Earlier this month, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and a delegation of public and private sector leaders on a trade mission to Mexico. The trip focused on strengthening economic ties and fostering greater collaboration to create opportunities that will benefit communities across the state, including right here in Lake County.
The mission, organized by Intersect Illinois, the state’s economic development organization, connected the delegation with leaders in agriculture, finance, education and government. These relationships help open doors for future business collaborations, attract new investments and ultimately fuel job creation and economic growth throughout Illinois.
One of the highlights of the trip was the Governor renewing the long-standing memorandum of understanding with the state of Mexico to strengthen the trade relationship with Illinois in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture and supply chains.
The delegation also met with manufacturers that play a critical role in the energy supply chain. Many of these companies expressed interest in expanding to Illinois, bringing new production facilities to the state.
Centrally located, Illinois is a global economic powerhouse with its access to transportation infrastructure. This includes having the top airport in domestic connections, one of the largest rail corridors, the third largest interstate highway system in the country and access to major waterways including the Great Lakes.
In addition to its transportation advantages, Illinois is a national leader in agriculture. The state ranks first in the country for private food manufacturing research and development, agricultural feedstock and industrial biosciences employment. Illinois is also the third largest agricultural exporter, totaling $13.6 billion in agricultural commodities. To further strengthen the sector, Illinois has invested $680 million in industrial fermentation and agriculture biomanufacturing.
Illinois has worked to expand trade with Mexico through initiatives such as Illinois’ State Trade and Export Promotion program, according to the governor’s office. Trade between Illinois and Mexico exceeded $32 billion last year, making Mexico Illinois’ second largest export market and third largest import market.
“It was an honor to be part of Governor Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico,” said Hart. “I was impressed by the strategic efforts of Intersect Illinois, which is making it clear that Illinois is open for business. Here in Lake County and across the state, we are committed to expanding economic opportunities that strengthen and benefit our families, businesses and communities.”
Economic development is a top priority for Lake County. The County works closely with partners such as Lake County Partners, the Lake County Workforce department and the Lake County Visitors and Tourism Bureau to drive economic growth through business partnerships, help individuals access meaningful employment and increase tourism.