News

Louis Shaikun Promoted to Vice President, Business Lending

The EDC of St. Charles County is pleased to announce the promotion of Louis Shaikun to Vice President, Business Lending. A longtime veteran of the St. Louis banking industry, Shaikun joined the EDC in 2024 as the organization’s in-house Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Small Business Counselor, where he specialized in helping entrepreneurs

EDC Welcomes New Vice President of Finance & Administration

The Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County is pleased to announce the appointment of Ross James as Vice President of Finance and Administration. In this role, James will oversee the organization’s financial operations, strategic planning, and administrative functions, supporting the EDC’s mission to foster economic growth and

Just Glo Network: Empowering Nurses, Redefining Aesthetics

When EDC small business incubator tenant Jamie Queen founded Just Glo Network in 2018, the registered nurse and entrepreneur wasn’t setting out to disrupt an industry, but that’s exactly what she did. After years of working as an ER nurse, Jamie transitioned to a med spa setting, but quickly became disillusioned by the industry’s

Request for Proposals

The EDC is seeking a qualified consulting group to conduct a fundraising feasibility study and develop a capital resources campaign proposal. The below RFP includes information about our funding needs and goals, as well as background on our organization and community. View RFP All submissions must be received by 1:00 PM (CST) on December 17, 2025.

Featured Commercial Property

Leasing Now: 126,000 SF of Class A Office space is now available in fast-growing St. Charles County. The area boasts excellent demographics and nearby amenities. LEED-certified Prominent signage opportunities Event space for up to 400 On-site cafeteria and coffee bar Can come fully furnished Interested parties should connect with Megan Baucom at the

MO’ Cowbell Marathon Rings Up Major Economic Impact in St. Charles County

For nearly 15 years, the MO’ Cowbell Marathon hosted by the EDC has been more than just a race — it’s been a powerful economic driver and a celebration of community in St. Charles County. Each fall, the event welcomes thousands of runners, families, and fans to our region, turning the streets of historic St. Charles into a vibrant showcase

St. Charles Community College Brings Dreamscape Learn VR to the Midwest

St. Charles County students are quite literally stepping into the future of education. St. Charles Community College (SCC) has introduced an immersive virtual reality (VR) learning lab powered by Dreamscape Learn, a cutting-edge platform developed in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation. The new VR lab is the only one of its kind in the Midwest, giving

The Right Place to Grow Local: Grillo’s Chop & Barrel Finds Its Home in St. Charles County

When you walk into Grillo’s Chop & Barrel in Lake St. Louis, you immediately feel the difference. The counters are stocked with Certified Hereford Beef sourced directly from Missouri farms, the aroma of fresh-cut steaks fills the air, and shelves feature sauces, rubs, coffee, and beers, all from local makers. For owner/operator Mike Grillo,

Sold Out MO’ Cowbell Run Gears up for Second Consecutive Record-Breaking Year

On October 5, thousands of cowbell-ringing spectators will line the streets of historic St. Charles City to cheer on participants of the 14th annual MO' Cowbell Run. Hosted by the EDC of St. Charles County, MO’ Cowbell offers four signature races—5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon—attracting everyone from casual walkers to serious

EDC Business Counseling Helps Pave the Way for New OsteoStrong Franchise

For Melissa and Mike Reimer, building strong bones is more than just a business—it’s personal. As the new owners of an OsteoStrong franchise, the husband-and-wife team is helping people across the region improve their health, prevent injury, and live stronger, more confident lives. OsteoStrong is a unique health and wellness center focused on

EDC Maintains Prestigious AEDO Accreditation

The EDC is pleased to announce it has once again earned reaccreditation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Fewer than 100 organizations worldwide and just four in Missouri hold this prestigious designation. The AEDO program is a rigorous peer review process that benchmarks

Building Hope: Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County Celebrates 100th Home and Ambitious New Project

At a time when communities across the nation are facing a growing affordable housing crisis, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is helping families realize the dream of homeownership. For many hardworking families, the chance to purchase a safe, affordable home means not just stability—but opportunity. It means children growing up in