Pekin's Fireworks This Saturday

For the 62nd year, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce presents the July 4th Honor America Fireworks Celebration. This year's event is brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care. The fireworks spectacular in Memorial Stadium will be on Saturday, July 4th - not Friday as reported in the Peoria Journal Star's Cue section this morning. For more info you can download a flyer here: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/flier1.pdf

Three Physicians Join Pekin Hospital’s Medical Staff

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that three new physicians recently joined its medical staff and are now accepting new patients.

Pediatrician Mohammed (Mo) Khan, M.D., will join Erika Hunter, M.D., at 3223 Griffin Avenue in Pekin. Dr. Khan began his medical career when he graduated from Ross University on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean. He then completed a Pediatric Residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Khan also spent three years serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis, Washington, as a Nuclear Biological Chemical Analyst.

Dr. Khan’s areas of interest include childhood obesity and sports medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. To make an appointment, please call (309) 353-1822.

Kiran Multani, D.O., Family Practitioner, will join the Family Health Center of Pekin located at 19 Olt Avenue. Dr. Multani began her medical career when she graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan. She then completed a Family Medicine Residency at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. Dr. Multani’s areas of interest include adolescent medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. To make an appointment, please call (309) 353-6301.

Sunny Multani, M.D., Family Practitioner, will join the Family Health Center of Pekin located at 19 Olt Avenue. Dr. Multani received his Bachelors of Medicine and Bachelors of Surgery at Government Medical College in India. Following that, he completed a Family Practice Residency at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. His areas of interest include sports medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association. To make an appointment, please call (309) 353-6301.

Regent Station Wins Awards

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria is proud to announce that 95.5 GLO (WGLO-FM) won a Silver Dome award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

During an awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 17th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Peoria, Illinois, 95.5 GLO received a Silver Dome award for Best Self Promotion by a Radio station for the “The Eagles Rock Chicago” promotion.

“The Regent-Peoria stations and their talented Air Staff never cease to amaze me, with their drive for excellence and the support they get from the greater Peoria area. Having the right people in the right places makes my job easy.” states J.R. Greeley, Market Manager.

Matt Bahan, Regent-Peoria Operations Manager adds, “95-5, GLO is a legendary community driven radio staple to Central Illinois. We are very honored to receive this award from our distinguished fellow broadcasters!”

In addition to winning the award sister stations WZPW-FM and WFYR-FM were also nominated for Best Self Promotion and WVEL-AM for Best Use of New Media.

The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the leading advocate for the broadcast industry in Illinois. IBA is engaged in shaping public policy to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment for its members. The association assists its membership in continuing industry education, legal support services, compliance issues and public service outreach.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM, and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “RGCI.”

LAUNCH Your Dream Business Today

Now is the perfect time to LAUNCH a new business! The LAUNCH Business Plan Competition encourages Central Illinoisans to make that dream of starting a small business come true. The competition was announced at a press event and official kick-off on April 21st at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.

The LAUNCH Business Plan Competition is open to anyone who has a new business idea and plans to start that new business in the Tri-County area. There is no application fee but business plans must be submitted by August 1st. Preliminary rounds begin August 25th. The winning business plan will be chosen September 30th. The winner will receive cash prizes and a multitude of general business consulting services to get their business up and running properly.

Business Week magazine reported that if you want to start a business you have to “provide a demonstrably superior value proposition than the market's current offerings.” You have to get out of the gate fast and compete effectively against established players. You must be smart and driven-to-win. “Starting a business now will position you just right for the eventual economic recovery. You will be poised to catch the earliest wave of the turnaround and ride it to the next level.”

This competition is brought to you by the East Peoria, Pekin and Peoria Area Chambers of Commerce, the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, Morton Economic Development Council, SCORE, and Bradley University’s Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and the Technology Commercialization Center.

For more information on the LAUNCH Business Plan Competition contact Ken Klotz, Director Illinois SBDC at Bradley University. 1501 W. Bradley Ave. Peoria, IL 61625. (309) 677-2992. sbdc@bradley.edu. You can see more information on the promotional flyer at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/Launch.pdf. There is additional information about the contest, including how to enter and where to get assistance, at http://www.launchnewbiz.com/

Chateau Ribbon Cutting

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the North Pekin Village Board held a ribbon cutting at the Chateau on the Lake on June 29th. Joining Chef Konrad and Chef John were family, friends, and employees. The Chateau on the Lake is located at 901 Chateau Drive in North Pekin. The German/American Restaurant features large banquet facilities and a Sunday Brunch from 10:00am to 2:00pm. They also have a German Buffet the last Sunday of each month. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm. Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 9:00pm. Sundays are 10:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm for dinner. Closed Mondays. Reservations can be made at 382-3414.

TCGHS Monthly Meeting

The July14, 2009 general meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have a "show and share" event where people may bring a piece of memorabilia related to genealogy or history and share an interesting story.

The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on July 14 at the Society's Erlicher Library, located at 719 N Eleventh St, Pekin, IL. The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, with a business meeting immediately following. The building is handicapped accessible with ample parking available.

Breakfast 2.0: Not Just For Fun: Marketing Your Business With Facebook

In this interactive program you'll learn how to use Facebook to market your business. You'll learn about pages, fans, friends, events, pictures, videos, notes, links and more. Friday, July 24, 2009, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. at the Pekin Public Library. The cost is just $10.00 and includes a continental breakfast. For more information download the flyer or to to RSVP, contact the Chamber office @ 346-2106.

Community Shred Day

Heartland Bank and Trust Company will sponsor a Community Shred Day on Saturday, July 11th, from 9:00am to noon at their 3400 Court Street facility. Prevent identity theft by safely shredding your personal information. On-site, secure shredding of personal documents will be done free of charge. The shredding will be provided by Cintas Document Management. For more information call 647-6626.

Join us for July Business After Hours

Business AFTER Hours
Hosted by Peek~In Pottery
433 Court Street
Thursday, July 9, 2009 4:30—6:00 pm

Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net.

August Calendar of Events

4th Ambassadors Committee, CJ’s Café, 7:30am /8:00am

5th Member Promotions Committee, Chamber Office, 7:30 am

5th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

6th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

6th Business AFTER Hours, NTS Telephone Services,
4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

8th Miss Marigold Pageant, F.M. Petersen Theatre at PCHS, 7:00 pm

11th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

12th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

12th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

14th Puttin’ On Pekin, Knights of Columbus Hall,
6:45 am Reservations Appreciated

19th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

25th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

31st PEPSI Marigold Medallion Hunt, 1st Clue Released

July Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

1st Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

2nd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

3rd Independence Day Holiday, Office Closed

4th of July Honor America Celebration
brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care

7th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

8th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

8th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

9th Business AFTER Hours, Peek-In Pottery, 4:30~
6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

14th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

16th Marketing Comm, District 108 Boardroom, 7:30am

24th Breakfast 2.0, Pekin Public Library, 7:00am

28th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00am

29th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30pm

Membership Renewals through June 15, 2009

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

American Milling Company ~ Atlas Supply Company ~ B & M Studio/Video Productions ~ Blue Ridge Construction Corp. ~ Boys & Girls Club of Pekin ~ Bremer Jewelry ~ Bridgeway ~ City of Pekin ~ Lynn Glover ~ Greg's Garage Door Service ~ International EyeCare Center ~ Karl E. Kaebel Realtor ~ Dr. Michele Moul ~ NTS Telephone Company ~ Seico Security Systems ~ Staples ~ Stropes Real Estate and Investments ~ The Mattress Doctor ~ USCO Gas Stations ~ Varsity Publications Inc.

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers increased 0.2% for the month of April. The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) along with the C-CPI-U chained all urban consumers) increased 0.3% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the CPI-U -.07%, -1.3% for the CPI-W, and –1.1% for the C-CPI-U.

The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—January 2009, 211.1; February, 212.2; and March, 212.8.

Dirksen Center Elects New Board Members and Officers

The Dirksen Congressional Center Board of Directors elected new members and officers at its recent annual meeting. Joining the Board for three-year terms are John Barra, retired Circuit Court Judge; Tim Butler, Director of Marketing, St. Johns Hospital, Springfield; William T. Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce; and Sue Ann Kortkamp, member of the Pekin City Council. Re-elected to a second three-year term were Sarah Binder, political scientist at the Brookings Institution; Brian Lee, Vice President, Pekin Life Insurance Company; Peggy J. Meisinger, retired; and Stephanie Vance, principal, Advocacy Guru, Washington, DC.

The following Directors were elected as officers: President, D. Neale “Buster” Hanley, Funeral Director, Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes, LLC; Vice President, Brian Lee; Secretary, Drew Leman, Vice President, Leman Property Management Company; Treasurer, James S. Wolf, Certified Public Accountant.

Two individuals retired from the Board after having served the maximum of six years: Tim Elder, Director, Corporate Public Affairs, Caterpillar Inc.; and Richard D. McCoy, Associate Circuit Court Judge. During their service, The Center awarded about $190,000 in research grants to 50 recipients of Congressional Research Awards, hosted six workshops for more than 150 teachers through Congress in the Classroom®, invested $200,000 to help establish the Institute for Principled Leadership at Bradley University, and saw use of its Web suite increase from 14,800,000 hits to 81,700,000.

The Dirksen Congressional Center is a private, nonpartisan, non-profit research and educational institution whose mission is to help people better understand the U.S. Congress and its leaders.

Dr. Charles Egley Named to Best Doctors in America

Dr. Charles Egley of Methodist Medical Group Perinatology has been named one of the Best Doctors in America for 2009-2010. Dr. Egley is Board Certified in Obstetrics-Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He completed his medical education at the University of Illinois with a residency at Harvard Medical School.

Compiled by Boston-based Best Doctors, Inc., the Best Doctors in America database is the result of an exhaustive survey of more than 40,000 physicians in the United States. Only those doctors recognized to be in the top 3-5% of their specialty earn the honor of being named one of the Best Doctors in America.

Dr. Egley said, “It’s gratifying to know that so many of my peers recognized me as an expert in the field of Perinatology.”

Dr. Egley specializes in the management of high-risk pregnancies, providing pre-natal care for women with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, Rh disease, and other at-risk conditions. He also provides genetic studies, including amniocentesis, and genetic counseling. Dr. Egley was the first physician in Illinois outside of Cook County to offer a first trimester screening test that reliably identifies fetuses likely to be born with Down syndrome, providing expectant women with this information much earlier in their pregnancy.

The Best Doctors database is the world’s premier effort to create a validated, peer-reviewed database of excellence in medicine. The only way to be recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America is for a doctor to earn high marks for clinical ability from his or her peers.

Founded in 1989 by doctors affiliated with Harvard Medical School to provide doctor-to-doctor consultations for complicated cases, Best Doctors has grown into an international company providing services to 10 million people in 30 countries. For more information visit www.bestdoctors.com.

Methodist Medical Group is a network of physician offices affiliated with Methodist Medical Center of Illinois. Our primary care, walk-in care, and specialty physicians are conveniently located throughout Central Illinois.

Whatever the specialty, all of our providers share the Methodist commitment to delivering outstanding healthcare. For more information visit www.methodistmedicalgroup.com.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza Joins the Chamber

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:
Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza
1807 Broadway Road
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 347-5051 fax 347-5059
IL058@papamurphy.com
http://www.papamurphys.com/
Matt Dickey, Store Manager

Papa Murphy's is a high quality pizza product that you take home and bake. Always highest quality, value, quantity, and great service. Ranked #1 pizza chain by consumers six years in a row!! Hours are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Bras Across Peoria ceremony to lift and support Breast Cancer Awareness

Power 92.3’s (WZPW-FM) “Bras Across Peoria” Radio promotion program lifts up breast cancer awareness by hosting a dedication ceremony on Sunday June 28, 2009 at 1pm in the RadioPlex parking lot at 120 Eaton Street in Downtown Peoria. The fence in front of the Power 92.3 studios will transform into a commemorative community display as bras are tied together representing the number of women who lose their battle with breast cancer each day.

In addition to bra donations and dedications from women in the community, many area businesses have participated in their own mini bra collections to help the cause. Power 92.3’s very own Amanda and Stephanie will host the brief ceremony.

Women have been donating their bras at local “Curves” locations and the Power 92.3 studios to support this cause since late May. Many of the bras have been signed by the donor and dedicated to someone impacted by breast cancer.

Jason Parkinson, Power 92.3 Program Director and Afternoon Host said, “The support of the community and our listeners has been over-whelming. We’ve had people from all walks of life donating bras to help rally around this common cause. It really makes me proud to call Peoria my home.”

The community is invited to join Power 92.3 and support those impacted by Breast cancer at the Bras Across Peoria dedication ceremony on Sunday June 28, 2009. The event will begin promptly at 1 pm in the Power 92.3/RadioPlex parking lot located next to the River Plex. Please contact Jason Parkinson by phone at 309.676.5000 or by email jason@PowerPeoria.com with any questions regarding the event.
Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “RGCI.”

Methodist Breast Health Center Mobile Mammography Schedule for July

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Breast Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of July 2009. Unless otherwise listed, the van will be in these locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

July 7-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.-Morton
July 8-Methodist at Mt. Hawley-Women’s Health-7725 N. Knoxville
July 9-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe
July 11-Stevens Square Park, N. Santa Fe Ave., Princeville- (Saturday)
July 14- Heartland Clinic-1701 W. Garden
July 18- St. Bernard School Health Fair-512 East Kansas Street -(Saturday)
July 20-Wal-Mart-2071 N. Main-Canton
July 21-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave-Morton
July 22-Cherry Tree Shopping Center-Washington
July 27-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or under-insured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram.

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

Bradley University Hosts Part-time Employment Expo

Bradley University is preparing for the return of its students as well as welcoming new freshmen this fall. Bradley's Smith Career Center is busy planning activities and programs to assist students in their job search process. One of these activities includes the Part-time Employment Expo to be held Tuesday, August 25, 2009, from 10:00 am until noon. Registration is FREE for all employers! This is a casual fair, held on the day before school starts with approximately 800 students in attendance.

Register online at http://explore.bradley.edu/scc/ and click on the Part-time Employment Expo link on the right side of the screen. For more information, please call Judy at (309)677-3034. Space is limited for this wonderful event.

Methodist Names June Employees of the Month

Methodist Medical Center has announced the June, 2009 Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees.

The three selected were Dawn Eckard, RN of Lacon selected for the category of Nursing. She works on 4 Hamilton Surgical/Orthopedics nursing floor. Also selected was Terry Schadt of West Peoria for non-nursing support. Schadt is the hospital Safety Officer. And for the category of Patient Care, Sally Vinovich of Pekin was selected. She works in the Heartland Healthcare Main Pharmacy.

All three were honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

Pekin Main Street's Downtown Farmer's Market Opens

Pekin Main Street’s annual Downtown Farmers Market begins on Thursday June 18, in historic downtown Pekin, next to the Courthouse on Capitol Street.

This weekly open-air market will be held on Thursday evenings, June 18-September 24, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, local all natural meats, cheese, farm eggs, plants, fresh cut flowers, herbs, bakery items, and crafts will be available. Return vendors include Monks bread and Cheryl Webb from Green Gold Acres with local all natural farm eggs and chicken.

Free entertainment will be held on selected weeks on the Courthouse lawn. The market will open with Pekin Park District’s Children’s Dance Class from 5:00 – 5:30 and Mini Cheer Class demonstration from 5:30 – 5:45pm.

New this year, fresh local all natural meats, cheese, eggs and honey by your neighboring farmers known as the Heritage Farmer’s Group. Live cooking demonstrations from area chefs including From the Field Cooking School in Morton to prepare “farm fresh” dishes.

This year’s market is a combination of new vendors, as well as past favorites. While it will be a late season for local produce, there is a great variety of market items available. Confirmed vendors this year include: Frank’s Produce, U of I Extension, Peoria Bread Co., Merry Bee Farm & Greenhouse, Rollyson-Gillespie Produce, Haning Farms, Meyer Produce, Garden enthusiast Nancy, Kountry Nook Gift & Craft Mall, Golden Hill Acre Farm, Heritage Farmer’s Group, From the Field Cooking School, Hartz Produce, R & J Farms, YWCA of Pekin, and St. Benedict's Abby. For more information or to become a vendor, please call the Pekin Main Street office at (309) 353-3100 or visit www.pekinmainstreet.com.

CEFCU Takes Part In CEFCU Summer Stage Ribbon Cutting

This summer, the Bloomington Cultural District will be alive with the sounds of music and entertainment for the whole family. The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) "Green" is located just south of the Performing Arts building. This lawn space includes the new CEFCU Summer Stage. The official ribbon cutting for the CEFCU Summer Stage took place prior to the Inaugural Concert, featuring Lee Greenwood, on Saturday, May 23.

Sue Yoder, CEFCU Vice President, was part of the festivities along with Joel Aalberts, Interim Director of Cultural Arts for the BCPA; State Representative, Dan Brady; Bloomington Mayor, Steve Stockton; former Bloomington Mayor and current Cultural District Chair, Judy Markowitz; as well as several Bloomington City Council members. Before the ceremonial ribbon cutting, Yoder said, "This stage is a testament to the vision CEFCU had for the Bloomington/Normal community dating back to 2004. CEFCU is pleased to establish the CEFCU Summer Stage, which will host numerous family friendly and cultural events for years to come."

This stage is a key element of the Cultural District and complements the adjacent BCPA. The lawn space can accommodate 2,500 spectators who can bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a season full of wonderful family entertainment. The BCPA is responsible for scheduling community events/concerts on the stage and will coordinate all ticket sales. Cultural District Staff and Commission representatives hope this new venue will bring additional customers to local restaurants and businesses.

With assets totaling over $4 billion, CEFCU serves 260,000 members through 19 Central Illinois Member Centers; Valley Credit Union, a division of CEFCU, an Illinois Chartered Credit Union; the CEFCU Financial Center; the Money Center 24 ATM Network; CEFCU's Web site, www.cefcu.com and cefcu.mobi.

Online Map and Community Guide for Pekin

This map and community guide were prepared by our partner, CommunityLink, and supported by our member sponsors. A full-size copy of the map and community guide are available in our office free of charge.

Online Map

Community Guide

Sound Choice Hearing Clinic Ribbon Cutting

Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chamber Ambassadors participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 16th at Sound Choice Hearing Clinic, 117 N. Parkway Drive. The new office is the second Pekin clinic operated by Dr. Denise Comerford. Joining her at the ribbon cutting were her co-workers Jody, Betty, and Doug Fletcher. To see more pictures from this and other chamber events go to our picture website at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Relay For Life

The 2009 Relay For Life of Pekin is Friday, June 26 - Saturday, June 27 around the Mineral Springs Park Lagoon. Opening ceremonies begin at 6p.m. More than 1,000 members of the Pekin community are expected to attend Relay For Life, where teams will have individuals walk around the lagoon through the Relay, and there will be a lot to do for anyone who stops out to the park such as:

• Silent auction items
• Items to purchase (cookbooks, flip-flops, etc.)
• Team raffles (Cardinal Cubs tickets, two round-trip AirTran tickets, etc.)
  

MoreVisit relayforlifepekin.com for the full schedule of events!

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, Good Shepherd Lutheran School, through the Tazewell Lutheran School Association, became the owner of the former Leath Furniture property and the former Steak 'n Shake property on Court Street in Pekin. The school will hold a formal Ground Breaking Ceremony at 3201 Court Street on Wednesday, June 17th beginning at 12:15pm. Pekin Mayor Rusty Dunn and Ralph Mickley, Principal of Good Shepherd will give brief remarks.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School began the quest for a new home approximately one year ago. After a feasibility study and a capital campaign, pledges in the amount of approximately $1.3 million have been raised. Financing has been secured through the Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Extension Fund, Inc. The school has contracted with P.J. Hoerr, Inc. to complete the renovations of the property. The school hopes to to move into the new location in the Spring of 2010.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is owned and operated by the Tazewell Lutheran School Association which consists of three Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod congregations in the Pekin area: St. John's Lutheran Church, Pekin; Trinity Lutheran Church, Pekin; and, St. John's Lutheran Church, Green Valley.

Regent Employees of the Month

J.R. Greeley, Market Manager and Bob Swinehart, Director of Sales for REGENT BROADCASTING OF PEORIA, are proud to announce that May's Employee of the Month is Matt Harris and Sales Representative of the Month is Dawn Bahan.

"I'm amazed by Dawn's drive, ambition and work ethic. She's one of the hardest working sellers I've ever seen. She's a great asset to our sales effort," stated Bob Swinehart.

Ms. Bahan has been working in the radio industry for over ten years, all of which have been with the same radio stations. Dawn is a native of the Peoria area.

“Matt Harris is a tremendous success story for Regent Broadcasting. A shining star from Bradley University who joined us as an intern, and has learned every angle of the broadcast world, Matt is reliable, smart, and dependable, and he deserves this award completely,” says Matt Bahan, Operations Manager.

Mr. Harris, a recent Bradley University graduate began his career at Regent Broadcasting of Peoria in 2008 as an intern. Following completion of his internship, Matt was hired as a part-time Board Operator and also has recently been given the title of Street Team Coordinator.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM, and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “RGCI.”

June Puttin' On Pekin Breakfast

Pekin Mayor Rusty Dunn was the speaker at the June 12th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast. He gave a "city update" to the 80 chamber members and guests in attendance. The early prize was won by Ron Burlingame, while Laura Lohnes reluctantly accepted the late prize. Lynn Brady accepted the Spotlight on Business Award and traveling trophy on behalf of Hallmark House Nursing Center. Regina Ulrich accepted the Blue Ribbon Award for Maid-Rite. The Puttin' On Pekin breakfast is coordinated by the chamber's Pekin 1st committee.

Methodist Medical Group Adds New Physicians

Methodist Medical Group has added two new physicians.

Aaron Boyer, MD specializes in Family Medicine and is accepting new patients at the Methodist Medical Group Peartree office in North Peoria. Dr. Boyer is a graduate of both Bradley University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed a residency in Family Medicine at Scott Air Force Base St. Louis University.

Dwayne McQuitty, MD specializes in Urology and urinary tract cancers with offices in the Methodist Atrium at 900 Main Street. Dr. McQuitty is a graduate of the University of Illinois with his residency completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He also completed a Fellowship in transplant surgery at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. In addition, Dr. McQuitty is Medical Director of the Methodist Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center.

Transportation Committee Plans for the Future

Creating a vibrant business environment requires our participation in the legislative process - advocating those issues that will benefit our membership and keeping our membership informed of legislation that will impact their business interests. Creating a vibrant business environment also requires that we seek out organizations that share our goals, develop common objectives, and actively pursue them together.

Perhaps the best example of this is the Chamber's Transportation Committee. They have been meeting regularly since the early 1990s, proactively participate in the legislative process, serving as an advocate for improvements to our transportation infrastructure. They have also collaborated with other organizations that share the Chamber's goal of a vibrant business environment.

The committee's focus has been the improvement and enhancement of all modes of transportation that will create a vibrant business environment in the Pekin area. However, the majority of the committee's efforts have been on the construction of Veterans Drive.

Summer Concert on Court This Friday

Summer Concert on Court
Downtown Pekin
Friday June 12th
6:00 - 10:00pm
"The Jim Davis Band"
(classic rock n roll)

Free Concert – family event, bring your lawn chair
Pork Chop Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Chips, Soda & Water
Beer and Wine Tent

Visit www.pekinmainstreet.com for details

Save the Date – Summer Concert on Court
Friday July 10th
6:00 – 10:00pm
Jamm Sammich

Pekin First Church of the Nazarene Joins Chamber

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Pekin First Church of the Nazarene
3514 E. Broadway Road
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 346-3053
www.PekinFirst.org office@pekinfirst.org
Rev. Lloyd Brock, Senior Pastor

Pekin First Church of the Nazarene is a vibrant congregation of over 500 weekly attendees who seek to be a vital part of the Pekin community through spiritual influence, concern for the needs of Pekin, and helping to create a stronger, more positive community. We love Pekin!

