Marigold Festival Women's Golf Outing Results

1st Flight
*1. Donna Peterson and Jane Seiler 71
2. Meg Barnosky and Deb Seggerman 72
3. Rhonda Francis and Debbie Rogers 76
4. Tammy Byers and Sue Wheeler 76

2nd Flight
*1. Pat Minch and Helen Wahls 81
2. Cathy Naleway and Paula Paluska 82
3. Carrie Ward and Betty Kaebel 83

3rd Flight
*1. Jan Connell and Bessie Parks 87
2. Sandy Stone and DeDe Wilt 87
3. Diane Steiner and Stephanie 90

* Winner of Flight

Lucky Ducks Cross Finish Line First for Prize Winners

A record number of rubber ducks competed in the 21st Annual Duck Race to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse presented by Par-A-Dice Hotel-Casino. With 18,000 ducks competing—nearly 3,000 more than participated last year—the first ducks to cross the finish line won exciting prizes for local residents who adopted them.
Winners are as follows:

Tanya Olds
Washington
$5,000 Shopping Spree from Sherman’s

Sharon Gramm
Metamora
Rainbow Carnival Castle Playset with free installation in the tri-county area from Rainbow Play Systems, Peoria

Celeste Nagle
Spring Valley
$1,000 Savings Bond from South Side Bank


Adam Fuller
Washington
Sunglasses for two from Maui Jim

Jacob Lewis
Chillicothe
Round of Golf for Two at WeaverRidge

Robert Gilmore
Peoria
Spa Package courtesy of Skin Dimensions Day Spa

Rhonda Urban
Peoria
Pizza for a Year from Little Caesars

Nicole Swango
Peoria
Three month family membership to Greater Peoria Family YMCA


Raymond Olson
Peoria
$250 Gift Certificate from Kull Landscaping

Chris Damm
Bartonville
$250 Gift Basket from Absolutely Yours

Amy Angelo
Pekin
One Year Family Membership to Lakeview Museum


Lorrie Hanlon
Peoria
Bradley University Theater Season Tickets for Four

Emily Stein
Peoria
Cornstock Theater Season Tickets for Two

Tina Nester
Edwards
Peoria Ballet Company Season Tickets for Two


Philip and Kathleen Haugens
Metamora
Tickets for Two to any 2009-2010 Peoria Players Production


Emily and Chris Voss
Normal
Stay and Play: Overnight stay at SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Dinner for two at Alexander’s Steakhouse


Jennifer Daly
Unknown
Tickets for two to any 2009-2010 Season Subscription Peoria Symphony Orchestra Concert and Gift Certificate to Jonah’s Seafood House

Greg and Jennifer Crider
Morton
$100 Gift Certificate for Jones Bros. Jewelers

Tim Beutel
Morton
Panera Bread for a year


“The Duck Race is a fun way for The Center to raise funds and public awareness for our community,” explained Martha Herm, executive director. “The more people know about our services to stop abuse, the more effective we all become in keeping our communities safe.”

Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society

The September 8, 2009 general meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have Jan Frazier whose presentation is based on the creative nonfiction book Transatlantic Ticket 1852. In this book Jan has written about the Germans coming to the New World in the 1850s -- their struggles in the Old World, the boat trip to America, and trials once they arrived in the New World. The video she created and shows in conjunction with the speech presents pictures of Germany during that time period as well as pictures of Pekin during the 1850s, thus showing what the conditions were in the country they left, and what they found in Tazewell County when they arrived. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on September 8, 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.

Central Illinois Endoscopy Center

Central Illinois Endoscopy Center Achieves AAAHC Accreditation

Central Illinois Endoscopy Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes the surgical center from other outpatients' surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of patient care.

Accreditation means that Central Illinois Endoscopy Center has met nationally recognized standards for providing quality health care set by the Accreditation Association. Ambulatory Health Care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association's surveyors-volunteer physicians.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis-where an overnight stay would not be required.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association), is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 3600 organizations accredited nationwide. Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality healthcare through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. Third party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public recognize AAAHC accreditation as a symbol of quality

Gastroenterology Center Opens

First of its kind facility to help in the fight against Colon Cancer


Peoria, Illinois (August 25, 2009)--Peoria’s first outpatient center dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenterology disorders was officially dedicated Tuesday, August 25, 2009. The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center located on the 5th floor of the Illinois Medical Center at 1001 Main Street is a collaboration of Methodist Medical Center and Illinois Gastroenterology Institute. A ribbon cutting was followed with tours of the facility.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant commented in opening remarks, “ The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center will give Peoria area residents improved access to cancer screening and other diagnostic services previously available only in a hospital setting.”

