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Showing posts from 2013

IPMR Calendar of Events

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January 9th we will host business after hours at our north Sheridan location from 4-6. Even more importantly is our new Yoga and Pilates classes offered through our new Diet and Wellness Program and in addition we will be offering FREE Balance Screenings  I hope you will be able to help us spread the word and thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Please email or call me with any questions.  Yoga-Classes begin January 13th and will run for 8 weeks, every Monday from 4-6 pm at Ridgeview Grade School located at 3903 West Ridgeview Drive, Peoria, IL 61615 cost is $100.00 register in person at any IPMR location or download registration form online at www.ipmr.org Pilates —Pilates is one of the safest and most effective methods of exercise available.  It's used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities, and everyone in between.  Pilates caters to different body types, ages, and is applicable for any stage of life.  Classes will take place at 9:

Pekin Community High School Students Recognized

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Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Brooke Mingus and Brody Oberle as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for December. Brooke, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Amanda Fitts, a School Counselor at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mrs. Fitts cited Brooke’s contributions to the overall atmosphere at Pekin Community High School. Brody, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Amanda Fitts, a School Counselor at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mrs. Fitts cited Brody’s contributions to PCHS’ football team, National Honor Society, and the Peer Assistance Committee. Each month, two PCHS students who excel in moral character, positive attitude, volunteerism, demonstrate ideal role-model behavior, and who contribute to the classroom are nominated by teachers, counselors, and high school personnel. The students must be seniors and show remarkable qualities which help them prepare for a promising future. Seth Mingus, Assistan

Membership Renewals

Thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who have renewed their investment in the chamber… 4-Star Members **** CEFCU  **** **** Pekin Hospital**** 3-Star Members *** KMI / Kriegsman *** 1-Star Members * Avanti's Ristorante * * Heartland Bank & Trust Company * * OX Paperboard Illinois * * Pekin Park District * * R. A. Cullinan & Sons * * Ray Dennison Chevrolet  * Classic Members Art's Ads Bagley & Miller , Attorneys Bard Optical George Beres Brookmeadow Apartments Casey's General Store Champion Fitness Physical Therapy Dan Pfeifer State Farm Dr. Robert Ehrich, DDS  Glesne Family Dentistry Hometown Title, Inc. Johnson Mechanical Services Dr. Robert Johnson, DMD Kuhfuss & Proehl, PC  Dr. Jerry Marshall Monge Crouch & Mahoney Pekin Riding Club, Inc. Les Pulfer Pekin Animal Hospital Pekin Public Library Redbrand Credit Union ReMax Home Realtors Glen Rittenhouse Ruskusky Foot & Ankle Steger&

Biz Barometer

Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in December were 12.5% less than December of 2012.  December disbursements typically represent sales taxes collected by merchants in September and paid to the state in October. For the 12 months ending in December, Pekin (+5.0%), East Peoria (+9.4%), and Washington (+2.5%) all received more sales tax disbursements than the 12 months ending in December of 2012.  Morton’s sales tax disbursements received from the state were down (-0.2%) for the same period.   The number of residential units sold in Pekin in the first eleven months of the year was 3.3% greater than the sales in the first eleven months of 2012. The average sales price of a Pekin residential unit in the first eleven months of the year was $108,956, which is down 0.2% from the average price for the same period in 2012. The unemployment rate in Pekin rose to 10.1% in October, up from 9.8% in September and 8.2% in October of 2012.  The number of people employed in

Savant Capital Management Acquires Paragon Advisors

Savant Capital Management, www.savantcapital.com, one of the nation’s largest independent registered investment advisory firms and headquartered in Rockford, IL, today announced its acquisition of Paragon Advisors, a Naperville, IL based, registered investment advisory firm. This acquisition will bring Savant’s current AUM to $3.7B. Savant Capital Management’s acquisition of Paragon Advisors will further strengthen Savant’s Chicago-area footprint with the addition of 130 Illinois families. The transition will be made seamless as Gregory De Jong, founding principal of Paragon and two Paragon client service team members will join Savant Capital. “We said from day one of deploying an M&A strategy that we would only consider the best RIAs,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant Capital Management. “And Paragon lives up to their name, aligning with us regionally, structurally, philosophically, and culturally. We are proud to welcome Paragon’s team and their clients to the Savant family

