Lake County Partners

What Lake County Partners does

Lake County Partners (LCP) is a non-profit economic development organization founded in 1998 and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. LCP operates as the designated single front door for businesses considering relocation to or expansion within Lake County, providing free advisory services including site selection assistance, workforce pipeline connections, financial resource navigation, and access to an extensive public-private network. Its clients span Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies (AbbVie, Abbott, Baxter, Horizon Therapeutics), advanced manufacturers, distribution and logistics firms, and small businesses across the county.

The organization does not offer a software product or proprietary technology platform; its primary digital infrastructure is its website (lakecountypartners.com) which serves as a content hub, lead capture point, and online community channel. Marketing channels include a regularly published blog, email newsletters with topic-based subscriptions, social media presence, the annual Big Event convening hundreds of business and civic leaders, and earned media coverage through publications such as Site Selection Magazine, CNBC, and Crain's Chicago Business.

LCP's business model is funded by a base of investor partners comprising local businesses, municipalities, and institutions; the organization explicitly does not charge fees to businesses served. It is governed by a Board of Governors led by Chair Dan Joyce and President & CEO Kevin Considine, with a lean staff reported at 1-10 employees. Strategic operations are anchored in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) approved in 2022, and the organization participates in regional alliances including the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, and the Housing Lake Coalition addressing an 18,000+ unit housing shortage.

Name

Lake County Partners

Legal name

Lake County Partners Inc.

Website

https://lakecountypartners.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lake County Partners is a non-profit economic development organization providing free site selection, workforce, and expansion advisory services to businesses considering Lake County, Illinois. It serves enterprises, manufacturers, life sciences firms, and small businesses, funded by investor partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincolnshire

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Investor/Funder Support: Lake County Partners is a non-profit economic development organization. Its operations are funded by a base of investor partners (local businesses, municipalities, and institutions) who support the organization. The organization explicitly notes that its services to businesses are provided at no cost. Revenue is not generated from fees charged to businesses served.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Lake County Partners is a non-profit economic development organization that provides free advisory services to businesses considering relocation to or expansion within Lake County, Illinois. Its core services include site selection assistance, workforce pipeline connections, financial incentive navigation, and access to a public-private network of civic, education, and business leaders. The organization also coordinates the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem and develops the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Product overview

Lake County Partners (LCP) is a regional economic development organization that provides business development services including site selection assistance, workforce development, expansion support, and relocation services for companies considering Lake County, Illinois. LCP does not offer software products or technology platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Relocation Services Free advisory services for companies considering relocating their operations or establishing a new facility in Lake County, Illinois. Includes site selection support, talent pool analysis, financial resource outlining, and introductions to public and private sector leaders. Targeted at corporate executives and site selectors evaluating Lake County as a new home.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,340 new jobs, 4,738 retained jobs, and $933 million in direct capital investment generated since 2019
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, key and minor.

• FlexcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Flex is a global manufacturing partner with advanced operations in Lake County focused on healthcare solutions, drug delivery devices, and medical device manufacturing. Flex received Lake County Partners' 2026 Community Investment Award for its continued expansion in the county, including a new facility dedicated to drug delivery devices. The company's operations showcase advanced manufacturing technologies including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and real-time production visibility.
• Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022GCEP is a regional economic development alliance uniting the City of Chicago and seven surrounding counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will) to present a unified value proposition to global site selectors and corporate decision-makers. Lake County is an active partner in this alliance, which has helped Chicagoland achieve the #1 U.S. metro ranking for corporate relocations for 13 consecutive years. In 2025, the partnership tracked 223 'Pro-Chicagoland Decisions' accounting for 19,600 jobs and $1.7 billion in annual earnings.
• College of Lake County (CLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe College of Lake County is a key workforce development partner, offering career programs in manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and other high-demand fields. CLC received LCP's 2026 Talent Advancement Award. Programs include the Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee, apprenticeship opportunities with over 73 apprentices across 17 employer partners, dual credit enrollment for 5,600+ high school students, and clean energy training through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The college was recertified as an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2026.
• College of Lake County (CLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLC is a primary education partner providing specialized technical courses in high-demand fields including robotics, advanced manufacturing, and laser photonics, directly aligned with Lake County employers' talent needs.
• Visit Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisit Lake County is the destination marketing organization for Lake County. It generates nearly $2 billion in annual visitor spending and over $68 million in local tax receipts annually. The organization supports 16,000+ tourism jobs and works closely with LCP on promoting Lake County as a place for business and talent attraction.
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and SciencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRosalind Franklin University operates the Helix 51 biomedical incubator, which in 7 years has ushered in 30+ startups from institutions including University of Chicago, Northwestern, Lurie Children's Hospital, Endeavor Health, Advocate Aurora Healthcare, and GE Healthcare. The university welcomed its first international company (from Mexico) and is home to 6 disease research centers and a clinical immunology laboratory. The Innovation & Research Park is a key asset for life sciences company attraction.
• Lake County Workforce DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, this organization connects businesses with workforce training resources, incumbent worker programs, and talent pipeline development. Works in close coordination with LCP, CLC, and regional employers.
• Start EarlykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerStart Early is building Educare Lake County, a 38,000-square-foot birth-to-age-5 facility in Zion opening in 2027 that will serve 174 children and families. The initiative addresses childcare gaps identified in Lake County's CEDS and supports workforce participation by enabling parents to join or remain in the labor force. LCP supports this initiative as part of its holistic economic development approach.
• Allies for Community Business (A4CB)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerA4CB partners with the Lake County Community Foundation to administer the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI), providing capital, coaching, and connections to entrepreneurs in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion. SBGI offers individualized mentorship, technical assistance, and grant dollars to small businesses with at least $50,000 in annual revenue.
• Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLCCF co-administers the Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) with A4CB, providing funding and strategic direction for small business development in Lake County's underserved communities.
• Northwoods DigitalminorOthersNorthwoods Digital authored the Local Digital Marketing Guide for Lake County Partners, providing educational content for local businesses and community organizations on digital marketing best practices.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerState economic development agency that collaborates with LCP on business attraction, incentive programs, and workforce initiatives. Worked with LCP on projects including the AZ Polymers facility in Gurnee.
• Old National BankkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerOld National Bank sponsored LCP's multifamily networking event bringing together 11 municipalities and 11 developers to accelerate housing development. Market President Connie Lavin serves on LCP's Board of Governors.
• Navig8 LakecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer pathway program connecting students directly with high-demand opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, and skilled trades. Engages 6,000+ students and 140 companies, providing early exposure to local business leaders.
• Lake County Manufacturing AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry collaborative that helps businesses actively participate in workforce training, mentorship, internships, and career development programs supporting the manufacturing sector.
• Lake County Tech CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier career and technical education training facility serving 2,300+ students during 2025-2026 from 22-member high schools in Lake and McHenry counties. Programs include the Give Me TEN+ TECH 50 work-based learning program, with 300+ students completing 60-hour internships with business partners.
• World Business ChicagokeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago's public-private economic development organization and a key partner in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. Tracks 'Pro-Chicagoland Decisions' and coordinates regional economic strategy.