Book Your Christmas Party Now

The Chateau on the Lake is currently taking bookings for Christmas parties. They will be very happy to book your business or private Christmas Party where you can over look the lake and enjoy your Holiday. Call Becky (the manager) at The Chateau On The Lake, 309-382-3414

Fifth Third Processing Solutions Joins Chamber

Please welcome the newest member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC
2013 Highwood Ave, Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 696-8636, fax 347-8057
Dave Shields, Merchant Sales Representative

Fifth Third Processing Solutions is a comprehensive provider of payment strategies for businesses of all sizes across multiple industries. A pioneer in the introduction of credit card payments in the late 1960's, they have grown one client at a time to become one of the top processors in the nation. They are uniquely focused to provide a consultative approach to their merchant partners. They are the largest processor of online debit transactions in the U.S. They process over 28.4 billion transactions annually.

Member Services Committee Making Plans

The Member Services Committee meets each month to plan upcoming events for chamber members. The committee is currently focused on two areas: the Business and Community Recognition Luncheon, which will be held in October; and, educational opportunities for our members that deal with Internet 2.0 tools.

Methodist Offers Free Community Health Screenings

The following are times and locations for free community health screenings offered by Methodist Medical Center for the month of July 2009. Free cholesterol, blood pressure and spirometry tests are offered at all screening sites.

July 6-Peoria YWCA- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
July 8-Super Suppers- 3524 W Willow Knolls Dr –10 a.m. to Noon
July 9-Pearce Community Center-610 West Cedar-Chillicothe- 9 a.m. to noon
July 10-Methodist Medical Group at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.-8:30 a.m. to 11:30
July 17-Eastside Center-East Peoria-8 a.m. to11 a.m.
July 22-Crossroads Church-1420 Main Street-Washington-9 a.m. to noon
July 29-Pekin YWCA- 9 a.m. to noon
July 30-Apples Bakery-8412 N. Knoxville-8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

A 12-hour fast is required. No appointments necessary. For additional information go to
www.mymethodist.net and click on events calendar or call 672-5904.

Children's Advocacy Center Breaks Ground

The Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center held a ground breaking ceremony the morning of June 5th to kick-off their expansion project at 341 Buena Vista in Pekin. The 2,300 square foot addition will be handicapped accessible and provide much needed space for client services. The estimated cost of the project is $250,000 to $275,000. To see more pictures from this event go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Johnson Mechanical Hosted Business After Hours

Johnson Mechanical Services, 1820 Riverway Drive, hosted chamber members and their guests at the June 4th Business After Hours. It was a great evening of food, drink, conversation and door prizes. Thanks to Jim and Rilla Johnson and John Gleason and John Simpson for their hospitality. To see more pictures from this and other chamber events go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin 1st Committee Plans Next Breakfast

One of the primary benefits of chamber membership is networking - the opportunity to meet, socialize, interact, and do business with other business people. The Pekin 1st committee meets each month to plan and coordinate the Puttin' On Pekin breakfasts. Besides being a great networking opportunity, these breakfasts are fun and informative.

CEFCU Reports Record Achievements in 2008

At CEFCU's recent Annual Meeting, the Credit Union reported record achievements for 2008. At the end of the year, Assets were over $3.8 billion, which is an increase of 12.5% over 2007. Savings deposits increased over 13% from last year, and loans outstanding grew nearly 20%.

At the Annual Meeting, Nancy Medendorp, 2008 Chairman of the Board of Directors, remarked, "In these times of economic uncertainty, members can be confident in CEFCU's safety and soundness. At CEFCU, we never forget that the money we loan out belongs to the member/owners. And, when members invest their Savings dollars in a locally-owned financial institution like CEFCU, they are ensuring that their money remains in the local community, making life better for everyone. Members can continue to count on CEFCU for their financial needs both today, and tomorrow."

Douglas J. Hanley was named to the Board of Directors, and CEFCU members re-elected Bruce G. Dimler, James L. Gleich, and Nancy M. Medendorp to the Board of Directors.

Credit Union Officers, Directors, Supervisory Committee members, and Associate Board members for 2009 will be: Reed A. Stuedemann - Chairman, Robert M. Metzinger - First Vice Chairman, Bruce G. Dimler - Second Vice Chairman, Mark A. Spenny - President-Treasurer, Nancy M. Medendorp -Secretary, Eldon R. Arnold, James L. Gleich, Patricia J. Hampton, Douglas J. Hanley, Richard G. Hermann, David M. Koehler, Erec D. Montgomery, Joseph R. Needham, Thea M. Robinson, and Helen J. Young. Therese Peck serves as the Recording Secretary.

Credit Union officials reflected on highlights from 2008. During the year, CEFCU launched a new, enhanced Web site with mapping features to assist in locating CEFCU Member Centers and Money Center 24 ATMs. And, a financial education resource center on the Web site was expanded, with the addition of a new Learning Center. CEFCU also introduced a Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card. Members can earn one point for every dollar of net purchases they make with their CEFCU Visa Rewards Credit Card, which can be redeemed for gift certificates, electronics, airline tickets, and more. During the 4th quarter, CEFCU unveiled the new Stepping Stone, Milestone, and Capstone youth account programs designed for parents and their children ages 3 - 17. These programs were developed to help young members start their financial lives on the right path.

CEFCU expanded service offerings to members by introducing the BALANCE Financial Fitness Program to provide counseling and financial education to members. BALANCE provides CEFCU members with financial education resources and free financial counseling programs. Services include money management and household counseling, a debt repayment plan, and credit report review.

In December, CEFCU acquired Valley Credit Union, located in San Jose, California. Valley Credit Union, a division of CEFCU, serves over 600 Select Employee Groups, and offers membership to those who live, work,and worship in California's Santa Clara, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties.

And, in recognition of strong member confidence, combined with staff controlling expenses while making solid lending and investment decisions, in December, the Board of Directors authorized a $6 million Extraordinary Dividend. Over the past nine years, CEFCU has returned $33 million in Extraordinary Dividends to member/owners.

With assets now totaling over $4 billion, CEFCU serves 260,000 members through 19 Central Illinois Member Centers; Valley Credit Union, a division of CEFCU; the CEFCU Financial Center; the Money Center 24 ATM Network; CEFCU's Web site, www.cefcu.com and cefcu.mobi.

Positive Economic News

According to preliminary numbers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate in Pekin dropped for the second month in a row. The unemployment rate has fallen from 10.9% in February to 10.7% in March to 10.5% in April.

Pekin fared much better than the local area, as the unemployment rates in Tazewell County and the Peoria MSA both increased slightly from March to April. The unemployment rate in Illinois remained unchanged at 9.3%.

The number of employed persons in Pekin increased from 15,865 in March to 16,061 in April. That reverses a downward trend that began in May of 2008.

4th of July Honor America Celebration brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care

One of the largest fireworks displays in the area is slated for this year’s July 4th Honor America Celebration brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care. This will be the 62nd year the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has coordinated the fireworks event, which will be held at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 4th, with a rain date of July 5th.

The program will feature unique ground pieces viewable only from inside the stadium, and more than 700 aerials. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Before the fireworks begin, those in the stadium will enjoy ‘Dressed To Kill’ Show (a KISS tribute band) and other entertainment. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at dusk (around 9:15 p.m.)

Donations for entry into the stadium will be $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children 6-12, with children 5 and under free. No coolers will be allowed inside the stadium, however, blankets and lawn chairs are allowed on the field. Hot dogs, cotton candy, nachos, popcorn and Pepsi products will be sold. Glow sticks will also be available. Questions should be directed to the Chamber office, 346-2106 or email chamber@pekin.net.

Thank you to our sponsors: Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care, AmerenCILCO, Busey Bank, CEFCU, Comcast, County Market, Covenant Heating and Air Conditioning, Deuce Development, East Court Village LLC, Enviro-Safe Refrigerants, Excalibur Seasoning Company, Excel Foundry and Machine, Farnsworth Group, Heartland Bank & Trust, Illinois American Water, John M. Evans Supportive Living Community; Kouri's Pub; Kriegsman Warehouses, Leman Property Management, Liberty Village/Pekin Estates, Maurer~Stutz, Inc., McDonalds, Midwest Generation~Powerton Station, O'Brien Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Pekin Animal Hospital, Pekin Community Bank, Pekin Daily Times, Pekin First Church of God, Pekin Insurance, Pekin Veterinary Clinic, Pepsi, Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes, Ray Dennison Chevrolet, Schwartz and Miller Family Dentistry, Seico Security Systems, Unland Companies, Varsity Publications, Inc, Velde GM SuperCentre, Vonderheide Floor Coverings, Wal-Mart and Women’s Center for Health.

Pille Honored

The Employers’ Association (EA) is pleased to announce President Mary Pille’s induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. Pille earned an Executive MBA from Bradley University in December and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Administration from Illinois State University.

Pille joined EA in 1993 and has served as the president and CEO of the Association since 2004. She is a Certified Association Executive, a Senior Professional of Human Resources and a graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. She is the chair of the national Employer Associations of America group. She is a member and a past board member of the Illinois Society of Association Executives and a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Heart of Illinois Human Resource Council. She is a trustee for Proctor Hospital, a former board member of the Peoria Area Economic Development Council, a member of the Rotary Club of Peoria and chairs the Vocational Services Committee, and is involved in many other civic and community activities.

The EA, established in 1917, is a not-for-profit membership organization providing human resource solutions in 60 counties throughout Illinois and bordering communities in Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. To learn more about the EA, visit www.eaconnect.com.

Ambassadors Mentor New Chamber Members

The Chamber's Ambassadors are an energetic group of people who maintain contact with other Chamber members, serve as mentors for new Chamber members, and promote the Chamber of Commerce and its purpose. Ambassadors attend Chamber functions and serve as the "meeters and greeters" at Chamber events such as Business After Hours, the Annual Meeting, business grand openings and ribbon cuttings, and Chamber forums. Many times, the Ambassadors are the first contact a new member will have upon joining the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors meet monthly for a 30-minute social visit followed by a 30-minute meeting.

TCRC Awarded Contract from Illinois Bureau of Tourism

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has awarded TCRC with a 3 year contract that will provide work for approximately 120 adults with developmental disabilities.

Beginning in June, clients from both Newlun Center in Tremont and Highland Street Center in Morton will be preparing mailings for the promotional materials requested through the DCEO, the Bureau of Tourism's interactive travel counseling information system (800-2-Connect), enjoyillinois.com, and choosechicago.com. Mail preparation includes collating, inserting, sealing, labeling, and bundling. TCRC will also be distributing needed materials to Tourist Information Centers around the state of Illinois.

Ron Hale, President and CEO of TCRC, is looking forward to partnering with the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. "Receiving this contract helps TCRC further its mission of promoting independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Our clients will now have increased opportunities for meaningful paid employment."

The Business Services program has similar, though smaller, contracts with other local agencies. For more information about Business Services, call Lori Durdel at 347-7148 or visit our website at http://www.tcrcorg.com/.

Tazewell County Resource Centers is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities and visual impairments in central Illinois.

Methodist Recognized for Medical Excellence and Patient Safety

Methodist Medical Center has received four national quality awards for both medical excellence and patient safety from The Delta Group, a leading healthcare information services and consulting company. The Delta Group recognized Methodist in its CareChex 2009 release of America’s Top Quality Hospitals.

For overall medical excellence on a national level, Methodist ranked 138th in the nation and for major orthopedic surgery, Methodist was rated higher than 98 percent of all surveyed hospitals across the country.

Methodist also earned a national award in patient safety for overall hospital care and overall surgical care.

In addition to the national awards, Methodist ranked number one in Central Illinois for medical excellence in overall hospital care, overall medical care, overall surgical care, major orthopedic surgery, cancer care, and respiratory care. In the category of patient safety, Methodist was rated number one in Central Illinois for overall hospital care and overall surgical care.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Quality and patient safety are essential to our Mission of delivering outstanding healthcare. Period. We are very proud of our number one ranking in this area, which is based on an independent analysis of data from all the hospitals. It confirms that we are doing the right things at Methodist.”

The Delta Group, Inc., operates as a healthcare information services and consulting company. It provides an array of products and services designed to measure, manage, and monitor the clinical, financial, and market performance of healthcare organizations.

Women's Marigold Festival Golf Outing

3rd Annual Marigold Festival
Women’s Golf Tournament

Saturday, August 29th
Parkview Golf Course

Two Woman Scramble

18 Holes $80.00 per team
9 Holes $70.00 per Team

Number of flights determined by the number of entries
Tee times starting at 8:00 a.m.
Half the teams will prize!
For more information or an application contact the
chamber office at 309-346-2106 or download at:

http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/womansgolfinvite091.pdf

Beck's Convenience Store Grand Opening

Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29th at Beck's Convenience Store, 317 Derby Street. Joining Frank Beck at the grand opening event were family, friends and employees. The brand new building and parking lot includes all of the usual convenience store items plus a liquor department.

Strategic Plan Review

The board of directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently completed their annual review of the organization's performance as it relates to the chamber's strategic plan. The review included an analysis of the organization's activities during the past year and recommendations for future activities. You can download a copy of the review at: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/StratPlanReview3-31-09.pdf

Methodist Names Employees and Leader of the Year

Employees and families from Methodist Medical Center attended the annual employee recognition banquet May 15, 2009 at the Peoria Civic Center. The employee recognition banquet is an evening dedicated to the employees of Methodist and their families.

The program highlight was the announcement of the Employees of the Year and of the Leader of the Year. Each of the winners received travel vouchers worth $1600.

The Employee of the Year for Support Services went to Dorothy Rose of Peoria. Dorothy works in Food Services.

The Employee of the Year for Patient Care was presented to Nikki Willcoxen of Canton. Nikki works in the Methodist Pharmacy.

The Employee of the Year for Nursing was presented to Connie Gowda of Canton. Connie works with the Methodist College of Nursing.

The Leader of the Year award was presented to Patrick Andresen of Washington. He is the Director of Pastoral Care for Methodist.

VanderLinden Named Controller at Pekin Hospital

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce Mark A. VanderLinden has been named the new controller. He joins Pekin Hospital with more than 11 years of experience in healthcare.

VanderLinden comes to Pekin from Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa, where he served as Manager of Cost Accounting, Budgeting, and Materials Management. He previously served as Cost Accountant/ Budget Coordinator also at Pella Regional Health Center.

He received a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Des Moines University, as well as a B.A. in Finance and Accounting from Cedarville College.

His responsibilities at Pekin Hospital include conducting the day-to-day operations of the Accounting/Finance Department, strengthening and overseeing the use of internal controls, and
other duties such as providing accurate and timely financial transactions and reports to internal and external users to help ensure the continuity of care of our patients and the accomplishment of Pekin Hospital’s mission and vision.

Learn Cemetery Care, Preservation, Tombstone Restoration

The Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have a special program on Saturday June 20. John Heider will share his experiences restoring early rural cemeteries and conduct a grave marker repair workshop.

John is a retired educator who has traveled throughout the Midwest teaching cemetery restoration. He is a Studs Terkel Humanities Award recipient, has appeared in a WEIU (Eastern Illinois University television) documentary and has been featured on RFD America.

The morning session, which begins at 10 am, will feature a presentation from Mr.Heider. Following his presentation, the group will break for lunch. You can bring a sack lunch from home (the society will provide drinks) or you can visit your favorite fast-food restaurant. We will reconvene at 12:30 pm at a local cemetery (to be announced) for a "hands-on" workshop to repair tombstones. You will want to wear "work" clothes.

The cost of the program is $20 per person, payable to TCGHS, and registration forms can be obtained by calling the Erlicher Library at 309-477-3044, or by visiting the library at 719 N Eleventh St in Pekin. There will be a rain-date of June 27 should Mother Nature not cooperate.

Heart of Illinois Fair Announces Entertainment

The Heart of Illinois Fair will celebrate its 60th year in 2009 with the best entertainment line up the HOI Fair has ever seen in the Entertainment Tent. All shows will begin at 7pm and the advance ticket prices are listed below for each show. When purchasing the tickets for the below price, concert goers will gain admission into the fair as well as admission to the shows in the Entertainment Tent.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, June 1st at the following locations: Expo Gardens Fair Office 691-6332, Co-op Records in Peoria, Pekin, & East Peoria, and the Radioplex on Peoria’s Riverfront.

The Mega Ticket will be available again this year for only $45. The Mega Ticket is good for 4 admissions to the fair and 4 admissions to the Entertainment Tent for any of the below shows. By purchasing the Mega Ticket in advance it is possible to save $30 compared to waiting to buy the tickets during the fair.

Friday, July 10 ~ 97.3 River Country presents Randy Houser
- $15 in advance & $17 day of

Saturday, July 11 ~ 105.7 the X presents Candlebox with special guests: Cavo
- $20 in advance & $22 day of

Wednesday, July 15 ~ 95.5 WGLO Presents CoCo-LoCo
- $10 in advance & $12 day of

Thursday, July 16 ~ 105.7 the X presents Trapt
- $20 in advance & $22 day of

Friday, July 17 ~ 105.7 the X presents Sevendust with special guests: Pop Evil
- $20 in advance & $22 day of

Friends of Scouting Campaign

Providing youth with the opportunity to learn values, develop character and experience leadership is vital in building the future of our community. We understand you receive many requests for contributions. As a fellow member of the Pekin Chamber of Commerce, we are supporting our local Boy Scouts and we hope you will, too. The Scouts need our help now more than ever.

Scouting teaches leadership, teamwork, and values to last a lifetime. The W.D. Boyce Council is dedicated to providing local youth with the tools, experiences and knowledge to make our community a better place. It takes generous support to continue providing quality programs and opportunities for our youth to grow into leaders of tomorrow.

We urge you to join us today in supporting the Friends of Scouting Campaign by considering a contribution of $100 and help us raise $10,000 in Pekin. By making this contribution and supporting the campaign, we would like to invite you to our Pekin Leadership Event at Grumpy Pete’s Steakhouse. Please contact Jay Hall at (309) 642-9286, Mike Vonderheide at (309) 208-1116 or David Schwartz at (309) 256-6678 to contribute and find out about the Pekin Leadership Event.

On behalf of the more than 13,000 local youth, we want to thank you for your generosity. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our kids!

92.3 Invites Women To Stretch Their Support Across Peoria

Power 92.3 (WZPW-FM) is working today to help tomorrow with the “Bras Across Peoria,” event. Although the Race for the Cure may be over, the real race for the cure is never over. Power 92.3 is collecting new and used bras that will be tied together and displayed to raise awareness of the fight against Breast Cancer.

“Over 100 women lose their life to Breast Cancer every day,” Power 92.3 Program Director & Afternoon Host Jason Parkinson said. “Our goal is to collect over 100 bras to display as a realistic symbol of how many women will die in one day because of this disease.”

Listeners are encouraged to write the name of a loved one they wish to honor or remember on the cup of the bra before donating it. Bras can be donated at RadioPlex in Downtown Peoria and at all Central Illinois “Curves” locations. The Bras will be tied together during an honorary ceremony in early June.

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria Vice President & Market Manager J.R. Greeley says “Radio stations are public trustees. So, Bras Across Peoria was designed by the staff of Power 92.3 to increase the awareness for all the tragedy caused by Breast Cancer.”

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “RGCI.”

Membership Renewals through May 22, 2009

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Adams Outdoor Advertising ~ Advance Medical Transport ~ Anytime Fitness ~ Best Western Ashland House & Conference Center ~ Brad Campbell Memorial Fund ~ Debbie Fornoff Interior Designs & Draperies ~ Holiday Inn Express ~ JPG Commercial Real Estate ~ Lange Animal Clinic ~ Laserpro of Peoria ~ Let It Shine ~ P & W Builders ~ Peek In Pottery ~ Pekin Prescription Laboratory ~ Pekin Rotary Club ~ Regent Broadcasting of Peoria ~ Steve Saal ~ St. Joseph Catholic Church ~ St. Jude Midwest Affiliate ~ State Farm Insurance - Greg Ladendorf

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) along with The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) increased 0.2% for the month of March. The C-CPI-U (chained all urban consumers) increased 0.2% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the CPI-U -.04%, -0.9% for the CPI-W, and –0.8% for the C-CPI-U.

The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—January 2009, 211.1; February, 212.2; and March, 212.8.

RSVP for June Puttin On Pekin Breakfast

Puttin’ On Pekin Breakfast
Friday, June 12th ~~ 6:45 am
Knights of Columbus Hall ~~ 715 N. 11th Street
Featured Speaker: Mayor Rusty Dunn with a City Update.

The cost of the breakfast is $10.00 per person for reservations made before 4:30 pm on Wednesday, June 10th. After that, the cost is $15.00 per person. Payment can be made at the door. Make checks payable in the exact amount to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are required and can be made by email at chamber@pekin.net, or by calling the Chamber at 346-2106.

June Business After Hours

Business AFTER Hours
Hosted by Johnson Mechanical Service, Inc.
1820 Riverway Drive
Thursday, June 4, 2009 4:30—6:00 pm

Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net.

June Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

2nd Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

3rd Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

4th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

4th Business AFTER Hours, Johnson Mechanical, 4:30~6:00 pm
Reservations Appreciated

9th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

10th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

10th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

12th Puttin’ On Pekin, K of C Hall, 6:45 am
Reservations Appreciated

17th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

30th Business Advocacy Com., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

July Calendar of Events

1st Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

2nd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

3rd Independence Day Holiday, Office Closed

4th of July 'Honor America' Celebration
brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care
Doors open at 6:00 pm, Fireworks at 9:15 pm

7th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

8th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

8th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

8th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

9th Business AFTER Hours, Peek-In Pottery, 4:30~
6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

14th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

16th Marketing Committee, District 108 Boardroom, 7:30am

28th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

29th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

July 4th Sponsors Needed

Over the years, our members have made this event possible with their financial sponsorships and contributions. Again, this year we need your help. Members wishing to support the July 4th Honor America Celebration brought to you by Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care can help underwrite the event with a corporate contribution.

For a donation of $150, you will receive 25 tickets and be announced as a sponsor.
For a $250 donation, your company’s name will appear on a banner hung in the stadium and you’ll be announced as a sponsor, but no tickets.
For a $500 donation you will receive 125 tickets and a banner hung in the stadium.

Please consider this donation a “community investment,” with the added bonus of allowing some employees and/or customers to enjoy this patriotic holiday by attending one of the best fireworks displays in central Illinois.

Call the chamber office at 346-2106 to become a sponsor. Thank you in advance for your continued support of this worthwhile hometown event. See you there!

Thank you to the following members who have already sent in their sponsorships: Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care, CEFCU, County Market, Deuce Development, Excalibur Seasoning Company, Illinois American Water, Kriegsman Warehouses, McDonalds, Pekin Veterinary Clinic, Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes, Ray Dennison Chevrolet, Schwartz and Miller Family Dentistry, Vonderheide Floor Covering, Wal-Mart and Women’s Center for Health.

TCHD Announces Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Tazewell County Health Department along with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are sponsoring a HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION, Saturday, June 13th, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at the Festival Building, 2200 East Washington Street, East Peoria.

Accepted materials are: Oil-based paints, paint thinner, drain cleaners, pesticides, antifreeze, cleaning products, fluorescent lamp bulbs, household and auto (lead acid) batteries, used motor oils, insecticides, solvents, pool chemicals, mercury, double bagged & wetted asbestos, old, outdated medicines & pharmaceuticals, herbicides, lawn chemicals, old gasoline, hobby chemicals and aerosol paints and pesticides.

