Lake County ranks among top 10 nationally for economic development
Lake County has been named one of the top 10 counties in the nation to do business in by Site Selection Magazine.
The magazine publishes its “America's Best Counties” report annually, ranking counties based on their performance in attracting corporate facility projects, capital investment and jobs created. It recognized Lake County’s ongoing efforts to foster a business-friendly environment while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
It cited Lake County’s aggressive investment, job creation, rapid industry expansion and valuable proximity to the city of Chicago — already named the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation — for this recognition. The recognition is a reflection of Lake County’s strong leadership, and the strategic business retention and attraction efforts led by the county’s economic development corporation, Lake County Partners, according to a news release.
“We’re honored to receive this national recognition, which reflects our strong and ongoing commitment to expanding economic opportunity across Lake County,” said Sandy Hart, Lake County Board chairwoman. “This achievement goes beyond helping businesses grow; it’s about creating good-paying jobs and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all our residents, priorities that are woven into our strategic plan.”
Lake County is a well-established hub for key industries, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and professional and technical services. It is the home of many globally recognized brands, which highlights its popularity as a choice location for corporate headquarters, according to the release.
Centrally located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Lake County has a reliable transportation network and quick access to three major international airports and nearby ports, making it a gateway for domestic and global markets and putting the county at a strategic crossroads for goods distribution, the release said.
The education-to-career pipelines, fueled by top-ranked schools — the College of Lake County, Lake County Tech Campus, Rosalind Franklin University and Lake Forest College — and partnerships with local businesses fortify the workforce pipeline and support economic growth, the release said.
Economic development is among Lake County's key strategic priorities. The county collaborates closely with organizations such as Lake County Partners, the Lake County Workforce Development and the Lake County Visitors and Tourism Bureau to attract and retain businesses, connect people with careers and promote the region as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.
“Over the past five years, Lake County Partners has helped drive $1.33 billion in direct investment, creating over 4,600 new jobs and retaining nearly 5,000 jobs,” said Kevin Considine, Lake County Partners’ president and CEO. “Being recognized by Site Selection Magazine as one of the top counties in the country in which to do business is a powerful endorsement of our ongoing commitment to equitable economic development. The honor validates the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster innovation, support talent development and build vibrant communities.”