Pekin residents and business owners are invited to discuss the proposed Court Street Improvements at public meeting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, February 5th, at the Pekin High School Board Room at 320 Stadium Drive. Since the meeting will be an open forum, residents and business owners may stop by any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The purpose of the public meeting is to informally meet with interested individuals, groups, and involved agencies to discuss the proposed Court Street corridor improvements. The meeting will be conducted by Hanson Professional Services Inc., the City’s engineering consultant for the project, with assistance from the Department of Public Works.
Citizens are encouraged to attend the public meeting, ask questions, and provide input. All comments made at the meeting will be given careful consideration by Hanson Professional Services Inc. and the City of Pekin. Written statements may also be submitted during the meeting. Persons with a disability planning to attend this meeting should contact the individual listed below by January 28, 2015. If special accommodations are required, the contact person should be informed at the time of contact.
The meeting room is accessible to persons with a disability.
For additional information, contact Kurt Bialobreski, Hanson Professional Services Inc., (309) 713-1408, or Mike Guerra, City of Pekin, (309) 477-2300.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
CLEAN WATER CELEBRATION THEME AND KEYNOTE ANNOUNCED
The
Sun Foundation announced the 22nd Annual Clean Water Celebration
theme is “Many Lands-One Earth: Water wisdom from around the world.”
Keynote presenters will be offered by storytellers Brian “Fox” Ellis, Oba
William King, Anne Shimojima, Jo and Jimmy Lakota. They will take participants
on a journey for a deeper appreciation of our wet, watery world and a deeper
connection to the earth.
Sun
Foundation founder Bob Ericksen said, “People who live close to the land share
a deep respect for the earth and her creatures. This reverence is best
expressed in their stories and songs. This year’s keynote presenters will
provide that unique experience.” This year’s Clean Water Celebration will kick off on the Peoria riverfront on Sunday, April 19. Opening ceremonies will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Gateway Building with a Native American Blessing of the River and a Parade of Waters. The public is invited to attend and bring water for the blessing. Hayna “White Beaver” Sine, Ho Chunk leader, will conduct the opening blessing ceremony.
The kick off will be followed by a keynote dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the GAR Hall, located at 416 Hamilton Blvd. The organic dinner and lecture is $25 and the lecture alone is $15. For reservations, please contact the Sun Foundation online at www.sunfoundation.org.
The Clean Water Celebration will continue on Monday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center with an emphasis on educating local students, grades 4 -12, their teachers and the community as a whole. The event is free for registered classes and offers the keynote presentation. Participants will also enjoy presentations on green initiatives, recycling and conservation, storytelling and interactive, hands on exhibits.
The Environmental Streams are 3- 20 minute sessions and are designed to give teachers and their classes more substance and science content. The content in these streams will cover goals 4, 12, 13, 16, and 22 of the Illinois Learning Standards. Each teacher will be able to take their class to a stream of three twenty-minute presentations on WATERSHEDS, AQUATIC LIFE/FISH, and RECYCLING. There are 20 breakout sessions presented by scientists, artists and museums for all to attend and interact with professionals in their fields. New breakouts added this year will include Water For People and Water.org. Also, Illinois American Water – a major sponsor of this event for over 20 years – will offer a mobile education center with hands-on water testing.
Teachers are encouraged to make the Clean Water Celebration a field trip. The Clean Water Environmental Classroom meets Illinois Learning Standards for ELA, Science and Social Science as well as Common Core ELA Standards and are listed for your convenience in planning your day. To register, please visit www.sunfoundation.org or call Karen Zuckerman at 309-697-1325.
About The Clean Water Celebration
The Clean Water Celebration is unique event with a goal to impress upon students and the public the importance of watershed protection and water conservation. The Clean Water Celebration is a joint effort between The Sun Foundation, an arts and science education group in the Tri-County area, and the Rivers Project, a high school program. More information can be found at www.sunfoundation.org.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Roger Goodson Named Senior Operations Manager of Illinois American Water's Peoria, Pekin and Lincoln Districts
Roger Goodson has been named Senior Operations
Manager of Field Services and Production for Illinois American Water’s Peoria,
Pekin and Lincoln Districts, effective Jan. 19, 2015. He will lead and oversee
the field operations, production and maintenance in Peoria, Pekin and Lincoln,
ensuring high-quality customer service and operational integrity.
