Each year the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce brings members together for our Forecast Luncheon, an insightful meeting where ideas, trends, opportunities, and anticipated changes are forecasted for the upcoming year. This year's event will be held at the Diamond Jo Casino inside the Harborview Room event space on January 15, 2026, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Our keynote presenter is Ben Murrey, Iowa Director of Policy and Research with the Common Sense Institute. He leads the research efforts of CSI Iowa to provide insightful, accurate and actionable information about the impact of public policy on Iowa families, businesses and communities.

Prior to joining CSI Ben spent over a decade in political and public policy roles at the state and federal levels. After earning his degree at Hillsdale College, he joined Ted Cruz on the campaign trail, first as a grassroots field director overseeing 45 rural east Texas counties and later as assistant director of operations. He went on to serve seven years as a legislative staffer for Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas and Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served as fiscal policy center director at Independence Institute, a free market think tank in Colorado. In addition to leading reports on a range of fiscal, tax and economic issues, Ben’s writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Real Clear Policy and more. His work has contributed to public policy change at the state and federal levels that advanced sound tax policy and free enterprise.

Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies by January 6th to ensure accommodations can be made.