July 2024

During the month of June, more than 500 customers visited the Job Center of Lake County onsite. This is an important reminder of not only the need for workforce development services in our region, but also the important role the Job Center and the entire Lake County Workforce Ecosystem plays in ensuring local job seekers and employers receive these valuable services.

Lake County Companies Among Fastest Growing in Chicagoland

Lake County companies scored impressive representation on the latest Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50 list. Congratulations to Mariani Landscape, Alera Group, and BrightStar Care on their explosive growth and earnings in the areas of landscaping, insurance, and home healthcare and medical staffing. We’re proud that Lake County talent and resources are helping to fuel their success.

ComEd Celebrates New Training Center in Libertyville

At ComEd’s new training center in Libertyville, officials gathered earlier this month to celebrate 21 trainees from the site’s overhead electrical apprenticeship school.

The Libertyville Training Center is the seventh training center in the Northern Illinois service region, highlighting ComEd’s commitment to the local community, reliable infrastructure, and workforce development.

“The clean energy transition in Illinois is creating more and better paying education and job opportunities that will bring economic prosperity to our communities of Lake County,” said Kevin Considine, President and CEO of Lake County Partners and LCWDB Board Member. “Through the investment of companies like ComEd, the size and diversity of the local labor pool continues to grow, and we look forward to the future success of our community members interested in joining the clean energy industry.”

Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in June

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.0 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +10,400 in June.

“Illinois’ labor market remains strong with consistent growth in payroll jobs,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “DCEO will continue to provide its world-class workforce, employers and job seekers with the tools and resources needed to contribute to the state’s growing economy.”

In June, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services (+7,100), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,200), and Government (+2,800).

Gov. Pritzker, IL Congressional Leaders Announce iFAB Awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs Grant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that the state has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, leveraging the state's leading production of raw agricultural materials to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products.

"Today's announcement demonstrates that Illinois is leading the nation in biotechnology and biomanufacturing," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to this $51 million investment from our federal partners, the iFAB consortium will have the resources they need to expand their cutting-edge research and bring innovation and growth to Central Illinois for decades to come."

The iFAB consortium of leaders from higher education, economic development organizations, government, and industry has secured significant commitments, including over $680 million in cash match and strategic investments, demonstrating strong confidence and backing from stakeholders. This initiative will unite cutting-edge R&D, scalable infrastructure, and abundant feedstock production within a 51-mile radius, positioning Central Illinois as a preeminent destination for biomanufacturing. The precision fermentation industry is projected to reach $200 billion by 2040, with the potential to generate 1 million jobs by 2030.

Meet the Board – Board Member Josh Fischer

Josh Fischer is a current Board Member and President of Fischer Paper Products, a leading provider of branded and custom packaging.

In addition to his commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Josh is also a strong supporter of causes that involve children, economic empowerment, education, and science and technology.

Fischer Paper Products, based in Antioch, is a family company with more than three generations of experience in manufacturing and supplying high-quality, food-safe paper products—including specialty bags, wraps, liners, napkin rings, and more.

At this year’s “Big Event,” hosted by Lake County Partners, Josh Fischer and the entire team at Fischer Paper Products were recognized with the 2024 Community Investment Award for their commitment to Lake County and investment in workforce partnerships and the talent pipeline.

Partner Spotlight – Dist. 113 Adult Education

Township High School District 113 serves a community of 60,000 residents and educates approximately 3,300 students. The district’s two nationally ranked high schools, Deerfield High School and Highland Park High School, focus on cultivating passion, unlocking potential, and inspiring excellence among its students and staff.

Dist. 113 Adult Education 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: Back-to-School Resource Fair

Saturday, August 3, 10A-1P

33928 N. US Highway 45, Grayslake, IL 60030

The Lake County Housing Authority is hosting a back-to-school resource fair. Join us for activities, music, food, and to learn about various community resources.

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Recap: Hope and Opportunity Resource Fair

Members of the Job Center Team, as well as many other local organizations and residents, attending the first-ever Hope and Opportunity Resource Fair / Block Party hosted by Waukegan Township and Community Partners on July 19, 2024.

This event was a great way to provide valuable resources and encourage the promotion of unity throughout our community.

Recap: Zion-Benton Public Library Job Fair

Earlier this month, 245 job seekers and 21 employers attended the job fair at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Four individuals were offered a job on the spot!

Recruitment events, such as this one, provide valuable opportunities for Lake County job seekers to learn about available job openings and for employers to find qualified applicants.

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:

August 9, 2024 – Operations Committee, 9:15 AM CDT

August 13, 2024 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 AM CDT

August 14, 2024 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 AM CDT

August 21, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CDT

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.