December 2024

With the new year just around the corner, now is a good time to reflect on some of the past years’ accomplishments. The Lake County Workforce Development Board successfully completed its third year of a comprehensive communications and outreach program. The program guided efforts leading to continued growth across the Board’s social media channels, website traffic, e-newsletter engagement, and increased brand awareness throughout the county, state, and nation. 

As an innovative, high-impact Board, we look forward to 2025 with great anticipation!

Team Illinois delegation to Japan in October 2024.

Ymer ribbon cutting at new U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Collaboration with IBM to Build New National Quantum Algorithm Center

On Friday, December 13, Governor JB Pritzker joined IBM's Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) CEO Harley Johnson, and industry stakeholders to announce the new National Quantum Algorithm Center. This groundbreaking Center will be fueled by IBM's next-generation, modular quantum computer ("IBM Quantum System Two"), and will aim to advance the exploration of quantum-centric supercomputing across industries, furthering Illinois' status as a leader in emerging technology and a global quantum computing capital.

"We're making Illinois the global quantum capital and the center for job growth in the quantum industry - a true center of innovation with the power to solve the world's most pressing and complex challenges and create jobs and investment for our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The groundbreaking National Quantum Algorithm Center in Illinois represents a transformative step forward, whose impact will reverberate throughout the tech industry and beyond. I'm grateful to the leadership at IBM and our university and other industry partners for their ongoing efforts to accelerate quantum computing across our state."

Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center's Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program Awarded $2 Million Federal Grant

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the State has been awarded $2 million in federal grant funding for the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program (SMLP). This funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains' (MESC) State Manufacturing Leadership Program.

"Smart manufacturing is about creating opportunities—for businesses to grow, for workers to thrive, and for emerging communities to access the tools they need to succeed," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "It's about ensuring that innovation benefits everyone and builds a stronger, more inclusive Illinois."

Through the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program, IMEC and DCEO will work collaboratively with local community and labor groups to provide resources, outreach, technical assistance, financial assistance, or workforce and training support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). The SMLP will help advance the goals of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) by providing support around technology adoption and reducing energy burden to SMMs and workforce development partners in underserved communities across the state.

Illinois Unemployment Rate Stable, Payrolls Slightly Down in November

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payrolls were down -3,400, while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in November.

“Illinois remains committed and focused on investing in continued workforce development, job expansion, and engaging both jobseekers and employers,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “As workers and employers remain active in the labor market, IDES and its partners continue to serve as a tool in the workforce ecosystem to bridge the two together and provide critical assistance.”

In November, the industry sectors with monthly payroll job increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), Other Services (+1,100), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,000).

Heathrow Scientific Invests $20 Million to Expand in Lake County

Since its founding in Lake County nearly 30 years ago, lab equipment supplier Heathrow Scientific has continued to expand, with products that are designed, developed, and engineered in Lake County and used at universities, pharma companies, hospitals, and labs across the globe – over 45% of its products are exported and used in 80+ countries.

The latest stage of growth will consolidate all operations in Vernon Hills, at a 113,000 sq. ft. facility that includes warehouse/distribution, research and development, and office amenities representing a total investment of $20 million.

Article reposted from Lake County Partners.

Photo Credit: Premier Design + Build Group

Frontline Care Center Opens to Support Veterans, First Responders and Their Families

The Village of Round Lake is now home to Frontline Care Center, the first wellness location dedicated to Veterans, First Responders and their families in Lake County. This new community-based facility offers behavioral health services designed to support those who have served and sacrificed for our communities and country.

Frontline Care Center will provide screenings, crisis intervention, therapy, holistic wellness services and more. All services can be provided both in person and by telehealth.

“Our communities have an obligation to care for our First Responders, military service members, Veterans and their families. We want to care for those that care for all of us,” said Bruce N. Johnson, CEO of Nicasa, a retired Marine Corps Veteran and retired Chief of Police. “We are grateful to the Lake County Board for their generous support, to our many partners and the selfless volunteers and donors who have worked to make this important project a reality.”

Article reposted from Lake County Government.

Job Seeker Success Story — Jasmine

Jasmin’s company downsized during the pandemic, and she was one of many employees who were laid off. Jasmin decided to reach out to State Career College because she wanted to enroll in a short-term program in the healthcare field. They recommended that she contact Lake County Workforce Development to apply for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training grant.

After completing her program in June 2024, Jasmin applied for a position with Aurora Health Care. Within three months, she landed a position as a Medical Assistant in the Cardiology department. Congrats to Jasmine on her new job!

Click here to learn more about Jasmine’s story.

Meet the Board — Board Member Marcus Jordan

Marcus Jordan is a current Board Member and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach Coordinator at the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC) and Operating Engineers Local 150.

Marcus joined III FFC in 2022 and is primarily responsible for creating comprehensive outreach programs while also working with the ASIP Training Site in support of IUOE Local 150. During his eight-year tenure with the City of Waukegan, prior to joining III FFC, Marcus held multiple roles including Asphalt Maintenance, Operating Engineer, and as a Union Steward team member with a focus on insurance contract negotiations. Beyond his contributions to LCWDB, Marcus also sits on the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board DEI Committee, the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Continuous Improvement Committee, and the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice.

The Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC) is a nonprofit construction industry foundation, established to increase market share for responsible contractors, work opportunities for skilled workers, and value for taxpayers by executing a comprehensive program of procurement oversight, jobsite monitoring, market analysis, legal advocacy, and public policy education. The III FFC is guided by a board comprised of both labor and management trustees.



Partner Spotlight — Lake County Workforce Development

The Lake County Workforce Development Department (LCWD) operates the Job Center of Lake County and offers a variety of resources, programs, and services for job seekers, youth, and local employers. LCWD is also part of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, comprised of strategic education and workforce partners.

LCWD 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).

Save The Date: Holiday & Retail Workforce Summit

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Panels: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Doors Open at 8:30 AM)

Networking: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cost: Free of Charge

Location: Great Wolf Lodge (1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031)

Join us for a dynamic summit focused on driving growth, addressing workforce challenges, and building a thriving hospitality and retail sector in Lake County.

Register by February 21 to secure your spot — walk-ins are also welcome.

What to Expect:

• Summit Industry Insights: Hear from statewide experts as they discuss key trends, realistic wage and benefit strategies, and best practices to attract, hire, and retain workers in hospitality and retail.
• Local Support & Resources: Learn from local organizations involved in workforce development, hiring, training, and education to access essential tools and resources for strengthening your business.
• Opportunities for Collaboration: Connect with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to foster partnerships and build relationships that support sustainable growth.

Recap: University Center Internships & Career Expo

On December 5, Job Center team members attended the Internship and Career Expo at the University Center. The event was well attended with nearly 40 registered employers and a constant flow of job seekers, all despite the dark and cold dreary weather! 

Holiday Office Closure

The Workforce Development offices and the Job Center of Lake County will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, in observance of the upcoming 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:

January 10, 2025 – Operations Committee, 9:00 AM CST

January 14, 2025 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 8:00 AM CST

January 15, 2025 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CST

January 21, 2025 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 AM CST

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.