CEFCU MEMBER/OWNERS RECEIVE RECORD $12 MILLION EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDEND

CEFCU’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a record Extraordinary Dividend of $12 million has been distributed to CEFCU member/owners.  This dividend was based on members’ savings and loan activity during the year 2013, with $6 million going to borrowers and $6 million going to savers.  The amount each member received was determined by dividends earned and interest paid during the first 11 months of the year, as of November 30, 2013.  On December 16, dividends were deposited to members’ Savings accounts.                       Over the last 14 years, CEFCU has returned $75 million in Extraordinary Dividends to members.  CEFCU Board Chairman, Thea Robinson, stated, “The Credit Union continues to see strong financial results, and this success is due in no small part to the continued loyalty of CEFCU member/owners.  I am proud the Credit Union is able to extend this dividend, the largest in the history of the Credit Union, to members.  Credit unions exist for members, not for

Pekin Hospital Receives Press Ganey 2013 Guardian of Excellence Award

Pekin Hospital is proud to announce it has been named a 2013 Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey Associates, Inc. The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing facilities that consistently achieved the 95 th percentile of performance in Physician Engagement. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a health care industry symbol of achievement.  Fewer than 5% of all Press Ganey clients reach this threshold and consistently maintain it for the one year reporting period. Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care facilities, including more than half of all U.S. hospitals, to measure and improve the patient experience. "We are proud to partner with Pekin Hospital,” said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. “Achieving this level of excellence reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering outstanding service and quality. Pekin Hospital’s efforts benefit patients in Central Illinois and will lead to improved patient experien

SOUTH SIDE TRUST & SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTION

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., at its December 2013 Board Meeting, announced the promotion of Dwayne A. Banks to Assistant Vice President. Banks has worked in the banking industry for 33 years, serving as the manager of the Northpoint Facility at South Side Bank for the past 16 years.  He attended Peoria High School, and is a member of 1977 State Championship Basketball Team.  Banks went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Western Illinois University.    He was inducted into the Western Illinois University Hall of Fame in 2002.  Banks is Secretary of South Side Office of Concern Board of Directors and Treasurer of The Pier NFP Board of Directors.  He is married to wife, Demetra, and has one son, Dwayne Jr., and two daughters, Danielle and Dreyanna. South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a locally owned financial institution since 1922, has $669 million in assets and serves the tri-county area wi

United Way Bags Tournament

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Federal Disaster Assistance Questions Answered at Pekin Community Meeting

Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration specialists will answer questions and talk to survivors of the Nov. 17 tornadoes in Pekin on Tuesday, Dec. 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Avanti’s Dome 3401 Griffin St Pekin, IL 61554 FEMA and SBA specialists will be available to: Explain the federal disaster assistance registration process and available recovery programs Register survivors for assistance Provide information on low-interest disaster loans You do not need to attend this event to register for assistance.  Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or register with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov .

December Puttin' On Pekin Recap

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Over 100 chamber members and guests attended the December Puttin' On Pekin breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Holiday entertainment was provided by the PCHS Choral Chamber Choir. Jo Ellen Patterson won the early prize and Diane Houlihan won the late prize. Rob Hancock was presented with an award for his 20+ years of service to the Pekin 1st Committee; Rich Kriegsman accepted the Spotlight on Business Award for Kreigsman Warehouse; Trinity Lutheran Church Giving Tree accepted the Sunshine Award; and, Buster Hanley accepted the Blue Ribbon Award for Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory. Eight lucky winners went home with over $300 in prizes from chamber members as part of the big year end door prize drawing.