NOT Accepted are: latex paint, explosives, fire extinguishers, medical wastes, agricultural chemicals, farm machinery oil, institutional wastes, smoke alarms, fireworks and propane tanks.

For more information on this FREE event, contact the Tazewell County Health Department at (309)925-5511, Ext. 272.

Chateau On The Lake Joins the Chamber

901 Chateau Drive, Pekin, IL, 61554
(309) 382-3414
Rebecca Moore, Manager.
Tatierocks2003@yahoo.com

Chef John and Chef Konrad welcome you to their German/American Restaurant for family and friends. They feature large banquet facilities and a Sunday Brunch from 10:00am to 2:00pm. They also have a German Buffet the last Sunday of each month. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm. Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 9:00pm. Sundays are 10:00am to 2:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm for dinner. Closed Mondays.

Methodist Announces May Nursing Graduates

The Methodist College of Nursing announced its May graduating class as the Methodist College of Nursing. 2009 graduates were honored in ceremonies Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the College of Nursing on St. Marks Court in Peoria. Graduating students receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing included:

Stephanie Piasse of Toluca
Justin Lindstrom of Peoria
Megan Hough of Morton (Honor Society Member, Student Nurses Association Member)
Christina Michalec of Metamora (Magna Cum Laude)
Kelly Allen of Pekin
Whitney Aaron of East Peoria (Honor Society, Student Nurses Association)
Claudia Steelman of Toulon
Christine Humbles of Peoria
Sarah Jean-Jolliff Mitzelfelt of Peoria (Honor Society, President's List, Valedictorian)
Moriah Thomas of Peoria (Dean's List)
Ebony Groves of Peoria
Kisha Watkins of Chillicothe (President's List)
Dominique Watkins of Morton (Student Nurses Association, Dean's List)
Monica Runyon of Morton (Dean's List)
Chelsey Schroeder of Peoria
Brianna Nix of Peoria (Dean's List)
Chelsea Crum of Washington, IL. (President's List)
Christa Peters of Peoria
Jennifer Killen of Toulon (President's List, MCON Honor Society)
L’Trice Gulley of Peoria
Tammy Arnold of Peoria
Anne Marie Hilding of El Paso (National Honor Society)
Nikita Thomas of Peoria (Student Nurses Association)
Amy Peterson of Chillicothe (National Honor Society)
Cassandra Martin of Peoria (Student Nurses Association)
Jennifer Fauser of Peoria (President's List)
Amanda Williams of Peoria
Jennifer Deakin of Peoria (Student Nurses Association, MCON Honor Society)
Claudia Steelman of Kewanee

May Meeting of Stoke Support Group Scheduled

If you or a loved one has important questions regarding stroke and survival after stroke, Pekin Hospital and the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) are hosting a Stroke Support Group meeting on May 26 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Pekin Hospital. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for stroke survivors, families, peer support and caregivers.

Pekin Hospital invites anyone coping with or supporting a loved one who has had a stroke to attend meetings with the Stroke Support Group. The group’s goal is to provide educational and emotional support for stroke patients, stroke survivors, and their families. Discussions and presentations focus on understanding and managing emotions, supportive care, nutrition, and internet research, along with other issues that are important to group members. Some of the past topics discussed include: medication management, driving after stroke, managing emotions, updates in stroke care, fall prevention, and spirituality.

There is no cost to join the group. To learn more about the Stroke Support Group, please call (309) 353-0570.

New Member Appointed to Pekin Hospital Board of Trustees

Curtis A. Eeten, CPCU, AIC, of Pekin was recently appointed to Pekin Hospital’s Board of Trustees. He will fill a position vacated by Perry Soldwedel. He will serve a three-year term.

Curt is the Vice President - Claims for the Property/Casualty Companies at Pekin Insurance. He began his career in 1982 as a claim trainee for Pekin Insurance. Since then he has held various positions including: adjuster, senior adjuster, service office manager, and field claim manager. In 1998, he was promoted to claim manager, a Staff Management position.
In 1999, he became director of claims and in 2002, he was promoted to Vice President - Claims.

Curt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from Eureka College and also earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU®) professional designation in 1992 and his Associate in Claim (AIC) in 1998.

He is a member of the National Association of Independent Insurance Claim Committee, the Central Claim Executives Association, and the Federation of Defense and Corporate Council.

He resides in Pekin and is married to Bonnie Eeten.

Pekin Hospital is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of civic and business leaders. The Board is responsible for the quality of patient care, along with the property, funds, and affairs of the hospital. Board members include: Steven Clark, M.D., Scott Jeckel, Rich Kriegsman, Janet Lange, John E. Lovell, M.D., Ron Miller, Ward Sirotak, James Smalley, M.D., Ph.D., Andrew Sparks, and Michael Tibbs.

Pekin Life Insurance Holds Annual Meeting

Pekin Life Insurance Company held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Company’s Home Office in Pekin, Illinois. The Company reported net income of $1,226,785. Premium income increased by 1 percent to $211,401,862. Life Insurance in force exceeded $11.1 billion in the year 2008.

At the meeting, shareholders elected directors Craig W. Concklin, Hinsdale, Illinois; and Daniel V. Connell and A. Richard Kriegsman, both of Pekin, Illinois, to three year terms to expire in May 2012.

Other directors whose terms continue are: Steven R. Anderson, Loves Park, Illinois; Byron A. Dodd, Anna, Illinois; Scott A. Martin, Peoria, Illinois; Christine A. Schwartz, Pekin, Illinois; Gordon M. Walker, Groveland, Illinois; and R. Michael Weir, Mackinaw, Illinois.

On April 15, 2009, Pekin Life Insurance Company declared a quarterly dividend of $.0625 per share payable June 1, 2009, to shareholders of record May 1, 2009. This is a 4.2 percent increase over the quarterly dividend of $.06 per share paid March 2, 2009. The Company has paid dividends each year since June 1, 1976, and has increased dividends annually for the past 21 consecutive years. Pekin Life Insurance Company is an integral part of Pekin Insurance’s group of companies. Pekin Life Insurance Company stock trades under the symbol “PKIN” and is listed on the Bulletin Board. Wachovia Securities makes a market in the stock. A multi-line company, Pekin Life Insurance Company offers individual and group life and health products; including term, universal life, major medical, medicare supplement, annuity, credit insurance, debt protection, and pre-need coverages.

Other products offered by the Pekin Insurance group include automobile, homeowners, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, boat owners, commercial automobile, business owners, commercial property and liability, workers compensation, and bonds. Pekin Insurance offers insurance coverages in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin through its
independent agency network.

Information about Pekin Life Insurance Company can be obtained by visiting our Internet website at www.pekininsurance.com.

The Grand Victorian of Pekin Grand Opening

The Grand Victorian of Pekin will have their Grand Opening on Thursday, June 11th from 3:00pm to 6:30pm. There will be tours, food, drinks, entertainment (5 piece band) and door prizes.

Shuttle Landing Party

The Tazewell County Museum & Educational Center will hold a "Landing Party" on Friday, May 22nd beginning at 8:30 a.m at Kouri's Pub in Pekin. The return of the shuttle Atlantis from the STS-125 mission will be on the big screen televisions at Kouri's. The landing is now scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 9:01 a.m.

May Business After Hours Recap

Leman Property Management hosted the May Business After Hours at their Hickory Hills Subdivision. The weather cooperated, as it was a great evening to be outside. You can see more pictures from this and all of our chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

ProHealth Primary Care Physicians Beginning Practices

Sunny Multani, M.D. will begin his practice in family medicine on July 20, 2009. His office will be located in the Family Health Center on 19 Olt Avenue, Pekin. Dr. Multani will be completing his residency training from Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, MI in June after which he and his wife (also a physician) and their three year old daughter will be moving to Pekin. Sunny has a great personality and is very outgoing. He will be very anxious to start seeing patients and wants to be very busy!

Kiran Multani, D.O. will begin her practice in family medicine along side her husband in July at the Family Health Center. Dr. Multani came to the US with her family when she was ten years old. She graduated from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She will be completing her residency training from Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, MI. Her parents just recently moved to the Peoria area with Caterpillar and so she is looking forward to moving to Pekin, getting her family settled and beginning her practice.

Sarosh Ahmed, M.D. is in her final year of internal medicine residency at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. Upon completion of her training she and her husband (an attorney) and 8 month old daughter will be moving to the area. Dr. Ahmed will begin her practice in September, 2009 at the Family Health Center on 19 Olt Avenue, Pekin. As a resident Dr. Ahmed has experienced a busy caseload with extensive hands-on experience and exposure to many subspecialties. She said that Pekin is exactly the type of practice that she was looking for. She is very “chatty” and loves people. We expect her to be very popular with the patients.

Mo Khan, M.D. is completing his final year of pediatric residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and Ross University School of Medicine. Originally from Burma, he came to the US as a young boy and grew up in Illinois. Dr. Khan will be moving to Pekin in July and will start his practice shortly thereafter. His office will be located in the newly remodeled building at 3223 Griffin St. along with Dr. Erika Hunter who will be moving her practice to that location as well. Mo is young and energetic and should be a hit with young parents and their children.

Methodist Wound Care Nurse Earns Certification

A nurse for the Methodist Wound Care Center has received advanced certification from the National Alliance of Wound Care. Ellen Rodich, RN of Mapelton, IL received her advanced certification on May 12, 2009. The National Alliance of Wound Care requires nurses to have at least two years of wound care experience and have the knowledge base of advanced modalities in wound care procedures and practices.

Dana Hess, Program Director for the Methodist Wound Care Center said, “During the last few years, wound care practices and modalities have grown dramatically. In addition, our population is aging and an increase in the number of chronic wounds has led to an urgent and growing need for wound specialists. By becoming Wound Certified, Ellen will be able to meet this need by demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in wound management.”

Certification is an expert credential reserved for those who meet practice, continuing education and testing requirements in their specialty. Certification has been linked to fewer medical errors and increased job satisfaction and confidence.

Methodist Names May Employees of the Month

Methodist Medical Center has announced the May Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees.

The three selected were Diane Marshall RN of Peoria selected for the category of nursing. She works in Care Facilities and Utilization Management. Also selected was Tammy Fuller of Green Valley for non-nursing support. She works in Information Technology. And for the category of patient care, Sally Weiman of Bartonville was selected. She works in Invasive Cardiovascular.

All three will be honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Green Collar Economic Development

Representative Mike Smith will host a "Green Collar Economic Development Summit – Green jobs in the 91st District" on Wednesday, June 17th at the Pekin City Hall Council Chambers from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

Methodist Names Nursing Mentor/Mentee

Methodist Medical Center announced the 2008 Nursing Mentor and Mentee and Preceptor awards during a ceremony May 4, 2009.

Nurses selected included Cassie Anderson, RN of Bartonville as Mentor of the Year. Michelle Smith, RN of Monmouth was selected as Mentee of the Year and Stacey Wagoner, RNC, BSN of East Peoria was selected as Preceptor of the Year.

All received a crystal award recognizing their accomplishment along with red roses and $500 to be used towards continuing education.

The annual awards are part of the Methodist’s nursing retention program designed to mentor nurses.

Tazewell County Museum Update

The Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center announces their website address as www.geocities.com/museum0208/index.html. They invite all members of the chamber of commerce to log on and then make a comment on their email at: dagit1413@comcast.net to let them know what you think.

They are busy promoting the City of Pekin and Tazewell County and wish your input. Remember a good museum helps those members and the community that supports them. You may also wish to visit them in person at 2950 Court Street. Their hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or by special appointment. Call 346-1889 or 347-8375. Group tours are also available.

YWCA Recognizes Women

The YWCA of Pekin is proud to announce the adult winners from the 28th Annual Women’s Recognition Day Event:

Arts Award ~ Sue Crowell
Business Award ~ Mary Ann Vance
Professions Award ~ Candi Hallam
Community Service Award ~ Peggy Collins
Outstanding Employee Award ~ Jill Roepenack
Sports Award ~ Priscilla DeLaere
One Imperative Award ~ The Heritage Ensemble

In addition, ten students from Tazewell County schools were recognized for their leadership qualities. Congratulations to all the winners!

Pekin hospital Auxilliary Financial Assistance Applications Available

The Pekin Hospital Auxiliary is soliciting applications for the 2009 Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Financial Assistance Program. This award of financial assistance is presented annually to students who are enrolled in qualified, professional health-related programs. Students living in the Tri-county area are eligible to apply, with priority extended to applicants who intend to return to the Pekin area to practice their skills. Applicants must apply annually, and recipients will not be eligible for more than four years of assistance.

The scholarship committee reviews applications and selects the award recipient(s) based upon course of study; financial need; scholarship achievements, including honors and grades; experience/extra-curricular involvement, volunteer and work-related; letters of recommendation; and general qualifications and goals. The scholarship(s) will be presented in August 2009.

All completed applications, grade transcripts for the most current semester, letters of recommendation and other pertinent information must be submitted to Pekin Hospital's Volunteer Services at 600 S. 13th Street, Pekin by June 3, 2009. Please indicate that the envelope contains an application for the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship.

For more information or to receive an application, please contact Christie Perry at 353-0204.

Suzuki Strings to Perform at Concert

The students of Suzuki Strings will be performing at the Pekin District 108, School of Music, Annual Suzuki Strings Spring Concert on May 14. The concert will begin at 7p.m. in the Patricia Hackler Auditorium, Washington School, Pekin.

The Suzuki Strings program began in 1973 through the efforts of Mrs. Patricia Hackler. Its purpose is to develop the students’ performance and listening skills to become responsible and well-rounded individuals. The Suzuki Strings program currently has over 100 students enrolled in the program.

The Suzuki Strings instructors are Laura Balaban, cello and violin, Mary Billner, violin, viola and bass, Leslie Koons, violin, and Jan White, violin.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Altman Lift Off Party

The Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center in co-operation with Kouri's Pub will host a Scott Altman Lift Off Party on May 11th at 12:00 noon at Kouri's Pub, 2929 Court Street, Pekin. Scheduled lift off time is 1:00 PM, Central Time.

Lunch will be available for the launch of the Atlantis on Mission STS-125 to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Multiple live news broadcasts of this event will be available. This will be Commander Scott Altman's 4th trip into space.

The Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center is preparing a NASA exhibit room at the museum in Scott Altman's honor

Tazewell County Museum Presents Educational Opportunity

On Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 p.m., the Tazewell County Museum is having a Native American Park Blessing Ceremony at Miller Park, located at the foot of Court Street on the Riverfront in Pekin. This Blessing takes place because the Native Americans want to give thanks for our many blessings and to bless Mother Earth, the land where their ancestors lived, to remember the past and bring it forward.

The Blessing Ceremony also brings awareness that the Native Americans were here first before being driven out by the English. Butch, Waylon, & Justin McCamy, James Hayden, and Kevin Jobe of Spirit of the Rainbow Singers, will be there to perform the ceremony and to offer more information. Spirit of the Rainbow Singers are the number one Native American Drum group in the state. The will be performing some of their own songs as well as some that have been handed down through the generations for hundreds of years.

Did you know that this area was the site of an Indian Village in 1812? On the site where the Pekin Boat Club now stands, and along what is now North 2nd, 3rd & 4th Streets, there were over 300 longhouses in this village - which was a farming community. Yes, these Native Americans were farmers! Their Chief was named Sulky who was a warrior with Tecumsah, as were all of the local Chieftans in Tazewell County and the Illinois River Valley. You can learn more about Tecumsah while at the Blessing Ceremony.

More information on the Indian Village sites in the Pekin area will be on display in the Miller Park shelter before and after the Blessing Ceremony. Directly after the ceremony there will be a question and answer session on Native American customs and history.

This will be an educational opportunity you should not miss.

Methodist Enhances Safe Medication Pactices

Methodist Medical Center of Illinois will install the InformMed system for enhancing safe medication practice. Methodist will be the first hospital in Illinois and the country to implement the innovative system from InformMed in the emergency department and take advantage of its patient safety features. The InformMed system will provide the emergent care nurses at Methodist with access to essential information that insure dosing calculations are correct, independent double checks complete. By taking advantage of the system nurses will be able to focus their time and effort on delivering the care only they can provide their patients.

"We are excited to have the addition of the InformMed System in our ED. It is another tool that our nurses use to protect our patients against a harmful medication error." said Anthony Howard, Administrative Director of Emergency Services for Methodist.

"There is constant pressure on healthcare organizations to delivery error free care. Methodist and InformMed share the common goals of eliminating preventable medication errors and improving outcomes," said Kathy Francis, Founder and Chief Clinical Officer. "As a Peoria based company we are excited about the opportunity to partner with Methodist to help them achieve their patient safety goals and deliver safer healthcare to our community and we thank them for their early support."

Founded in 2001 by a nurse, InformMed provides an affordable and achievable solution which assists nurses to recognize unsafe doses, immediately and accurately calculate dose volumes, provides access to essential drug/dose information, facilitates efficient independent double checks of orders and pump settings and allows them to practice the care only they can deliver. The system is easy to install minimizing impact on scarce resources yet has proven to reduce errors, provide peace of mind to nurses, and improve patient safety.

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) along with The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) increased 0.4% for the month of January. The C-CPI-U (chained all urban consumers) increased 0.5% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the CPI-U unchanged, -0.5% for the CPI-W, and the C-CPI-U.

The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—2009, are not available.

Dr. Timm Schwartz Finishes Year as Chamber President

Editor’s Note: The following are excerpts from Dr. Timm Schwartz’s speech at the April 27, 2009 annual meeting of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Before I do anything else I have to go back one year from tonight, because I forgot to thank my officers at that meeting. I thanked a lot of people, but I didn’t thank Peggy Collins, Mike Vonderheide, Althea Geiser, and Skip Schermerhorn, and I heard about it several times this year. So, thank you to each of you for your support.

This has been a challenging year for us, as it has been for everyone. My personal challenges were mostly at the ribbon cuttings, where it took me almost six months to finally memorize my little welcome speech. Then there was the over zealous business owner who almost ended my dental career with a quick chop of the scissors.

During the summer we found ourselves short staffed just a couple weeks before our biggest event of the year, the Marigold Festival. Bill, Terri, Diane and the whole Marigold Festival Committee really stepped up. The festival went off without a hitch. And, that staff opening gave us the opportunity to hire Jamie Di Donato as our Events Manager, and she has been great.

Late last year, we sadly lost a good friend and mayor when Dave Tebben passed away. Then, earlier this year we very gladly lost our governor, when he was led away in handcuffs. But I really enjoyed everything about being president. I would really recommend the job if anyone is interested. Get involved with this great organization – it’s a great thing to do.

I have to thank my wife, Chris, for putting up with me – not just this year but for quite some time. And I couldn’t have done this at all without Bill, Terri, Diane and Jamie. Our staff is just incredible - they do an excellent job and made this last year go so smoothly for me.

Next I would like to recognize the outgoing board members who have completed their term: Rusty Dunn, Caterpillar; Drew Leman, Leman Property Management; Debbie Simon, Methodist Medical Center; Barb Strand, Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center; and, Randy West, Illinois American Water. I would also like to thank Peggy Collins who finished her year as past-president. She has served as a director and officer now for eight years, and has led the way for me and really taught me a lot.

At our recent membership election, the following new board members were elected: Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital; John Franks, Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab; Renna Hadsall, Busey Bank; Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance; and, Tim Wiley, Liberty Village.

The nominating committee has recommended the following slate of officers: For President, Mike Vonderheide, Vonderheide Floor Coverings; for President Elect, Althea Geiser, B’Ribboned Etc.; for Vice President, Skip Schermerhorn, Herget Bank; for Treasurer, Drew Leman, Leman Property Management; and for past president, Dr. Timm Schwartz, Schwartz and Miller Family Dentistry.

Now I can officially turn the chamber over to Mike Vonderheide. Thank you.

Congratulations New Chamber Directors

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce members recently elected five new directors to the board. Those elected to three-year terms are:

Kevin Andrews has been the Chief Executive Officer for Pekin Hospital since March of 2007. He has more than 30 years of healthcare experience, which encompasses over a decade of multi-facility management and division operations for a large hospital company, and 17 years as a hospital CEO. His professional experience has provided him with significant opportunities as a leader to successfully address the issues that make organizations thrive. His experience also allows him to implement, monitor and achieve a wide array of objectives both in operating and new hospital development initiatives. Kevin received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management from Texas A & M University and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Washington University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Kevin and his wife, Dorothy, are the parents of three children.

John J. Franks III is the Vice President of Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab Company. His duties include all aspects of operations, finance, sales and marketing. John received his B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Louisville. He belongs to the Pekin Country Club, Transportation Club of Peoria, Tazewell County Historical Society and the Young Professionals Organization of Peoria. He is also a graduate of the R. David Tebben Leadership Academy. John resides in Peoria, and in his spare time enjoys golf and basketball.

Renna Hadsall is a Pekin native and graduate of Pekin Community High School. She is Assistant Vice President and Banking Center Manager for Busey Bank. She is an active board member of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin and Pekin Police Foundation. She and husband John have been foster parents for many children through the DCFS. They both love traveling and working together in John’s business “Snowman Enterprise Inc.”

Diane K. Steiner received her Bachelor’s in Management degree from the University of Illinois. She is Director of Life and Health Underwriting with Pekin Life Insurance Company where her duties include overseeing operations of the life and health underwriting areas. Diane is a board member of the Pekin YWCA and active with the Central Illinois Home Office Underwriters Association. In her spare time, she enjoys golf and reading. Diane and husband, Jim, reside in Pekin with children Natalie (21) and Nick (19) Svendsen.

Timothy S. Wiley holds a Bachelor of Religious Education and is the Manager of Living at Pekin Estates and Villas ~ Liberty Village of Pekin. Tim loves golf, fishing and hunting; and along with wife, Susan, keeping up with their children Lauren (22), Olivia (18), Jordan (21), Elyse (20) and Jack (10).

Leman Property Management Hosting May Business After Hours

You are cordially invited to the May Business After Hours hosted by Leman Property Management at Hickory Hills Estates, Thursday, May 14, 2009, 4:30—6:00 pm.

Directions: Look for the tent in the Hickory Hills subdivision off Broadway. Turn into the subdivision on Hickory Lane (next to the Social Security office). Go back to Black Oak Drive, and turn left to Dogwood. Turn right on Dogwood and look for the tent.

Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net.

May Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

5th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

6th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

7th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

12th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

13th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

13th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

14th Business AFTER Hours, Leman Property Management, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

20th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

25th Memorial Day Holiday, Office Closed

26th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

June Calendar of Events

2nd Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

3rd Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

4th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

4th Business AFTER Hours, Johnson Mechanical, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

9th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

10th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

10th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

12th Puttin’ On Pekin, K of C Hall, 6:45 am
Reservations Appreciated

17th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

30th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

Membership Renewals through April 27, 2009

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

American Motor Trends ~ Artistic Community Theatre ~ Boy Scouts of America/W.D. Boyce Council ~ CDS Office Technologies ~ CEFCU ~ Comcast Spotlight ~ CORE Construction Group ~ Frantz Chemical, Inc. ~ Godfathers Pizza ~ General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport ~ Illinois Central College ~ J H Car Wash ~ Jimmy Johns ~ Kiwanis Club of Pekin ~ Kouri's Pub ~ Kyle's Care at Home ~ National City Bank ~ Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab ~ Pekin Daily Times ~ Pekin National Bank ~ Riley Brothers, LLC ~ Schnucks ~ Sharp Income Tax Service ~ Carol Shields ~ Southside Business Association ~ Sprint/ Wireless Express ~ Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center ~ Tazewell County Health Department ~ Tazewell County Historic Places & Tazewell County Museum ~ Tebben Insurance Services ~ Towerline Speedway ~ WTVP

Chamber Elects New Leadership

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on April 27th at Pekin Country Club. Over 200 people, representing 60 businesses and organizations, were in attendance. The results of the recent election of new directors were announced and the board of directors elected new officers.