Goodson previously served as operations superintendent of field operations in Illinois American Water’s Peoria and Pekin Districts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Aurora University and a master’s in business administration. He also holds a Class A, Public Water Supply Operator’s Certificate of Competency for Illinois and received his Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
“I look forward to the leadership and contributions Roger will make in this new role. The experience he brings will help ensure continued high-quality water service to our customers,” said Barry Suits, Vice President of Operations for Illinois American Water.
Goodson is an active member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Illinois Section of AWWA. He also serves on the following committees: Central Illinois Groundwater Protection, Water Resource team for Central Illinois Economic Development, Middle Basin Regional Water Resource Planning and is vice chair for the city of Pekin Human Rights committee. In addition, he is a board member for the Pekin United Way.
Goodson and his wife, Christine, reside in un-incorporated Peoria County. They have four sons attending area colleges.
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 14 million people in more than 40 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
Goodson previously served as operations superintendent of field operations in Illinois American Water’s Peoria and Pekin Districts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Aurora University and a master’s in business administration. He also holds a Class A, Public Water Supply Operator’s Certificate of Competency for Illinois and received his Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
“I look forward to the leadership and contributions Roger will make in this new role. The experience he brings will help ensure continued high-quality water service to our customers,” said Barry Suits, Vice President of Operations for Illinois American Water.
Goodson is an active member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Illinois Section of AWWA. He also serves on the following committees: Central Illinois Groundwater Protection, Water Resource team for Central Illinois Economic Development, Middle Basin Regional Water Resource Planning and is vice chair for the city of Pekin Human Rights committee. In addition, he is a board member for the Pekin United Way.
Goodson and his wife, Christine, reside in un-incorporated Peoria County. They have four sons attending area colleges.
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 14 million people in more than 40 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Bryant Heating and Cooling
Bryant Heating and Cooling Names River Valley Mechanical Services a Factory
Authorized Dealer
National HVAC Manufacturer Pledges 100% Satisfaction
Guaranteed for
River Valley Mechanical Services Customers
Pekin, IL – Representatives from Bryant Heating and
Cooling announced today that River Valley Mechanical Services has qualified as
a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. While this is an important accomplishment
for River Valley Mechanical Services, the real news is what it means to Pekin and
Peoria area homeowners.
“Our Factory Authorized Dealers represent the
highest level of customer service and satisfaction available,” said Bob
McDonough, president of Bryant’s residential products group.
“We believe in these qualified dealers so much that we are providing their customers with
a 100 percent satisfaction and service guarantee.”
“We believe in these qualified dealers so much that we are providing their customers with
a 100 percent satisfaction and service guarantee.”
The 100 percent satisfaction guarantee is a
new cornerstone for the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers program. The
guarantee applies to all new product installments made by Bryant Factory
Authorized Dealers, like River Valley Mechanical Services, and applies to the
product itself, as well as the service from the dealer. If any customer is
dissatisfied with the product or service, Bryant will do “whatever it takes” to
provide a satisfactory solution for the customer.
Less than five percent of heating and cooling
contractors in the country receive the Factory Authorized Dealer distinction. To
qualify, dealers must meet Bryant’s rigid criteria, not only for technical
expertise, but also for their business practices and customer service quality. Those
who receive the endorsement are backed by Bryant’s 100 percent satisfaction
guarantee.
“Everything about your new Bryant heating or
cooling system should make you happy, from the unit itself to the person who
installs it. That’s what being a Factory Authorized Dealer is all about,” added
McDonough.
Rich Jordan at River Valley Mechanical
Services agrees. According to Jordan, applying to become a Factory Authorized
Dealer was a lot of work, but it was an important and worthwhile process. “How
homeowners feel about Bryant products has a lot to do with their experience
with dealers like us, who represent them,” said Jordan. “Once a level of
quality is established, the most important criteria is how well we meet our
customers’ needs for installing and servicing that equipment. At, River Valley
Mechanical Services, we do whatever it takes to ensure the best results for our
customers,”
Bryant requires its Factory
Authorized Dealers to send sales representatives through a structured training
program to understand how to better identify and recommend the appropriate home
comfort solutions. Installers and technicians are also trained and tested on
their technical competency. Further, Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers’
business practices are assessed. For example, the Factory Authorized Dealers
must be EPA certified for refrigerant handling, handle warranty claims in a
timely manner, maintain all required local licenses and have appropriate
insurance and liability coverage.
