Chamber Tours Projects with Legislators

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee hosted a legislative bus tour this morning.  The committee provided updates on several projects including Veterans Drive, Court Street, Front Street, Wagonseller Road, and the Pekin Municipal Airport.

Elected officials in attendance included State Senators Bill Brady and Dave Koehler, State Representatives Tim Butler, Keith Sommer, and Mike Unes, Tazewell County Board Chairman Dave Zimmerman and Pekin Mayor John McCabe. Also in attendance were representatives from Senator Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos' offices. 

City of Pekin Engineer Mike Guerra provided much of the information on the bus tour.  Tazewell County Engineer Craig Fink spoke on the Wagonseller Road project.  Clayton Stambaugh, the manager of the Pekin Municipal Airport, and Leigh Ann Brown, the City of Pekin's Economic Development Director, also provided updates on current projects and future plans.

The bus was provided by Peoria Limousine.  The 2-hour tour concluded with lunch at Avanti's Ristorante provided by Hanson Professional Services.

You can see a few more pictures from this events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Membership Renewals

Thank you to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

2-Star MVPs
Hopedale Medical Complex
Illinois Corn Processing

1-Star MVPs
John M. Evans Supportive Living Community
OX Paperboard Illinois

Classic Members
Robert J. Johnson, DMD, PC
J & J Consulting Firm
Jim Maloof Realtor
Jost/Becker/Jost-Architects
KZBEME FINGERPRINTING
R & B Productions
Security Finance
Trouble Free Heating & Cooling
Glen Rittenhouse

Free Skate Instruction at Open Skate This Saturday

Do you go to Open Skate, bu do not really skate? Are you able to skate but would like to learn more? Pekin Park District will have a Learn to Skate Instructor available to help you on Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. at Open Skate at the Memorial Arena in Pekin. Kindergarten to adult can participate.

For more information regarding Pekin Park District programs, call us at (309) 347-PARK (7275) or visit us online at www.pekinparkdistrict.org.

Chamber Connection

Check out this weeks Chamber Connection here!!!

Alastair Bruce Historical Advisor to Downton Abbey Visiting Bloomington

Artistic Community Theatre presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)

Announcing ACT winter production directed by Tara and Joshua Williams.
"EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD AND THEN SOME!"
DECEMBER 11TH:
Speakeasy Art Center
Dinner Show: 
-Lasagna with all the trimmings and dessert. 

Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!
$30 each-$50/couple
Tickets may be purchased on Wednesdays from 11-1 at The Speakeasy or online here

 http://speakeasyartcenter.com/christmas-story/
Pre-show performances by vocalist extraordinaire: Bailey Haynes 2014 Pekin's Got Talent Winner.

Don't miss this hilarious comedic romp through the holiday season!!

Speakeasy Art Center Studio Space Available

The Speakeasy Art Center houses many resident Artists and Instructors. Its seated in the heart of Pekin's downtown revitalization that is dedicated to fostering the arts.We have several creative spaces available for rent at variable price ranges depending on size and need. We offer our resident artists 24 hour access to their studios. We also offer Studio 353 a set photography studio with lighting, backdrops and props for photographers to rent by the hour. If you are interested in joining the Speakeasy artist family or touring our available spaces, please contact us at info@speakeasyartcenter.com Amenities include: -Artist Opportunities through First Fridays -Wi-Fi -Full shared kitchen -Full shared bathroom including shower -Secured studios -24 hour access to your space -Additional storage if needed -Collaborative environment.

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius, and Cerulo
227 N. E. Jefferson
Peoria, IL 61602 
309-674-1133 
QuinnJohnston.com
Sarah Davis, Office Administrator
Megan Johnson, Paralegal
John Kamin, Managing Partner
Kim Sarff, Partner
Quinn Johnston has a team of lawyers with experience and extensive knowledge to comprehensively address almost any legal issue, including labor and employment issues, worker's compensation defense, business and commercial transactions, and municipal matters.

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Pekin Glass & Mirror
332 Derby Street 
Pekin, IL 61554
309-347-6158
www.pekinglassandmirror.com
Dan Sullivan, Owner
Brigette Sullivan
Holly Payne
Pekin Glass & Mirror specializes in the installation of shower doors, tub enclosures, new and replacement windows, mirrors, screens, stained glass, glass shelves, patio doors, glass repair for residential and commercial.

Business After Hours

Illinois American Water Announces Winners of “Imagine a Day Without Water” Art Contest

This October, Illinois American Water invited 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade classrooms within the Company’s service area to participate in an “Imagine a Day Without Water” art contest.  The contest was held in conjunction with the Value of Water Coalition’s national event to raise awareness about the value of water service.