New directors elected to 3-year terms by the membership were: Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital; John Franks, Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab; Renna Hadsall, Busey Bank; Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance; and, Tim Wiley, Liberty Village.

Officers elected at the annual meeting by the Chamber’s Board of Directors include: President, Mike Vonderheide, Vonderheide Floor Coverings; President-Elect, Althea Geiser, B’Ribboned, Etc.; Vice-President, Charles “Skip” Schermerhorn, Herget Bank; Treasurer, Drew Leman, Leman Property Management; and, Past President, Dr. Timm Schwartz, DDS, Schwartz and Miller Family Dentistry.

Directors who completed their 3-year terms were also recognized at the annual meeting for their contributions to the organization. The retiring directors were: Rusty Dunn, Caterpillar; Drew Leman, Leman Property Management; Debbie Simon, Methodist Medical Center; Barb Strand, Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center; and, Randy West, Illinois American Water. Peggy Collins, Pekin Insurance, was also recognized for her contributions to the board, as she retired as Past President.

The Pekin Community High School Noteables Show Choir provided entertainment. The speaker was Dr. Paul Sebesta, the director at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria.

The event was sponsored by Methodist Medical Center, Midwest Generation - Powerton Station, Herget Bank, Pekin Insurance, Advanced Medical Transport, CenturyTel, Excalibur Seasoning Company, Illinois American Water, Leman Property Management, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes, Udry Jewelers, and Velde GM SuperCentre.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has served the local business community since 1893. Nearly 400 local businesses, organizations and individuals are members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.

To see more pictures from this great event, visit the chamber's picture page at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital Addresses Economic Downturn

In a proactive approach to protect the organization’s future in spite of local economic uncertainty, Pekin Hospital has announced cost containment plans to generate over $3 million in cash savings. The hospital currently has no plans for layoffs. Major changes being implemented include:

- No pay raises starting May 2009 for one year
- Changes in pay differentials for off shifts
- Reduced 401K match for this year and no match for next year
- Reductions in other hospital-sponsored activities

Pekin Hospital CEO Kevin Andrews said, “We are a financially healthy organization, and our intent is to remain strong through the end of the economic downturn. These are very difficult changes to make, but current local economic conditions require us to do so. Based on rising unemployment rates in Tazewell County, we anticipate a decrease in patient volumes for elective procedures and more uninsured patients who cannot pay for their care. Our goal is to ensure the financial health of our organization and preserve jobs as we can. We will look for opportunities to increase efficiency and ways to reduce costs.”

“While the hospital is ahead of budget for the fiscal year that ends April 30, 2009, we are taking a proactive approach to maintain our strong financial position. We will continue to invest in capital projects that support our long-term growth, including high-tech patient care initiatives, physician recruitment activities, women’s health initiatives, and office renovations for the new ProHealth physicians joining us this summer,” added Andrews.

Stroke Support Group Meeting

If you or a loved one has important questions regarding stroke and survival after stroke, Pekin Hospital and the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) are hosting a Stroke Support Group meeting on April 28 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Pekin Hospital. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for stroke survivors, families, peer support and caregivers.

Pekin Hospital invites anyone coping with or supporting a loved one who has had a stroke to attend meetings with the Stroke Support Group. The group’s goal is to provide educational and emotional support for stroke patients, stroke survivors, and their families. Discussions and presentations focus on understanding and managing emotions, supportive care, nutrition, and internet research, along with other issues that are important to group members. Some of the past topics discussed include: medication management, driving after stroke, managing emotions, updates in stroke care, fall prevention, and spirituality.

There is no cost to join the group. To learn more about the Stroke Support Group, please call (309) 353-0570.

The Grand Victorian of Pekin Ribbon Cutting

Pekin Mayor Rusty Dunn and City Councilperson John Abel assisted Kim Murphy with the scissors during the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Grand Victorian of Pekin. Murphy, the manager of The Grand Victorian, was joined in the ceremony by her staff, some residents, and representatives of the City of Pekin, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Chamber Ambassadors. The Grand Victorian of Pekin, a Good Neighbor Care community, is an independent and assisted living community located at 2700 S. 14th Street.

Sales Tax Receipts Up in Pekin

According to the April sales tax disbursements report by the Illinois Department of Revenue, sales in Pekin were up 2.8% in February, compared to February of 2008.

TCGHS May Meeting

The May 2009 general meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have John Hallwas as its guest speaker. Dr. Hallwas participates with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.

Join Dr. John Hallwas for an exciting lecture and slide presentation entitled "Desperadoes: Notorious Lawbreakers of Early Illinois" that delves into the dark side of Illinois history, from the frontier killers at Cave-in-Rock to later horse thieves, bandits, and murderers. Groups such as the Brown Gang, the Johnson Gang, and Tazewell County's own Berry Gang - and outlaws like Joe Brice, Ed Maxwell, and Frank Rande - will be discussed, and then slides, based on lithographs and historic photographs, will depict some of the outlaws and the locations associated with their nefarious activities. The lecture will also include comments on the early lawmen and vigilantes who tracked down the desperadoes.

John Hallwas holds a PhD from the University of Florida and retired in 2004 from Western Illinois University. He has received a number of teaching and service awards and has written more than a dozen books and scores of articles on Illinois history and literature, including the recently published Dime Novel Desperadoes.

This program is made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Illinois General Assembly.

The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on Thursday May 12, 2009 at the Society's Erlicher Library, located at 719 N Eleventh St, Pekin, IL. The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, with a business meeting immediately following. The building is handicapped accessible with ample parking available.

Marigold Festival Grand Marshal Needed

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2009 Pekin Marigold Festival. This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has given freely to the betterment of their community.

The Marigold Festival Committee is seeking nominees who have demonstrated their passion and dedication by giving generously of their time and talent to a variety of charitable and community organizations and activities. The nomination deadline is May 4, 2009. Nomination forms are available at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street, or the form can be downloaded at: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/2009MarshalForm.pdf.

Concert by the Chicago Staff Band of the Salvation Army

The Chicago Staff Band of The Salvation Army will be in concert at 7 pm, Saturday, April 18th at First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 E. Broadway Road, Pekin. Artistic and inspiring, this 36-member brass and percussion ensemble will perform a variety of music from classical transcriptions to contemporary Christian. The band is an elite volunteer group with a sense of professionalism, led by Bandmaster William Himes since 1977. The most recent international tour featured a trip to the Republic of South Korea and other international tours have also included performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace in England. The concert is free of charge. For tickets or more information, call Capts. Peter or Catherine Mount at The Salvation Army at 346-3010.

PCHS Dragon Pride

The annual Pekin Community High School Dragon Pride event will be held Wednesday, April 29th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Hawkins Gym. The purpose of the Dragon Pride school-wide recognition event is to provide Pekin High School students the opportunity to showcase, through displays and performances, their accomplishments in various classroom activities. In addition, selected students from various academic departments will be honored for their accomplishments. The public is encouraged to attend. Those who have attended in the past all agree that it is a fun evening.

Boys & Girls Clubs Families 2000 Program ~ Breast Health Fair

A FREE Breast Health Fair will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 8:30 am until 1:00 pm, at the New Hope International Ministries Church located at 3616 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria, IL. The community is invited. The program will focus on proper breast health. Professional health agency staff will provide nutritional information, materials, referrals, demonstrations, awareness and education. Free health screenings, samples and freebies will be available for all in attendance.

Currently the Boys and Girls Clubs' Families 2000 program strives to meet the needs of children age birth to three of diverse abilities as well as diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. The program meets the needs of families through referrals and home and center based programs to enhance parent child interactions and to build on the strengths of each individual family and child.

The Breast Health Fair is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Peoria Memorial Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Pekin's Yellow Ribbon Campaign

The flowers are blooming and signs of spring are all around us, and with that we know Memorial Day will also soon be here. Every year, we remember and recognize those who have served our country throughout time. But, there is also another way we can tell our military that they are not forgotten.

For years, yellow ribbons have come to symbolize our commitment to and support for America’s military who are proudly serving around the world, for their families, for those who are missing in action, and for those who have fallen. The simple act of displaying a yellow ribbon lets others know that we are remembering those soldiers and are keeping them first and foremost in our hearts and prayers.

Since 2003, the City of Pekin has embraced the tradition of a Yellow Ribbon Campaign through P.A.T.S. by encouraging our entire city to show their support to our military through tying on yellow ribbons.

Our goal for Pekin is to see yellow ribbons on every tree, every light pole, every corner by Armed Forces Day on May 16th. Let’s see yellow ribbons and flags pop up like early spring flowers throughout our city!!

P.A.T.S. needs volunteers to assist in making our 2009 Yellow Ribbon Campaign a success. No matter what your capabilities, availability or ideas, there is a place for you to volunteer!

HELP US LET OUR MILITARY KNOW WE’LL SUPPORT THEM UNTIL THEY ALL COME HOME. WE WANT THEM TO KNOW WE UNDERSTAND THAT PEKIN, ILLINOIS, U.S.A. IS
THE HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!!!

Join us to create and distribute yellow ribbons on April 23rd, 6:30p.m. at Goodfella’s in Pekin.

For more information on how YOU can help, contact the P.A.T.S. (Peoria Area Troop Support)
Yellow Ribbon Campaign Committee at346-2175 (Leslie) or 840-0465 (Tanya).

Methodist Names April Employees of the Month

Methodist Medical Center has announced the April, Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees.

The three selected were Jan Beecher, RN of Trivoli selected for the category of nursing. She is with Methodist Family Medical Center. Also selected was Rose Taylor of Peoria for non-nursing support. She works in Patient Food Service. And for the category of patient care, Kelly Hoehn of Pekin was selected. She works in Surgical Services.

All three were honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Pekin Public Library Now Offering Podcasts

The Pekin Public Library is now offering free podcasts of library programs and other community events on the library's website at www.pekinpubliclibrary.org.

In September 2008, the Pekin Public Library received a grant from the Illinois State Library to purchase equipment and to record library programs and make them available to download by the public for free from the library's website and the popular iTunes website (www.apple.com/itunes). This initiative, titled Pekin Programs On Demand (PePOD) is a three part approach to add interactivity to the library's recently renovated website. Recordings of library programs and other community events will be added to the library's website as podcasts.

The first program is a Digital Cameras by Josh Bradshaw, photographer for the Pekin Daily Times. Additional programs include the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's Puttin' on Pekin Breakfast, featuring Bob Blackwell of the Pekin Park District, and the Chamber's Business After Hours, featuring YWCA Executive Director Melinda Figge.

The public can download the recordings of these programs on their computer or MP3 player and listen at home or work, in the car, or even while exercising. To access these recordings, visit the library's website at www.pekinpubliclibrary.org and click on the PePod banner on the homepage. If you use iTunes, you can also subscribe free to the library's podcasts. Programs range from five to 30 minutes.

The library looks forward to receiving comments from the public about this new and innovating service that is being provided to our community. For more information, please call the library at 347-7111.

'Spruce Up Pekin'

'Spruce Up Pekin' is the first Saturday in May from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Locations are:

• Mineral Springs Park ~~ Parking Lot East of the Lagoon ~~ Antifreeze, oil & electronics will be accepted at this location only.
• City Service Center, 1130 Koch Street ~~ Tires only (disposal fee)
• Southside Park ~~ Knapp & Sapp Streets
• Northside Fire Department ~~ 1000 N. 14th Street
• Street Department ~~ 1208 Koch Street

Regent Broadcasting Honors Employees

Diane Burden, Business Manager and Bob Swinehart, Director of Sales for REGENT BROADCASTING OF PEORIA, are proud to announce that March’s Employee of the Month is Jason Parkinson and Sales Executive of the Month is Robert “Butch” Caruth.

“We’re continually proud to have Jason on our staff,” Burden said. “In tough economic times like these, it would hurt to lack a sensible but progressive voice such as Jason’s.”

Jason Parkinson is a Program Director for WZPW Power 92.3. He has been working for the radio stations for nearly five years. He spent time at Spoon River College pursuing a degree in Web Design, going on to Illinois State University in Normal to major in Television Journalism with a minor in Theatre.

"Butch has been an asset to our company for many years," Swinehart said. "His dedication to his work and to radio is inspiring to everyone around here."

Mr. Caruth has been working in the radio industry for 20 years, all of which have been with the same radio stations. He was named a finalist for the Marconi Award in 2004 and 2006 and is currently nominated for an Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM, and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “RGCI.”

The Grand Victorian of Pekin Ribbon Cutting

Please plan on joining us for a Ribbon Cutting and VIP Business Professional Open House on Thursday, April 23rd from 4:00pm – 6:30pm. The Grand Victorian of Pekin is located at 2700 S. 14th Streeet (approx 1 mile south of Pekin Hospital). The Ribbon Cutting will be at about 4:15pm. Tours, food, and adult beverages (beer/wine) will be available.

Pekin Hospital Honors Employees at 50th Annual Awards Dinner

One hundred fourteen Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. employees were recently honored at the 50th Annual Service Awards Dinner held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel on March 19. Employees honored have more than 1,400 years total service to Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc.

Employees and their years of service are as follows:

Thirty-five years: Mary Adcock, Sherry Brisbin, Patti Green, Sandy Lohnes, Mary Ann Mayer, Teresa West, and Margie Wolfe.

Thirty years: Barb Armstrong, Pat Cooley, Robert Crick, Deb Hasty, Terri Kreiling, Susan Kromphardt, Kathy Merrick, and Mike Seidell.

Twenty-five years: Teresa Barr and Karen Hamilton.

Twenty Years: Steve Arkless, Connie Eertmoed, Scott Haynes, Carolee Kirkpatrick, Deb St. Clair, Rick Staker, Sally Stimpert, Kathy Vetter, and Jerry Whitney.

Fifteen years: Carol Crum, Lynn Guengerich, Tom Hancock, Dorothy Kajencki, Bobbi Mullis, Bonnie Peak, Sherry Richardson, Robin Struben, Pat Ward, Sally Wilson, and Cindy Winget.

Ten years: Amy Behrens, Elaine Brackett, Kellie Burgess, Carol Cagle, Patrice Case, Tiffany Chasco, April Etter, Lauri Goeken, Sue Grimm, Mary Haynes, Leslie Keller, Ken Klaasen, Cheryl Leneve, Susette Litwiller, Christie Mercer, Kitty Parr, Carol Rigney, Lori Roling, Michelle, Shelby, Tracy Simpkins, Mary Smith, Vicki Smith, Beth Snider, Jennifer Turner, Sandra Vaupel, Penny Wiemer, and Val Wilson.

Five years: Cindy Aberle, Kaitlin Bailey, Trisha Bumbalough, Bobbie Burris, Sheri Burton, Janis Callahan, Donna Cardot, Jaime Causey, Cindy Conley, Wendy Davis, Maribeth Delgadillo, Tanya Downey, Cortney Dozard, David Draksler, Angie Dreher, Lisa Eidenmiller, Tracey Fahnestock, Anne Farris, Ginger Hazen, Marcia Hogan, Cassie Hull, Rhodora Kabatay-Lee Ho, M.D., Phil Koehlhoeffer, Nina Latham, Paula Lawrence, Jeffrey Lee Ho, M.D., Denise Legel, Cindy Low, Kris Lynn, Jan MacMillan, Natalie Marsh, Karon McCoy, Elisabeth Meister, Linda Miller-Lenart, Nicole Morrow, Jenny Nizzia, Michelle Noreuil, Buffi Oberle, Debra Olds, Rebecca Price, Susan Rollo, Patty Shipley, Chad Smith, Diane Stokes, Denny Talbott, Brenda Tennison, Kim Thomas, John Turner, Roxanne Weber, and Daryl Young.

2008 Pillar Award winners were also announced that evening. On an annual basis, Pekin Hospital recognizes employees, physicians, and entire departments for their efforts in promoting the mission of being the healthcare provider of choice in the communities we serve. To achieve the mission, Pekin Hospital focuses on the Five Pillars of Excellence. The following individuals have been recognized for making significant contributions toward better serving our patients and for achieving excellence in one of the five pillars:

People Pillar Award
Department: Education
Physician: Joseph Krug, M.D.
Employee: Dee Driskell

Service Pillar Award
Department: ProHealth Physician Offices
Physician: H. Don Blair, M.D.
Employee: Pam Rogers

Quality Pillar Award
Department: Quality Assurance
Physician: Adrienne Williams, M.D.
Employee: Francy VanDyke

Growth Pillar Award
Department: Cardiac Cath Lab
Physician: Dora Lee Ho, M.D.
Employee: Yvonne Burnett

Finance Pillar Award
Department: Case Management/Utilization Review
Physician: Mark Jackson, M.D.
Employee: Vicki Dirks

Volunteer Opportunities Available at Methodist Hospice Services

Methodist Hospice Services is looking for people interested in volunteering their time and talents to make a positive difference in the live of others. Methodist Hospice is looking for compassionate people to join other dedicated hospice volunteers.

Hospice volunteers visit with patients and families providing socialization or caregiver respite. Other needs include administrative and organizational help assisting in office and with special projects. Volunteer assignments are individualized to meet the schedules of patients and volunteers.

Free training sessions will be held May 11th from 1:00 pm. To 7:00 pm, May 12 and May 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Methodist East Campus Building on St. Marks Court in Peoria.

For additional information about becoming a Hospice Volunteer or to request an application, call (309) 672-5746

Pekin Hospital’s Vascular Clinic Offers FREE PVD Screenings

In an effort to improve the health of central Illinois, Pekin Hospital will offer free screenings for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) on Wednesday, April 15 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in Suite E of Park Court Medical Center. The free clinic is under the direction of James Williams, M.D., Board-Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon, and Paul Siebert, M.D., Board-Certified General Surgeon.

PVD develops silently and affects the arteries of more than 10 million Americans. The disease refers to the group of medical problems (damage/dysfunction in the arteries and veins) that cause poor circulation to the toes, feet, legs and hands. Vascular disease is most common among men and women over 50, but can occur at any age. Risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart or vascular disease, obesity, and/or a lack of physical activity.

The most common symptom of PVD is leg pain when walking or exercising, which disappears after a few minutes of rest. Although many people determine the cause of their pain is natural and assume it’s of no concern, PVD indicates vessels are clogged and may need medical attention. In early stages, there may be cramping or fatigue in the legs or buttocks. Other symptoms may include: swelling, numbness/tingling or skin discolorations in lower legs or feet; cold extremities; or sores that won’t heal. Advanced PVD can lead to amputation of part of the foot or leg, a heart attack, a stroke or a life-threatening aneurysm. Early detection and treatment of PVD and heart disease increase the chances that conditions can be controlled to ensure a better prognosis. A simple 15-20 minute screening can help identify the risk.
The FREE PVD screenings are available by appointment only. Please call (309) 353-6321 to arrange an appointment.

Methodist Names New Medical Group Director

Methodist Medical Group (MMG) has a new Service Line Director. Michael Jones has been named Methodist Medical Group Director effective March 30, 2009. Dr. Rick Anderson, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs made the announcement for Methodist Medical Center.

Jones comes from Rhinelander, Wisconsin where he served as Service Line Administrator of Specialty Care for Ministry Medical Group, Inc. of Milwaukee. As Director of the Methodist Medical Group, Jones will provide leadership for 90 physicians and 20 advanced practice providers in over 26 locations and another 29 in-school health programs.

Methodist Medical Group (MMG) is a network of primary care, walk-in-care, and specialized physicians who are board certified/board eligible in their areas of expertise. The MMG also includes other Advanced Practice Providers, such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.

April Puttin' On Pekin Recap

Sixty members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and their guest started their spring break with good food and fun at the April 3rd Puttin' On Pekin breakfast, coordinated by the Pekin 1st Committee. Les Rosiere won the early prize, while Fred Lawrence reluctantly accepted the late prize. Anthony Hall accepted the Spotlight on Business Award on behalf of Illinois American Water. Bob Blackwell, the Director of the Pekin Park District, spoke about the expansion of Parkside Athletics and some of the other new programs and facilities being planned at Pekin Park District. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

YWCA Hosted April Business After Hours

The YWCA of Pekin was the host of the Business After Hours on April 2nd. About 60 chamber members and guests came out to help the Y celebrate their 80th birthday. The staff and board from the Y served great refreshments, spoke about the many programs and services available, and offered tours of the facilities. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Dirksen Center Announces Grant Awards

The Dirksen Center will distribute $34,684 in Congressional Research Awards to eleven projects in 2009. Since 1978, The Center has awarded over $775,000 to more than 375 research projects focused on the U.S. Congress.

According to Center staff member Frank Mackaman, scholars will use the grants to study such topics as social class and congressional leadership, congressional oversight of the executive branch and the judiciary, and the rise of conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives. More historically-oriented projects include a study of lobbying in the early American republic and congressional action with regard to African American banking in the South during the New Deal.

Recipients this year include PhD candidates and faculty from Northwestern University, Princeton University, the University of Texas, and Stanford University, among others.

The Dirksen Congressional Center is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization in Pekin, Illinois, that seeks to improve civic engagement by promoting a better understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival, research, and educational programs.

Methodist at Pekin Offers Free Community Education Series

Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men aged 50 and older. Now area residents can learn more about the problem in the first of a series of free community education meetings offered by Methodist at Pekin. Michael Honan, MS, MD, FACP will be providing the latest information on Osteoporosis on April 21st at 6:30 p.m. at Methodist at Pekin, 1800 Broadway in Pekin.

The presentation will include major risk factors, screening tests that are currently available, preventive actions and therapeutic interventions, and side effects of medications used in osteoporosis treatment.

Future series topics will include women’s health issues, hearing loss, cardiac pacemakers and other devices as well as agricultural hazards.

For additional information, contact Methodist at Pekin at 309-346-3447.

Pekin Hospital to Offer Sibling Class

Pekin Hospital is offering a sibling education class designed for parents and children age two to 10 about becoming a big brother or big sister on Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon in Park Court Conference Center 1 at Pekin Hospital. The class offers a child-friendly video about bringing home a new baby, hands-on activities and fun treats for children, informational handouts for parents, plus a tour of The Baby Place. Please bring your children with you when you attend.

Preparing to welcome a new baby into the family is an exciting and busy time – not only for Mom and Dad, but also for other children in the home. Children participating in the class will be encouraged to talk about their feelings about their new siblings, expressing their anticipation and concerns.

The cost is $5 per family. For more information or to register, call The Baby Place at 353-0480.

Methodist Wins Gold National Website Award

The website for Methodist Medical Center has received a Gold Award from Web Health Awards. The Methodist award was one of only two Gold awards issued by Web Health Awards for the fall/winter competition. The Web Health Awards is organized by the Health Information Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for consumer health information programs and materials. The goal of the competition is to provide a “seal of quality” for electronic health information.

Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards are presented during the twice-yearly competition.
The Web based health awards is an extension of the Health Information Resource Center’s 16-year-old National Health Information Awards (NHIA), the largest program of its kind in the United States.

Methodist Marketing and Public Relations Director Rosemary Stuttle said,
"MyMethodist.net is not about Methodist – it's about you and your health. Our goal is to give you the information and tools you need to take you well into the future. We're very proud that our website has been recognized yet again for helping us achieve that goal, making healthcare more accessible to everyone in our community."

A panel of international health information and Internet experts judged the entries based on accuracy, success in reaching the targeted audience and overall quality.

The Methodist website can be found at http://www.mymethodist.net/.