“Ultimately, the entire Factory Authorized
Dealer process and program is designed with our customers in mind. When
homeowners are considering a heating and cooling purchase, they can rest
assured that they’ll be satisfied with their experience if they go to a Bryant
Factory Authorized Dealer. Our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee demonstrates
the commitment to this level of service by dealers like River Valley Mechanical
Services,” said McDonough.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Speakeasy Upcoming Events
Our Tin
Ceiling repairs are coming along and the gallery is looking great! Please
pardon our dust at our upcoming classes and events. We are in a growing stage
and have a lot of fun stuff coming up! Stay tuned!
We are
on Pinterest now!
  |
Crafty
Kids Club is Wednesday!
Come
and create with Miss Erica at this unique club!
They
even have their own t-shirts now!
 |
Thursday
Night is Spoken Word.
If you
have never experienced this you should come check it out. It is a fun night
out!
 |
Belly
Dance Classes start on Saturday!
Registration
is simple--join the event and drop a check off at the Speakeasy
Art Center! Belly dance is for everyone....no dance experience needed, no
bare bellies!
 We also are hosting this class on Jan 31st. and Feb 7th!  |
The
Great Burr Oak Science Club Meeting is Saturday!
The
first meeting of 2015 is all set for Saturday, January 24th! As in the past,
they will be meeting at 6 p.m., inside the Speakeasy Art Center of Pekin.
They are quite honored to have Dr. Craig Cady, Director of Bradley U.'s Stem
Cell Research Lab, as their first presenter!
 |
Check
out this Brand new class!
 |
Discovering
Your Creative Self!
 |
Ask us
about Studio 353,
a set
photography for photographers to rent by the hour!
 |
Contact
us now to book your date for 2015!
 |
Membership Renewals
Thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who recently renewed their commitment and investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:
5-Star MVP
Pekin InsuranceEnviro-Safe Refrigerants
1-Star MVP
5-Star MVP
Pekin InsuranceEnviro-Safe Refrigerants
3-Star MVP
Ameren Illinois
2-Star MVP
Pekin Daily Times
Tazewell Machine Works
1-Star MVP
Gro Up Gardening
Savant Capital Management
Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care
Classic MVP
Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell
Dreamscapes Landscaping
EMEX Power
Enviro-Dry Clean Carpets
Goodwill Industries
Heartland Chiropractic Center
Illinois Collections Unlimited
Jake’s Place
Laborer’s Local #231
MSI
Neal Chiropractic Clinic
Peoria Journal-Star
Pet Supplies Plus
Subway
Tractor Supply Company
W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America
Individuals
Rich Gafford
Friday, January 16, 2015
Leadership Academy Begins
Twenty-two participants got to know each other and learn more about the program during this first session. The academy runs for 10 weeks with two sessions each week.
EMEX encourages Ameren Natural Gas Customers to Switch Suppliers and Save--DEADLINE OF MARCH 1, 2015
EMEX, LLC is an energy risk management firm specializing in helping businesses manage their energy costs through effective use of technology and an industry leading reverse auction platform which uncovers the most favorable rates in the market.
With winter in full effect, businesses have an opportunity to save anywhere from 5-20% on their future natural gas costs by switching to a third party supplier. The process is simple and easy and carries no commitment to the business owner.
However, in order to enjoy potentially lower natural gas costs, businesses need to act swiftly as the deadline for switching from Ameren to a competitive supplier is early March.
To discover what EMEX can do for you, you simply need to contact your local EMEX representative, Brent Bacon, or (309) 807-7198.
With winter in full effect, businesses have an opportunity to save anywhere from 5-20% on their future natural gas costs by switching to a third party supplier. The process is simple and easy and carries no commitment to the business owner.