“It’s hard to imagine even just one day without water. We need water to make a cup of coffee, grow fruits and vegetables, and manufacture nearly every product we use in our daily lives. While essential, few people understand the fundamental value of water and the systems that bring water to and from homes and businesses all day, every day,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water.

Artwork was received from across the state and winners include:
-  "With no water houses will burn down" by Ruby Pruitt, 5^th grader at St. Ambrose Grade School in Godfrey
- "This is what happens with and without water" by Savindi Devmal, 4^th Grader at Robeson Elementary School in Champaign
- "No one lives without water" by Carly Clemens, 4^th Grader at St. John the Baptist School in Winfield
- "A day without water will cause farmers to lose their crops" by Grace Elizabeth Vahlkamp, 4^th Grader at Signal Hill Grade School in Belleville
- "Houses will catch on fire and firefighters will not have water to put them out" by Riley Cady – 3^rd Grader at LE Starke Primary School in Pekin
- "No new flowers, no new life and lots of thirst" by Faith Randall – 5^th Grader at St Jude Catholic School in Peoria
- "No water means we can't do a lot of daily tasks" by Hailey Bielema – 4^th Grader at Washington Elementary School in Sterling
- "A day without water means a lot of things you do is a lot of things you can't do" by Alexa Jacobs – 4^th Grader at Sherman Elementary School in Streator
The winning artwork can be viewed on Illinois American Water’s Facebook page and will be featured in a future bill inserts.  The winning students also won their classroom  $100 donation.  

November Biz Barometer

Mock Interview Sessions for Veterans

Our staff will guide you through a mock interview asking common interview questions and providing feedback to ensure you're prepared for the real deal. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (309) 682-1113 ext. 2121. Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614.  Held most Thursday mornings by appointment (free!)

Veterans Beneftis Workshop

Are you interested in learning more about VA health, compensation, and pension benefits eligibility? Schedule an appointment to meet with an accredited VA Claims Agent. To schedule an appointment, contact (309) 682-1113 ext. 2149 or ext. 2121. Held at Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614. Weekdays by appointment (free!)

Pekin Park District to Offer Fused Glass Class December 1 and 9, 2015 Only two more classes before Christmas!!!

Amy Psinas, local artist and art teacher at Pekin Community High School, will teach you to create unique pieces of art with fused glass.  Participants make up to 10 small projects which can include jewelry, nail files, and hair pins as well as other unusual pieces.  These classes, for ages 10 and up, are about creativity, making new friends, and having fun while making one of a kind creations that you can keep for yourself or give as gifts.  You will make the pieces in class and they will then be fired at the studio and will be ready to pick up a few days later.

The class is at Pekin High School Art room (enter through the Tech Ed Center doors)  from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 9, 2015.  Cost is $44 per class (add $3 if non-resident; add $10 if registering less than 7 days prior to start date).  Fees include all supplies.

To register, please either visit the Recreation Office located in the Memorial Arena at 250 Red Bud Drive; or call us at (309)347-7275; or  fax your registration to (309)347-3970 (please include  a credit card number).   For your convenience, there is an after-hours drop box located on the Recreation Office door.  Cash registrations are accepted only in person.

For more information regarding registration or Pekin Park District programs, call us at (309) 347-PARK (7275) or visit us online at www.pekinparkdistrict.org. 

Find us on Facebook!  www.facebook.com/ppdrecreation

Lunch 'n Learn: Labor and Employment Seminar

Weekly Chamber Connection

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Savant Capital Management Awarded 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award

We are proud to announce that we've been selected to receive the 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT AwardTM, part of Schwab's annual IMPACT Awards® program which recognizes excellence in the business of independent financial advice. The award includes a $15,000 donation to a charity of our choice. In honor of our thirty years in business as of January 2016, we will match the donation, dollar-for-dollar, for a total of $30,000 to be contributed back to designated non-profits. In conjunction with Savant's 30th anniversary, we'll donate $2,500 each month to 12 pre-selected non-profits.   To read the full press release and find out the first non-profit to receive $2,500, visit our website here!

McDaniels Marketing announces the Retirement of Bruce Helling

Bruce Helling is retiring at the end of 2015.  Bruce is a consummate professional in every sense of the word. A long-time employee at our agency (12 years)… his skills as a marketer truly blossomed here, where he worked not only as an account executive but as a highly valued media director. From media buys to strategic planning, Bruce did it… and lived to regale us with his many adventures in print, broadcast and business development sales. We will miss his colorful stories and wonderful humor! In addition, the stooges will miss this Curly (and his cat posters). We wish you all the best in your retirement, Bruce!

