May 2024

Lake County Workforce Development staff have been working diligently to network and collaborate with peers regionally, across Illinois, and nationwide to broaden and expand the local workforce development offering for job seekers and employers.

From attending the National Association of Workforce Boards Forum earlier this year, to the Illinois WIOA Summit last month and the National Association of Workforce Development Boards’ Annual Conference earlier this month, staff continue to share lessons learned while also gaining exposure to new programs and innovative solutions for better serving the local workforce.

Board Member Josh Fischer Recognized at Lake County Partners’ “Big Event”

Each year, Lake County Partners hosts the “Big Event,” a showcase of Lake County’s dynamic business community and economic strength, serving as a catalyst for collaboration, idea exchange, inspiration, and networking.

At this year’s event, held May 9 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, LCWD Board Member 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.

“Fischer Paper Products has had a presence in Chicagoland for over 52 years, and our long history is the direct reflection of support we’ve received from the community,” noted President and Owner Josh Fischer. “When we weighed options for the company’s long-term growth, Lake County was a natural choice. In working with local officials, the Village of Antioch, Lake County Workforce Development, the College of Lake County and Lake County Partners, we’ve been able to tap into the workforce that we need to drive momentum for future generations.”

LCWD Represented at NAWDP 2024 Annual Conference

Ashannti Ross, Lake County Workforce Development Training Manager, presented at the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) 40th Annual Conference on the "Department of Defense SkillBridge Program in Partnership with Lake County Workforce Development and the County of Lake."

DOD SkillBridge programs provide retiring and transitioning Service members the opportunity to participate in industry training programs while transitioning out of their Military careers by connecting Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. SkillBridge can help Service members bridge the gap between the end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers.

The DOD covers Military pay and benefits during a Service member’s time in a SkillBridge program, providing an invaluable experience for the Service member and the Industry Partner.

Illinois Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Stable in April

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.8 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +7,300 in April.

"Expanded payroll jobs and a stable unemployment rate are both further indications that the Illinois labor market and economy remain strong," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "IDES is committed to continuing to provide jobseekers and employers the resources they need to take advantage of new and expanding workforce opportunities."

In April, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Professional and Business Services (+4,900), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,900).

Governor Pritzker Awards $1.2 Million in Grant Funding to Help Businesses Identify Government Contracting Opportunities

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $1.2 million in grant funding to 11 recipients through the Illinois APEX Accelerator. This funding will support economic development centers, academic institutions and private nonprofit organizations in their efforts to provide small businesses with resources to identify and secure government contracting opportunities.

"In Illinois, we're bringing much needed resources to small businesses across the state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to our federal, state, and local partners, the APEX Accelerator program will train and connect small businesses to government contracts that diversify and strengthen our supply chain."

More than $450,000 was awarded to four Chicagoland organizations, including the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Greater Southwest Development Center, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Women’s Business Development Center.

Governor Pritzker Awards $2.5 Million in Grant Funding to Economic Empowerment Centers Across Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $2.5 million in grant funding to 10 recipients through the Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Grant Program (EEC). This funding will help organizations provide training and resources to individuals and entrepreneurs from historically disinvested communities to pursue job opportunities.

"I am eager to see the Economic Empowerment Centers forge a clearer path to success for business owners from historically underserved communities," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By fostering a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape, this transformative initiative will have a profound and lasting impact on our state's economic future."

Four Chicagoland organizations, Center for Changing Lives, Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises, DevCorp North, and Little Village Community Foundation Corp, each received $250,000.

Governor Pritzker Awards $1.7 Million to 40 Recipients as Part of the Made in Illinois Grant Program

In early May, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) awarded $1.7 million in grant funding to 40 small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to local Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing. IMEC served as grant administrator for this program.

"Manufacturing is on the rise in Illinois and my administration is providing local manufacturers with the resources they need to compete in the future," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to this grant, 40 diverse recipients across the state will receive the capital they need to advance innovation in their field."

In Lake County, the following manufacturers were awarded funding: Designcraft ($47,420), Gallagher Corporation ($7,903), Midwest Printed Circuit Services ($47,420), and Signarama Grayslake ($16,597).

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Announces Order to Harness Potential of America’s Workforce, Releases DOC Workforce Policy Agenda 

On May 16, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced a Department Administrative Order (DAO) to establish a Department of Commerce workforce policy agenda focused on preparing workers with the education and skills necessary to accelerate the development and deployment of critical and emerging technologies, which are critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The DAO frames a Commerce approach to workforce investments that is employer-led, worker-centric, and fully integrated into the Department’s historic work through the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda.