However, in order to enjoy potentially lower natural gas costs, businesses need to act swiftly as the deadline for switching from Ameren to a competitive supplier is early March.
To discover what EMEX can do for you, you simply need to contact your local EMEX representative, Brent Bacon, or (309) 807-7198.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Mardi Gras Dinner & Jazz Party
3000 West Richwoods Boulevard
309.688.5608
www.peoriauuchurch.org
Contact: Nancy Taylor
Cell Phone: 309.253.2479
Mardi Gras Dinner
& Jazz Party
February 7,
2015
Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria
3000 W.
Richwoods Blvd, Peoria, IL 61604.
6:00 PM - Doors
open
7:00 PM - Authentic
New Orleans Cajun style dinner including
Bananas Foster for dessert.
8-10PM - Music
by the Hill Top Jazz Combo.
Costumes are
encouraged.
Featured are
cash bar, street entertainers, silent auction, gifts for sale.
Tickets are
available from the Church office for $20.00. Call 309.688.5608 or office@peoriauuchurch.org for
reservations.
The Peoria Universalist Unitarian
Church has been a voice of progressive religious tradition in Peoria since
1843.
Embracing Freedom
Loving Inclusively
Growing Spiritually
Healing our World
Dynegy Commits to Air Quality Plan for Peoria Area
Illinois Power Holdings (a subsidiary of Dynegy) with Illinois State Senator David Koehler (District 46) and Illinois State Representative Mike Unes (District 91), announced today a voluntary Memorandum of Agreement, executed with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), that will reduce allowable emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the E. D. Edwards Power Station by more than 90%. The agreement, already effective, will help the Greater Peoria area comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) 1-hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
“We are committed to the Greater Peoria communities and the environment, and are proud of our contributions to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Ted Lindenbusch, Plant Managing Director at the Edwards Power Station. “We are voluntarily taking environmentally sound steps forward and continuing to provide the jobs that are vital to the economic livelihoods of the families and communities we serve.”
Under this agreement the Edwards Power Station will continue to utilize low sulfur coal, or other low sulfur fuels, to reduce SO2 emissions. Emissions from the station have been dramatically reduced over the past 10 years. SO2 emissions have gone down by 80% since 2004 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions have declined by 68%.
“Today’s agreement shows Dynegy’s commitment to improving the environmental conditions of Central Illinois while continuing to provide excellent jobs to its residents,” said State Representative Unes. “Edwards is an important part of our community, providing not only energy, but also high quality jobs and $82 million in total economic activity that powers our communities. I applaud this proactive environmental strategy by Dynegy and for their willingness to further commit to our regional economy in Central Illinois.”
Dynegy has previously taken active steps to reduce its environmental impact, investing $2 billion in environmental controls in facilities across Illinois and recently announcing a goal to recycle 100% of coal combustion by-products by 2020.
“By taking another step in this commitment, Dynegy is ensuring that the Peoria area is quickly moving toward attainment of federal standards,” said State Senator Dave Koehler. “As a responsible community partner and neighbor, Dynegy is committed to working with the Greater Peoria community. We are glad to see that Dynegy continues to push forward in controlling emissions even when it limits operation options that could be more profitable in the short term.”
The Edwards Power Station has been a proud part of the Greater Peoria community for over 50 years, providing jobs and electricity in a safe, efficient, reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable manner.
“The Edwards Power Station is an extremely important part of the community, supporting over 70 union jobs and contributing $24M annually in household earnings, directly to the Greater Peoria area,” stated Jim Bates, Business Manager of I.B.E.W. Local 51. “The people employed at the plant are our family members and neighbors and the dollars they spend are going right into our communities; that’s money that is having a direct, positive impact on our area.”
“Dynegy is an important and responsible employer in our community,” agreed Marty Helfers, Executive Director of West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. “The 100 direct and nearly 300 indirect jobs created by its Edwards Power Station are essential to families, communities and businesses throughout Illinois, while also providing environmentally responsible, reliable and affordable energy to the area.”