Introducing Brie Getz!  Media Buyer/Project Coordinator  Brie is already aboard and making a big impact.  While there are many things that prepared Brie for the world of marketing (she graduated with honors in communications and sociology), we think her competitive spirit and commitment to success came long before that from playing sports with her brothers. She calls it her best childhood memory; we call it hands-on training. Over the last 10 years, she has put these skills to the test, successfully navigating the waters of Varage Sale and the marketing teams of several major corporations. And she came out victorious in both positive feedback and profitability! So when you're ready to see how you can get the most out of your marketing budget, give Brie a call. She'll set aside her US Weekly (a girl has to keep up on the news), take a pre-game stretch and give a loud cracking of all her joints (it's a talent few can do), and deliver a plan that meets both your short- and long-term goals (because we're all about the big picture and making the most strategic investment for you). So if you’ve got a media need, contact Brie bgetz@mcdmarketing.com or (309) 346-4230… she’ll be glad to help!

Welcome to Our Newest Member

Sprint Wireless Express
3506 Court Street 
Pekin, IL 61554
309-353-2555 
Jon Boehs, Store Manager
John Andreesen, District Manager
Sprint Wireless Express specializes in servicing and selling Sprint Mobile products.

Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois Holiday Specials!!!

Wednesdays are Wine Days at the Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois

Do your holiday gift ordering AND sample wines curated by CSCCI’s own director and sommelier in training, Lenora Fisher

When:  Wednesdays November 18, December 2, and December 9

Where:  CSCCI at Pekin Family Practice, 2355 Broadway St.; Pekin, IL 61554

Time:  Drop in between 4:30 and 6:30 PM

“Give us an hour and we’ll give you back years!” Dr. Bill Fisher

Illinois American Water Names Mike Smyth Vice President of Operations

Mike Smyth has been promoted to Vice President of Operations for Illinois American Water, effective Nov. 9, 2015.

Smyth has served as sr. operations manager of field service and production for Illinois American Water’s Chicago Metro District since 2009.  Previously he held roles at Insituform Technologies USA, Inc., a provider of cured-in place pipe (CIPP) and other technologies for the rehabilitation of pipeline systems, and MPC Products Corporation.

Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water President, said, “Michael has a proven track record of working successfully with employees, businesses and city officials and community organizations. In his new role, he will lead our efforts in safety, operational efficiencies and growth.”

Smyth earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Xavier University Graduate School.

Washington Street Home Tour

Center for Prevention Of Abuse Fundraiser

The Center for Prevention of Abuse is holding a flash fundraiser called “Be the Bridge” next Thursday to try to bridge the gap of funding missing right now due to the state budget impasse. We are currently without almost 40% of our budget. 

Who: The Center for Prevention of Abuse

What: “Be the Bridge” flash fundraiser

When: November 19, 2015 all day

Where: You can donate from any computer, tablet or smart phone by going to:
https://www.crowdrise.com/bethebridge1/fundraiser/preventabuse or by visiting our website: http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org


Why: To help us fund vital services currently left unfunded by the Illinois state budget impasse. These programs help all people live free from violence and abuse. 

Starting A Business In Illinois

Membership Renewals

Thanks to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Camp of Champions USA
SJB Promotions
Zumwalt & Associates, Inc.

Pekin Library Re-opens!

The Pekin Public Library held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of their year-long renovation project. The $6 million dollar project included a new entrance and extensive remodeling.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Chamber Challenge Trivia Nite

A dozen teams participated in the 11th Chamber Challenge Trivia Nite. The theme was Saturday Night Live and many of the participants wore elaborate costumes and added table decorations. The Busey team won the title but everyone had fun at this annual networking event.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Secretary LaHood at November Business After Hours

Over 80 chamber members and guests attended the November Business After Hours.  The event was hosted by the Dirksen Center and included an appearance and brief talk by former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.  Secretary LaHood was available for photos and signing his new book, "Seeking Bipartisanship: My Life in Politics."  You can see more pictures of this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Weekly Chamber Connection

Check out this weeks Chamber Connection here!!!