“America is the most competitive country in the world, and that’s because of the strength of our workforce. But if we want to stay ahead, we need to ensure we are empowering our workers with the skills they need to secure the good-paying jobs we’re creating under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said Secretary Raimondo.

The DAO lays out the Department’s three-part approach to meeting employers’ need for talent and connecting Americans to good jobs:  

• Invest in employer-driven education and training systems; 

• Foster transformative employer practices, and;  

• Produce timely data to help Americans develop and advance. 

Pace Supports Commute-Friendly Workplaces for Employers and Job Seekers Alike

Pace Suburban Bus offers affordable, innovative, and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties. In addition, Pace frequently works with businesses and organizations to offer free transit advice, outreach, and commuter program support. 

In the current ever-changing workplace, employers may be faced with:

• Planning a relocation

• Managing employees' return to the workplace

• Expanding your workforce

• Offering better flexibility in work schedules

• Reducing the amount spent on hiring, training, and onboarding of employees

• Strengthening employee engagement, attendance, productivity and retention

• Maintaining a commuter program

• Enhancing company culture

• Supporting LEED transportation credits

• Freeing up valuable parking spaces or reducing the need to provide more parking spaces

One of the best ways to successfully solve these challenges is to encourage employees to choose sustainable ways to commute by transit, in Pace Vanpools and carpools. Improving access to work, developing an employee transportation program, and helping employees reduce commuter costs by 40% can create a better experience for everyone. 

T5 Data Centers Expanding Into Grayslake

T5 Data Centers is expanding into Grayslake, with a sprawling 160-acre site to that will offer customers build-to-suit data center capacity options ranging from powered shell to full turnkey delivery with integration of T5’s construction and operations services. With a capacity of up to 480MW, this campus will cater to the soaring demands of cloud, hyperscale, and enterprise clients, solidifying T5’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the telecommunications industry.

This latest expansion also aligns with the existing Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity apprenticeships at the College of Lake County and further illustrates this to be a growing, in-demand sector for workforce.

Meet the Board – Board Member Carrie Espinosa

Carrie Espinosa is a current Board Member and Owner and Principal Advisor at Horizon Benefit Services.

In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Carrie serves on the Board for Assistance in Healthcare Zion, is a contributing member of the Senior Service Coalition of Lake County, and the Legislative Chair for CNIAHU (Chicago Northern IL Association of Health Underwriters). Previously, she served on the Latino Advisory Committee for Blue Cross, Athena Powerlink, was on the Board for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and served as an Awana Director at her church.

Horizon Benefit Services, based in Gurnee, is an independent insurance agency providing benefits and healthcare services, including employee benefits, individual health, Medicare, life insurance, supplemental insurance plans, and disability insurance.

Partner Spotlight – Department of Human Services–Rehabilitation

The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services assists with day services, disability determination services, early intervention services, in-home supports, other supports, and residential living arrangements. The agency works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.

DHS-Rehabilitation 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).

Job Seeker Success Story – Melissa

Melissa first connected with Lake County Workforce Development when she was laid off from a job with a large healthcare manufacturer. She qualified for a training grant and enrolled in coursework at the College of Lake County (CLC). After several years of diligent study, Melissa graduated from CLC with an Associate Degree in Applied Science as an Administrative Professional.

Melisa landed a full-time federal position with the Department of the Navy in 2024. She loves her job and says that the position provides a pension and excellent benefits. She credits the Workforce Development staff for being there for her each time that she went through a career transition.

Click here to read the full story.

Save The Date: Lincolnshire Police Hiring Event

June 5, 2024

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

1 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Police Department is thrilled to announce an exclusive hiring event aimed at connecting talented individuals with a promising career opportunity in law enforcement. The hiring event will take place at the Lincolnshire Police Department (1 Olde Half Day Rd.) and will provide a unique chance for job seekers to secure a guaranteed interview with members of the hiring committee.

Save The Date: YouthBuild 2024 Career Expo

June 7, 2024

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

2303 Kemble Avenue, North Chicago

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of industries and potentially secure your next job. Dress to impress in business casual attire and bring printed resumes to distribute to employers.

This event is open to the public, and employers will be hiring for internships, part-time, and full-time positions.

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:

June 19, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CDT

June 26, 2024 – Finance and Compliance Committee, 8:00 AM CDT

June 27, 2024 – Workforce Development Board, 8:00 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.