Illinois Gastroenterology Institute gastroenterologist Dr. Eli Kuga explains, “Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S. and in Central Illinois, we have an unusually high rate of colon cancer compared to other regions of the nation. Fortunately colonoscopy can identify and allow removal of small polyps before they become cancerous.”

One unique aspect of the center, according to Dr. Kuga, is that the ambulatory centers serve gastroenterology patients only. The latest in equipment and facilities have been tailored to meet specific needs, without the interruptions that can occur in a traditional hospital or surgery center that accommodates patients with many different conditions.”

“Another major advantage to patients is the cost. Procedures at Central Illinois Endoscopy Center will cost less than procedures performed in the traditional hospital setting,” said Michael Bryant. “This means less out of pocket expense to the patient. In addition, the patient leaves the center with a complete report including photos. A similar copy is also electronically sent to the patient’s referring physician.”

The CIEC will also assist in recruiting much-needed gastroenterologists to the greater Peoria region. Before the Endoscopy Center, Peoria’s lack of a dedicated gastroenterology center was a roadblock for recruiting physicians when competing against other Illinois cities with established centers.

In addition to colonoscopy, services at the center will include dilation of the esophagus (widening of the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach), EGD (examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine), and flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower colon). Registered nurses trained in gastrointestinal nursing provide patient care before, during, and after procedures.
For additional information, call the Central Illinois Endoscopy Center at 309-495-1144

Community Education Series

Methodist at Pekin Offers Community Education Series


A free community education presentation on hearing loss will be offered September 15, 2009 at Methodist at Pekin. Dr. Christopher von Hake will present this free presentation that will include a review of the basic function of the outer, middle and inner ear, types of hearing loss, treatment options and the relationship between hearing and dizziness.

A free hearing screening will also be provided by Dr. Denise M. J. Comerford, Doctor of Audiology at the Sound Choice Hearing Clinic in Pekin.
No reservations are required for the 6:00 p.m. presentation. Methodist at Pekin is located at 1800 Broadway in Pekin. For additional information call 346-3447.

Goodwill Celebrates Employee Anniversaries

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

Goodwill congratulates the following employees for
their service:

Turanna Hart, Angie Hatfill and Manuel Pena for three years of service.

Connie McGlothlen for six years of service.

Central Illinois Black Expo

Don’t miss the 13th Annual Central Illinois Black Expo September 12, 2009. It will be held from 11am to 7pm at the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall. Admission is free!

This year’s Expo will include exhibitors; a health/wellness fair with FREE screenings and important health information; a Job Fair; informative business and educational workshops; a Career Corner where youth and adults will be able to learn about different careers; and entertainment for the entire family. Don’t miss the great giveaways including a pair of Southwest Airline tickets (to anywhere they fly in the US) valued at $1,000, a $500.00 shopping spree at Wal-Mart, a $100.00 gift card from Toys R Us, Cologne Baskets from Bergners at Sheridan Village, hotel rooms, gift certificates, accessories, and more.

We are also pleased to announce four new events this year:

• a Talent Show, calling all acts. If you think you've got talent, then come to the Peoria Civic Center for our version of “America’s Got Talent”. Acts will compete for the top price of $500.00. Round 1 begins at 2:00 PM and the finals at 5:00 PM.
  
• This year we are proud to partner with the National Marrow Donor Program to host a “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Donor Drive from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
  
• The Expo prides itself on the programs we incorporate into the Expo and giving back to the community. This year, we will be raising money for the Boy Scouts of America. Call us at (309) 672-1374 to find out how you can participate.
  
• Don’t miss our version of the popular television game show, the Price Is Right. Participants will be selected from the audience to compete for a host of wonderful prizes.
  

