Lake County Gazette

Lake County announced that Board Chair Sandy Hart joined a state trade delegation to Mexico led by Illinois officials to strengthen economic ties and expand opportunities across the state, including Lake County. The announcement was made in a press release on April 18, 2025.

According to the press release, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart accompanied Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and other public and private sector leaders on a trade mission to Mexico. The mission aimed at enhancing economic connections and was organized by Intersect Illinois. It focused on building relationships across sectors such as agriculture, finance, education, and government to foster investment, job creation, and business collaborations that could benefit both Lake County and the entire state.

The mission also included the renewal of a memorandum of understanding with Mexico to boost cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and supply chains. Delegates met with manufacturers in the energy supply chain who expressed interest in expanding to Illinois. With its robust transportation infrastructure and leadership in agriculture, Illinois remains a key player in trade with over $32 billion exchanged with Mexico in 2023.

Hart said: "It was an honor to be part of Governor Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico." She added that she was impressed by Intersect Illinois's strategic efforts which highlight that "Illinois is open for business." Hart emphasized the commitment of Lake County and the state to expanding economic opportunities for families, businesses, and communities.

The Lake County Board comprises 19 elected members representing different districts. It is responsible for approving the county budget, financial matters, and ordinances affecting government departments. Meetings are held either in person at the County Administrative Tower in Waukegan or remotely via Zoom. Schedules and agendas are available online. According to Lake County sources, the board convenes monthly for regular sessions along with additional committee meetings which can be viewed live on LCTV.