Mashie's Holiday Offer

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Attracting Web Traffic to Grow Your Business

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When Wednesday December 18, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST Add to Calendar Where Peoria Chamber of Commerce Board Room 100 SW Water St. Peoria, IL 61602 Driving Directions This internet marketing workshop is focused on helping business owners who are getting started with online marketing or those who are seeking ways to improve their online marketing strategy.  ATTRACTING WEB TRAFFIC will be presented by Fred Dirkse, President and founder of Online Innovative Creations (OIC) Group, Inc. and an expert in his field. The workshop is   FREE but please register by clicking below.   Register Now! Questions? Please call, email, or check our website. We hope you can join us!

Holiday Gift Show

A Holiday Gift Show at the Avanti’s Dome on Saturday, December 14, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On display will be Candles, Sweatshirts, Wood Crafts, Personalized Ornaments, Jewelry, Candy, Purses, Florals, Hair Bows, Metal Yard Ornaments and much more. Come join the Holiday Festivities at the Avanti’s Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave., Pekin, Illinois. For more information, contact Sheri (309) 346-3663 or email sheri@avantisdome.com

New Year's Eve at Mashie's

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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Tazewell County

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center in Washington, Illinois. The Center will open today to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by the severe storms and tornadoes on Nov. 17. SBA’s customer service representatives are on hand at the Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and assist business owners in applying. “Businesses with physical damages or disaster-related working capital needs should seriously consider visiting the Center and applying for a low-interest SBA disaster business loan,” said Robert Steiner, SBA’s Illinois acting district director. The Center is located and opening as indicated below, until further notice: Tazewell County Washington Library 380 N. Wilmor Road Washington, IL 61571 Hours: Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: Sunday Applicants may apply online using the Ele

Liberty Village Hosted December After Hours

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Liberty Village of Pekin hosted a great Business After Hours at Pekin Estates. Chamber members were treated to tasty food and drinks, a door prize drawing, and tours of the facility.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital to Offer Diabetes Education Workshop

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on January 20, 21, and 22.  The series of three classes will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital. The classes are designed to provide information on managing adult diabetes and 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, and Registered Medical Technician. Class fees are $70 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost).  The $70 includes all three classes.  Class size

Speakeasy Art Center's December Events

Friday, December 6th, 5PM - 8PM  - Christmas on Court Luminary Walk Downtown Pekin. Music on stage by Nathan See and a special visit by Mrs. Santa. Saturday, December 7th, 7PM - 8:30PM - Music on Stage by London is Falling. $5 cover charge Saturday, December 14th, 6PM - Pekin Main Street and Artistic Community Theatre Present Murder at The Christmas Party at the Speakeasy Art Center. Friday, December 20th, 7PM - 8:30PM - Jump N Jive by London is Falling. $5 cover charge Speakeasy will be closed, December 24th, 25th & 31st.

Mashie's Pub & Eatery Holiday Appreciation Celebration

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ICPR Family Practice Now Accepting New Patients

Dr. Volkan Sumer and his staff at ICPR Family Practice is happy to announce that they are accepting new patients! At ICPR Family Practice we want you to take an active part in your healthcare by asking questions, discussing options and learning what changes you can make to live a healthier life. We view each patient’s relationship with their healthcare provider as a partnership, working together to help you reach your optimal health. ICPR offers convenient evening hours and specific appointment times set aside for illness and emergencies; these are just two ways we make sure we are here when you need us. We also offer in-house diagnostic services such as x-ray, lab tests, diabetic counseling, balance testing, pulmonary function testing, at home sleep-apnea testing, weight loss programs, a cosmetic skin care center, immunizations and vaccinations for the entire family, and more. By offering these services in house we eliminate the hassle of you running from office to office to g

Mobile Tech Presents Challenge, Opportunity for Business

by Bill Fleming   Retailers, service providers, and businesses and organizations of every type have to deal with a new reality:  mobile devices (phones & tablets) will soon be the preferred tool for virtually all consumer communications and commerce.     Consider the following:   1. 42% of emails are opened on a mobile device. (litmus.com)   2.  70% of e-mails “that don’t look good” on a mobile device are immediately deleted. (BlueHornet.com)   3.  17% of Cyber Monday sales were made on a mobile device.  That's a 55.4% increase over last year. (IBM)   4.  Mobile internet traffic represented 31.7% of all online traffic on Cyber Monday, a 45% over last year. (IBM)

Sam's Club Open House

Sam's Club will be hosting a Holiday Open House, December 6th - 8th.