Back by popular demand is our:
· Back to School Hair Cut-A-thon with FREE hair cuts for the kids
· The Kings and Queens of the Table Spades Tournament
· Tera’s Kidz Corner where you can try your hand at different carnival and sports games. If games are not your thing, stop by Ericka’s Craft Haven for various crafts, face painting, and the picture corner. If you like to express your artistic side, be sure to visit the JMET Art Center. This area will also include a giant slide and an obstacle course. Two new activities to this area include a Sports Wii Tournament and a Hula Hoop Contest with cash prizes.
· Teen Summit Sponsored by Bradley University for ages 12 – 18, will enable youth to “get connected” and meet with professionals from different industries. If you need information on resume preparation and dressing for success, come to the Career Corner. We want to invite all Junior High/Middle School and High School students to attend this event. The Teen Summit will also include a chance to win different prizes. For more information about attending the Teen Summit, call (309) 672-1374.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor, a sponsor, or a volunteer, call (309) 672-1374 for more information.

Black Expo sponsors include the Par-a-dice Hotel Casino, Wal-Mart, Heritage Bank of Central Illinois, Bradley University, CEFCU, Methodist Medical Center, and Schnucks.

The Central Illinois Black Expo is a non-profit organization whose primary objective is to help minority businesses by providing networking, training, and an exposition opportunity.

September Business After Hours

Business AFTER Hours
Hosted by The Grand Victorian of Pekin
2700 S. 14th Street
Thursday, September 3, 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.

September Calendar of Events

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

1st Ambassadors Committee, CJ’s Café, 7:30am /8:00am

2nd Member Promotions Committee, Chamber Office, 7:30 am

2nd Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

3rd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am

3rd Business AFTER Hours, The Grand Victorian of Pekin, 4:30~6:00 pm
Reservations Appreciated

7th Labor Day Holiday ~ Chamber Office Closed

8th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

9th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

9th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

9th Marigold Committee, Mineral Springs Park, 6:30 pm

10th ~ 13th Pekin Marigold Festival

23rd Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

29th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00am

30th LAUNCH Business Plan Competition, PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center

October Calendar of Events

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

1st Business AFTER Hours, American Fire Service,
4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated

6th Ambassadors Committee, CJ’s Café, 7:30am /8:00am

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

7th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm

8th Business & Community Recognition Luncheon, Pekin Country Club, 11:30 am~1:00 pm

9th Puttin On Pekin, Knights of Columbus Hall, 6:45 am

12th Columbus Day Holiday ~ Chamber Office Closed

13th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am

14th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am

14th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm

15th Marketing Committee, District 108 Board Room, 7:30 am

21st Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm

27th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am

29th Tazewell County Chambers Business After Hours, Five Points, Washington, 5-8:00pm

Executive Director's Report by Bill Fleming

Sluggish Economy Continues
While many businesses and economists are beginning to project more favorable economic conditions, there are still signs our economy is struggling. As an example, the unemployment numbers for Illinois and our region jumped significantly in June.

The effects of the slow economy are being felt at many businesses and organizations in our area, including the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. While we have many generous members who have continued to support the chamber with their sponsorships and membership investments, we have also lost a few longtime members and event sponsors.

Like many of you, the chamber has taken steps to weather this storm. At their August meeting, the Board of Directors amended our budget, reducing or eliminating expenses totaling $10,600 for the rest of the fiscal year. These expense reductions will not have an impact on the chamber’s programs, and the staff will work diligently to ensure our members continue to receive the same level of service.

Chamber’s Value
What value does the chamber provide our community? Sometimes it’s hard to quantify the answer to that question, but not this time. This time the answer is $30 million dollars.

In 1992 Chamber President Carol Shields organized a transportation committee and appointed Rich Kriegsman as the chairman and Denny Kief as the vice-chairman. Working closely with the City of Pekin and other local organizations, this committee has worked tirelessly over the past 17 years, advocating at the state and federal levels for the funds to construct Veterans Drive.

The progress has been slow – sometimes frustratingly slow. But every-once-in-a-while there is something to celebrate. The inclusion of $30 million dollars in the state’s capital plan for the construction of the southerly section of Veterans Drive is a huge step forward for the committee.

