North Chicago

Learn more about:

• Veteran and Dependent Health Benefits

• Veteran and Spouse Job Opportunities

• Home Ownership Programs

• Educational Programs

• VA Support

• And Much More!

Event Recap: Spring Job Fair

The Spring Job Fair at College of Lake County Lakeshore Campus was a great success for everyone in attendance. More than 300 introductory folders were distributed to interested job seekers during the first few hours of the event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Event Recap: Everything Expo

On Saturday, April 5, Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD) proudly supported the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce at their “Everything Expo” community event, hosted at the Foglia YMCA. The event featured more than 50 local businesses and welcomed a steady stream of community members throughout the morning.

LCWD hosted an engaging booth that showcased Career Exploration Virtual Reality headsets—a huge hit with attendees of all ages. Visitors had a blast exploring a variety of career paths through immersive VR experiences.

Among the many guests was State Senator Darby Hills, who was thoroughly impressed and took the opportunity to try out the VR fun for herself.

Holiday Office Closure

The Workforce Development offices and the Job Center of Lake County will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Mark Your Calendars! The Job Center of Lake County has a full calendar of helpful and informative events. To view all upcoming Job Center events, including workshops and job fairs, click here.

Upcoming Board/Committee Meetings:

May 16, 2025 – Operations Committee, 9:00 AM CT

May 21, 2025 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CT

Connect With Us

The Lake County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a workforce development leader in the county, region, and state. WDB collaborates with key partners and stakeholders to lead performance-driven and innovative strategies that develop, align, and integrate the workforce development system.



Lake County Workforce Development Board

1 N Genesee Street, 1st Floor, Waukegan, IL 60085 | 847-377-2224

Jennifer Serino, jserino@lakecountyil.gov

The Job Center of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY 800-526-0844 or 711. To request accommodations, please contact dharris@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-3423.