Small Business Saturday® Gives Small Businesses Big Boost to Kick-Off Holiday Season

According to NFIB and American Express Research, Consumers Aware of Small Business Saturday Reported Spending $5.7 billion at Small Businesses on Nov 30 as the Holiday Shopping Season Officially Begins In spite of a shorter shopping season and challenging economic environment, Small Business Saturday helped jump start the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the country. According to the second installment of the 2013 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released today by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express, consumer awareness of Small Business Saturday across the U.S. jumped to 71 percent from 67 percent during the same period a year ago. Of those aware, 46% said they shopped on Small Business Saturday. With awareness up, the end result was increased spending at small businesses. This year, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on the day,

Pekin Community High School Students Recognized

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Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Alyssa Carroll and Brooke Svendsen as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for November. Alyssa, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Ann Gallinger, a School Counselor at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mrs. Gallinger cited Alyssa’s contributions to National Honor Society, TAPS, Student Council, and PCHS Show Choir. Brooke, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Theresa Slover, a School Counselor at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mrs. Slover cited Brooke’s ability to overcome a variety of obstacles as well as her leadership in class. Each month, two PCHS students who excel in moral character, positive attitude, volunteerism, demonstrate ideal role-model behavior, and who contribute to the classroom are nominated by teachers, counselors, and high school personnel. The students must be seniors and show remarkable qualities which help them prepare for a promising future. Seth Mingus,

2014 Family and Business Showcase

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm at the Avanti’s Dome. Free Admission & Free Parking! For more information on this event click here . For booth information click here . For booth registration click here .

2014 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 16th annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy for future leaders in the Pekin area. For more information and application click here .

PEKIN MAIN STREET PRESENTS CHRISTMAS ON COURT: A HOLIDAY BUSINESS OPEN HOUSE AND LUMINARY WALK

Pekin Main Street will be kicking off the holiday season on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 at the annual Christmas on Court event in downtown Pekin. Candle-lit luminaries will line the streets of downtown Pekin and will surround the Tazewell County Courthouse. Carriage rides will be available starting at Pekin Community Bank ($1.00 per person) and at the corner of Court & Capitol Streets. Several downtown businesses will be open with refreshments, specials and other fun things. Visitors are invited to participate in the sock monkey scavenger hunt – sock monkeys will be visiting businesses and hanging out in store windows – find the monkeys and enter to win prizes from downtown merchants. Santa Claus will be stationed at Pekin Community Bank to visit with children. The Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 on the median at Five Points (by Pekin Community Bank, First Pekin Savings Bank and St. Joseph Church). All community members are invited

Alzheimer’s Association Selling Holiday Cookie Trays and Other Sweet Treats

Order a cookie tray for the office, for the mailman or for your own Christmas party during the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter’s holiday bake sale on Friday, Dec. 13. The bake sale starts at 10 a.m. at the office, 606 W. Glen Ave., and goes until every last pie, cookie, coffee cake, piece of fudge and mint chocolate Oreo ball is gone. Each large cookie tray is just $10. Other items are priced individually. Many of the goodies are made by Chapter staff; the rest of the items are donated by area bakeries and grocery stores. To place an order, call the office at 681.1100 or toll free at 800.272.3900. All proceeds benefit the Chapter’s programs and services for families.

Attorney to Present Legal & Financial Program for Alzheimer’s

Families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can better prepare for their loved one’s long term care future by attending an upcoming legal and financial series hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association®- Central Illinois Chapter. A Legal and Financial Series is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 11, and Wed., Dec. 18, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., at the Alzheimer's Association, 606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria. Timothy Kirk, an elder attorney with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, will present the programs. A session will be devoted to legal matters and a session will be devoted to financial matters. Topics to be discussed may include patient rights, Power of Attorney, guardianship, advance directives, estate planning, Medicaid, asset protection, and spousal impoverishment. There will be time immediately following the sessions for questions and answers. Kirk regularly shares his expertise on elder law issues with Unity Point Encore and other social service agencies in the greater P

Chamber Website Goes Mobile

Have you seen the chamber's mobile-friendly website? It includes easy access to the membership directory, calendar of events, and more. Bookmark it in your phone! www.pekinchamber.com/mobile

Small Business Saturday is This Week!