While not taking all of the credit for this success, I don’t believe there would be $30 million dollars in the state’s capital plan for Veteran’s Drive if not for the leadership of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and our transportation committee on this issue.

Terri Trueblood Retires
Long-time employee Terri Trueblood will work her last day for the chamber on September 10th. Her retirement comes after nearly 10 years of service.

Over the years she has been a major reason for the success of many of our chamber events and programs, including the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy, the monthly FOCUS newsletter, and several Marigold Festival events. I’m grateful for all her contributions over these past 10 years, and know she’ll enjoy spending more time with her family.

We will hold an open house in her honor on Wednesday, September 16th, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at the chamber office. I hope you’ll stop by and thank her for her service and wish her well in her retirement.

New Chamber Address
Please note we no longer have a PO Box. Our mailing address is: Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Membership Renewals through August 24, 2009

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

Busey Bank ~ Concorde Inn & Suites ~ Farnsworth Group ~ First Community Title Services, Inc. ~ Heartland Chiropractic Center ~ Hospice Compassus ~ Illinois Centers for Pain and Rehab, Inc. ~ Little Ade's Bicycle ~ Lowman & Barra, Inc. ~ Methodist at Pekin ~ Midwest Eye Care, P.C. ~ Newman & Ullman, Inc. ~ Paradise Tanning & Gifts LTD ~ Pekin Union Mission Society, Inc. ~ Peoria Rivermen ~ Pepsi Cola ~ Rick Tyler Agency - American Family Insurance ~ Salvation Army of Pekin ~ SBSi Semonis Insurance Group ~ The Grand Victorian of Pekin ~ Walgreens II ~ Jimmy Williams

Biz Barometer & Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) and C-CPI-U (chained all
urban consumers) increased 0.9% for the month of June. The CPI-W (all urban wage earners
and clerical workers) increased 1.1% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the
CPI-U –1.4%, -2.0% for the CPI-W, and –1.3% for the C-CPI-U.

The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—January 2009, 211.1; February,
212.2; March, 212.8; April, 213.2; May, 213.9; June, 215.7; and July, 215.4.

Mobile Mammography Schedule

Methodist Medical Center
September-2009

The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of September 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.

September 1-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton Ave.
September 3-Valley Forge shopping Center, Dr. Ryan Schmidgall’s office, Washington
September 9-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington, 158 E. Fulton, Farmington
September 10-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe
September 15-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton Ave, Morton
September 16-Methodist at Mt. Hawley-Women’s Health-7725 Knoxville, Peoria
September 19-Carver Community Center, 710 W. 3rd, Peoria (Saturday)
September 22-Wal-Mart, 2071 N. Main Street, Canton
September 23-Methodist at Pekin, 1800 Broadway, Pekin
September 29- Heartland Clinic, 1701 Garden, Peoria


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

PAN Night With the Chiefs

The Pekin Area Networking Group (PAN) will be conducting a membership drive Thursday evening, August 27. You are invited to attend a Chief's baseball game on us and get to know the members of PAN and how we help each other with business referrals. We will be meeting before the game at Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery located at 619 SW Water St. We will meet between 5:00 and 6:00 at Kelleher's to pass out tickets to the game or call ahead and speak to Dr. Jeff Dill 353-9700 or Jeff Stevenson at 347-7075 or feel free to contact Jeff at jeff.stevenson@nationalcity.com. Come enjoy a game on us and find out how we can help promote your business.

Papa Murphy's Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza at 1807 Broadway in recognition of their one-year anniversary in Pekin, and their new ownership. Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting with store manager, Matt Dickey, and new owner, Ray Fields. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Nominations Needed

Plans are being made for our 12th Annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon. This event will be held on Thursday, October 8th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Pekin Country Club. Our speaker will be Bradley University President Joanne K. Glasser. Once again CenturyTel will sponsor the event, and Pekin Trophy House and Engraved Gifts will sponsor the awards.

At the luncheon, we would like to honor your business or organization for its accomplishments during the past year. Please download more information and a self-nomination form at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/BusRecogSelfNominate.pdf.

Community Update/Golf/Dinner

Since 1994, the City of Pekin has conducted an annual Community Update meeting. A golf outing and dinner completed the day’s events. All previous events have been very well attended and the feedback has been valuable.