John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament

The 13th Annual John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament has been scheduled at Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. This tournament is specifically designed to raise money to perpetuate this scholarship fund so Laborers' Local 231 can continue to give financial assistance to qualified recipients. Last year's tourney netted over $15,000 from which Laborers' Local 231 will be able to award a maximum of 10 scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. Registration deadline is June 1st. More information, including entry forms, are available by contacting Doris at the Laborer's Local 231 office at 347-7106.

Methodist Opens In- School Health Program at Manual High School

Methodist Medical Center has expanded its in-school health program with District 150 to include Manual High School. A public open house will be held Thursday, March 26 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m.

Manual is the first high school in the area to have an onsite in-school health program for students. Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Methodist is pleased to be able to offer medical services to a segment of our community which might not otherwise receive medical care.”

Completed near the first of the year, the new facility is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staffing includes a social worker specialist, Medical Office Assistant and a Nurse Practitioner. While located on the Manual campus, the new facility has its own access to the outside and features three fully equipped exam rooms, a nurses’ center and a waiting area. The clinic also features state-of-the-art electronic medical records provide paperless tracking of patients medical records throughout the Methodist Medical Group system.

Bryant said parents must give written approval for their children to be seen at the clinic. Students can then receive assessment, diagnosis and treatment of minor illness and injury as well as identification of conditions that may need further referral such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Students can also receive athletic physicals, immunizations, health screenings and individual and group health education. Parents can call the Manual Health Center at 309-495-8509 to schedule physical appointments.

Methodist Medical Group is the exclusive provider of in-school health programs for District 150, Pekin, Morton, Peoria Heights, Pleasant Valley and PCEEO Head Start and Early Head Start.

Service League Donates to Methodist Medical Center

A custom transport van outfitted to accommodate four secured wheelchairs while also providing seating for four patient attendants will enable Methodist Medical Center to provide additional services to wheelchair patients. The van is a gift to the hospital from the members of the Methodist Service League, who are also providing funding for a driver for one year.

Service League President Kathy Mackay officially presented the van keys to Michael Bryant, President and CEO of Methodist Medical Center, on Friday March 27.

Resources to purchase the van were raised by members of the Service League through the hospital gift shop, the annual Gift Show, and various other activities during the year. Since its founding in 1952, the Service League has contributed more than $5.5 million dollars to Methodist. The group has 100 active and 200 active associate members.

According to Michael Bryant, “ This van will allow Methodist rehabilitation patients to travel in a group for occupational therapy outings, and will enable Methodist to provide transportation for wheelchair bound patients when needed.”

The van is the only such vehicle in the area capable of handling up to four secured wheel chairs at one time, plus four attendants. The van includes a heavy-duty chair lift.

Bryant said that the wheelchair transport will be a courtesy service, although donations to help defray operating costs will be appreciated and may be made to the Methodist Medical Center Foundation.

Chamber Electric & Gas Coop Forming

Are your gas and electric bills wreaking havoc on the bottom line of your business or organization? The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has joined with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to offer another opportunity to join a purchasing group. Over 200 local chamber members have taken advantage of this members-only benefit and participated in the three previous groups. An informational meeting will be held in Peoria on the morning of April 23rd. Click on the image to the right to download a flyer and registration form.

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Reception

The Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend the Annual Meeting and Reception. It will be held on Monday, April 27th, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at the Pekin Country Club. Tickets are $25 per person and tables of 8 are available. For more information, click on the image to the right. To make reservations, please call the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 346-2106.

Thanks to our sponsors: Methodist Medical Center, Midwest Generation Powerton Station, Pekin Insurance, Herget Bank, Advanced Medical Transport, CenturyTel, Excalibur Seasong, Illinois American Water, Leman Property Management, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes, Udry Jewelers, and Velde GM SuperCentre,

Peoria Pirates News

Peoria Pirates at the Quad City Steamwheelers THIS WEEKEND!
Come Support the Team!
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Kickoff 3:05 p.m.
The Steamwheelers have a special discounted block of tickets for Pirates fans!
Ask for "Pirates Discount" to receive $7.00 lower bowl endzone tickets.
To Get Your Tickets Contact the Quad City Front Office at 309-797-8500or visit the iWireless
Box Office,1201 River Dr., Moline, IL 61225.
We hope to see you there!
_______________________________

CWTC Bowl-A-Thon
Saturday, March 28, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Landmark Recreation, 3225 N. Dries Ln., Peoria, IL 61604
Join the Pirates players and coaches for this annual event. Get your autographs and photos, bid on fantastic gift baskets, and watch the players bowl some frames with the teams. Come out for a good time for a great cause!!

http://www.peoriapiratesaf2.compeoria/

Pirates 2009 Home Schedule
Friday, April 10 vs. Iowa Barnstormers, 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 vs. Kentucky Horsemen, 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 vs. Milwaukee Iron, 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 vs. Quad City Steamwheelers, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 vs. Green Bay Blizzard, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 vs. Albany Firebirds, 7 p.m.
Friday, July 3 vs. Quad City Steamwheelers, 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 vs. Mahoning Valley Thunder, 7 p.m.
Call me to schedule a group outing to a game!!!

April Calendar

April Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

1st Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

2nd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

2nd Business AFTER Hours, Pekin YWCA, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

3rd Puttin’ On Pekin, K of C Hall, 6:45 pm Reservations Required

7th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

8th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

10th Good Friday Holiday, Office Closed

14th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

15th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

16th Marketing Comm, District 108 Boardroom, 7:30 am

27th Chamber Annual Meeting & Reception, Pekin Country Club, 4:30~7:00 pm Reservations Required

28th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

May Calendar

May Calendar of Events

5th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

6th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

7th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

8th Breakfast 2.0, To Be Announced, 7:00 am Reservations Appreciated

12th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

13th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

13th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

14th Business AFTER Hours, Leman Property Management - Hickory Hills Subdivision; 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

20th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

25th Memorial Day Holiday, Office Closed

28th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

Biz Barometer and Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) along with The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) increased 0.4% for the month of January. The CCPI-U (chained all urban consumers) increased 0.5% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the CPI-U unchanged, -0.5% for the CPI-W, and the C-CPI-U. The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—December, 2008, and January, 2009 are not available.

Membership Renewals through March 26, 2009

Thank you to the businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Bond Eye Associates ~ Carl & Nichols Shell ~ Comcast ~ Dr. Anthony DeMonte, DDS ~ East Court Village ~ Elks Lodge ~ Elliff, Keyser, Oberle & Dancey, PC ~ FCI Pekin ~ First Federal Savings & Loan ~ Griffin-Rahn Insurance ~ Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Kelley Construction Contractors, Inc. ~ Pekin Area Network (PAN) ~ Pekin Country Club ~ Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts ~ Sam Leman Auto Stop ~ Super 8 Motel ~ The Stove Shop ~ Tractor Supply Company ~ University of Illinois Extension ~ Eric White ~ X Waste Disposal

Executive Director's Report by Bill Fleming

The economic bad news is starting to hit closer to home. While there are still some industries and segments of our national and local economy doing well, there are many that are struggling. Here’s a snapshot of a couple measurements of our local economy.

Unemployment Numbers Climb Higher
The Illinois Department of Employment Security released the January employment figures, and as expected, the numbers were not good for our area.

The State of Illinois unemployment rate for January hit 8.5%. That's the highest mark in Illinois since 1992. The United States unemployment rate also stood at 8.5% in January.

The Pekin-Peoria MSA rate jumped from 6.2% in December to 7.4% in January. That's an increase of over 2,300 unemployed workers during the month. The number of employed people in the Peoria market fell under 190,000 for the first time since February of 2007.

Tazewell County's unemployment rate went from 6.1% in December to 7.3% in January. Over 5,300 people are without jobs in the county, the highest number since February of 1996.

And in the city of Pekin the unemployment rate increased from 7.5% in December to 8.9% in January. With 238 net jobs lost in January, there are now 1,574 people out of work in Pekin, the highest number since February of 1996.

Not to diminish or marginalize the number of individuals who have lost their job, it should be noted that the size of the number of jobs in our area has grown steadily over the years. Last year the number of jobs in the Pekin-Peoria MSA was pushing 200,000. Just 10 years ago that number was 175,150. In 1985 it was only 146,548.

Sales Tax Revenues Flat
A little better news is that Pekin’s sales tax revenues have remained relatively flat. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue’s disbursements of sales tax collected in January, the City of Pekin was down 2.2% compared to the same month from the previous year. For the three “holiday shopping” months (collected in November, December, and January), Pekin’s sales tax revenue was down only 1.5% compared to the same period from the previous year. That’s not great news, but perhaps it is not as bad as some people expected. Some Central Illinois communities did worse than Pekin, and a couple did a little better in those same comparisons.

Will Governor’s Budget Be Good For Business?
Here’s a quick summary by the Illinois Chamber Tax Institute of four sales tax proposals included in Governor Quinn’s budget.

Taxing Licensed Computer Software - This proposal would tax custom business software applications that are licensed to Illinois businesses - not sold to them. It would create a new lease tax on business software, which will lead to the outsourcing of technology jobs. Illinois' tax treatment of leased business software is an important incentive for investment in technology and high-tech jobs. Repealing this tax treatment will create a powerful incentive to move tech jobs to low cost countries like India.

Limiting the Graphic Arts Exemption - The Governor has proposed limiting the Graphic Arts exemption to businesses primarily engaged in graphic arts production, as opposed to allowing the deduction for other industries that use graphic arts machinery and equipment.

Allowing the Manufacturer's Purchase Credit to Sunset - The MPC allows manufacturers to use tax credits earned by purchasing manufacturing machinery and equipment for use in Illinois to reduce their sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing consumables - things that are used up in the manufacturing process and not actually re-sold. The credit helps offset some costs that are much higher in Illinois than in other states and, certainly, other nations.

Decreasing the Retailers' Discount from 1.75% to .75% - Retailer's discounts are provided by law in order to compensate retailers for the costs associated with collecting and remitting sales taxes on behalf of the government. In 2006, states and industry groups worked together with PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct a detailed study of the true costs to business of collecting state sales taxes. The study found that the average cost of collection for all retailers was 3.09% of the tax dollars collected. They also broke down the costs of collection by size of business, with small retailers incurring costs equal to 13.47%, medium sized retailers at 5.2%, and large retailers at 2.17% of tax dollars collected. The study arrived at these percentages after taking into account any benefits retailers received from "the float" from investing tax dollars between collection and remittance to the state. The current Illinois retailer's discount is 1.75% and does not even begin to cover the costs incurred by Illinois businesses to collect and remit our sales tax - one of the most complex sales taxes in the country.

Puttin' On Pekin April 3rd

It's time to make your reservations for the Puttin' On Pekin breakfast, which will be held on Friday, April 3rd, beginning at 6:45am at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th. This month's program will be Bob Blackwell from the Pekin Park District. Start your spring break with your fellow chamber members and enjoy breakfast, the 50/25/25 drawings, one-minute reminders, Meet the New Chamber Member, and the door prize drawings. The cost is only $10 for reservations made before 4:30 pm on April 1st. After that, the cost is $15.00 per person. Payment can be made at the door. Make checks payable in the exact amount to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are required and can be made by email at chamber@pekin.net, or by calling the Chamber at 346-2106.

YWCA Hosting April Business After Hours

Come to the April Business After Hours and help the YWCA of Pekin celebrate their 80th Anniversary. After Hours will be held on Thursday, April 2nd from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at the YWCA of Pekin, 315 Buena Vista. Please call the chamber to make a reservation, or click here.

Click on the image below to download a copy of the flyer.

YWCA Seeking Nominees for Women's Recognition Luncheon

The YWCA is accepting nominations for outstanding leadership and achievement awards to be presented at its 28th Annual Women’s Recognition Day luncheon on Thursday, May 7th at the Pekin Country Club. The event will begin with a social from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by the luncheon program. Nominations to honor outstanding accomplishments and contribution of women in their careers and community service are being accepted at the YWCA office through April 20th. Categories include Arts, Business, Outstanding Employee, Professions, Sports, and Community Service. For more information or nomination forms, call the YWCA at 347-9922 or visit their website at www.ywca.org/pekin.

Community Leadership Academy: Springfield

The Community Leadership Academy went to Springfield to learn about the Illinois state government. The trip also included the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce's Community Leadership School. The group took a tour of the State Capitol, heard from Representative David Leitch, Senator Dale Risinger, House Republican Leader Representative Tom Cross, Senator Dave Koehler, and Senator James Clayborn, the Senate Majority Leader. The group also heard from lobbyists, political reporter Dave Dahl, and toured the Lincoln Museum. You can see more pictures from this event on our picture site at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital Offers Breastfeeding Education Class

Pekin Hospital is offering breastfeeding education classes on Thursday, April 2 & 9, from 6:30-8:30pm in the Park Court Conference Center at Pekin Hospital. Mothers are encouraged to attend with the support person if possible. Grandparents are also invited to attend. The cost of the class is $10. To register, or for more information, please call The Baby Place at (309) 353-0480.

Whether you are undecided about your feeding choice or have already decided to breastfeed, this class will be beneficial. Parents who have taken this class consider it to be a major factor in their successful breastfeeding experience. Education is offered by our lactation consultant and includes:

• Breastfeeding facts and benefits
• Positioning and latch
• Breastfeeding for the working mother
• Role of the father/support person

For additional classes and information visit www.pekinhospital.org.

Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Financial Assistance Applications Available

The Pekin Hospital Auxiliary is soliciting applications for the 2009 Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Financial Assistance Program. This award of financial assistance is presented annually to students who are enrolled in qualified, professional health-related programs. Students living in the Tri-county area are eligible to apply, with priority extended to applicants who intend to return to the Pekin area to practice their skills. Applicants must apply annually, and recipients will not be eligible for more than four years of assistance.

The scholarship committee reviews applications and selects the award recipient(s) based upon course of study; financial need; scholarship achievements, including honors and grades; experience/extra-curricular involvement, volunteer and work-related; letters of recommendation; and general qualifications and goals. The scholarship(s) will be presented in August 2009.

All completed applications, grade transcripts for the most current semester, letters of recommendation and other pertinent information must be submitted to Pekin Hospital's Volunteer Services at 600 S. 13th Street, Pekin by June 3, 2009. Please indicate that the envelope contains an application for the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship.

For more information or to receive an application, please contact Christie Perry at 353-0204.

Pekin Hospital League’s 18th Annual Golf Classic

The Pekin Hospital League’s 18th Annual Golf Classic will be held on Monday, May 4 at Sunset Hills Golf Club.

The entry fee is $l00 per person and includes green fees, cart, box lunch, beverages, and a buffet dinner. Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. shot-gun start. The format will be a two person scramble. The right hole-in-one could net the winner $5,000 along with chances to win other bonus prizes. Proceeds from the golf classic will go toward the Pekin Hospital League’s special projects.

Entry forms are available at Sunset Hills Golf Club, Parkview Golf Course and Lick
Creek Golf Course. Entry deadline is April 16, 2009. For more information, call Colleen
Ingersoll at (309) 347-1716, Lila Hoffert at (309) 346-9498, or Gloria Neal at (309) 347-7307.

Methodist Mobile Mammography Schedule

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Breast Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of April 2009. Unless otherwise listed, the van will be in these locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

April 1-Methodist Medical Group at East Peoria-200 River Road-East Peoria
April 4-Kroger-3311 N. Sterling-Peoria (Saturday)
April 6-Cherry Tree Shopping Center-Washington
April 7-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton-Morton’
April 8-Methodist Medical Group at Metamora-901 Walnut, Metamora
April 13-Wal-Mart-2071 N. Main-Canton
April 15-Methodist Medical Group at Princeville, 223 E Main-Princeville
April 17-Methodist at Lacon-1112 D. Fifth-Lacon
April 21-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton-Morton
April 22-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin
April 25-Sam’s Club-Willow Knolls Shopping Center-Peoria (Saturday)
April 27-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar-Chillicothe
April 30-Methodist MedPointe at Peoria-8914 N. Knoxville-Peoria

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over.

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

Community Leadership Academy Banquet

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the graduates of the 2009 Community Leadership Academy with a banquet on March 19th at the Pekin Country Club. Brad McMillan, Executive Director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University, was the speaker. More pictures from the event are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber.

This is the eleventh year the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has held a community leadership academy. During the 10 previous years, 215 people have participated in the program.

The 2009 Community Leadership Academy Graduates include:

Mark Blunier, Midwest Generation
Yvonne Burnett, Pekin Hospital
Leslie A. Cameron, Heartland Bank
Dale E. Green, Midwest Generation
Michael M. Guerra, City of Pekin
Steve Hall, Pekin Hospital
Melida A. Heien, Pekin Daily Times
Rebecca R. Hillig, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes
Gregory A. Jaeger, CEFCU
Jeffrey A. Kickert, Midwest Generation
Jason M. Kreiling, Herget Bank
Steven W. Lambiase, Pekin Hospital
Frederick C. Lawrence III, American Fire Service
Candace L. Liggin, Washington Chamber of Commerce
Leigh Ann Matthews, Pekin Main Street
Denise M. Merriman, CEFCU
Gregory R. Nelson, City of Pekin
Kurt R. Nelson, City of Pekin
Jeffrey W. Stevenson, National City Bank
Dan Tharp, Pekin Hospital

Chamber Recognition of R. David Tebben
At the banquet Dr. Timm Schwartz, President of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, announced the Chamber's recognition of R. David Tebben.

"Last December, the city of Pekin lost one of its most dedicated leaders. Dave Tebben left his mark on many organizations, including the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Dave served on the Board of Directors of the chamber from 1978-1981and as an officer from 1983-1987, including 1986-1987 as President. As Mayor, he was an ex-officio member of the board for another 9 years.

"He was involved in the Marigold Festival as the first chairman of the Medallion Hunt and more recently as emcee of the Miss Marigold Pageant.

"He served as the facilitator of the Community Leadership Academy and frequently spoke in the first session of each academy on the topic of leadership.

"The Board of Directors wanted to recognize Dave’s contributions to our organization in a meaningful and lasting way. Encouraging new community leaders was something very dear to Dave. Therefore, from this point forward, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Academy will be known as the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy.

The certificates and gifts presented to the graduates reflected the name change.

Community Leadership Academy Staff
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Community Leadership Academy. The program is developed and organized by a volunteer steering committee, which prepares all materials and develops the curriculum. A member of the Chamber staff coordinates administrative functions for the programs. The committee members are:

Pamela Anderson, City of Pekin
Crystal Elliott, Pekin Hospital
Sally Kuhn, Commerce Bank
Justin Reeise, Farnsworth Group
Caterina Richardson, Bridgeway
Stephanie Stoneking, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes
Marilyn Strickfaden, Herget Bank (chairperson)
Kay Sutton, Illinois Central College

The Community Leadership Academy "faculty" consists of tri-county community leaders who volunteer their time to share their expertise with Leadership Academy participants. The 2009 faculty included:

Bill Fleming, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce; Pamela Anderson, City of Pekin; Frank Mackaman, Dirksen Congressional Center; Melinda Figge, Pekin Coalition for Equality; Stewart Umholtz, Tazewell County States Attorney; Honorable Richard McCoy, Circuit Judge; Terri Gambetti, Pekin Park District; Rusty Dunn, Mayor, City of Pekin, CAT; Brent Lonteen, Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau; Robert Huston, Tazewell County Sheriff; David Jones, Tazewell County Administrator; Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital; Paula Davis, PCHS District 303; Dr. Bill Link, Pekin Public Schools District 108; Alissa Williams, Pekin Public Library; and, Dennis Kief, City of Pekin.

The 2009 Field Trips were at Excalibur Seasonings, Dirksen Congressional Center, Aventine Renewable Energy, Midwest Generation – Powerton Station, Pekin Park District, Tazewell Machine Works, CAT, Tazewell County Justice Center, Pekin Hospital, Washington School, Pekin Public Library, Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way of Pekin, Salvation Army, TCRC, Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, YWCA of Pekin, Federal Correctional Institution – Pekin, and the State Capitol in Springfield.

Easter Egg Hunt

Southside Business Association

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

at Coal Miners Park - Saturday, April 4th

Starting at 1:00pm

Age Groups:

Toddlers - 2

2-4

5-6

7-8

9-10

Come Join The Fun

Our American Cousin

This is your official invitation to attend a play to celebrate Abe Lincoln's 200th birthday. There will even be cake to help celebrate.

"Our American Cousin" will be performed at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on April 11th at the Pekin Union Mission, 203 Court Street. Tickets are $8.00 and available at the Tazewell County Museum, Vonderheide's Carpet on Derby, Excalibur Seasoning, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and any of the committee members.

President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by a professional actor) will be in attendance, as will the first lady. Please download the flyer for all the information. It is based on the original play poster.

Download the flyer at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/cousin.pdf

Go to Dot.Fun Luncheon and Support Free Job Training for Others

Ever felt guilty when shopping online for jewelry, antiques, art or collectibles? Goodwill is sponsoring the Dot.Fun Luncheon on Saturday, April 18th to help change that. The luncheon will showcase special items available on www.shopgoodwill.com, the first nonprofit auction site developed in 1999 by a Goodwill in California. Unique donations are auctioned online to produce revenues in support of Goodwill’s free job training programs and other services. Dot.Fun will take place at the Hotel Pere Marquette from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is $25 in advance, plus a collectible or unique donation at the door (no clothing, please). Reservations can be made by sending a check payable to Goodwill Industries at 2319 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61614. Tables of 8 or 10 are available. MasterCard and VISA are also accepted. Space is limited. For further information, call 309-682-1113, ext. 116.

Luncheon guests will have an opportunity to set up their own shopgoodwill.com account and even bid online at the event. Lessons on navigating the nonprofit auction site, as well as security and bidding tips will be given.

Dozens of items, including antique toys, jewelry, musical instruments, glassware and other unusual collectibles will be shown at the event: All will be posted to the auction site the following week. In addition, edible items created by Susan Crisler of That’s a Cake? will be featured at the luncheon. Crisler's cakes are so realistic that people think they’re buying a Chanel purse or floral display, not an edible cake. A silent auction for That’s a Cake? gift certificates will also take place. Proceeds will benefit Goodwill.

“It’s spring and we’re encouraging people to come out to learn and have fun while supporting a good cause. Donations are our first priority and these special types of donations are particularly helpful when it comes to fulfilling our mission,” states Patty Fuchs, CEO of the central Illinois Goodwill. More than 70 Goodwill agencies from around the United States participate in the marketing of unique items via this website.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It is one of 184 members of Goodwill Industries International. The agency is CARF accredited and operates nine retail stores, three donation centers, the Goodwill Learning Centers in Peoria and Galesburg and the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans in Peoria. For information on classes and other job related services, call the agency or visit www.goodwillpeo.org.

Methodist Emergency Department Gains State Recognition

The Emergency Department of Methodist Medical Center as been recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP).

The three-year certification recognizes hospitals that enhance their emergency departments to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. Methodist Emergency Department Service Line Director, Anthony Howard said, “Emergencies sometimes come in small packages. Pediatric patients require specialized care and as part of our commitment to caring for families of all ages, we have voluntarily achieved designation from the State of Illinois as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics.”

In addition to being a Level II Trauma Center, the pediatric designation indicates that Methodist has specially trained staff, equipment and supplies needed to effectively provide emergency care for children, including nurses who have completed specialized pediatric training.

Howard said, “Methodist is proud to have the highly skilled nursing and physician staff that has allowed us to add this state designation.”

WZPW-FM Nominated

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria is proud to announce that WZPW-FM Power 92.3 has been nominated by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) for a Crystal Radio Award. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized Radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service.

Crystal Radio Award finalists were chosen by a panel of judges representing broadcasting, community service organizations, and public relations firms. Finalists will be honored and winners will be announced at the Radio Luncheon, Tuesday, April 21st, during NAB2009 in Las Vegas.

