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June 2024
June is an important month for several reasons and is of particular importance to two underserved and at-risk populations. This month provides us all with an opportunity to highlight and elevate awareness of both the African American and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Workforce Board’s Equity Task Force continues to work diligently to develop and implement a framework of recommendations within Lake County’s’ workforce system to establish goals and improve inequality for all populations we serve. Our commitment to engaging underserved populations continues all year long.
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Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth), also referred to as “America’s second Independence Day,” was celebrated earlier this month and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African-American holiday, with origins dating as far back as 1865. Click here to learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth.
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June is also recognized as Pride Month in the US and elsewhere around the world. It is a monthlong celebration to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Click here to learn more about Pride Month.
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Medline Invests $27M in Mundelein Lab Expansion
Medline recently expanded its product testing and development lab in Mundelein (Lake County) — tripling the size of the facility to 74,000 square feet and significantly bolstering the company’s capacity to test a variety of products, ingredients, and solutions efficiently and comprehensively.
The $27 million expansion project “supports our continued growth,” said Lara Simmons, chief quality officer for Medline. “Our main mission is to provide safe, effective, high-quality products that provide value to our customers.”
The expanded lab includes upgraded mechanical systems and environmental controls and increased lab space and capabilities—including design verification, chemistry, microbiology, expiration dating, calibration, and formulation. The space relies on Lake County talent, employing 140+ engineers, biologists, chemists, scientists, and others to support Medline’s well-known reputation for safe, effective, high-quality products.
Medline is represented on the Lake County Workforce Development Board by Demitri Katsulis, Vice President of Manufacturing, US Kitting Operations.
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Illinois Payroll Jobs Up, Minimum Increase to Unemployment Rate in May
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 4.9 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,700 in May.
“Steady, consistent job growth continues to benefit the Illinois labor market, further evidenced by individuals who are entering the job market and capitalizing on these new and expanded career opportunities,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains committed to assisting jobseekers and employers with the resources they need to participate in the expanding economy.”
In May, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Professional and Business Services (+7,100), Government (+3,300), and Financial Activities (+2,400).
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State of Illinois Celebrates Record-Breaking Export Sales for 2023 and Launches Governor's Export Awards Application
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced another record-breaking year with export sales of over $78.7 billion in 2023. According to rankings by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Illinois continues to lead the Midwest as the top exporting state and fifth in the nation.
"Illinois is once again recognized as a leader in global exports," said Governor JB Pritzker. "As the fifth largest exporting state in the nation, our $78.7 billion in international sales support countless jobs across the state - a sign of a thriving economy. I'm also thankful to the broad array of industries who contributed to this milestone. Their robust selection of goods and services signal to the world that a trade partnership with Illinois is good for business."
Illinois is a leading global gateway, with its convenient geographic location and proximity to airports, railways and shipping ports helping companies move their products to over 200 countries around the world. Since 2019, Illinois exports have increased by 32%. Mexico, Illinois' second top export market, was the single greatest contributor to growth, with export sales exceeding 12% growth since 2022 and 39% since 2019. Top export markets include Canada, Mexico, Germany, China, and Australia.
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iBIO Launches 2024 STEMgirls Summer Camp to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators
The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) has kicked off its 2024 STEMgirls Summer Camp, aiming to inspire and educate young girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The camp, which began on June 24, 2024, at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Preparatory High School in Waukegan, IL, will host 127 girls from 3rd to 8th grade over five days.
The camp’s unique approach combines real-world problem-solving with industry expertise and career connections. Over 40 STEM professionals from the local community will volunteer their time to educate and inspire the young participants.
Ann Vogel, iBIO Senior Vice President, highlighted the camp’s distinctive features: “Our campers won’t just learn about human health, they will be challenged to engineer solutions. And they get to do all this while working alongside industry volunteers who provide encouragement and share their STEM career paths and experiences.”
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Meet the Board - Board Member Yvette Ewing
Yvette Ewing is a current Board Member and Executive Director of The Community Works.
In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Yvette has more than 36 years of experience as a community development leader specializing in collaborative and innovative community programs for high-risk populations. She has designed or co-designed several national model programs for various international organizations. She is a U.S. Army Veteran and certified life coach and has trained and presented at faith-based, educational, corporate, local, and national conferences, inspiring people with her personal story of trials and victory. To date, she has obtained over $10 million in grant funds and recruited and trained thousands of volunteers for various organizations.
The Community Works is a non-profit agency that provides free lifetime career coaching and support services, from crafting a resume and applying for a job to networking and budgeting to goal setting and career advancement. Their goal is to help their neighbors find dignified, stable work that offers sufficient pay and benefits, so they can provide for themselves and their families. The Community Works is a faith-based initiative open to anyone regardless of spiritual beliefs.
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Save the Date: Zion Benton Public Library Job Fair
July 11, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion, IL 60099
The Zion Benton Public Library Job Fair offers a great opportunity to speak with employers who are hiring now about local job opportunities from Zion and surrounding areas. Be sure to bring copies of your resume to network with employers.
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Get Hired Round Lake Beach Job Fair Achieves Record Attendance
On June 12, Lake County Workforce Development hosted the Annual Hire Lake County Round Lake Beach Job Fair. The event, which strategically targeted a community with a high unemployment rate, included 37 employers and achieved a record attendance of 432 registered job seekers.
Thank you to all the employers and job seekers who attended this event, it was full of great partner engagement and networking!
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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:
July 17, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CDT
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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.
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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.
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