• Will County Center for Economic DevelopmentkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGCEP Vice Chair (Doug Pryor, President & CEO). Key regional partner in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership representing Will County.
• Lake County BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLake County's governing body, led by Board Chair Sandy Hart, works in close partnership with LCP on economic development strategy, housing initiatives, and regional competitiveness. LCP's work aligns with the County's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
• Illinois Manufacturing AssociationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerState manufacturing association that supports Lake County's manufacturing sector and partners with LCP on industry initiatives, workforce development, and advocacy.
• Lake Forest CollegekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate liberal arts college in Lake County that contributes to the talent pipeline and is part of the regional educational ecosystem supporting economic development.
• Baxter InternationalkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare company in Lake County that has partnered with the Health Department on vaccine initiatives and with MedTech on a medical device innovation hub. An anchor of the life sciences cluster.
• Horizon TherapeuticskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeadquartered at the former Takeda property in Deerfield (70-acre campus), Horizon partnered with Lundbeck, Takeda, iBIO, the Health Department, and LCP on community vaccine clinics to ensure vaccine equity.
• Six Flags Great AmericakeyStrategic or Co-development Partner300-acre theme park in Gurnee celebrating its 50th anniversary. A major economic anchor generating tourism spending, supporting local hospitality jobs, and driving hotel and restaurant activity across Lake County.
• Advocate Health / Advocate Aurora HealthcarekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare system that partnered with CLC on a criminal justice apprenticeship program creating career pathways into healthcare security and public safety. Also a founding partner of Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 incubator.
• iBIOkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization; partnered with Horizon, Abbott, Steans Family Foundation, and LCP on STEM initiatives including the STEMGirls Camp for 118 local grade-school girls in Waukegan.
• Endeavor HealthkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system and founding partner of Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 biomedical incubator, supporting the life sciences ecosystem in Lake County.
• Edwards LifescienceskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired Lake County-based medical device startup Endotronix, which received FDA approval for its Cordella PA Sensor for heart failure management.
• Housing Lake CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountywide housing coalition convened by Lake County government, CMAP, and Schreiber Philanthropy. Over 175 stakeholders (municipalities, developers, employers, nonprofits) participated in a seven-month process resulting in a countywide 'Call to Action' roadmap addressing 18,000+ housing unit shortage.
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning agency that partnered with Lake County and Schreiber Philanthropy on the Housing Lake initiative to develop a housing roadmap and toolkit for municipal partners.
• Flaherty & CollinskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate developer behind the $68 million 'Area Apartments' mixed-use project in Mundelein, featuring 225 multifamily units, 17 townhomes, and retail space adjacent to the Metra station.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Greater Nashville Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber running a partnership-driven economic development program for the Nashville metro, with investor-supported site selection and workforce programming analogous to Lake County Partners.
• Allegheny Conference on Community Development: Public-private regional economic development organization for the Pittsburgh region, providing free advisory services and coordinating workforce, housing, and infrastructure initiatives — directly comparable mission and operating model.
• Greater Rochester Enterprise: Regional nonprofit EDO providing free site-selection and business-attraction services in the Rochester, NY region. Operates with similar investor-supported, single-front-door model as Lake County Partners.
• Greater Houston Partnership: Regional business organization leading economic development and corporate recruitment for the Houston region. Comparable in combining chamber-of-commerce functions with proactive business attraction, similar in scale of investor-supported EDO.
• Choose New Jersey: State-level nonprofit economic development organization funded by corporate investors that provides free site-selection and business-attraction services — a close structural analog to Lake County Partners operating at the state scale.
• Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber: Regional chamber operating a regional economic development initiative (Cincinnati USA Partnership) with a free advisory model, comparable in serving as a regional 'front door' for business attraction and expansion.
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council: Public-private partnership that performs corporate attraction, expansion support, and workforce development across Greater Phoenix. Closely comparable in serving as the 'single front door' for businesses considering a metro, with similar GTM motion to Lake County Partners.
• Indy Chamber: Indianapolis regional chamber that runs a dedicated economic development arm (Indy Partnership) providing free site-selection, workforce, and incentive advisory services — closely comparable GTM to Lake County Partners.
• World Business Chicago: Public-private economic development organization for the City of Chicago and a co-lead of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership alongside Lake County Partners. Directly comparable in mission, investor-funded nonprofit model, and corporate-attraction focus.
• Greater Cleveland Partnership: Regional chamber-led economic development organization providing site selection, workforce, and business attraction services across the Cleveland metro. Operates with a similar nonprofit, investor-supported, free-of-charge advisory model as Lake County Partners.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LakeCtyPartners
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lake-county-partners

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lake County Partners