“These stations and the talent behind them never cease to amaze me, with their drive for excellence and the support they get from the great Peoria area. Having the right people in the right places makes my job easy.” states J.R. Greeley, Market Manager.

Jason Parkinson, WZPW Program Director adds, “We live and work in the Peoria area and care about the other people who live and work here. You can't say that about satellite radio or syndicated programming. Being involved in our community is the best part about local radio and we're very excited to have been one of only 50 total stations from across the country nominated for this prestigious award.”

The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois. Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “RGCI.”

Community Leadership Academy: Leaders

The final class of the Community Leadership Academy included a presentation on presidential leadership traits by Frank Mackaman, Director of the Dirksen Congressional Center. Also, Melinda Figge, Executive Director of YWCA of Pekin, spoke about the Coalition for Equality and their efforts to combat racism.

March Meeting of Stroke Support Group Scheduled

If you or a loved one has important questions regarding stroke and survival after stroke, Pekin Hospital and the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) are hosting a Stroke Support Group meeting on March 24 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Pekin Hospital. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for stroke survivors, families, peer support and caregivers.

Pekin Hospital invites anyone coping with or supporting a loved one who has had a stroke to attend meetings with the Stroke Support Group. The group’s goal is to provide educational and emotional support for stroke patients, stroke survivors, and their families. Discussions and presentations focus on understanding and managing emotions, supportive care, nutrition, and internet research, along with other issues that are important to group members. Some of the past topics discussed include: medication management, driving after stroke, managing emotions, updates in stroke care, fall prevention, and spirituality.

There is no cost to join the group. To learn more about the Stroke Support Group, please call (309) 353-0570.

Pekin Suzuki Strings Festival Planned

The Pekin District 108, School of Music, will have their annual Pekin Suzuki Strings Festival on Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at Wilson School in Pekin.

The Festival is a two-day invitational festival that consists of 11 levels of violin, viola, and cello instruction workshops and parent groups all led by well-known clinicians. Participation is by pre-registration only. A culmination informal concert will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 and is free to the public. For more information, call (309) 477-4744.

Methodist Offers Free Health Screening Opportunities

The following are times and locations for free public screenings offered by Methodist Medical Center. Taking you well into the future.

Free Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Spirometry

April 7 –U of I College of Medicine
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
No appointment necessary

April 9-Pearce Community Center
9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
No appointment necessary

April 11th-Creve Coeur Community Center
7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
No appointment necessary

April 16-Ameren Cilco-Washington
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
No appointment necessary

April 29th-Pekin YWCA
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
No appointment necessary

A 12-hour fast is required for cholesterol screenings. For additional information call 672-5904 or for a look at our complete screening schedule, visit the Event Calendar at www.mymethodist.net

97.3 River Country receives Radio Promotion Award

97.3 River Country WFYR-FM received a 3rd Place Radio Promotion Award from Country Radio Broadcasters for the Teddy Bears Valentines efforts in February 2008. On Valentine’s Day in 2008 staff from 97.3 River Country delivered over 3,500 bears to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The bears were collected from radio listeners, local schools, charities, businesses and organizations. This was the second year of the Teddy Bear Valentine’s donation and was repeated in 2009 with great success for the Children’s Hospital.

Awards will be presented on Friday, March 6 at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee. All stations were judged on the creativity and implementation of their promotions, held between November 1, 2007 - Dec 31, 2008. Winners were evaluated on promotion objective, presentation style, effect on cume and overall success.

'To be recognized on a national level for a local drive like this is truly an honor," says River Country’s Program Director Ric Morgan.

Staff from 97.3 River Country joined employees and volunteers from the Children’s Hospital in handing out the bears. All left-over bears will be used in the days to come at the Children’s Hospital.

'We’d like to thank the community for supporting the Children’s Hospital and our effort in raising over 1,000 bears to support the sick children,” says Stephenson. “We will be back to make another delivery next year.” 97.3 River Country has “raised” over 6,700 teddy bears for the Children’s hospital over the past three years.

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization founded in 1969 by Tom McEntee. CRB is the principal entity that brings Country radio together with the Country music industry for learning opportunities that promote growth. Each year, the CRB advances the knowledge of thousands of professionals who participate in our live events, as well as additional thousands who visit our website.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in mid-sized markets. Regent owns and operates 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "RGCI."

Breakfast 2.0: Social Networking

About 25 Chamber members and guests attended the Breakfast 2.0 workshop this morning and learned about Social Networking. The Pekin Public Library hosted the workshop and speakers and panelists included Alissa Ulrich, Brian Carroll, Edgar Sandoval and Tony Brust.

Community Leadership Academy: Organizations

Today the Community Leadership Academy heard from several organizations, including the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, Dream Factory, the Miller Senior Center, TAPS, and the House of Hope. You can see more pictures from this and other Chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Methodist College of Nursing Plans Open House

The Methodist College of Nursing will be hosting an open house on Saturday, March 28, 2009. The 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. open house will allow those interested in nursing and nursing education to meet faculty staff and students.

Participants will be able to get information on a baccalaureate nursing degree and an RN-BSN nursing degree, see the state-of –the- art learning resource center, and get details on the College of Nursing admission process.

The Methodist College of Nursing is located off I-74 at 415 St. Mark Court in Peoria.

For additional information call 672-5513 or go online to www.mcon.edu

Regent Broadcasting Honors Employees

J.R. Greeley, Market Manager and Bob Swinehart, Director of Sales for REGENT BROADCASTING OF PEORIA, are proud to announce that February's Employee of the Month is Donna Bennett and Sales Representative of the Month is Eric Coleman.

"Eric has used his talents & enthusiasm for radio in contributing to our success in Peoria," states Bob Swinehart. "His growth in the sales department has been impressive!"

Mr. Coleman is a graduate of SIU-Edwardsville with a degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations and did an internship with Regent-Peoria. Eric additionally worked for KMOX Radio in St.Louis as a Marketing Intern and WSIE in Edwardsville as a Traffic Announcer.

“Donna is a key player in the Accounting function here at Regent - she contributes each day to our receivables and collections efforts and somehow manages to provide information to our employees on a timely basis. In all ways, Donna is a team player and we’re delighted that she’s on our team,” says Diane Burden, Business Manager.

Ms Bennett’s previous experience includes Legal Secretarial work, Office Management, and as a Chief Clerk for the Pekin School District. A native of the Central Illinois area, Donna currently resides in Pekin with her husband, has two grown children and 3 grandchildren.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM, and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “RGCI.”

Pekin Town Hall Meeting

State Representative Mike Smith, State Senator Dave Koehler, and Pekin Mayor Rusty Dunn

invite you to join them for a

TOWN HALL MEETING

Location: Pekin City Hall, 111 S. Capitol

Date: Monday, March 16th

Time: 6:00pm

Please stop by to meet with Sen. Koehler, Rep. Smith and Mayor Dunn for a brief legislative update and to discuss current state and local issues. Join us for refreshments and to share your views on what is happening across the state and right here in your community.

Free Colorectal Screening Scheduled for March 18

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Pekin Hospital will partner with Mid-Illini Surgical Associates, and the American Cancer Society for a Colorectal Screening on Wednesday, March 18.

This free community-wide screening event will be held in Pekin Hospital’s Lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For those with limited time, a drive-through lane will be provided in front of the main entrance during the screening hours.

Attendees will receive a free home screening test kit. The home test kit checks for blood in the stool and is completed in the privacy of your home. The kit is then returned to Pekin Hospital for a free analysis. Each person and their physician will be notified of the test results.

Representatives of Mid Illini Surgical Associates, Pekin Hospital, and the Cancer Society will be on hand to provide and answer questions.

Colorectal Cancer is the second most deadly cancer found in men and women in this country. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends men and women receive a colon cancer screening beginning at age 50 at least once a year.

Pekin Hospital to Offer Diabetes Education Classes

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on March 30, 31, and April 1. The series of three classes will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital.

The classes are designed to provide information on managing adult diabetes and are designed to help diabetics learn and develop the skills of self-management of diabetes therapy. Topics covered in the sessions will include:

• the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control
• how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size
• the possible complications associated with diabetes
• why exercise will benefit your health and make you feel good

Workshop speakers will include a Certified Diabetes Educator, Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Registered Pharmacist, Exercise Specialist, and Registered Medical Technician.

Class fees are $60 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost). The $60 includes all three classes. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is March 27. To register, please call (309) 353-0719.

Pekin Country Club Hosted March Business After Hours

The March 5th Business After Hours was hosted by Pekin Country Club. Kathy Kemp and her staff did a great job, as always, with their hospitality. PCC Board President John Gardner welcomed the chamber members and told them a little bit about PCC and their plans for the year. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events on our picture page at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Administrative Professional Celebration

Tri-County Chapter of the IAAP
Administrative Professional Celebration
www.iaap-tricounty.org
Elevating Admins to Excel in Today’s Office

Excellence in Action: Reach for the Stars!

Join us as we celebrate YOU! Share a delicious dinner, network, shop, win prizes and enjoy a dynamic presentation by Doris Symonds! A 25 Women in Leadership 2008 recipient, Doris is passionate in helping women excel in everything they do.

Come for a time of refreshment, encouragement and connection with other Administrative Professionals as we celebrate who we are and all we do! Reserve your place at a table TODAY.

RELAX! SHOP! DINE! NETWORK! LEARN! WIN! CELEBRATE!

DATE: Tuesday, April 7, 2009

WHAT: AP Celebration: Excellence in Action: Reach for the Stars!

WHEN: 5:00 p.m. Shopping with Vendors
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Welcome/Dinner
6:30 -7:30 p.m. Speaker Presentation
7:30- 8:00 p.m. Closing/Shopping with Vendors

WHERE: Peoria Civic Center, Room 135/136 (look for signs: Tri-County IAAP)
201 SW Jefferson, Peoria IL (free parking in the Fulton Street Lot)

TOPIC: “Interviewing Skills” presented by Doris Symonds, CEO of T.A.L.K., Teaching and Learning for Knowledge, Business Growth Coach, Author and Speaker.

DINNER: Plated Dinner, Salad, Dessert, Rolls, Coffee, Iced Tea or Water. (vegetarian meal by request) Plated dinner choices (choose one):

• Baked Chicken Parmagio (Boneless Chicken Breast stuffed w/grated Parmesan, fresh herbs topped w/Port Wine and Marinara) buttered Linguini, seasonal vegetables.
• Roasted Pork Loin (seasoned w/sage and onion dressing, glazed w/gravy), baked apple garnish, seasonal vegetables.

COST: $25.00 payable to: IAAP Tri-County

RSVP: Call or E-mail Savanna Bohm at 655-2727, savanna.r.bohm@osfhealthcare.org by NOON on April 1, 2009 - please specify dinner choice

Community Leadership Academy: Team Projects

Today the participants presented their team projects. Each participant was expected to work with a group on a team project. The project ideas were submitted by and benefited local agencies and organizations. The Pekin Public Library, Goodwill, and the Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center were the organizations that benefited by the teams projects. More pictures from the Community Leadership Academy area available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/pekinchamber

Protecting Yourself From Colorectal Cancer

In an effort to promote National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, Pekin Hospital will offer a free dinner presentation, “Protecting Yourself from Colorectal Cancer,” on Wednesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Park Court Conference Center 1. Eli Kuga, M.D., from Illinois Gastroenterology Institute, will discuss the risk factors and screening options, along with ways to reduce your chances for developing colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in this country and is preventable and curable when detected early. Early cancer does not cause any symptoms; screening is the only proven way to prevent colorectal cancer.
Despite the fact that it is highly preventable, it is estimated that approximately 148,610 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and 55,170 people will die from the disease. Because many people are embarrassed to talk about this disease, many myths about colorectal cancer exist. By offering an educational presentation on colorectal cancer, Pekin Hospital hopes to dispel many of the myths that exist.

Reservations are requested to attend the dinner presentation. Please call 353-0662 to register.

CEFCU Receives Torch Award

CEFCU was honored to receive the 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for business integrity. CEFCU competed against other local, like-sized businesses which exhibit high ethical standards with business partners, vendors, customers, and employees, as well as the community.

The Central Illinois Better Business Bureau established the award program to gain public recognition for organizations which practice a high level of ethics in their daily business dealings. Being ranked among the most ethical businesses in Central Illinois is an impressive testament to CEFCU's on-going commitment to members, staff, and the community.

Mark Spenny, President/CEO, said "CEFCU's Board and Staff are truly honored to have received this award, since integrity is the foundation on which the Credit Union was built. This honor will challenge us to maintain and continue improving our business practices."

With assets totaling over $3.6 billion, CEFCU serves 236,000 members through 19 Central Illinois Member Centers; the CEFCU Financial Center; the Money Center 24 ATM Network; CEFCU's Web site, www.cefcu.com; and cefcu.mobi.

Peoria Pirates Name New GM

Jim Foster, known to be an avid boater, has stayed true to form. After giving up the helm of a Mississippi steam wheeler he built and launched in 2000, he is now taking the wheel of an operating Pirate ship on the Illinois River.

The Peoria Pirates recently announced that Arena Football founder Jim Foster is joining the organization as its managing local owner. In addition to shepherding the Arena game from the back of a 9” X 12” manila envelope into a successful operating league as its first commissioner, Foster also founded and led the nearby Quad City Steamwheelers to a great deal of success from 2000-2006 as its managing owner.

The Pirates closest rival won back to back af2 titles in 2000 with a perfect all-time pro-football record, 19-0 record and then repeated in 2001 with an 18-1 mark. The team also sold out the majority of its games during that time period and throughout his management was one of the top tier af2 teams in attendance.

Foster also founded, owned and managed one of the AFL’s most storied franchises, the Iowa Barnstormers, (Des Moines, 1995-2000) who played in two ArenaBowls, led by future NFL star QB, Kurt Warner.

He now moves south less than 100 miles to take over the reigns of the Pirates who have enjoyed some past success of their own as 2002 af2 champions with many capacity crowds rooting them on. Last year’s 4-12 record combined with average crowds of 3,400 create both a challenge and an opportunity for both Foster and Head Coach Bruce Cowdrey to tackle head on.

According to Foster, “I accepted the opportunity because my evaluation of the Peoria market indicates that there is still a good level of support for Arena Football and the Pirates if they can effectively and professionally operate a good organization in harmony with a competitive, winning team. I believe that can be achieved through hard work, innovative thinking, and a quality football team. I need to take the existing staff and begin the process of rebuilding a solid credible organization that meets and exceeds the expectations of the Peoria market."

"One of the first areas I am going to address is a total review and adjustment of Pirates ticket pricing. Given the ongoing difficulties with the economy, I believe that we can make ticket pricing and ticket packages more fan user friendly. Changes will be announced soon and some cases we may have ticket holders who will be eligible for a partial refund. "

"There is a great deal of work to do in a short period of time, but hopefully we can make some noticeable, positive changes in the way we do business. Majority owner Doug MacGregor feels strongly about this direction or I would not have come on board."

MacGregor had this to say about Foster joining the organization: “We are fortunate to gain the services of Jim Foster as he joins the Peoria Pirates as our managing local partner. He brings a wealth of passion, innovation and proven experience that should be valuable in growing the Pirates. I look forward to working with him in our ongoing commitment to the bringing high quality professional football to the Peoria market.”

Jerry Kurz, President of the af2 stated, “I can’t imagine a better opportunity for the Pirates organization and its fan base than to have Jim join the team. Not only are you getting the inventor of the game and founder of the Arena Football League as its first commissioner, but you are bringing in a very experienced professional whose lengthy record speaks for itself when it comes to building successful, winning organizations in both the af2 and the AFL. He is very creative and passionate about the game he invented.”

Finally, Coach Bruce Cowdrey said, “Let’s just put it this way, it’s like running the Yankees and you find out that instead of having to put Wally Pipp at the plate to bat, you are getting Lou Gehrig instead. I am very excited about the positive things that are going to happen with the Pirates moving forward both on and off the field this season.”

For more information call the Pirates office at 309-673-1000.

St. Paul Wonderland Joins Chamber

Please welcome another new chamber member:

St. Paul Wonderland
101 N. 8th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 353-5437
fax 353-7430

Ainsley Reeise, Director. 353KIDS@centurytel.net. Open from 6:30am to 6:00pm, St. Paul Wonderland is a local childcare center.

CEFCU Offers Financial Counseling and Educational Resources

CEFCU has implemented the BALANCE Financial Fitness program to provide free, confidential financial counseling and educational resources for members. The BALANCE program can help members improve their credit standing; plan for major purchases; manage debt; avoid charge-offs,bankruptcy, and foreclosure; and save for the future. Help is available during extended evening hours, Monday through Saturday, and the service is offered in both English and Spanish. In today's economic environment,with rising consumer debt and ever-increasing bankruptcy filings, there is a greater need for comprehensive education and counseling.

Sue Yoder, CEFCU Vice President, said, "To help members achieve their financial goals, CEFCU is pleased to provide free financial education and credit counseling for members and their dependents. Having a trusted counseling service available whenever you need it can help you stay on the right financial path. Whether you need assistance creating a household budget or developing a debt repayment plan, the BALANCE financial experts can help." For more information, call (309) 633-7000 or toll free at1-800-633-7077. Or, visit CEFCU's Web site, www.cefcu.com.

In addition, the Credit Union offers informative financial workshops that are provided free-of-charge by a CEFCU professional within CEFCU's14-county service area. Many financial topics are available, including the Psychology of Spending, Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports, Raising a Money Smart Kid, and the Basics of Personal Finance. To schedule a workshop at your workplace, school, or non-profit organization, please contact Jana Stevens by e-mail at jstevens@cefcu.com or by phone at 309-633-3675.

With assets totaling over $3.6 billion, CEFCU serves over 236,000 members through 19 Central Illinois Member Centers; the CEFCU Financial Center;the Money Center 24 ATM Network; CEFCU's Web site, www.cefcu.com and cefcu.mobi.

Methodist Recognized by Wellness Councils of America

The Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) has awarded Methodist Medical Center a 2008 Gold Level Well Workplace designation. The recognition, one of only three in the state of Illinois, honors Methodist for the implementation of successful wellness programs. The Workplace designation is a three-year certification.

In naming Methodist, WELCOA said Methodist has demonstrated that it is committed to protecting and enhancing the health and well being of its employees. Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “We are pleased with the WELCOA award. At Methodist, we believe it’s important to foster a culture of health that emphasizes and supports wellness and healthy behaviors through educating and empowering employees to take charge of their health.”

Methodist employee wellness tools range from health assessments and health planning tools, health educational resources, lifestyle management programs, work-site wellness initiatives, and motivational and incentive programs.

There are four levels of the Well Workplace Awards—Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

Community Leadership Academy: Municipal Government

The Community Leadership Academy heard about municipal government from Pekin Mayor Rusty Dunn and Pekin City Manager Denny Kief. The group also toured the Pekin Public Library and learned about this great community resource. You can see more pictures from this and all the chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Goodwill Names New Marketing/Public Relations Assistant

Craig Armstrong recently joined Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois as Marketing/Public Relations Assistant. He serves in an expanded role for the growing organization as it moves into its 75th year of operations and service in central Illinois.

Armstrong comes to Goodwill with an extensive background in advertising and broadcasting. He started his career with Multi-Ad Services as an Account Executive followed by several years in the insurance industry. His broadcasting background comes from nine years with WMBD-TV where he started as the Co-op Advertising Manager and later became producer of “The Morning Mix” then “WMBD This Morning.” Following his time with WMBD-TV, he worked as Creative Director for The Service Station Advertising Agency where he was responsible for writing, producing and directing all of the agency’s television and radio commercials.

Armstrong is a native of Chillicothe. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in management from the University of Illinois – Springfield. His affinity for commercial art and graphic design developed as he worked on his Associate’s Degree at Illinois Central College.

“We’re very pleased to have Craig with us. He is an accomplished director and producer with vast creativity. His years spent working with central Illinois businesses and non-profit organizations make him a valuable asset to us,” noted Patty Fuchs, President and CEO.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois provides job training, career and vocational services to individuals who face barriers to employment. Revenues from the sale of used items support the Vocational Services and Veterans programs of Goodwill. For further information on the non-profit agency’s retail stores, donation centers and programs, visit the http://www.goodwillpeo.org/ or call the Administrative Offices at 309-682-1113.

Goodwill Names Employee of the Year

Martha Reismeyer of Toulon was recently honored as the 2008 Employee of the Year by Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. She is the agency’s Warehouse Supervisor and oversees 12 people and 68,000 square feet of space in Peoria. Her selection was based upon nominations submitted by fellow employees. “This is a wonderful institution with so many opportunities,” noted Reismeyer. “I’m very honored and humbled by this award.”

Reismeyer has been with Goodwill for just one year. In addition to her regular duties, Martha volunteers on the Safety Committee, the Wellness Committee and was this year’s coordinator for the agency’s Heart of Illinois United Way campaign, which surpassed its goal. Her nominators consistently noted her hard work and skills as a supervisor. She was recognized for her ability to handle the pressures of managing the warehouse, truck schedules, and the needs of all stores and donation sites with great dignity.

Martha was born in Peoria, reared in Princeville, and returned to Peoria for work and further her education in business management and computers. She worked for Kraft Foods in Toulon for 27 years and served as the warehouse manager for 11 years until the facility was closed. She also worked for Sandy’s Systems in Kewanee.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois serves an 18-county territory. Revenues from the sale of high-quality donations are used to employ more than 240 people and provide free job training and other employment and related services to veterans and others who face barriers to employment. For further information call 309-682-1113.

Methodist Opens New Center for Integrative Medicine on Allen Road

Methodist Medical Group will open a new and expanded Center for Integrative Medicine beginning March 9, 2009. Located at 9010 N. Allen Road Suite J, the new location will offer expanded facilities and services under the direction of Jill Carnahan, MD, ABFM, ABHM

Previously located at the Methodist Medical Group at Peartree facility, the Center for Integrative Medicine will provide a full range of healing options with an emphasis on healthy living, nutrition and disease prevention.

According to Dr. Carnahan, “The core to integrative medicine is people changing the way they live, including what they eat, what they’re exposed to, how they handle stress, and then high-quality nutritional supplements. It brings together conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary treatments.”

Integrative Services include such things as integrative holistic consultations, anti-aging/wellness consultations, weight loss and fitness consultations, children’s health (especially ADHD, allergies/asthma/skin conditions), irritable bowel and inflammatory bowel disease, and hormone balance for men and women.

Methodist Healthy Solutions, a retail center for nutritional supplements and healthy living products, will also be available at the Allen Road location. Eventually acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage therapy will be added to the services available along with a variety of wellness patient education classes.

Dr. Carnahan is board certified in both Family Medicine and Holistic Medicine.

Herget Bank Announces 2009 Board of Directors

During Herget Bank's annual meeting on February 10, Henry Cakora, the former President/CEO/Chairman of the Board of Tazewell Machine Works, Inc. in Pekin, announced his retirement from the Board of Directors.

"Henry has served the Board of Directors for 35 years," Terry Tosi, Chairman of the Board, said. “When Henry began on our Board in 1974, annual report assets were $72,713,599, but in 2008, they were $255,995,473. That’s a lot of growth during his tenure! Henry has definitely seen the Bank go through a number of changes in terms of products, technology and policies. In fact, the Bank also went from one branch to four during his tenure. Although we’re sorry to see him retire, we appreciate Henry’s service to date and wish him the best as he spends more time with hobbies like oil painting.”

The Board elected Mack Cakora, the current President and CEO of Tazewell Machine Works, Inc., to serve in his stead. A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Business Administration, Mack has been a resident of Pekin his entire life and is active in the community. He is a member of First United Presbyterian Church and serves on the Board of Directors for the Pekin Area Foundation for Education Excellence. He is also a past Board member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dirksen Congressional Center.

