County Promises to Buy More Local

Lake County has kicked off a “buy local” program to support area businesses. The initiative’s goal is to stimulate Lake County’s economy by increasing local purchasing.

"Local businesses are the backbone of our economy,” County Board Chairman David Stolman said in a press release about the program. “By buying local, we can keep money circulating in our community.”

The plan requires departments to look to local vendors for quotes on projects and award contracts to Lake County businesses when possible.

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According to a statement from the finance and administrative service’s department, “Lake County departments will seek out local vendors for purchases under the legal bid limit of $30,000, while also considering other factors such as price, quality, terms, and service delivery.

Lake County will strive to ensure that local businesses have the opportunity to do business with the county, while also continuing to be good stewards of tax dollars and maintaining compliance with the law. Local governments are mandated by state law to purchase goods and services at the lowest cost.”

Lake County hopes its effort will inject $16 million into the local economy.

“This boosts the local economy and can help businesses grow,” Stolman commented. “Which can lead to more jobs."

Below is a list of workshops Lake County will host in September about the “buy local” program:

• Business and Government Day - Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus
• Lake County Vendor Fair - Sep. 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
• Job Order Contracting Breakfast  - Sep. 20, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
• Vendor Training Sessions - Sep. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville

Businesses interested in learning more about opportunities with Lake County can visit www.lakecountyil.gov and click on "Doing Business" in the Quick Links.