2016 Annual Membership Rates for Sunset Hills Golf Course

ServiceMaster to Be a Donation Point for CityLink Canned Food Drive

ServiceMaster is happy to partner with CityLink's canned food drive this month. If you or your company would like to donate canned food you can drop it at 501 Meadow Ave in East Peoria and they will deliver the food with their truck to Marie Forsberg's office on Frostwood in Peoria on November 19th. ServiceMaster will be accepting donations until November 18th.

For more information on the Food Drive you can visit CityLink's page here! 

ProHealth Medical Group Hosting Meet & Greet For New Surgeon

ProHealth Medical Group is hosting an informal Meet & Greet event for Dr. Benjamin Hanshaw on November 19^th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pekin Hospital, Medical Office Building Suite I.

During the event Dr. Hanshaw will discuss his plans for the ProHealth General Surgery practice and his commitment to serving the community. There is no charge to attend, and refreshments will be served. Questions about the event may be directed to 309-353-0825.

Dr. Hanshaw joined ProHealth Medical Group and ProHealth General Surgery in August of 2015. He received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois, and a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

Part of Progressive Health Systems, ProHealth Medical Group was established in 1986 as a sister organization of Pekin Hospital. ProHealth offers nine practices throughout the Pekin area. For more information visit pekinprohealth.com.

Pekin Hospital Receives Three-Year Navigator Grant from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Pekin Hospital is the recipient of a three-year federal grant for $773,000 to assist individuals applying for Medicare, Medicaid, and other types of public assistance.

Navigator Grants are awarded to qualifying organizations each year from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Pekin Hospital is one of 100 organizations from across the United States to receive a Navigator Grant this year.

Hospital representatives will be trained to help Central Illinois residents apply for qualified health plans. Primary service areas include Tazewell, Mason, and Logan Counties. Combined, those three counties have more than 14,000 uninsured residents.

“Our team will travel throughout the three-county service area to meet with consumers in their own communities,” said Dee Driskell, who is coordinating the Navigator program for Pekin Hospital. “Funds from the Navigator Grant will be used to conduct public education activities, create local support programs, and raise awareness for those who may need assistance with coverage options.”

Questions about the Navigator program may be directed to 309-353-0802 or healthcaremarketplace@pekinhospital.com.

Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Tazewell, Peoria and Mason Counties since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org.

McDaniels Healthcare Marketing Honored with 7 Pinnacle Awards

McDaniels Healthcare Marketing, a communications firm headquartered in Pekin, Ill., recently received 7 Pinnacle Awards in a ceremony sponsored by its peers. The ceremony was recently held in Chicago, Ill., as part of the annual conference for the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR). Each year, the Pinnacle Awards are presented for excellence in healthcare marketing and public relations.

McDaniels Healthcare Marketing was recognized with the following honors:

Award of Merit

• Illinois Plastic Surgery: Web Design/Development –  www.illinoisplasticsurgery.org 
• Rochelle Community Hospital: Web Design/Development (Responsive Site) – www.rochellehospital.com
• True North Solutions: Logo Brand – True North Logo Design
• True North Solutions: Patient Literature – Services Brochure

Honorable Mention

• HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital: Web Design/Development – Certificate of Need (CON) Letter Writing Module & Replacement Microsite (www.steliz.org/st-elizabeths-hospital/)
• Pekin Hospital: Advertising – ProHealth Medical Group Online Campaign
• Rochelle Community Hospital: Print Advertising – RCH Patient Portal Ad

New Classes Available at the Speakeasy Art Center

Does music speak to your child’s soul? If so, sign up for this music class where they teach vocal basics thru kid friendly songs, play and explore classroom instruments, and experience improvisation/beginner composing, play with props using dalcroze Rhythm activities, musical notation identification exercises, and enjoy listening artistic exercises! Introduction to the stage and performing will ensue!  Let your preschooler gain social skills by working in a group of peers, listening to a teacher, following directions, and learning to be away from Mom, Dad, or Caregiver for short periods of time. Laugh and play with them at this exciting class of the arts!  A fabulous curriculum to assist with "Wunderkeys" Preschool Piano program. Terra Edgell is now teaching with The Pekin Academy of Fine Arts at The Speakeasy Art Center in Pekin. She will be offering a free class on November 14th at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 AM at The Speakeasy Art Center 353 Court St in Pekin. Bring your little one and come meet Terra to see what she has to offer. She can be reached at musiciansinthemaking15@yahoo.com or at www.PeknAcademyofFineArts.com. This class is being held is at the Speakeasy Art Center. 

Pekin Hospital Completes New Surgical Waiting Area Project

Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems are pleased to announce that the hospital’s new surgical waiting area project is complete.