The City is now planning their 15th annual event for Thursday, September 17, 2009. A Community Update will be held starting at 8:00 A.M. at the Pekin Insurance Lodge, followed by golf at Lick Creek Golf Course and a dinner back at the Lodge. Please download more information and your reservation form at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/CityUpdate09.pdf

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy Community Appreciation Day

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy will be hosting a Community Appreciation Day on Thursday September 17th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at their Pekin office located at 2105 Court Street near County Market. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Join us and meet the therapy staff, tour the facility, find out what Champion Fitness Physical Therapy offers, and pick up some great giveaways. Visit our website at www.champfit.com to see how Champion Fitness Physical Therapy can help you “GET BUSY LIVING!”

Liberty Village Ground Breaking

A nasty thunderstorm didn't stop the festivities, they just moved inside. On Wednesday, August 19th, Liberty Village held a ground breaking ceremony. The event was a public kick-off of the construction of their new Bounce Back Rehabilitation Department and their Garden Court Alzheimer's/Dementia Neighborhood.

Pekin Glass & Mirror Newest Chamber Member

Please welcome the newest chamber member:

Pekin Glass and Mirror
332 Derby
Pekin, IL 61554

(309) 347-6158
fax 347-1778

Holly Payne, Vice President
pekinglass@omnilec.com

Open 8am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Pekin Glass and Mirror is a glass contractor, selling and installing storefronts, shower doors, and mirrors.

Habitat for Humanity Joins Chamber

Please welcome another new chamber member:

Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area
931 N. Douglas
Peoria, IL 61606

(309) 676-6729
fax 676-6409

www.habitatpeoria.org
Greg Woith, Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity builds homes and sells them to qualified low income applicants with a 20-year interest free mortgage.

CreativEngraving Has New Digits

CreativEngraving & Marking has new phone and fax numbers:
Phone: (309) 981-0036
Fax: (888) 353-9015
Please update your records! We would hate for you to lose us!!

Five Million Pounds of Clothes for Kids

Goodwill™ and Family Circle Team Up for Back-To-School Clothing Drive

To ensure that every child goes back to school in style this year, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois and Family Circle have teamed and launched a national five million pound clothing drive that runs now through Wednesday, September 30, 2009. The partnership is featured in the September issue of Family Circle, the magazine’s first ever issue dedicated to Back-To-School, as well as at www.shopfamilycircle.com, the magazine’s new e-commerce destination.

Family Circle and Goodwill® encourage all families to donate gently-used clothes so that other children might have a “new to them” outfit on the first day of school. Donated items will be sold at the Central Illinois agency’s nine stores and elsewhere nationally at more than 2,300 Goodwill® retail stores. To track the donations, the September issue of Family Circle has a coupon to attach to all donation bags. The coupon can also be downloaded at www.shopfamilycircle.com/goodwill. Tips for Back-to-School Clothing Drives are available at the site.

“Donating to Goodwill® is a great way to teach your children gratitude, responsibility and the importance of helping others. Every donation we receive ultimately produces revenue that is used to provide free job training and other career services for people who need new skills so they can get a job and help their family be self-sufficient,” said Patty Fuchs, President and CEO.

According to Carey Witmer, Publisher of Family Circle, “Partnering with Goodwill® – both in the magazine and on our new e-commerce destination – is a great way to give our readers the tools to help families in need. The Family Circle community is always looking for ways to give back and get involved.”

Goodwill Industries of Central is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Store and Donation Center locations and hours are available at www.goodwillpeo.org or by calling 309-682-1113.

Published 15 times a year by Meredith Corporation, with a circulation of 3.8 million and 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in the world. Family Circle provides smart relevant advice, sensible solutions, and inspiration in a voice that encourages and celebrates success in its pages and online at www.familycircle.com. Family Circle has always been committed to women’s issues and in 1973 became the first women’s magazine to fully underwrite a professional women’s sporting event, the Family Circle Cup, an annual women’s tennis tournament held in April in Charleston, S.C., at Family Circle Magazine Stadium.

