'Lake County Life' launched to highlight area
An initiative to highlight Lake County's educated workforce, strong economy and other attributes to residents, businesses and visitors was announced Thursday at a summit of local leaders.
"Lake County Life" is a website and video, a one-stop shop of various attributes and benefits produced in-house by county staff in cooperation with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Visit Lake County and other entities. The 4-plus minute video provides information regarding the county's natural attractions, economy, schools, residents, workforce and activities.
"This is all about what makes Lake County special and telling our story. We want our local partners to help get that message out and put their own spin on it," Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said.
Mayors, elected officials, community and business leaders are asked to share the information through websites, social media and other methods.
"What is Lake County Life? Well, it's all of the things that make Lake County, Illinois special. It's our natural beauty, our schools and businesses, the active and healthy people who live, work, and play here, and so much more. Lake County leaders and community partners have collaborated to develop this website and video to promote Lake County's many benefits," reads the message to website visitors, who also are asked to give opinions.
Lake County Forest Preserve District President Ann Maine, who co-hosted the second annual Lake County Leaders Summit at the Holiday Inn in Gurnee, said "Lake County Life" is an outgrowth of meetings among various entities that began last spring. The talks were to determine how missions intersected and how they could be more collaborative while improving the lives of residents and businesses and informing those who may want to move to Lake County.
An estimated 155 local government, business and civic leaders attended the summit to share successes and discuss ways to collaborate. Last year, steps were taken to consolidate 911 services, and 26 communities partnered with the county to buy salt, for example. Cooperation also was touted as a key to an incentive package to bring AKHAN Semiconductor Inc., to Gurnee.
"What we want to launch today is an idea exchange," Lawlor said. "Sometimes the county is not the right entity to lead an initiative."
This year, the 911 system consolidation will continue, as will work on the proposed extension of Route 53, Lawlor said.
Maine said the Des Plaines River Trail is expected to be complete this year and noted the forest district continues to work on its 100-year vision.
All participants were given time to discuss successes and opportunities and a representative from each table was asked to share with the group. Being less territorial, streamlining bureaucracies, attracting and keeping young workers in Lake County and cooperating to overcome the effects of the emerald ash borer were among the suggestions.