Title
Joint resolution authorizing two contracts for Local Chamber of Commerce under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce and Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce (GLMV) totaling $150,000 to serve the Lake County business community.
Staff Summary
• The Workforce Development Board recommends approval to authorize professional service agreements with two chambers to foster collaboration amongst the Workforce Board & Department within private sector, foster a unified approach to support business advocacy, networking, community building, economic development, business and community outreach, and support local businesses achievements. This collaboration will enhance a favorable business climate, promote economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life in the community.
• Lake County issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), which was extended to 14 local chambers of commerce, three proposals were received, and two chambers of commerce were shortlisted.
• Based on the RFP evaluation criteria, the Workforce Development Board recommends entering into a professional services agreement with the following chambers:
o Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce
o Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce (GLMV)
• Contracts are not to exceed $150,000 and will be funded through the County’s allocation of U.S. Department of Labor WIOA grant funds.
• Contract terms will be for the time frame of April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the option to renew for up to four additional one-year periods, contingent upon acceptable performance by the contractor and the appropriation of sufficient grant funds.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter 33.051 of the Lake County Purchasing Ordinance, proposals were called for by publication for establishing contracts with qualified chambers of commerce to establish an innovative professional services partnership with Workforce Development that provides advocacy for business communities, promotes economic growth, and serves as a liaison between businesses and workforce development programs and services under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act as approved and recommended by the Lake County Workforce Development Board; and
WHEREAS, The Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) and Lake County Purchasing issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, to solicit proposals to the local chambers of commerce to serve as a liaison between businesses and workforce development programs and services throughout Lake County; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to said publication, an RFP was extended to 14 local chambers of commerce, three proposals were received, and two chambers of commerce were shortlisted; and
WHEREAS, based on the criteria set forth in the RFP, the evaluation team selected Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce and Green Oaks, Libertyville Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce (GLMV) as the most qualified and favorable proposals for Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Workforce Development Board has approved and is recommending all contracts for the time period of April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with the option to renew for up to four additional one-year periods, contingent upon acceptable performance by the contractor and the appropriation of sufficient grant funds; and
WHEREAS, performance and budgets have been negotiated with the two chambers of commerce to foster collaboration amongst our Lake County Workforce Development Board & Department within private sector, community organizations, government agencies, and educational entities within a unified approach to support business advocacy, economic development, and support local businesses achievements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Purchasing Agent is hereby directed to enter into contracts with Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $75,000, and Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $75,000 for a total amount of $150,000 related to the Chamber of Commerce RFP.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 11, 2025.