From the corner café with the tasty snacks to the shop who always has exactly what you need, our community is full of special stores that are the heartbeat of our local economy.   Small Business Saturday® is a day to support the local businesses we love. This year, the big day is November 30, and we want you to get out and Shop Small.  Make this the most successful Small Business Saturday yet!  Discover more ways to join in at ShopSmall.com and search  Small Business Saturday Central Illinois on Facebook  

Christmas for the Hopeful

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Christmas for the Hopeful

Lighting up the hearts of our friends and neighbors who were affected by the recent storms. Velde Ford of Pekin today announced that they will be hosting a Christmas Party at their dealership for all the families in Pekin, East Peoria, Washington and the surrounding area’s directly affected by the area’s recent storms. This Special Holiday Event will take place at their main showroom in Pekin, Il on Saturday, December 7th from 4:30-8:00pm. The Velde Ford Staff decided in lieu of their own 2013 Christmas Party at Basta Mangiare, that they would prefer to host a dinner and evening of entertainment for all the affected families. In conjunction with Basta Mangiare, a Christmas Dinner will be provided for all attending. Details on event registration will be forthcoming on their website; www.veldefordpekin.com , on their Facebook page, as well as various other media channels. To give every child in attendance a new toy from Santa, Velde Ford is mounting a MASSIVE TOY DRIVE for the

Free Thanksgiving Dinner

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Alzheimer’s Association® Selling 2013 Hand Blown Ornament

The Alzheimer’s Association® - Central Illinois Chapter, is selling the 2013 seventh-in-the-series hand blown holiday ornament by regional artist Hiram Toraason during the holiday season.  The limited-edition 5-inch ornament is especially designed for the Central Illinois Chapter with shades of bright purple, snowy white, with just a touch of blue. The ornament is available at the following Peoria area shops: • Alzheimer’s Association 606 W. Glen Avenue • Belle Mie • Bremer Jewelry • Broms • Bronze Frog • Enchanted Florist & Boutique • Exhibit A Gallery • Harp & Thistle Imports • Jones Bros. Jewelers • Pettet Jewelry • Picture This Gallery • Pink Sugar • Pottstown Meat, Deli & Catering • Preckshot Pharmacy • Toraason Glass • Udry Jewelers, Pekin It can also be purchased on-line by visiting the agency website at alz.org/illinoiscentral . The ornament sells for $30 with proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. The Chapter can sh

Relief Aid Site

Pekin Masonic Lodge at 338 Elizabeth St., Pekin has donations available for storm victims. They currently have cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, and clothing along with many other items. They are available Monday - Wednesday from 11AM - 3PM to assist you. If you need supplies and are unable to go to the Lodge at these posted times, there are phone numbers posted on the doors of the Lodge for you to call and someone will meet.

Membership Renewals

Amerex dba Getz Manufacturing Automotive Machine Baumgarten Distributing Camp of Champions Comfort Plus Hospice Deverman Advertising Elks Lodge Flowers by Florence Home Helath Care Plus J & J Consulting Firm Jost Becker Jost McGladrey LLP Morton Villa / Morton Terrace National Rental Lloyd Orrick Pekin Lions Club Rogy's Childcare San Juan Pools & Spa Schwartz Electric St. Jude Pekin to Peoria Run Women's Center for Health * Lewis Industries * ** Wal-Mart **

Biz Barometer

Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in November were 10.7% less than November of 2012.  November disbursements typically represent sales taxes collected by merchants in August. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 4.1% less than the same three months a year ago. The other three large communities on the east side of the Illinois River received more sales tax disbursements in November, compared to November of 2012:  Morton (1.8%), Washington (2.0%) and East Peoria (18.6%%).  . For the 12 months ending in November, Pekin (+7.7%), East Peoria (+5.5%), and Washington (+2.2%) all received more sales tax disbursements than the 12 months ending in November of 2012.  Morton’s sales tax disbursements received from the state were about equal with the same period from the previous year.     The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.1 percent in October on a seasonally adjusted basis.  Over the last