“We are committed to the Greater Peoria communities and the environment, and are proud of our contributions to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Ted Lindenbusch, Plant Managing Director at the Edwards Power Station. “We are voluntarily taking environmentally sound steps forward and continuing to provide the jobs that are vital to the economic livelihoods of the families and communities we serve.”
Under this agreement the Edwards Power Station will continue to utilize low sulfur coal, or other low sulfur fuels, to reduce SO2 emissions. Emissions from the station have been dramatically reduced over the past 10 years. SO2 emissions have gone down by 80% since 2004 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions have declined by 68%.
“Today’s agreement shows Dynegy’s commitment to improving the environmental conditions of Central Illinois while continuing to provide excellent jobs to its residents,” said State Representative Unes. “Edwards is an important part of our community, providing not only energy, but also high quality jobs and $82 million in total economic activity that powers our communities. I applaud this proactive environmental strategy by Dynegy and for their willingness to further commit to our regional economy in Central Illinois.”
Dynegy has previously taken active steps to reduce its environmental impact, investing $2 billion in environmental controls in facilities across Illinois and recently announcing a goal to recycle 100% of coal combustion by-products by 2020.
“By taking another step in this commitment, Dynegy is ensuring that the Peoria area is quickly moving toward attainment of federal standards,” said State Senator Dave Koehler. “As a responsible community partner and neighbor, Dynegy is committed to working with the Greater Peoria community. We are glad to see that Dynegy continues to push forward in controlling emissions even when it limits operation options that could be more profitable in the short term.”
The Edwards Power Station has been a proud part of the Greater Peoria community for over 50 years, providing jobs and electricity in a safe, efficient, reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable manner.
“The Edwards Power Station is an extremely important part of the community, supporting over 70 union jobs and contributing $24M annually in household earnings, directly to the Greater Peoria area,” stated Jim Bates, Business Manager of I.B.E.W. Local 51. “The people employed at the plant are our family members and neighbors and the dollars they spend are going right into our communities; that’s money that is having a direct, positive impact on our area.”
“Dynegy is an important and responsible employer in our community,” agreed Marty Helfers, Executive Director of West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. “The 100 direct and nearly 300 indirect jobs created by its Edwards Power Station are essential to families, communities and businesses throughout Illinois, while also providing environmentally responsible, reliable and affordable energy to the area.”
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Peoria's 92.3 Has Launched!
|
Savant Ranked #1 Largest Independent Financial Planning Firm in Illinois
Savant Capital
Management, a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm
headquartered in Rockford, Illinois with offices in Peoria, Chicago, Geneva,
Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Freeport, Sterling, Madison, WI and McLean, VA has
been recognized by both Financial Planning Magazine and InvestmentNews
on respective lists of largest Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms.
Savant has broken
into the top 10 list of largest independent financial planning firms in the
nation, as ranked by Financial Planning Magazine. Savant now holds the
position as the #9 largest advisory firm in the United States and the #1
largest in Illinois. This list was created by Financial Planning Magazine
and eliminated RIAs that do not provide financial planning and only included
firms with like-minded business models.
Additionally,
InvestmentNews released the results of its 2014 ranking of leading RIA
firms, naming Savant as #9 in the Midwest and #34 nationally, based on total
assets. Based on discretionary assets, Savant is ranked #22 overall and #5 in
the Midwest. This is Savant’s seventh consecutive national ranking in this
prominent financial trade magazine.
“Over the years we
have watched Savant steadily climb top RIA investment firm lists such as
these,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant. “Our foundation began and has
remained consistent with the simple idea that all financial advice should be
made strictly in the best interest of the client – it’s incredibly rewarding to
see our dedication to our industry recognized nationally.”
Monday, January 12, 2015
Accelerated Rehab After Hours
Thanks to Michael Bennington and the staff at Accelerated Rehabilitation Center for hosting the January 8th Business After Hours. It was a cold, windy day but the hospitality warmed everyone up. Accelerted Rehabilitation Center is located at 3289 Court Street and can be reached at 347-0090. They have a Patients First philosophy that guarantees all patients superior and personalized health care. They are committed to always doing the right thing, resulting in the utmost trust in and respect for our patients, employees, and customers. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber.
Illinois American Water Announces 2015 Environmental Grant Program
Illinois American
Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2015
Environmental Grant Program.
