November 13, 2025 Lake County Regional Roundtable: Powering Progress: Regional Strategies for Workforce & Manufacturing

Description

Join us for a dynamic morning of insight, collaboration, and innovation at the Lake County Regional Roundtable. This event brings together manufacturing leaders, policymakers, economic development officials and community stakeholders to explore the intersection of economic development and workforce transformation in Lake County.

 Agenda at a Glance: 

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Networking Breakfast Connect with peers and partners over coffee and conversation. 

8:05 AM – Welcome & Vision for the Morning 

• Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President & Corporate Board Secretary, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association 
• Dr. Lori Suddick, President, College of Lake County State Landscape: 

Building Momentum by Bridging Connections 

• The Hon. JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (invited) 
• Christy George, CEO & President, Illinois Economic Development Corporation 
• Kristin Richards, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 

Forging the Future 

• Kevin Considine, President & CEO Lake County Partners 

Bridging the Gaps: Regional Resources to Address Workforce Challenges 

• Jim Connell, Executive Director Community Programs, Community & Workforce Partnerships, College of Lake County 
• Gina Schuyler, CTE Department Chair for Careers and Community Partnerships at Grayslake Community High School District 127 
• Jennifer Serino, Director, Lake County Workforce Development 

Moderated Attendee Discussion: What’s Working in Your Facility? An open forum to share successful strategies in: 

• Tech-driven recruiting 
• Creative retention approaches 
• Community outreach 
• What’s top of mind for your organization? 

Bonus Tour: CLC’s Advanced Technology Center Experience the future of manufacturing firsthand. Explore cutting-edge automation, precision technologies, and the training hub where Lake County’s next generation of skilled talent is being shaped. See up-close how, with automation, factories become quieter, cleaner, high-tech spaces – strengthening Lake County’s manufacturing workforce. 

Time to meet and learn from each other. Let's have a conversation!