Pekin Hospital’s New Low-Dose Radiation CT Scanning Program Helps Detect Early-Stage Lung Cancer

A new, potentially life-saving program at Pekin Hospital uses low-dose radiation CT scanning to identify early-stage lung cancer in high-risk groups. The protocol, endorsed by prominent medical organizations like the American Lung Association, marks the first time people at high risk for developing lung cancer have the opportunity to undergo routine screenings. The painless scan, which takes about 10 minutes and is performed in a traditional CT scanner, is only recommended for a specific group of people. Candidates must be between 55 to 74 years old, have smoked at least two packs of cigarettes a day for 15 years or more, or have been exposed to certain work environments. The new program employs a low dose of radiation—much lower than traditional x-rays—while still providing excellent diagnostic images. This lower dosage reduces the risks associated with frequent radiation exposure, making it safer for high-risk candidates advised to have an annual scan. Lung cancer is the

Wednesday Storm Relief Update

Volunteers Needed Please do not just "show-up."  Below are three ways you can volunteer: Call the local Red Cross volunteer line at 309-677-7272.  Let them know of your availability or you willingness to donate equipment or materials.  Or go to www.redcross.org/il/peoria and click "volunteer" on the left. If you would like to volunteer with clean up please call Tazewell County Health Department, 309-925-5511. The Washington Chamber of Commerce is in need of volunteers.  People are needed to help with the collection and organization of donations. The Chamber is asking people to the work in three hour shifts starting between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. It needs at least 16 people per shift.  If you would like to help, please call 309-229-6524. Leave a voicemail with your contact information and what shifts you could help.  Local Telethon Tonight Help on the Homefront, a live telethon for tornado v

PAAR Introduces NestRent.com - a Centralized Source for Rental Information in the Greater Peoria Area

Realtors® are the voice for real estate in central Illinois, so it is not surprising that in the midst of this crisis, many displaced residents are looking to their real estate agents or to the Peoria Area Association of Realtors® (PAAR) for assistance in finding emergency housing. The PAAR believes it is vital that the Central Illinois community has a place to come together to provide rental housing information. It is for this reason that PAAR has asked the developers of NestRent.com to assist the association by providing their centralized website designed to organize available rental properties in the Greater Peoria area. Many landlords have already agreed to accept short-term, as well as longer-term leases, for those affected by the tornados. o    Landlords are encouraged to enter properties for rent on the NedstRent website. o    NestRent has waived the requirement for a listing contract with a Realtor® and the landlord can enter the property themselves —pictures are

Regional Organizations Collaborate on Small Business Saturday

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It’s time to spread the word about Small Business Saturday, the day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Small Business Saturday is November 30th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This is a national initiative aimed at getting consumers to spend locally and support the small businesses in their community for at least one day during the holiday shopping season. Local project coordinator Rachel O’Connell, with The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, says there are many regional partners on board helping promote the initiative including area Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, cities, and counties. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of every community. In fact more than 95% of businesses in our region are considered small business and they employ over half of all private sector workers. That is why we are all working together to promote Small Business Saturday throughout Greater Peoria.” Rick Swan, Executive Director of the East Peoria Ch

Pekin Storm Relief Update

Don't Move Barricades! This morning the Pekin Police urge motorists to be careful  driving in the damaged area around 8th and Sheridan.  Watch for officers directing traffic!   If you are coming to the area to help family or friends and you come to a street with a barricade, please do not move it or go around.  You may need to park and walk the rest of the way to your destination.  It may not always be convenient, but the emergency workers are trying to keep the cleanup effort moving.  However, everything comes to a stop when there are too many cars in these areas.    If you have no business in the area, other than to look at the damage, please stay away.  The extra vehicles just slow the clean-up process.   Everyone thanks you for your cooperation.   Donations Needed In Pekin The HOPE Chest is the location in Pekin for donations.  It is also a distribution center for families affect by