Methodist Names August Employees of the Month

Methodist Medical Center has announced the August, 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 Cheryl Schadt, RN of West Peoria selected for the category of Nursing. She works with the Methodist Family Medical Center. Also selected was Duane Funk of Bartonville for non-nursing support. He works in Marketing/Public Relations. And for the category of Patient Care, Jennifer Branaman of Washington was selected. She works in Patient Registration.

All three will be honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.

Chateau to Host Blood Drive

The Chateau on the Lake will host a blood drive on September 30th from 10am to 2pm. Contact the Chateau, 382-3414 for more information.

August Puttin' On Pekin Went to the Dogs

About 60 chamber members and guests attended the August 14th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast. Brandi and Michelle (along with Wrigley and Mugsy) gave a presentation from PAWS Giving Independence. Dave Osborn won the early prize, while Bernie Riley won the late prize. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented by Nicole Bozarth to Gary Flynn of Paradise Donuts for remodeling their building on 8th Street. Stephanie Stoneking presented the Spotlight on Business award to Gregg Ratliff and the Pekin Daily Times. Renna Hadsall did a great in her first appearance as emcee. You can see pictures from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Congratulations Linda Miller

The Pekin Public Library will be honoring the retirement of longtime library employee Linda Miller with a public reception on Tuesday, August 25 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the library's lobby. Linda Miller, who has served the library for 32 years, has recently retired from her position as Circulation Clerk at the front desk. The public is invited to this reception in her honor. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Lori Parkin at the library at 347-7111.

Liberation Software Joins Chamber

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

Liberation Software, Inc.,
309 N. 6th, Suite B
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 282-6249
sales@liberationsoft.com
www.liberationsoft.com

Trent Lawrence, President
Lance Waidzunas, Sales & Marketing Manager

Liberation Software is a dual-purpose information technology firm specializing in software development, high-speed connectivity, terminal services solutions, and small to medium-sized business IT consulting. Open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Jim Jones Joins Chamber

Please welcome Jim Jones of Pekin, who recently joined the chamber as a retired business person.

Pekin Hospital to Offer Diabetes Education Classes

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd. The series of three classes will be held from 2~5:00pm 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 fee includes all three classes. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is August 24th. To register, please call (309)353-0719.

The Chateau on the Lake is now booking Holiday parties - Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve and all of the holidays. Call 382-3414 to reserve your date. Also, the Chateau on the Lake offers their Champaign Brunch starting at noon every Sunday, their German Buffet on the last Sunday of the month.

Diane Jess Crowned Miss Marigold

Congratulations to Miss Diane Jess who was crowned Miss Marigold at the August 8, 2009 Miss Marigold Queen Pageant. Also, congratulations to all of the contestants: Sarah Gouliard, Megan Shreffler, Marjorie Miller, Katrina Robison, Trisha Lynn Fleeharty, and Brittney Heath. You can see plenty of pictures from the pageant at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.

Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

Workforce Development Week Open House

The Workforce Development Week will be August 31 to September 4th. Career Link and IDES invite you to attend their open house at their Illinois workNet™ Center. It will be held on Monday, August 31, 2009 from 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. at 200 S. 2nd Street, Suite 10 in Pekin. Meet their professional Workforce staff and find out more about the Center and the services available to both employers and individuals.

August Business AFTER Hours

NTS Telephone Company hosted the August Business After Hours. About 40 chamber members and guests attended the event. There was plenty of refreshments and tours of the NTS facility were also available. You can find more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

State Representative Mike Smith's Women's Health and Education Fair

You’re invited to State Representative Mike Smith's Women's Health and Education Fair on Wednesday, August 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Festival of Lights Building, 2200 E. Washington Street in East Peoria.

Join Rep. Smith for this first time event that includes demonstrations, free screenings, great vendors, and much more!! This event is free and open to the public! For more information, please contact State Rep. Mike Smith’s constituent service office at 353-6276.

