Business Forecast Breakfast

Drone photo of downtown Edwardsville with a puzzle piece overlap and the words Greenspace and Growth

Greenspace & Growth

Our 2026 Business Forecast Breakfast took place on Tuesday, March 10, at The Morris University Center Conference Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Watch for details on the next Business Forecast Breakfast in early 2027!

Since 2015, the City of Edwardsville has invited members of the business community, area organizations and other stakeholders to join City officials, staff and guest speakers for breakfast and some food for thought. The Business Forecast Breakfast is an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, while also considering what lies ahead for the City in terms of growth and economic development.

The focus of this year's program is greenspace and growth as it relates to the Edwardsville Enhancement Plan. Mayor Art Risavy will share insights from 2025 and looked ahead to 2026 and beyond.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. James T. Minor, chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  Chancellor Minor will share updates about the state of SIUE's campus, the new health sciences building, university park, future developments and opportunities.

The program will conclude with awards for the 2025 Large Business of the Year, 2025 Small Business of the Year and 2025 Nonprofit of the Year.

Event Details

DATE:  Tuesday, March 10, 2026

TIME: Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and program concludes at 9:45 a.m.

LOCATION:  Morris University Center Conference Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 60 Hairpin Dr., Edwardsville

PRESENTATION: 2026 Business Forecast Breakfast Presentation

PARKING:  Lot B (you will not be ticketed during the time of the event) SIUE interactive parking map

About the Keynote Speaker

Dr. James T. Minor became the 10th chancjames-minorellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on March 1, 2022. A visionary leader, Dr. Minor brings great enthusiasm and bold aspirations for the collective advancement of SIUE.

Dr. Minor comes to SIUE from California State University where he served as the assistant vice chancellor and senior strategist for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs in the Office of the Chancellor. He has advocated for hundreds of millions of dollars in support of graduation initiatives and served as principal investigator for more than $7.5 million in funded programs and research.

Business Forecast Breakfast 2025
Video Presentation

If you were unable to attend the Business Forecast Breakfast in March of 2025, the video is available for viewing.

Business of the Year Awards

(Awards are handed out to honor the previous year's accomplishments) 

  • 2025: Carrollton Bank (Large Business of the Year); Chava's Mexican Restaurant (Small Business of the Year); Glen-Ed Pantry (Nonprofit of the Year)
  • 2024: BJC (Large Business of the Year); RunWell (Small Business of the Year); Goshen Market Foundation (Nonprofit of the Year)
  • 2023: Prairie Farms (Large Business of the Year); 222 Artisan Bakery (Small Business of the Year); Restore Decor (Nonprofit of the Year)
  • 2022: R.P. Lumber (Large Business of the Year); Chef's Shoppe (Small Business of the Year); Edwardsville Neighbors (Nonprofit of the Year)
  • 2021: Pfund Construction (Large Business of the Year) and Mark's Appliance (Small Business of the Year)
  • 2020: Trace on the Parkway (Plocher Construction) and Whispering Heights (Fireside Financial)
  • 2019: Anderson Hospital
  • 2018: Contegra Construction
  • 2017: Pfund Construction
  • 2016: J.F. Electric
  • 2015: TriStar Properties and Panattoni Development Company
  • 2014: World Wide Technology