The new 3,500-square-foot surgical waiting area is conveniently located on the second floor of the hospital to accommodate visitors of surgery patients. Project completion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event on October 28^th.

“Thank you to the many employees, donors, and community partners who helped make this project possible,” said Bob Haley, Chief Executive Officer. “Our new surgical waiting area is five times larger than the previous space, and it includes a wonderful view of the Mineral Springs Park Lagoon. The new space will be a comfortable environment for family members and loved ones who are visiting our surgery patients.”

The $1.1 million dollar project is part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to current facility upgrades and future development opportunities, including the new Medical Office Building to be built on the corner of Veterans Drive and Griffin Avenue.

Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Tazewell, Peoria and Mason Counties since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org.

WHEN EMERGENCY STRIKES: Illinois American Water LAUNCHES NEW RAPID NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Illinois American Water announced today the deployment of a new high-speed notification system, called “CodeRED,” to quickly alert customers when large water emergencies occur and direct door-to-door notification is not possible. CodeRED replaces the previous customer call system used by American Water. The system allows residents to be contacted via phone, text and email, depending on their personal preferences.

The company implemented CodeRED to rapidly contact large numbers of customers about emergency situations when direct door-to-door notification is not possible.  Emergency situations can include boil water orders, large main breaks, water conservation requirements and other major events impacting water service. The system can also be used for non-urgent notification, such as planned service outages, local hydrant flushing, low-pressure events and major traffic impacts.  When CodeRED is used, customers in the affected area will be directed to the company’s website at www.illinoisamwater.com for more information.

“Our customer base is diverse, and with this new system, each customer can determine how he or she would prefer to receive emergency alerts and non-urgent notifications when door to door notification is not possible,” said Bruce Hauk, president for Illinois American Water. “The CodeRED network is also very robust, meaning we can quickly contact hundreds, and even thousands of customers, once the notification is launched.”

To take full advantage of the new system, customers are encouraged to log on to the company’s web self-service portal called “My H2O Online” (www.amwater.com/myh2o) to enter their contact information and preferences by following these steps:
1.        Click the Service Address link.
2.        Click the My Web Account button.
3.        Click the Change button beside the Contact Information and Alerts section to make your selections. You can enter up to three phone/cell numbers and three e-mail addresses.

Customers who do not have Internet access can contact Illinois American Water’s customer service center at 800-422-2782 on Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to update their contact information.

Emergency alerts will be sent by CodeRED to affected customers’ phone numbers and e-mail addresses that are on record. Customers will be sent non-urgent notifications only if they opt in to receive them. Standard text, data and phone rates may apply.

The My H2O Online self-service portal enables customers to access their account, check water usage, pay bills online, and sign up for paperless billing. Customers who are not enrolled in My H2O Online can register by visiting www.amwater.com/myh2o. After filling out the registration form and submitting it, customers will receive e-mail confirmation from My H20 Online. Click the link provided within the e-mail to confirm and active your registration.

The new system also offers the CodeRED Mobile Alert app that communicates alerts based on location. The free app sends location-specific notifications to the user’s smartphone. Those who sign up will receive Illinois American Water alerts, along with other public safety information sent by organizations using CodeRED.

Hauk noted that because CodeRED can only contact customers who have an Illinois American Water account, landlords are urged to pass along alerts and notifications to their tenants. The tenants can also download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app at www.ecnetwork.com/coderedmobilealert.

Weekly Chamber Connection

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Illinois American Water Awarded Second Place

The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) awards Management Innovation Awards to recognize members of NAWC for their groundbreaking, industry-changing ideas.  

This year, Illinois American Water was awarded second place for the company's Mobile Education Center and Moving Water Forward through Education an innovative approach to educating customers – especially the youngest -- about the water industry, water service, wise water use and environmental stewardship, helping to influence our future scientists, employees and environmental stewards.  The program is a great example of a water utility reaching beyond traditional efforts to keep customers informed.

Attached is a release issued by NAWC.  You can learn more about our mobile education center here - http://www.amwater.com/ilaw/learning-center/mobile-education-center-and-lesson-plans/index.html

Membership Renewals

Thank you to the following organizations who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

2-Star Member
Leman Property Management Co.

1-Star MembersGolf Green Lawn CareLewis Industries

Classic MembersBob Evans Farms

Bode, Kirk W. Attorney

Comfort Plus Hospice, Inc.

Pekin Lions Club

Pekin Main Street

Professional Therapy Services

San Juan Pools & Spas

Suzi Davis Travel

Tazwood Center for Wellness

the residences @ Rosemary Crossin