**Sponsor registration is closed. Very limited seats are available.**
On August 5, we'll celebrate the people and organizations behind St. Charles County's continued success at our annual Economic Development Awards Luncheon. Join us as we recognize those whose innovation, investment, and commitment are making a lasting impact on our community.
Tickets & Tables
$50 per ticket/$400 per table (seats eight)
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2026 Honorees
Please join us in congratulating this year's honorees. These organizations represent impactful economic and community development efforts, along with growing companies supported by the EDC's business attraction, financing, counseling, and incubation services.
Community Initiative - City of O'Fallon Sports Tourism Attraction & Development Efforts
The City of O’Fallon is making strategic investments to strengthen its position in the growing sports tourism industry. A $4.1 million investment in synthetic turf at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is expected to significantly expand tournament and event opportunities, with the complex projected to generate between $20 million and $40 million in annual economic impact when fully operational.
O’Fallon is also home to the upcoming Playfield Commons development, a 23-acre destination featuring a 160,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex designed to accommodate 11 different sports, along with local restaurants, outdoor gathering spaces, and adjacent hotels. In addition, a major expansion at Missouri Rush Soccer will add new public-facing dining and restaurant options, creating even more opportunities for visitors to stay, play, and spend time in O’Fallon. Together, these investments are helping attract visitors, support local businesses, and drive economic growth throughout the region.
Business Expansion - etrailer.com
A multi-generational family business that started over 140 years ago with wagon hitches is now the world’s leading online retailer of custom-fit towing accessories.
Based in Wentzville etrailer.com offers everything from trailer hitches and heavy-duty towing supplies to bike racks, cargo carriers, and RV gear. Its local showroom, warehouse, and installation facility draws customers from around the country in search of quality custom towing products at competitive prices.
Recently, etrailer completed a 180,000-square-foot warehouse expansion — including 20,000 square feet of mezzanine office space — at its corporate headquarters, where 445 employees now support its ongoing success.
EDC Business Attraction Project - King Technology
Family-owned King Technology has been creating innovative pool and hot tub water care solutions since 1978. The company designs and manufactures smart sanitizing products and systems that simplify, clean, and streamline pool and spa care.
Headquartered in Minnesota, King Technology is expanding its Midwest operations with a new 165,000-square-foot lease in Building 5 at the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters. The project represents an estimated $17.3 million investment and is expected to create 41 new jobs over three years, with an average annual wage exceeding $60,000.
Talent Pipeline - St. Charles Community College Regional Workforce Innovation Center
St. Charles Community College’s new Regional Workforce Innovation Center (RWIC) is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for careers in advanced manufacturing, robotics, HVAC, plumbing, welding, supply chain and logistics, and other high-demand fields.
The $41 million state-of-the-art facility in Wentzville is the first building on the college’s future Innovation West campus and is designed to meet the evolving workforce needs of regional employers. By connecting talent development with workforce demand, the RWIC is helping strengthen the region’s economy and support future job growth.
EDC SBA 504 Borrower - Good News Brewing
What began in 2017 with a single brewery in St. Charles County has grown into a regional craft brewery success story, with six destinations across the St. Louis metro.
Known for its handcrafted beer, wood-fired pizza, and family-friendly atmosphere, Good News Brewing has built a loyal following by creating welcoming spaces where communities can gather.
The business has partnered with the EDC throughout its growth journey, utilizing small business counseling services and the SBA 504 loan program. The company recently used its third SBA 504 loan to purchase and renovate its new Wildwood location, an event-focused venue featuring live music, games, food trucks, and more.
EDC Small Business Incubator Tenant - Just Glo Network
Founded in 2018 by registered nurse and entrepreneur Jamie Queen, Just Glo Network is helping nurses become entrepreneurs in the growing medical aesthetics industry. Headquartered in the EDC’s small business incubator, the company was built on Jamie’s mission to make aesthetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers more patient-centered and accessible.
In just eight years, Just Glo has helped hundreds of medical providers nationwide transition into aesthetic medicine entrepreneurs through clinical training, business support, compliance resources, and product access.
EDC Small Busines Counseling Client - American Services St. Louis
An entrepreneur at heart, Scott Crosby always knew he wanted to own his own business. When he decided to buy one, he didn't know where to start and wanted to make sure he was making a solid financial decision. In 2024, he started working with the EDC's on-site Small Business Counselor, who helped him identify, evaluate, and vet multiple business-acquisition opportunities.
During that process, Scott reviewed at least four potential businesses, including a CPA/accounting firm and a catering company that served major St. Louis venues such as Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Busch Stadium, and Enterprise Center. Each opportunity involved detailed discussions, financial review, lender conversations, and an evaluation of the business’s long-term viability.
After an extensive search, Scott identified and acquired American Services, a thriving commercial HVAC and refrigeration company.
Scott utilized the full range of SBDC resources throughout the acquisition process, including industry research, business plans, market reports, business analysis, and human resources assistance. The SBDC also connected Scott with one of its partner banks, which provided the SBA 7(a) financing needed to complete the acquisition.
Scott continues to work with the SBDC today as he operates and grows American Services, demonstrating the value of ongoing advising beyond the initial business purchase.
Thank you, Sponsors
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