The Board also re-elected the following Board members: Terry O. Tosi, M.D., Senior Partner – Pekin Pediatric Center; J.R. Bagley, Partner – Bagley & Miller Attorneys; Scott W. Bandy, Owner/Operator – McDonald’s; Brian Dennison, Dealer Operator – Ray Dennison Chevrolet, Inc.; D. Neale Hanley II, Funeral Director – Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes, LLC; A. Richard Kriegsman, President – Kriegman Transfer Co.; Daniel R. McNally, President – Central Illinois Freight Handling; Ronald H. Miller, President & CEO – Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc.; Gordon M. Walker, Chairman of the Board & CEO – Pekin Insurance Companies; and Charles R. Schermerhorn, President & CEO – Herget Bank, N.A.; along with Director Emeritus: Sylvan L. Franklin.

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) increased 0.1% for the month of December. The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) along with the C-CPI-U (chained all urban consumers) decreased 0.5% for the same time period. Changes for the year include -1.0% for the CPI-U, -1.2% for the CPI-W, and -1.3% for the C-CPI-U. The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—for January 2008, was 211.08; February, 211.69; March, 213,53; April, 214.82; May, 216.63; June, 218.82; July, 219.96; August, 219.09; September, 218.78; October, 216.57; and November, 212.43 ~ December not available.

Breakfast 2.0: Social Networking

In this interactive program you’ll learn why social networking matters, how to increase your online presence at no cost, and how to utilize Facebook to reach your customers. Join the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at Breakfast 2.0: Social Networking

March 13, 2009
7:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m.
Pekin Public Library
$10.00 (includes breakfast)

This is the first in a series on using new web technologies to work smarter and reach your business goals. Upcoming topics include podcasting and blogging. For more information or to make reservations call the Chamber @ 346-2106

Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser

The Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care facility located at 2220 State Street (just off of Parkway) in Pekin will be holding a Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser on March 17th, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This hopes to become an Annual event for the facility and its residents. Brent Morgan, the Administrator of the facility stated, “What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day then with a truly native meal?”

The meal will consist of corned beef, a mix of potatoes, carrots and cabbage with a side of corn bread. The facility will offer seating in their front lobby, take out and even free delivery in the Pekin area. Meals will be $6.00 and the proceeds will go to support the Activity Department. Activity Director, Robbin Harrison said, “We would really like to purchase a new television for the front lobby, a dining set for our residents and visitors to utilize, as well as to spruce up our courtyard once Spring rolls around.”

If you would like to call in an order for pick up or delivery, the facility phone number is (309) 347-1110. The public is welcome anytime between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You can also fax in your order to (309) 347-2135. Please be sure to include you name, address, time, pick up or delivery, and the number of meals you would like. Be sure to get your order in early before they run out!

Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care is owned and operated by Petersen Health Care of Peoria, Illinois provide skilled nursing and other services to Pekin and the surrounding communities.

2009 Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Reception

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting & Reception
April 27, 2009 - Pekin Country Club ~ 4:30 to 7:00 pm
Watch your email for your invitation!

March Business After Hours

You are cordially invited to Business After Hours hosted by the Pekin Country Club, 310 Country Club Drive, Pekin, IL, Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net.

March Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

3rd Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

4th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

5th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

5th Business AFTER Hours, Pekin Country Club, 4:30~6:00 pm
Reservations Appreciated

10th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

11th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

11th Chamber Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

13th Breakfast 2.0, Pekin Public Library, 7:00 am

18th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

19th Community Leadership Academy Graduation Dinner,
Pekin Country Club, 6:00 pm Reservations Required

31st Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

April Calendar of Events

1st Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

1st New Director Orientation, Chamber Office, 1:30 pm

2nd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

2nd Business AFTER Hours, Pekin YWCA, 4:30~6:00 pm
Reservations Appreciated

3rd Puttin’ On Pekin, K of C Hall, 6:45 am
Reservations Appreciated

7th Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

8th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

10th Good Friday Holiday, Office Closed

14th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

15th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

16th Marketing Committee, District 108 Boardroom, 7:30 am

27th Chamber Annual Meeting & Reception, Pekin Country Club,
4:30~7:00 pm Watch your email for your invitation

28th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

Daylight Savings Time is Approaching!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME is just around the corner!
Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead on Sunday, March 8, 2009

Membership Renewals through February 26, 2009

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Concorde Inn & Suites ~ County Market / Niemann Food ~ CreativEngraving & Marking ~ Culver's ~ Dragon's Dome ~ East Side/Goodyear Tire & Auto Service ~ Excalibur Seasoning Company ~ Facet Technologies ~ Sylvan Franklin ~ Greenhouse Flower Shoppe ~ Jim Maloof Realtor ~ Knights of Columbus ~ O'Brien Dodge Chrysler Jeep ~ Pekin Community High School ~ Pekin Hospital ~ Pekin Manor ~ Sound Choice Hearing Clinic ~ T-Shirt House ~ TCRC ~ Tri-County IAAP ~ Walgreens #36

Executive Director's Report by Bill Fleming

PEKIN AREA BUSINESS EXPO ‘09
The Pekin Area Business Expo ’09 was held on Saturday January 31st at the Dragon’s Dome. A good crowd came out to see the displays by 70 local businesses and organizations. Special thanks to the committee of volunteers who helped plan the event, the volunteers who helped that day, and our major sponsors: Allegra Print & Imaging, Aventine Renewable Energy, CEFCU, Comcast Spotlight, Hallmark House Nursing Center, Illinois Collections Unlimited, Midwest Generation-Powerton Station, Pekin Daily Times, Pekin Insurance, Regent Broadcasting, and Suzi Davis Travel.

STIMULUS TRANSPARENCY
There are a couple of interesting websites you might want to visit: www.Recovery.gov is a website that lets you, the taxpayer, figure out where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going. There are several different ways to search for information. The money is being distributed by Federal agencies, and eventually you'll be able to see where it's going - to which states, to which congressional districts, even to which Federal contractors.
Not to be outdone, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn launched www.Recovery.Illinois.gov. It is a website to help ensure that Illinois takes full advantage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The site is the portal to Illinois’ implementation of the federal stimulus plan and will:

Keep track of projects, spending and job creation
List state run programs receiving supplemental funding, including unemployment benefits, food stamps, vocational rehabilitation and other services
Connect to agency sites where proposed project lists will be posted
Allow Illinoisans to suggest a project that is eligible for federal stimulus funds

LOCAL ELECTION JUST AROUND THE CORNER
The Business Advocacy Committee, a committee of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, believes it is important that Chamber members exercise their right to vote. The committee also believes it is important that Chamber members be informed voters, particularly when it comes to issues that can affect the local business environment. With that in mind, the Business Advocacy Committee sent a questionnaire to candidates in the following races:

The City of Pekin will elect three Councilpersons
Pekin School District 108 will elect four board members
Pekin Community High School District 303 will elect four board members
Pekin Park District will elect four commissioners

The election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. This is your chance to learn more about the candidates and where they stand on issues that affect you and your business or organization. The information is available on our website at:
http://www.pekin.net/Candidates09/Candidates.htm

Register by April 9 - Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics

Join us April 30 to May 3, 2009, for the 10th Anniversary of the Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics (HISO). The games not only recognize excellence in fitness, but also acknowledge the creativity and spirit of those 50 and older. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 9.

Participation in the games is an excellent way to maintain or improve your health, while enjoying friendly competition. And you don't have to be an expert to compete. Enjoy spending time with friends and meet new people. We offer athletic events from bowling and biking to swimming, bocce ball, billiards, Frisbee throw, and more.

If you're more interested in fine arts, sign up for events in categories from photography and fiction writing, to crochet and musical performance.

There really is something for everyone. Events are held at park district facilities in Pekin, Morton, Peoria and East Peoria. So, come out for your sport or explore your favorite media and bring along friends and family!

$25 General Registration for Unlimited Events (or $20 Early Bird Fee if Registered by March 26 for Unlimited Events). $10 for participating in just one event, our fun challenges, team events, and fine arts events only.

This year also features a 10-year anniversary opening ceremony on Thursday, April 30.

For more information on the games and the opening, contact at 309-681-2859 or visit www.hiso.org to download a registration form.

Free Colorectal Screening Scheduled for March 20

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Methodist Medical Center will partner with Mid-Illini Surgical Associates, and the American Cancer Society for the fourth annual Colorectal Screening on Friday, March 20, 2009.

This free community wide screening event will be held at the Methodist Atrium building at 900 West Main Street in Peoria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For those with limited time, a drive-through lane will be provided in front of the Atrium building during the screening hours.

Attendees will receive a free home colon screening test kit. The home test kit checks for blood in the stool and is completed in the privacy of your home. The kit is then returned to Methodist for a free analysis. Each person and their physician will be notified of the test results.

Representatives of Mid Illini Surgical Associates, Methodist and the Cancer Society will be on hand to provide and answer questions.

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country and is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.

No appointment is necessary.

Pekin Hospital Auxilliary Financial Assistance Applications Available

The Pekin Hospital Auxiliary is soliciting applications for the 2009 Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Financial Assistance Program. This award of financial assistance is presented annually to students who are enrolled in qualified, professional health-related programs. Students living in the Tri-county area are eligible to apply, with priority extended to applicants who intend to return to the Pekin area to practice their skills. Applicants must apply annually, and recipients will not be eligible for more than four years of assistance.

The scholarship committee reviews applications and selects the award recipient(s) based upon course of study; financial need; scholarship achievements, including honors and grades; experience/extra-curricular involvement, volunteer and work-related; letters of recommendation; and general qualifications and goals. The scholarship(s) will be presented in August 2009.

All completed applications, grade transcripts for the most current semester, letters of recommendation and other pertinent information must be submitted to Pekin Hospital's Volunteer Services at 600 S. 13th Street, Pekin by June 3, 2009. Please indicate that the envelope contains an application for the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship.

For more information or to receive an application, please contact Christie Perry at 353-0204.

ICC South Open House

Illinois Central College hosted a public open house on Tuesday, February 24th at the new ICC South Campus. It's located on Hanna Drive in Pekin's Riverway Business Park. Many ICC staff were present and available to answer questions. There was also a formal presentation with several of the ICC Board of Trustees and officials present. You can see more pictures from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Tazwood Breaks Ground on Facility

Tazwood Mental Health Center broke ground today on a new $2 million dollar, 15-unit, permanent housing facility for the mentally ill. Actual construction on the facility, Prairie View Villas #1, located at 3246 Vandever Avenue in Pekin, will begin by the end of March. Representatives from the Pekin City Council, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, Tazwood's board, and Michael Polson, Tazwood's CEO, participated in the ground breaking ceremony.

TCGHS Monthly Meeting Set

The March 2009 general meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have Dale Kuntz as its guest speaker. Dale Kuntz, a longtime member of the society, will speak about his project and recently published book on Abraham Lincoln and places of interest in Tazewell County which have a connection to our16th president in observance of the 200th anniversary of Abe Lincoln's birth. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on March 10, 2009 at the Society's Erlicher Library, located at 719 N Eleventh St, Pekin, IL. The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, with a business meeting immediately following. The building is handicapped accessible with ample parking available.

Amanda's Closet Ribbon Cutting

Amanda's Closet, 517 Court Street, held their grand opening on February 19th. Open weekdays from 10:00am to 6:00pm and from 10:00am to 2:00pm on weekends, Amanda's Closet is a consignment shop offering men, women & children's clothing, shoes, purses, accessories and home decor. Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce helped owner Amanda Rogy commemorate her grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Community Leadership Academy: Education

Today the Community Leadership Academy heard from Dr. Bill Link, Superintendent of Pekin School District 108, and Paula Davis, Superintendent of Pekin High School District 303. The school administrators both gave excellent talks about leadership in their schools and the challenges the teachers and staff face. The class also took a tour of Washington School. You can see pictures from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Altrusa International, Inc of Pekin is hosting their Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Altrusa International, Inc. of Pekin is hosting their 15th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser Sunday, March 22, 2009, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Pekin Moose Lodge, 2605 Broadway Road in Pekin. Tickets are available at the door: Adults are $7.00, Children under 12, $3.50. Carry-outs available upon request. For advanced tickets, contact Debra Dant (382-1579).

Proceeds benefit Pekin students as well as other local needs. Each year we provide every first grade student in the Pekin district three free books. This is in conjunction with the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program. We also work with Pekin CCO to furnish school supplies for needy students K thru 12. A $500.00 scholarship is offered each year to a graduating senior. The scholarship is funded by the Elsie Reinhard and Florence Leifheit Scholarship Fund; named for two successful business women who are deceased members of our club.

Other local organizations we support are: Head Start, APE, Boys & Girls Clubs, PCHS Close Up Program, House of Hope, and the Salvation Army~just to name a few.

Maurer Stutz, Inc. Announces New Staff

Maurer Stutz, Inc. is very proud to announce the following recent professional staff additions: Dan R. Good, PE, BSCE, MSCE, Water/Wastewater/Civil with over 30 years of engineering services experience with municipalities and other clients. Also joining the staff is Gary Affolter, PLS, Survey/Construction Layout with over 35 years of surveying services experience with public and private sector clients.

Dr. Michele Moul Celebrates New Office

Representatives from the City of Pekin, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Chamber Ambassadors congratulated Dr. Michele Moul at the grand opening of her new office at 1331 El Camino Drive in Pekin. Immediately after the ribbon cutting, Dr. Moul held a small reception and open house for her family, friends, and patients. You can see more pictures from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Methodist Medical Group Adds Pekin Physician

Methodist Medical Group has added Dr. William Duensing to its staff of physicians. Dr. Duensing will be working at the Methodist at Pekin practice at 1800 Broadway.

Dr. Duensing received his medical training at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Main and completed a Family Medicine Resident at Reading Hospital and Medical Center in West Ready, Pennsylvania. He was most recently working for Illinois Work Injury Resource Center in Peoria.

Dr. Duensing is accepting new patients at Methodist at Pekin by calling 346-3416.

97.3 River Country Teddy Bear Project Results

Staff from 97.3 River Country delivered 1,478 bears to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. The bears were collected from radio listeners, local schools, charities, businesses and organizations. This is the third year of the Teddy Bear Valentine’s donation.

"It's one of those things where you always know the community is going to back you up," says River Country’s Rick Stephenson. "I've seen it time and time again. You see a side of the community that some people don't get to see on a regular basis and fortunately we've seen it a lot."

Staff from 97.3 River Country joined employees and volunteers from the Children’s Hospital in handing out the bears. All left-over bears will be used in the days to come at the Children’s Hospital.

“We’d like to thank the community for supporting the Children’s Hospital and our effort in raising over 1,000 bears to support the sick children,” says Stephenson. “We will be back to make another delivery next year.” 97.3 River Country has “raised” over 6,700 teddy bears for the Children’s hospital over the past three years.

Larry's Casting Kids Fish Fry

YOU are invited to a Special Event for the entire family to enjoy! Yep, you guessed it, it's that time of year again, time for the 4th Annual Larry's Casting Kids Fish Fry Fund-Raiser! It is coming up on Sat., March 7, 2009 from 4-7pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th St., Pekin.

The dinner menu consists of: walleye, french fries, baked beans, coffee, tea, and lemonade. *Hot dogs will also be available for anyone not wanting to eat fish. Cost if $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 5-12 years of age, kids under 5 are FREE.

We will have a 50/50 Drawing, a Bake Sale, Games for Kids, a DJ, and TONS of amazing Raffle Items.

Some of the raffles items include: 3 Handmade Quilts - a baby quilt, a twin sized quilt and a queen sized quilt - a $5.00 raffle ticket could win one of these for you! We also have: an Overnight Stay at the Par a Dice Hotel, along with FREE lunch or dinner, Peoria Chiefs tickets, Peoria Rivermen tickets, Season Pass Vouchers for various Bradley Athletics Department events, a metal NASCAR sign, a mirrored framed photo, a Handcrafted Purse donated by The Bag Lady, assorted fishing tackle from Eagle Claw, autographed fishing lures and baitcaster reel from Rick Clunn, autographed photo and DVD from Roland Martin, various gift baskets - something for everyone, a handmade bird house, various gift certificates - Applebee's, Charlie's Aquarium, Skin Dimensions Day Spa, Casey's Pizza, Heights Flowers, Bank Savings Bond, a light up baseball mitt, a child's baseball bat, hats, shirts, a watch, coffee mugs, candles, etc. More things arriving daily!!! Too much to mention, suffice it to say, there should be something for everyone!

**In addition, any child wearing a Larry's Casting Kids T-shirt will be eligible to win a special prize!

In May 2007, Larry's Casting Kids became affiliated with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's "take me fishing" campaign, under the direction of the National Recreation and Park Association. In May 2008, LCK became 1 of 30 Anchor Agencies nationally for the "take me fishing" campaign - an exciting distinction for a family organized, grassroots organization!

All the proceeds from this fund-raiser help to ensure the continuation of Larry's Casting Kids Annual 2-Day Fishing Derby held at the Pekin Park Pavilion and Lagoon each year in July. July 24 and 25 this year. We usually have over 500 kids and families participate each year - this July will be our 9th year!!!!! This is a positive, family oriented, experience for all who participate. We want to be able to continue this tradition year after year and we want to try to keep it FREE for ALL participants each year. We count on your support for this to happen!

For more information, contact Lori at (309) 241-4110 or visit: www.pekinonline.com/larryscastingkids or www.myspace.com/larryscastingkids

Hope to see YOU there!

Pekin Insurance Holds Annual Meeting

The Farmers Automobile Insurance Association held its annual meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at their Home Office in Pekin, Illinois.

The following directors were elected for three year terms: Craig W. Concklin, Hinsdale, Illinois; and Daniel V. Connell and A. Richard Kriegsman, both of Pekin, Illinois.

Subscribers elected Craig W. Concklin, Hinsdale Illinois; and A. Richard Kriegsman, Pekin, Illinois, to the Advisory Committee.

Pekin Insurance officers elected included: Gordon M. Walker, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; R. Michael Weir, Vice Chairman of the Board; Scott A. Martin, President/Life and Chief Operating Officer/P & C Companies; Stephen H. Nunan, Senior Vice President - Underwriting; Todd A. Clark, Vice President - Expansion and Development; Peggy S. Collins, Vice President - Group and Claim Services; Daniel V. Connell, Vice President - Treasurer and Secretary; Curtis A. Eeten, Vice President - Claims; Joel M. Jackson, Vice President - Marketing; David A. Jones, Vice President - Sales; Brian K. Lee, Vice President - Administration and Assistant Secretary; Rodney L. McKimson, Vice President - Systems; Edward A. Mulvey, Vice President - Underwriting and Assistant Secretary; Michael A. Zabinski, Vice President - Controller; G. Christine McGann, Assistant Treasurer; Kenneth B. White, Assistant Treasurer; Robert M. McGann, Assistant Secretary; and Michael L. Norton, Assistant Secretary.

Pekin Insurance is a group name adopted to designate the combined operation of The Farmers Automobile Insurance Association, Pekin Insurance Company, PAC, Inc., and Pekin Life Insurance Company.

Pekin Insurance has been in business since 1921, and is one of the leading insurers in the State of Illinois, providing multiple lines of insurance. Pekin Insurance offers insurance coverage in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin through its growing agency force which now totals 1,147 independent agencies and 7,261 insurance producers in the five state area. The company is headquartered in Pekin, Illinois, with service offices at Champaign, Moline, Mt. Vernon, Rockford, and Warrenville, Illinois; Indianapolis and Warsaw, Indiana; Des Moines, Iowa; and Appleton and Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Mugrage Hired For New Position At Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois has named Cris Mugrage, LCSW, to the new position of Veterans Service Coordinator. Mugrage will help enhance Goodwill’s services to veterans in the community, as well as services provided for the residents of the Goodwill General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans.

Cris comes to Goodwill with an impressive background in social services. She has a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in social work from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. In 2006 she earned her certification as a licensed clinical social worker.

Mugrage began her career with the Tazwood Mental Health Center in Pekin as an outpatient therapist. Most recently she served as the clinical director for Park House Nursing Home in Chicago. “This new position at Goodwill provides an opportunity for me to work with veterans one-on-one. It also will give me the opportunity to learn more so we can empower veterans and help them lead full, productive lives,” states Mugrage.

The General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans provides an intensive, holistic environment for veterans who have faced homelessness and one or more disabling issues. The facility is staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by caring professionals. For more information about this and other services visit our website www.goodwillpeo.org or call our Administrative Offices at (309) 682-1113.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois provides job training, career and vocational services to individuals who face barriers to employment. Revenues from the sale of gently-used items support the Vocational Services programs of Goodwill.

Methodist Offers Free Community Health Screenings

The following are times and locations for community health screenings offered by Methodist Medical Center for the month of March 2009.

March 6-Methodist Medical Group at Canton-2076 Main St.-9 a.m. to 12 noon
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 10-Peoria Housing Authority- 2638 w. Meidroth- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 11- Super Suppers-3524 Willow Knolls- 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Free blood pressure, cholesterol and spirometry

March 12-Naturally Yours Grocery-10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 14-Clubs at River City- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol and spirometry

March 17-Elmwood Café in Elmwood-8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 20- Methodist Medical Group at Farmington- 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 21-Eastside Center-East Peoria-8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 24-Hannah’s Parlor in Hanna City-12521 Farmington Rd.-8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 27- Calvin Coolidge School-2708 W. Rohman- 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

March 28- Hollis Recreational Center-10107 Vine-Mapelton- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free blood pressure, cholesterol, and spirometry

A 12-hour fast is required. No appointments necessary. For additional information go to www.mymethodist.net and click on events calendar or call 672-5904.

Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center Trivia Night 2009

Friends of the Tazewell County CAC will host their annual fundraiser, Trivia Night 2009, on Friday, April 24th at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. All proceeds from the event will go toward the building project. Click here to download a registration form. You can fill it out before you print it out. For more information or to make a donation, contact the Tazewell County Children�s Advocacy Center, 341 Buena Vista, Pekin, IL 61554. Phone: 309.347.6001; Fax: 309.347.6189; E-Mail: tazewellcac@grics.net.

Harbor Light Welcomed to Chamber

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Harbor Light Hospice as a new member. Pictured accepting the membership plaque is Stacey Mutchler, Community Liaison. Harbor Light Hospice is located at 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 206 in Peoria. Harbor Light Hospice is a philosophy of care, that assists patients, family, and friends, during the final stages of a terminal illness. Harbor Light Hospice promotes dignity and emphasizes quality of life for those who choose to die in familiar surroundings with those they love. Their hospice services can be provided at home, a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living center.

Puttin' on Pekin February Recap

The February Puttin' on Pekin breakfast was held on Friday the 13th, but it was a lucky start to the day for 70+ chamber members. The early prize was presented to Nancy Morris of CEFCU. Wanda Daniels from Heavenly Delights accepted the Spotlight On Business Award and Mary Haynes from the Country Nook accepted the Blue Ribbon Award. John Fulton from Horizon Wind was the speaker and he told the audience about the Rail Splitter Wind Farm. Curtis Hochstetler from Covenant Heating and Air reluctantly accepted the late prize. To see more pictures from this event, visit our picture page at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Community Leadership Academy: Tazewell County

The Community Leadership Academy learned about Tazewell County. Speakers included County Administrator David Jones and Bob Huston, the Tazewell County Sheriff. The group also took a tour of the Tazewell County Justice Center and heard from jail superintendent Earl Helm. To see more pictures from this event, visit our picture webpage at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

PACVB Announces 2009 Board of Directors

The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) has announced its board of directors and officers for 2009. The board is responsible for governing the PACVB, a 501(c)6 not-for-profit agency charged with bringing tourists to an eight-county region known collectively as “the Peoria Area.” Those counties are Bureau, Marshall, Stark, Woodford, Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Mason. The organization has a budget of $1.7 million. Its mission: “To promote the Peoria Area as a destination to visitors and contribute to the economic growth of the communities we represent.”

