2015 Leaders Summit/Lake County Life

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

With the goal of strengthening intergovernmental cooperation among a very diverse group of elected and appointed officials representing 52 municipalities and hundreds of other public agencies, as well as businesses and civic groups, the Lake County Board Chairman hosted the first Lake County Leaders Summit in 2014. Government and community leaders came together for the first time to discuss regional issues and opportunities to collaborate. One year later, more than 150 leaders attended the 2nd Leaders Summit – more than the previous year - and engaged in an ideas exchange to discuss collaborative opportunities. At the event, the Chairman along with the Forest Preserve President launched a new collaborative initiative called Lake County Life which includes a website and a creative video that promotes Lake County’s various attributes and what makes our county special. For example, we’re active and healthy, we have a strong economy, excellent schools, and places for family fun and things to do. A follow-up survey of summit attendees showed 98% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with the event, and 96% said the Lake County Life initiative was very valuable or valuable. The website and video have garnered thousands of views. And, all of this was done at very little cost.