Word on Workforce Newsletter
Customized for Business & Industry
Word on Workforce, the monthly e-newsletter from the Lake County Workforce Development Board, highlights important developments and resources for employers, community partners, and the public at large.
July 2025 Newsletter
The Workforce Development Board celebrates Lake County being named as one of the top 10 counties in the nation to do business in by Site Selection Magazine. This is a significant designation from an economic development perspective, one that is majorly supported by workforce development.
We recognize the critical role the workforce system plays in achieving this honor through preparing job seekers for key positions with Lake County employers, thereby improving the economic competitiveness and long-term viability of our region. Education and skills training, apprenticeships, recruiting events, business engagement, and supporting services all contribute to a skilled and educated workforce being work-ready for existing and prospective employers in Lake County.
June 2025
Effective July 1, the Lake County Workforce Development Board has installed new officers. Dr. Carlotta Roman will step into the role of Board Chair and Josh Fischer will serve as Board Vice Chair. As we welcome our new officers, we also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Kim Wimer, outgoing Board Chair, for her past …
May 2025
It has been nearly four years since we first launched our monthly newsletter and we are excited to unveil our refreshed look! As you have come to appreciate over the past several years, we will continue to provide relevant and timely content for local employers, community partners, and stakeholders, and we …
April 2025
As we close out the month of April and eagerly await the arrival of spring, there is much to celebrate in terms of recent workforce development accomplishments in Lake County. Last month, as part of the NAWB Forum and Advocacy Day, LCWD representatives visited Capitol Hill to tell the story of workforce …
March 2025
As we close out March and look ahead to April and May, we must all continue to do our part to spread the word about the critical services and measurable impact provided by the workforce development system locally and nationwide.
Lake County Workforce Development …
February 2025
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced support for new legislation—Senate Bill 2482 and House Bill 3717—that would allow Illinois community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields. This initiative aims to expand access to affordable, flexible higher education options …
January 2025
The new year has started off strong with several major workforce and economic development announcements from across our region and the state. From Lake County ROE’s milestone grant award to Fortune Brands Innovations’ major expansion in Lake County and new funding opportunities for small businesses…
December 2024
With the new year just around the corner, now is a good time to reflect on some of the past years’ accomplishments. The Lake County Workforce Development Board successfully completed its third year of a comprehensive communications and outreach program. The program guided efforts leading to continued…
November 2024
Although the end of 2024 may be quickly approaching, there is still plenty of time left this year to benefit from the wide range of available workforce development services for job seekers and employers alike. The Job Center continues to offer a robust calendar of training and professional development opportunities, and there…
October 2024
Building off the celebrations of Workforce Development Month and Manufacturing Month, November brings us National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). NAW will be celebrated November 17-23 this year. NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based…
September 2024
As we wind down the September celebration of National Workforce Development Month, it’s time to prepare for October and Manufacturing Month. According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Illinois is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the U.S. based on output. This month provides an …
August 2024
With the month of August quickly coming to a close, now it is great time to gear up for September’s annual National Workforce Development Month celebration. This is an important opportunity to recognize and expand the role workforce development plays in ensuring a growing national economy …
July 2024
During the month of June, more than 500 customers visited the Job Center of Lake County onsite. This is an important reminder of not only the need for workforce development services in our region, but also the important role the Job Center and the entire Lake County Workforce Ecosystem plays in ensuring local …