Media Center
Job Center Releases PY 2024 Annual Report
The Job Center of Lake County is instrumental in delivering services to job seekers and employers via a wide range of programs and services. The direct impact is measured and reported on a regular basis. Most recently, the Job Center of Lake County released the Program Year (PY) 2024 Annual Report.
Illinois Ranks #13 in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business
In the CNBC 2025 Top States for Business rankings, released earlier this month, Illinois placed 13th—a noteworthy climb from 30th place in 2019. The climb reflects Gov. Pritzker’s strong leadership to grow the Illinois economy and make it a top state to do business, get an education, and raise a family.
Lake County Ranks in 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, recognizing the County’s ongoing efforts to foster a business-friendly environment while enhancing the quality of life for residents. 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.
LCWD Attends LZACC 2025 State of the State Breakfast
It was a pleasure for Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD) representatives to attend the State of the State Breakfast, held June 20 at Hawthorn Woods Country Club. This well-attended and impactful event featured speakers Darby Hills, State Senator (District 26), Jan Schakowsky, US Congresswoman (9th District), and Nabeela Syed, State Representative (51st District), among others. Jennifer Serino, Lake County Workforce Development Director, also spoke to the vital role the workforce development system plays in the local and regional economy.
Parent Mentorship Program Receives 2025 Excellence in Collaboration Award
The Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) was recognized with the Excellence in Collaboration Award at the 2025 Illinois Workforce Summit, held May 8-9 in Peoria. This award recognizes an initiative or project demonstrating how collaboration across partners in the workforce ecosystem produces high-quality results for job seekers and/or employers.
2025 State of the Workforce Event Shows Strong Outlook
Hosted by Lake County Workforce Development, the Job Center of Lake County, and Lake County Partners, the 2025 "State of the Workforce" event, held January 29, offered valuable insights into the economic and workforce future of Lake County. Jeff Hubert, Business Services Project Lead with Lake County Workforce Development, noted that Lake County experienced a 5.8% wage growth, outpacing national trends. It was an indication of economic strength, he said, while also underscoring, “the need to align wages with rising livings costs.”
Thousands of Lake County Students Get Peek Into Potential Careers; ‘They don’t know what they don’t know’
Thousands of young students got a hands-on look into potential careers during the Career Navig8 Lake event at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Throughout the day, 4,200 middle and high school students explored displays and activities from more than 100 area businesses and employers, according to Gina Schuyler, administrator for careers and community partnerships with Grayslake Community High School.
CLC, in Partnership with LCWDB, Secures $3.5 million Equity Grant to Create Clean Energy Jobs
CLC, in partnership with LCWDB, received a $3.5 million grant as part of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). This program supports initiatives to create a pipeline of qualified workers for jobs in the clean energy sector, such as EV automotive technology, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), energy efficiency audits and building and home inspection.
Madeline Alesia Joins Board Staff
No stranger to the Lake County workforce development system, Madeline "Maddie" Alesia has now joined the Board staff as Project Lead Planner. We are thrilled to have Maddie on the team and recently sat down for a chat to get to know her a bit better.
Fischer Paper Products Receives 2024 Community Investment Award
At the Lake County Partners 2024 Big Event, Lake County Workforce Development 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.