The Lake County Board chair joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on a trade mission to Mexico aimed at strengthening economic ties and to “foster greater collaboration” to benefit Lake County.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart last month 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 in Lake County, county officials said.
The mission, organized by Intersect Illinois, which is the state’s economic development organization, connected the delegation with leaders in agriculture, finance, education and government.
Officials say the relationships help open doors for future business collaborations, attract new investments, and ultimately fuel job creation and economic growth throughout Illinois.
“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.”
One of the highlights of the trip, officials said, was Pritzker renewing a long-standing memorandum of understanding with the state of Mexico designed to strengthen trade relationships 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 whom expressed interest in expanding to Illinois and bringing new production facilities to the state, county officials said.
In addition to its transportation advantages, Illinois is a national leader in agriculture, county officials said, ranking 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.
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.
Lake 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, according to the county.