2009 Board Officers
Chairman: Rick Edwards – Caterpillar
Vice Chair: Hon. Norm Durlfinger, Morton Village Board President
Treasurer: Dan Cunningham, City of East Peoria

2009 Board Members
Sherril West – retired Caterpillar V.P.
Mary Jo Schettler – Director of Hotel Operations, Par-a-Dice Hotel
Helen King – Caterpillar
Laraine Bryson – Peoria Civic Center Authority
Debbie Ritschel – General Manager, Peoria Civic Center (non-voting)
Jim Boyd – James A. Boyd
Carl Bunker – Executive Director, Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association
Bill Carter – General Manager, Hotel Pere Marquette
Hon. Rusty Dunn – Mayor of Pekin
Jim Garner – V.P. of MutliAd
Craig Hullinger – City of Peoria (non-voting)
Rex Linder – Heyl, Royster, Veolker and Allen
Frank Pedulla – Pepper’s Cafe
Sami Qureshi – Holiday Inn City Centre

Officer terms expire December 31, 2009. While some board members’ terms vary in length, all of them last at least through December 31, 2009.

Pekin Coalition for Equality Joins Chamber

Please welcome the newest member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:


Pekin Coalition for Equality
315 Buena Vista, Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 347-9922; fax (309) 347-7457
pekinywca@grics.net; www.ywca.org/pekin
Melinda Figge, Executive Director


The Pekin Coalition for Equality is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose to foster a spirt of human understanding, to promote equal opportunity, and to eliminate discrimination. It is a program of the YWCA of Pekin. A volunteer committee assists with projects and programs for the community.

Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Schedule

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of March 2009. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams.

March 3-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.
March 4-Children’s Home-2130 No. Knoxville
March 9-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar-Chillicothe
March 11-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington-158 E. Fulton-Farmington
March 14-Cub Foods-5001 Big Hollow Road
March 16-Methodist at Mt. Hawley Women’s Health-7725 N. Knoxville
March 18-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin
March 24-Dr. Phillip Baer-50 Valley Forge Shopping Center-Washington
March 26-Canton Wal-Mart
March 28-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.
March 31-Methodist MedPointe at Peoria-8914 N. Knoxville

There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If your are uninsured or underinsured, tell us when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram

Call for an appointment at 671-8282

Methodist Names February Employees of the Month

Methodist Medical Center has announced the February, 2009 Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees.

The three selected were Tammy Scharp of East Peoria, selected for the category of Nursing. She works as a nurse in Care Facilities and Utility Management. Also selected was Cheryl Bullard of East Peoria for non-nursing support. Bullard work in the Center for Clinical Advancement. And for the category of Patient Care, Jody Schacht of Washington, Il was selected. She works in Medical Imaging.

All three were honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, February 18, 2009.

97.3 River Country Nominated

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria is proud to announce that 97.3 RiverCountry has been nominated by the The Academy of Country Music for the 2009 Radio Station of the Year (Small Market) as well as On-Air Personality of the Year (Small Market). There are only five nominees for each category nationwide.

The winners will be acknowledged during “The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards,” ceremony broadcast live Sunday, April 5th at 7pm Central Time on CBS.

“To be nominated by your peers on national level like this is truly a humbling experience,” said Ric Morgan, WFYR Program Director/Senior Operations Manager. “The honor really goes to the River Country air staff of Rick Stephenson, Todd Bryant, John Malone and to our listeners especially, the listeners are the people who keep the engine running.”

The 44th ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “RGCI.”

Regent's Employees of the Month

Diane Burden, Business Manager and Bob Swinehart, Director of Sales for REGENT BROADCASTING OF PEORIA, are proud to announce that January's Employee of the Month is Mary Utley and Sales Representative of the Month is Dawn Bahan.

"Every month, Dawn sets her own personal goals that are often higher than the company goals, and she has surpassed both once again," Swinehart said. "Her passion for radio, and more specifically the Regent stations, makes her a definite asset to the sales team."

Mrs. Bahan has been working in the radio industry for over eight years, all of which have been with the same radio stations. Dawn is a native of the Peoria area.

“We’re proud that Mary is the first face people see when they walk in the door. She’s friendly, compassionate and dedicated to making things run as smoothly as possible,” Burden said.

Mary Utley holds the position of Regent Receptionist and is the first person visitors see when they walk in the door. She has been working for the radio stations for nearly seven years.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM, and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the completion of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 62 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “RGCI.”

John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament

Save the date for the 13th Annual John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament. It will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Laborer's Local #231 will be sending out more information and entry forms around April 15th.

Moody’s Affirms Methodist Medical Center’s Rating

Moody’s Investment Services has affirmed the A2 rating of Methodist Medical Center’s bonds. The rating outlook remains stable.

Moody’s recognized Methodist for its increasing growth in cash volumes, ample debt service coverage and very modest debt load. Its balance sheet remains very healthy, with strategic and operational successes and a very strong market share position. Methodist’s bond rating of A2 with stable outlook ranks in the top quartile in the U.S. within its peer group.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “We are very pleased to maintain our high bond rating in this challenging environment where most organizations are being downgraded. It is a compliment to our board, physicians, staff and partners that we have done so well and their efforts have been recognized.”

Bryant continued, “Our cash balance levels and low debt levels put us in a strong position, as well as our high quality and exceptional patient service, to provide for the health care needs of our community. With this financial strength we are able to maintain state of the art technology in both medical equipment and information technology. Providing the very best experience in the cleanest, best maintained facilities is what Methodist does extremely well”.

“Our financial strength is just one more way Methodist is ‘Taking You Well’ into the Future,” Bryant concluded.

Methodist College of Nursing Adds Four New Faculty

The Methodist College of Nursing has added four new faculty members for the spring 2009 semester. The four include James Davis, BSN, RN. He will be assisting with the program Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.

Also added is Denise Galiano, BSN, RN and will focus on assisting with Childrearing Family in Nursing Practice. Both Davis and Galiano will be receiving their Masters of Science in Nursing degrees in May of 2009.

New faculty also includes Andrea Scholl, MSN, RN. She will be teaching the Health Alterations and Complex Health Alterations Clinicals.

Paige States, Whitney, MSN, RN will be teaching the Dimensions of Wholistic Nursing Lab and Clinical and Health Assessment Lab.

Methodist Adds Two Physicians

Methodist Medical Group has added two new physicians. Dr. Paige Settles is an internal Medicine physician and has joined the Methodist at Pekin practice located at 1800 Broadway in Pekin.

Dr. Settles received his medical training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and completed his internal medicine residency at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He has been a practicing physician in Pekin for the last 23 years.

Also joining Methodist at Pekin is Dr. Gail Williamson. Dr. Williamson received her medical training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. She completed a combined internal medicine/pediatric residency at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Williamson has been practicing in the Pekin/Delavan area for the past 10 years.

Appointments for both physicians can be made by calling 346-3416.

Pekin Main Street Hosted Business After Hours

The February Business After Hours was held at the Pekin Union Mission and hosted by Pekin Main Street. The event served as Pekin Main Street's annual meeting. Several conceptual plans were on display, as well as graphics from last year's events. Executive Director Leigh Ann Matthews spoke about the organizations mission and plans for downtown. She, along with board president Gregg Ratliff presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Deb Metroff from X Waste Disposal. You can see more photos from this and other chamber events by visiting our picture website at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

March Madness Experience 2009

The March Madness Experience is one of the most exciting volunteer events of the year! Once again, volunteers will assist in all sorts of basketball games and even have their own chance to experience the fun. There are numerous perks to becoming a MME volunteer. You will receive a MME t-shirt, MME collector's pin, free soda, as well as a fabulous volunteer experience.

The March Madness Experience coincides with the Boys State Basketball Tournament. All the action takes place at the Peoria Civic Center:

Class A & AA: March 12-14

Access Experience: March 15 & 17

Class 3A & 4A: March 19-21

Volunteer shifts are currently available for all these dates. If you want to Experience 2009, please contact:

volunteers@peoriaparks.org
or
Brian Barry 681-2822
or
Nichole Mahrt 681-2827

Community Leadership Academy: The Media

Rusty Dunn and Brent Lonteen spoke to the Community Leadership Academy this morning. They are uniquely qualified to speak on this topic. They both enjoyed a career in television news journalism in the Peoria market. They are now on the opposite side of the camera, as Rusty is the Mayor of the City of Pekin and employed by CAT, while Brent is the President/CEO of the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Gamer's Choice Joins Chamber

Please visit the newest member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Gamer's Choice
1019 Derby Street
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 346-2008
Dan Johnson, owner
www.gamerschoiceinc.net

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 8:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm; Monday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Gamer's Choice is an electronic video game store that carries all types of new and used video games from Atari to XBOX 360. They have the highest trade-in value and you can try a game before you but it. They also host tournaments and rent games as well.

Heart of Illinois Legislative Reception

The region's chambers of commerce (Canton, East Peoria, Limestone, Morton, Pekin, Peoria, and Washington) have joined together for the 23rd annual Heart of Illinois Legislative Reception. This is a great opportunity for you to visit with your legislators. All of the area legislators (state and federal) have been invited.

The event will be on Monday, February 23rd, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $37.50 for chamber members. Registration deadline is February 16th. You can download a registration form by clicking here: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/HOILegislativeReception.pdf

Beer Belly's Bar and Grill Grand Opening

Beer Bellys Bar and Grill Opens Friday Night Feb 6th. were featuring CMT Country Music Star Matt Coleman as seen on CMT's "Trick My Truck"

Next Friday Feb 13th , Sign Up for our Beer Bellys Belt Busting Burger Eating Contest: Registration is anytime after 4pm. and contest begins at 6:30....... get a chance to step into our Own Cash Machine for a chance to grab $500.00

Feb 20th Weekend Grand Opening Party Celebration: 105.7 Broadcasting Live and house band Step Down plays Friday Night and Feature Band to be announced for Sat...

President Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday

You are cordially invited to attend the Tazewell County's 200th Birthday Celebration for the Abraham Lincoln Bi-Centennial at the Pekin Park Pavilion at the Pekin Mineral Springs Park at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009. This event is sponsored by the Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center.

This event is in celebration of the 200th Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. We will be celebrating with the Tazewell County Veterans Honor Guard posting colors, a 21 gun salute and a cannonade salute to our great president.

A Presidential Tea will be served fashioned after the Williamsburg Tea recently served to Queen Elizabeth during her recent visit to the United States.

Our featured guest speaker will be Tim Pletkovich, author of "Civil War Fathers, Sons of the Civil War in WW 2". This book is written about World War II veterans who explain about their lives growing up with fathers who fought in the American Civil War. Mr. Pletkovich will bring to life a rare glimpse of the heart of America during the period of changes from the Civil War to World War II through the eyes of eight families.

Tickets must be purchased in advance prior to February 5th. Cost of the tickets are $18.00 per person. You may call 346-1889 or 347-8375 to make arrangements.

105.7 The X Gives Musical Instruments

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria is proud to announce that three Peoria area youth were selected as recipients of musical instrument courtesy of 105.7 The X and Flores music.

In December, the radio station put out a call for submissions from listeners who have someone in their life who is deserving of a guitar or drums set. Out of the many such entries received, three lucky people were chosen. In addition to the instrument, each child will also receive free music lessons at Flores Music. The students’ families and friends submitted their entries, explaining their passion for music, and opportunity to learn music with a gift of music.

“It is very gratifying to give the gift of music with our terrific friends at Flores Music, these students are very excited and deserve this gift in economic hard times, I’m proud of this project, and we will do it again in 2009!” states Matt Bahan, Morning on-air talent and Operations Manager for 105.7 The X.

REGENT - Peoria owns Radio stations WGLO-FM, WFYR-FM, WIXO-FM, WZPW-FM and WVEL-AM in Peoria, Illinois.

Regent Communications is a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in middle and small-sized markets. Upon the close of all announced transactions, Regent will own and operate 68 stations located in 13 markets. Regent Communications, Inc. shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "RGCI."

Pekin Area Business Expo '09

Thanks to all of the vendors who participated, all the groups who entertained, and the area residents who attended. Also, thanks to the sponsors who made this another successful chamber event: Aventine Renewable Energy, Midwest Generation Powerton Station, Pekin Insurance, CEFCU, Allegra Print & Imaging, Hallmark House, Suzi Davis Travel, Pekin Daily Times, Comcast Spotlight, Regent Broadcasting, and Illinois Collections Unlimited. You can see pictures from this and other chamber events on our photo page at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Tazewell County Business After Hours

A regional Business After Hours was coordinated by the four Tazewell County Chambers of Commerce (East Peoria, Morton, Pekin, and Washington) on January 29th. Embassy Suites and Fondulac Bank were the hosts. It was a great opportunity for members of the four communities to get together and network, plus enjoy the food and hospitality from the Embassy Suites. You can see pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital to Present “Love Your Heart”

As part of American Heart Month, an American Heart Association national campaign to raise awareness of heart disease, Pekin Hospital will offer a free presentation, “Love Your Heart,” on Thursday, February 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Pekin Hospital.

Mark Jackson, M.D., cardiologist with HeartCare Midwest, will present “Steps to Defeating Heart Disease,” a discussion on recognizing the symptoms of heart attacks, reacting immediately, risk factors for heart disease, as well as prevention of heart attacks. Free blood pressures will be provided following Dr. Jackson’s presentation. A light dessert will also be served. This program is open to men and women.

Through promoting heart disease awareness, Pekin Hospital hopes to improve heart health by providing community education on healthy eating, exercising, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and controlling diabetes.

The event will be held in the Park Court Conference Center. Registration is required and can be made by leaving your name and phone number at (309) 353-0662.

IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rate

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2009 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. As of 1/1/09, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

* 55 cents per mile for business miles driven;
* 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
* 14 cents per mile driven in service to a charitable organization.

February Puttin' On Pekin

February Puttin’ On Pekin Breakfast
Friday, February 13th ~~ 6:45 am
Knights of Columbus Hall ~~ 715 N. 11th Street
Featured Speaker is John Fulton with Horizon Wind Farms

The cost of the breakfast is $10.00 per person for reservations made before 4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 11th. After that, the cost is $15.00 per person. Payment can be made at the door. Make checks payable in the exact amount to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are required and can be made by email at chamber@pekin.net, or by calling the Chamber at 346-2106.

February Business After Hours

Business AFTER Hours
Hosted by Pekin Main Street
At the Pekin Union Mission, 203 Court Street

Thursday, February 5, 2009
4:30—6:00 pm

Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net.

February Calendar of Events

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net.

3rd Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30 am~8:00 am

4th Member Promotions, Chamber Office, 7:30 am

4th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

5th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

5th Business AFTER Hours, Pekin Main Street at Pekin Union Mission, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Please

10th Member Services Comm, Chamber Office, 7:30 am

11th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

11th Chamber Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

13th Puttin’ On Pekin Breakfast, K of C Hall, 6:45 am
Reservations Required

16th President’s Day, Chamber Office Closed

18th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

24th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

March Calendar of Events

3rd Ambassadors Committee, CJs Cafe, 7:30am / 8:00am

4th Member Promotions, Chamber Office, 7:30 am

4th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 12:00 pm

5th Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

5th Business AFTER Hours, Pekin Country Club, 4:30~6:00 pm
Reservations Appreciated

10th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

11th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

11th Chamber Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

18th Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

19th Community Leadership Academy Graduation Dinner, Pekin Country Club, 6:00 pm Reservations Required

31st Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

Executive Director's Report by Bill Fleming

Chamber History
At the suggestion of a board member, I added some chamber history to our website. www.pekin.net/ChamberHistory.htm is where you can find the information. I included some basic history of the formation of our organization in 1893, as well as the various names we've used over the years. I also included a list of the presidents and executive directors of the organization since 1916. Perhaps in the future we’ll add the list of board members from each year.

Promotional Opportunity At Breakfasts
Do you take advantage of the opportunities to promote your business at the Puttin' On Pekin breakfasts? First, you can bring prizes to give away as part of the door prize drawing at the end of the breakfast. Just bring your prize that morning and set it on the prize table. Be sure to attach your business card to the prize so we can announce whom it is from.

Second, you can stand up and make an announcement about your business during the "one-minute reminders." Just raise your hand when we get to that point in the program and keep your announcement under one minute.

And third, you can set up a display and give away information as part of the "Business Showcase." You'll need to call the chamber office to schedule your participation in the Business Showcase, as space is limited.

Take advantage of these great, low-cost opportunities to promote your business or organization at the next Puttin' On Pekin breakfast.

Enhancements To Membership Directory
As a chamber member, you receive a free listing in the "membership directory" on our website. We recently added an enhancement to the directory.

When you search the directory by category or keyword, in addition to the list of search results, you'll also see a Google map with push pins indicating the location of each of the search results.

Try it out: Go to our home page at www.pekin.net and then click "membership directory" in the menu bar on the left side of the page. Next, from the drop down box for the "search by category," select "dentists" then click "go." You'll see the search produces a list of 8 chamber members, and also a Google map with their locations. You can make the map larger, zoom in or out, and move the map around, just like any Google map.

Our membership directory gets plenty of use. During 2008 the directory search was used 9,095 times. About half of those were alphabetical searches, about one-third were category searches, and the rest were keyword searches.

I can provide you with statistics about your individual business or organization (number of times you appeared in search results, number of times your basic listing was viewed, number of times the user clicked through to your website, etc.) I can also walk you through the process to add more information to your basic directory listing. Let me know if you're interested.

PCHS Teacher Needs Business Speakers
Randall Emert, a teacher at Pekin Community High School, is looking for business and community leaders to speak to his sophomore students. His class is learning about various jobs and careers in anticipation of choosing a career path. Mr. Emert would like business people to talk about their job and educational history, the different kinds of jobs at their company, the skills and education needed, etc. He would also like speakers to discuss the importance of resumes, job applications, job interviews, and what you look for when hiring a new employee.

He already has speakers from Illinois Central College, Robert Morris College and Pekin Hospital. He's hopeful many more business people will come forward and help. I've done this kind of program before, and I've always found it to be very rewarding. It’s also a great opportunity to promote your business. If you're interested, I would encourage you to email him at remert@pekinhigh.net or give me a call and I can give you his cell phone number.

Membership Renewals

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce (through January 26, 2009):

AmerenCILCO ~ American Cancer Society/Relay for Life ~ Aramark ~ Associated Bank ~ Aventine Renewable Energy ~ Bagley & Miller, Attorneys ~ Willard Birkmeier ~ Brewers Distributing Company ~ Brookmeadow Apartments ~ Carney's Insurance Store ~ CenturyTel ~ Champion Fitness/MRC ~ Clifton Strode Insurance & Real Estate ~ Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty ~ Commerce Bank ~ DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services ~ Dr. Robert Ehrich, DDS ~ Excel Foundry & Machine ~ Goodwill Industries ~ Graphic Packaging International ~ Hallmark House Nursing Center ~ Heartland Bank & Trust Company ~ Herget Bank ~ Illinois American Water ~ JMP Radio Group ~ Dr. David Kuban, DDS ~ Kuhfuss & Proehl, P.C. ~ Laborer's Local #231 ~ Linde Group ~ McDaniels Marketing Communications ~ McDonald's ~ Midwest Generation Powerton Station ~ Miller, Hall, & Triggs ~ Monge, Crouch & Mahoney ~ Neal Chiropractic Clinic ~ Lloyd Orrick ~ Pekin Area Board of Realtors ~ Pekin Community Bank ~ Pekin Insurance ~ Pekin Moose Family Center, Lodge # 916 ~ Pekin Park District ~ Pekin Public Library ~Pekin Veterinary Clinic ~ Peoria Journal Star ~ R.A. Cullinan & Sons ~ Redbrand Credit Union ~ San Juan Pools & Spas ~ Schwartz & Miller Family Dentistry ~ Smith Barney ~ Steger's Furniture ~ Dr. Dennis Stoller, DDS ~ Subway ~ Syngenta ~ Taco Bell ~ TAPS Animal Shelter ~ Tazewell Machine Works ~ Charles Thomas, Attorney

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) decreased 1.9% and the CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) decreased 2.3% for the month of November. The C-CPI-U (chained all urban consumers) also decreased 2.0% for the same time period. Increases for the year include 1.1% for the CPI-U, 0.7% for the CPI-W and the C-CPI-U. The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—for January 2008, was 211.08; February, 211.69; March, 213,53; April, 214.82; May, 216.63; June, 218.82; July, 219.96; August, 219.09; September, 218.78; October, 216.57; and November, 212.43.

Community Leadership Academy: The Parks

The Community Leadership Academy met today at the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion. They learned about the Pekin Park District, the role the park plays in the community, facilities, programs and funding. The group then took a tour of Parkside Athletics and learned about their expansion efforts. You can see pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Rich Gafford Joins Chamber

Rich Gafford of Pekin joined the chamber as a non-business individual member.

Beer Belly's Bar and Grill Joins Chamber

Get ready to welcome the newest chamber member, opening in February:

Beer Belly's Bar and Grill
2801 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 346-1154

Cory Hart & Terry Davison, Owners; Jeremy Isbell, Manager; James Porter, Director of Operations.

OPENING IN EARLY FEBRUARY. Beer Belly's concept and design was developed from local entrepreneurs with one thing in mind. "Make the Customer Happy!" So they designed a fun social atmosphere for every type of personality and every type of appetite. They hope to be known for their great food and cold beer served up by their friendly staff. They have designed a new large game room, added 32 flat screen TVs, a stage for entertainment, and a layout that is sure to bring people together. Lunch starts at 11am and they keep serving the full menu until 12 midnight. They have a great menu that isn't your typical bar menu. Come try their fried pickles with a homemade king tenderloin that is sure to please. If your up for a challenge then take a shot at their monster 3lb BellyBobBeltBustingBurger - If you can eat their 3lb monster within one hour they'll place your picture on the wall of fame and give you half off your meal! Hope to see everyone in February. Stay tuned for their Grand Opening Weekend to be announced soon.

Pekin Area Business EXPO '09

Pekin Area Business EXPO '09

Saturday, January 31, 2009

9:00am to 3:00pm

Pekin Dragon's Dome

Free Admission - Free Parking - Free Entertainment

Exhibits by nearly 100 Pekin area businesses and organizations
Door prize drawings throughout the day, including
A trip for 2 to Las Vegas, courtesy of Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and Suzi Davis Travel
A $250 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Illinois Collections Unlimited

Thanks to all the sponsors: Aventine Renewable Energy, Midwest Generation Powerton Station, Pekin Insurance, CEFCU, Allegra Print & Imaging, Hallmark House, Suzi Davis Travel, Pekin Daily Times, Comcast Spotlight, Regent Broadcasting, and Illinois Collections Unlimited..

There are still a limited number of booths available. If you have any questions, please call the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at 346-2106.

Amanda's Closet Joins Chamber

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Amanda's Closet
517 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
346-4663
Amanda Rogy, Owner
arogy@comcast.net

Open Monday - Friday, 10am to 6pm and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday

Amanda's Closet is a consignment shop offering men, women & children's clothing, shoes, purses, accessories and home decor.

Pekin Riding Club Joins Chamber

Please welcome a new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Pekin Riding Club
PO Box 683
11401 IL RT 29
Pekin, IL 61555-0683
(309) 477-2664
pekinridingclub@yahoo.com
www.pekinridingclub.com
Nicole Mauser-Storer, President

The purpose of the Pekin Riding Club (PRC) is to promote interest in, enjoyment of, and further the education/knowledge of good horsemanship to the mutual advantage of its membership. PRC is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and elected board members.