Partial List of participants includes: Secretary of State Jesse White, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, IL Student Assistance Commission, IL Dept. of Health & Family Services, Attitudes and Images, Arthritis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Serenitee Spa & Salon, Alzheimer’s Association, Fondulac Park District, Lupus Foundation of Illinois, Tazewell Co. Children’s Advocacy Center, National Assn. of Women Business Owners, IL Dept. of Public Health, American Heart Association, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Commissioner Dan Decker, City of East Peoria, Firefighters Local #1498, American Dental Association, Central IL Agency on Aging, Cancer Center for Healthy Living, Habitat for Humanity, Dress for Success, Curves, Tazewell County House of Hope

Special Presentation Schedule:
9:30 a.m. Warning Signs and Abuse Prevention, Center for Prevention of Abuse
10:00 a.m. Investment Basics Edward Jones Investment
11:00 a.m. Yoga Class
12:00 p.m. Food & Lifestyle Management Curves for Women

Goodwill Celebrates Employee Anniversaries

Goodwill congratulates the following employees for their service:

Tanner Mammen, Daniel Capron, Kathy McKnight, Niki Jones, Andrea Sego and Duffy Armstrong for three years of service.

Patricia Stone, Brenda Wilder, Shirley Reynolds, Gerald Jordan, and Teresa Streeper
for four years of service.

Bonnie Beachler for twenty one years of service.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza Anniversary Special

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza is celebrating their one-year anniversary in Pekin this weekend. Stop in at 1807 Broadway on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and take advantage of their special anniversary offer: a large 1 topping pizza for $5.99.

East Peoria RiverFest 2009

RiverFest 2009
Saturday, August 29, 3 PM - 11 PM
East Peoria RiverFront Park

Featuring performances by: Mister Sister, Rachel’s Hippo & Uncle Pucker. Come celebrate the end of summer down on the riverfront with rockin’ performances from local bands and delicious treats from community establishments. Tickets are $3 for adults and children 12 & under get
in FREE when accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to return to RiverFront Park on Sunday for RiverFest Faith & Family from 2 PM until 6 PM. Sponsored by CEFCU, Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino, 93.3 The Drive, Brewers Distributing Company, the City of East Peoria and the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce.

YWCA Run The Town Red

Registration is now open for the “Run the Town Red” 5K Run/Walk, being held on Saturday, August 29^th at Coal Miner’s Park in Pekin. The event is part of the annual “Paint the Town Red” campaign to raise funds for scholarships and other YWCA of Pekin programs. The entire race will be run on a paved bike trail, and the course will be marked at 1 and 2 miles for walkers. The event will start at 7:15 a.m. Register before August 20^th to guarantee you receive a T-Shirt. Registration forms for the event are available at the YWCA, 315 Buena Vista, or online at www.ywca.org/pekin. For more information, please call the YWCA at 347-9922.

Methodist Medical Center Ranks in America’s Best Hospitals

Methodist Medical Center has been ranked 43rd in Urology Services in U.S. News's 2009-10 publication of America’s Best Hospitals.

Now in its 20th year, the multi-platform 2009-10 America's Best Hospitals guide is the most extensive hospital ranking to-date. It includes rankings of 174 medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties--with full data available online for another 1,500 unranked hospitals. In addition, the Best Hospitals "Honor Roll" highlights 21 medical centers that were ranked at or near the top in at least six specialties.

The 16 ranked specialties are cancer; diabetes & endocrine disorders; digestive disorders; ear, nose, and throat; geriatric care; gynecology; heart and heart surgery; kidney disorders; neurology and neurosurgery; ophthalmology; orthopedics; psychiatry; rehabilitation; respiratory disorders; rheumatology; and urology.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Methodist is one of only four hospitals in Illinois to make the Top 50, and the only one outside of Chicago. We are proud of our Urology team—the physicians, nurses and staff whose commitment to delivering outstanding healthcare have made Methodist one of America’s Best Hospitals.”

"When the stakes are high, you want the best care you can get for someone close to you," said Avery Comarow, U.S. News health rankings editor. "These are hospitals that are used to getting the sickest patients."

In addition to the hospitals that appear in one or more specialty rankings in the print magazine, the 2009-10 America’s Best Hospitals package includes an online consumer guide where readers can find information on more than 1,500 hospitals that qualified for rankings, but did not score high enough to be ranked (fewer than one-third of the 4,861 U.S. hospitals evaluated did qualify).