The program supports innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds through partnerships.
The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation
efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.
"Illinois American Water is committed to protecting water supplies through outreach and education. This program is another way to help communities in
this effort,” said Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water President.
To qualify, proposed projects must be located in an Illinois American Water service area and:
· address a source water or watershed protection need in the community
· be completed between May 1, 2015 and November 29, 2015.
· be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program
· be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations
· provide evidence of sustainability
In 2014, Illinois American Water issued eight grants totaling $15,825 to the following organizations:
National Great Rivers Research and Education Center received a $5,000 grant for the Expanding Stream Discovery: New Watersheds and Increased
Stewardship Project. The environmental education project provided students a hands-on opportunity to learn about water quality in their community by monitoring a local stream
Lewis and Clark Community College received a $2,300 grant for the Stormwater Runoff Management Bioswale Project. Through this project, faculty from Lewis and Clark
Community College engaged Alton Middle School students to install two native planted bioswales at the college. The bioswales are expected to improve water quality by providing
filtering runoff and reducing velocity.
Stratton Elementary School in Champaign received a $4,000 grant for a rain garden project. Stratton Elementary students, faculty and parents helped construct a rain garden
which will be used as an outdoor learning center to strengthen learning about and connection to the environment.
Southern Illinois Groundwater Protection Committee received a $1,625 grant for Mississippi River Clean-Ups. Approximately 100 environmentalists cleared trash for disposal
or recycling along the shore of the Mississippi River.
The City of South Beloit received a $2,300 grant for the Meet Me at the Confluence Invasive Species Removal Project. This project helped to remove and control an invasive species
and weedy native species along a newly established preliminary public access route at the confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek.
Bluestem Communication in partnership with Mississippi River Network and Piasa Palisades Sierra Club received a $600 grant to clean 16 miles of the Illinois Great River Road.
Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.illinoisamwater.com. Applications must be postmarked by March 13, 2015, and mailed to Karen Cotton at
Illinois American Water, 7500 North Harker Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or emailed to karen.cotton@amwater.com. E-mail is preferred.
The program supports innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds through partnerships.
The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation
efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.
"Illinois American Water is committed to protecting water supplies through outreach and education. This program is another way to help communities in
this effort,” said Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water President.
To qualify, proposed projects must be located in an Illinois American Water service area and:
· address a source water or watershed protection need in the community
· be completed between May 1, 2015 and November 29, 2015.
· be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program
· be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations
· provide evidence of sustainability
In 2014, Illinois American Water issued eight grants totaling $15,825 to the following organizations:
National Great Rivers Research and Education Center received a $5,000 grant for the Expanding Stream Discovery: New Watersheds and Increased
Stewardship Project. The environmental education project provided students a hands-on opportunity to learn about water quality in their community by monitoring a local stream
Lewis and Clark Community College received a $2,300 grant for the Stormwater Runoff Management Bioswale Project. Through this project, faculty from Lewis and Clark
Community College engaged Alton Middle School students to install two native planted bioswales at the college. The bioswales are expected to improve water quality by providing
filtering runoff and reducing velocity.
Stratton Elementary School in Champaign received a $4,000 grant for a rain garden project. Stratton Elementary students, faculty and parents helped construct a rain garden
which will be used as an outdoor learning center to strengthen learning about and connection to the environment.
Southern Illinois Groundwater Protection Committee received a $1,625 grant for Mississippi River Clean-Ups. Approximately 100 environmentalists cleared trash for disposal
or recycling along the shore of the Mississippi River.
The City of South Beloit received a $2,300 grant for the Meet Me at the Confluence Invasive Species Removal Project. This project helped to remove and control an invasive species
and weedy native species along a newly established preliminary public access route at the confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek.
Bluestem Communication in partnership with Mississippi River Network and Piasa Palisades Sierra Club received a $600 grant to clean 16 miles of the Illinois Great River Road.
Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.illinoisamwater.com. Applications must be postmarked by March 13, 2015, and mailed to Karen Cotton at
Illinois American Water, 7500 North Harker Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or emailed to karen.cotton@amwater.com. E-mail is preferred.
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