Media Center
Success Story: BCU and Work, Earn, and Learn
Lake County Workforce Development administers a Work, Earn, and Learn (WEL) Program in order to provide hands-on experience in various industries. Recently, Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a not-for-profit Credit Union, hosted three WEL participants/job seekers, helping them validate their skills in the areas of customer service, communication, financial knowledge, community engagement, and teamwork.
Labor Market Highlights: July 2025
According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in July, down -2,500 (0.0%) to 6,165,600. In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,700), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,100).
Life Sciences Investment Reaches Record-Breaking $1.24B in Illinois
iBIO, the life sciences industry association representing 85,000 life sciences employees at member companies, universities, service providers, and venture firms has released its inaugural Annual Venture Report. Key Statistics: $1.24B Total Investment; 99 Companies Funded; 93,402 Life Sciences Jobs; 20x Growth Rate vs. State Average.
Illinois Secures 11 Top Spots on Business Facilities’ 2025 State Rankings Report
Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Intersect Illinois announced that Illinois has ranked in the top 10 spots across 11 categories on Business Facilities’ 21st Annual Report: 2025 State Rankings. Illinois ranked number one in nuclear energy with top-ten wins in several other categories.
Chicago Tribune Takes Note of Lake County’s Economic Growth
Lake County is leading the charge in business-friendly growth and regional innovation. The Chicago Tribune has spotlighted the county’s impressive momentum. Leading employers like Abbott, AbbVie, Walgreens, Wintrust Financial Corporation, Medline Industries, LP, and others continue to shape outstanding workplace cultures and earn recognition as top workplaces.
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.