The rankings in 12 of the 16 specialties--all but ophthalmology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and rheumatology--are predominantly driven by hard data. There are four components: reputation, death rate, patient safety (new this year), and care-related factors such as nursing and patient services. In these 12 specialties, hospitals have to pass through several gates to be ranked and considered a Best Hospital:

1. The first gate determines whether a hospital is eligible to be ranked at all by requiring that it must meet any of three conditions: be a teaching hospital; have at least 200 beds; or have at least 100 beds plus at least four out of eight key medical technologies such as current-generation CT scanners and precision radiation therapy.

2. The second gate determines whether a hospital is eligible to be ranked in a particular specialty. To be eligible, the hospital had to either have at least a specified volume of certain procedures and conditions over three years, or had to have been nominated by at least one physician in the last three years of our annual specialist survey.

3. The third gate is whether a hospital does well enough to be ranked, based on its reputation, death rate, patient safety, and factors like nurse staffing and technology.

In the four other specialties--ophthalmology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and rheumatology--ranking is based solely on nominations from the three most recent physician surveys.

Methodist Medical Center joins Caterpillar’s Preferred Provider Network

For the first time since 1992, Caterpillar employees and retirees who participate in the Caterpillar Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan will be able to choose Methodist Medical Center for their healthcare needs when Methodist joins the Caterpillar PPO network next July. A new three-year Caterpillar preferred provider contract takes effect July 1, 2010. The addition of Methodist to the Caterpillar PPO network gives Caterpillar PPO participants the opportunity to choose Methodist as a healthcare provider. It also complements the existing Health Alliance/Methodist HMO currently available to Caterpillar employees.

The agreement is consistent with the principles of healthcare reform, with performance and quality-based measures, an emphasis on transparency in healthcare pricing and promotion of employee health and wellness.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Methodist is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our friends and neighbors at Caterpillar. We have no doubt that when Caterpillar families come to Methodist they’ll recognize our culture of service and compassion combined with the most advanced medical and information technology available.”

Bryant concluded, “Methodist mirrors Caterpillar’s view of healthcare in the future and we look forward to the opportunity together to improve the healthcare of the community. As we improve the health of Caterpillar employees and their families, we are ultimately improving the health of the entire community.”

Methodist Medical Center, a 353-bed facility with almost 600 board-certified physicians, is taking Central Illinois families well into the future. Methodist combines some of the most advanced healthcare information technology in the U.S. with the caring touch of private rooms and patient satisfaction scores that are among the best in the nation. A regional referral center, Methodist offers a wide range of services for patients of every age.

Goodwill Offering Free Computer Recycling through Dell Reconnect Partnership

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is now accepting computer equipment for recycling through its partnership with Dell Reconnect. There is no charge for recycling and all brands of equipment will be accepted. Individuals may bring their donations to any Goodwill store or donation site. A donation receipt for tax purposes will be provided upon request. Proceeds from the recycled computer equipment will support Goodwill’s job training programs and veterans’ services.

The partnership, which Dell recently expanded into Illinois, makes it possible for individuals to correctly recycle unwanted equipment and keep the items from being dumped into area landfills. Computers do contain some environmentally sensitive materials. These materials are safely removed or recycled as part of the Dell program.

“Dell Reconnect makes it possible for us to expand our role as an environmentally responsible nonprofit agency. It also provides, at no cost, an important recycling opportunity for people who live in the communities we serve,” explains Patty Fuchs, President and CEO of the organization.

There are a few items to note prior to donating computer equipment to Goodwill. Customers are responsible for removing data from their hard drives. A number of sources may be found on the Internet or by contacting a computer dealer. In any case, neither Goodwill nor Dell is liable for data removal or protection. Also, customers are encouraged to check with their tax advisors for more information on tax deductions allowed for the donation.

For further information on Dell Reconnect visit www.reconnectpartnership.com. For a listing of locations and hours of Goodwill’s stores and donation centers, visit www.goodwillpeo.org or call 309-682-1113.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving more than 18 counties in central Illinois. For details on job training and veterans’ services, contact Goodwill at 309-682-1113 in Peoria or 309-342-1055 in Galesburg.

Decorative Solutions, Inc.

Two chamber members recently merged under a new name: Decorative Solutions, Inc. The co-owners are Mike Mitzelfelt and Matt Woiwode. The former companies were Midwest Sealing Technologies and Woiwode Painting. Decorative Solutions, Inc. can be reached at 620-1382.