Illinois Business Journal

06/11/2026

Your next big opportunity starts here.

Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an early-stage business, the Metro East Startup Challenge can help connect you with resources, mentorship, and potential prize funding.

Join us for the MESC Kick-Off Event and discover how to become part of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

📅 June 24, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 O'Fallon City Hall, 225 South Lincoln Ave.,
O'Fallon, IL, 62269

Register today!
https://buff.ly/UxACuDg

06/11/2026

Here's our take on the unforgettable experience officially debuting in Grafton last weekend, including original photos by Managing Editor Melissa Crockett Meske:

https://www.ibjonline.com/2026/06/10/honor-educate-never-forget-ddays-lessons-forever-echo-from-grafton/

National Memorial of Military Ascent, Grafton, Illinois, Great Rivers & Routes

Honor. Educate. Never forget: D-Day’s lessons forever echo from Grafton By Managing Editor | June 10, 2026 | 0 The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) installation at Grafton. (Courtesy of NMMA)   By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] A ri...

06/04/2026

Each year, the Chamber's choices are spot on. The RiverBend Growth Association has done it again this year. Take a read:

Chamber’s choice: Recognizing those who have made a difference in the Riverbend By Managing Editor | June 3, 2026 | 0 The awards are ready to be presented at the 2026 RBGA Chamber Choice Awards Luncheon on May 27.   By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email prot...

06/02/2026

The new owner of Grafton's Brewhaus is not new to Grafton...

Brewhaus sale of Grafton Winery announced; new owner ‘familiar fixture’ By Managing Editor | June 2, 2026 | 0 One view of the current Grafton Winery & Brewhaus. (Courtesy of Grafton Winery via Instagram)   By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] G...

05/21/2026

The United States Attorney’s Office for Illinois' Southern District will honor Jerseyville veteran Bob Gill, 99, as 'Hometown Hero.'

United States Attorney’s Office to honor Jerseyville veteran as Hometown Hero By Managing Editor | May 20, 2026 | 0 FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In celebration of Memorial Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois and ...

05/14/2026

The latest from Attorney Scott Cruz with UB Greensfelder talks about how pre- and post-shift activities such as security screenings, putting on required apparel, accessories and equipment, etc., can now be considered as payable time for employees in the workplace.

Read Cruz's latest piece in the IBJ's "The Experts"...

Mandatory pre- and post-shift activities are now compensable in Illinois By Managing Editor | May 8, 2026 | 0 Scott Cruz By SCOTT CRUZ Pre- and post-shift activities—security screenings, health checks, equipment donning and doffing, clock-in procedures, and compliance checks—are common in modern...

05/07/2026

This seems to be a rather interesting and timely new option opening up for area high school graduates...

https://www.ibjonline.com/2026/05/07/siu-carbondale-to-offer-bachelors-degree-in-ai/

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Carbondale to offer bachelor’s degree in AI+ By Managing Editor | May 7, 2026 | 0 SIU Carbondale is accepting student applications for its new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence+. Classes will begin with the fall 2026 semester in August. (Image by University Communications a...

05/01/2026

A new wave of partnerships between regional institutions and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is positioning Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis metro area as a growing hub for geospatial talent development, industry leaders said last week.

Learn more about this:

https://www.ibjonline.com/2026/04/29/southwestern-illinois-expands-geospatial-workforce-pipeline-through-nga-partnerships/

Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Southwestern Illinois expands geospatial workforce pipeline through NGA partnerships By Managing Editor | April 29, 2026 | 0 National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West Executive Bill Caniano and SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor hold up the officially signed education agreement for ceremony attendees...

04/30/2026

In May, Madison County Transit (MCT) will celebrate National Bike Month with several initiatives designed to support bicycling, trail use, regional trail development, and cycling access throughout Madison County.

See what they have planned:

https://www.ibjonline.com/2026/04/30/mct-celebrates-national-bike-month-trail-summit-bike-donation-drive-trail-survey/

04/24/2026

Area middle school students have the opportunity to attend a free, three-day Health Care Discovery Camp this summer at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center.

The Health Care Discovery Camp is designed to introduce students to the wide range of career opportunities available in health care. This hands-on experience gives students the opportunity to explore the world of health care alongside OSF Mission Partners.

Pre-registration is now open. Read the story to find out all the details:

Local students have opportunity to explore careers at OSF Saint Anthony’s By Managing Editor | April 23, 2026 | 0 A view of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center’s front entrance. (Courtesy of OSF HealthCare) Middle school students are invited to attend a free, three-day Health Care Discovery Camp...