Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

A ribbon cutting was held today near the foot of Court Street in Pekin for the grand opening of the Illinois River Canoe & Kayak Trail. This project was completed with the help of several partners, including the  Union Sportsmen’s Alliance  and  Illinois  American Water. The project is the result of a joint effort between the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground volunteer conservation program and the American Water Charitable Foundation’s (AWCF) Building Better Communities initiative, which awarded the USA a $25,000 grant to support three 2015 conservation projects that improve public access to water-based recreation activities in Tennessee, Illinois and West Virginia. The project came to USA and Illinois American Water via local storyteller and water enthusiast Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis. The Illinois River Canoe Trail project will provide several scenic stations along the Illinois River for paddlers to use as launch points or rest stops. The water trail winds down from Henry to Pekin.

In the spring of 2015, Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems began construction on a new surgical waiting area. The approximately 3,500-square-foot space is conveniently located on the second floor of the hospital to accommodate family members and visitors of surgery patients. The project is part of Pekin Hospital’s ongoing commitment to upgrading its facilities and infrastructure. The new surgical waiting area is five times larger than the original space, creating a more convenient place for visiting family members and loved ones. The new space includes a view of the Mineral Springs Park Lagoon and is located closer to the hospital’s cafeteria for easy access to nutritious meals and snacks. Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Tazewell, Peoria and Mason Counties since 1913. You can see a few more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Friends In Harmony   Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-2874 Dave Drockleman , President Nancy Kriegsman , Vice President http://www.facebook.com/Friends-in-Harmony-109373861837  Friends in Harmony is a not for profit musical singing group dedicated to singing and raising money to give back to the community. 

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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. Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614 Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment. Closed on Thanksgiving

The Pekin Hospital League will host its annual Holiday Splendor Gift Show on November 7 th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of Pekin Hospital, 600 South 13 th Street. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pekin Hospital Foundation. The Holiday Gift Show features handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, toys, baby items, cinda b purses, and more. A variety of baked goods, candies, and specialty food items will be available during the event. The Pekin Hospital League will also sell raffle tickets to help raise funds for the Pekin Hospital Foundation. Tickets will be available during the Holiday Gift Show, or they can be purchased from the Hospital Gift Shop and the Nearly Nu Shop, 1017 Derby Street. Raffle items include a 14k gold necklace, an overnight stay at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria, a handmade quilt, gift baskets, gift certificates, and a decorated vintage bicycle. Established in 1958, the Pekin Hospital League is comprised of more than 200 area volunte

   

ICE SKATING:  LET’S GET STARTED Have you ever wanted to lace up a pair of skates and try to get on the ice? Now is your chance! Learning to skate is easy and fun. It requires a little determination and a lot of practice. But before   you know it, you'll be gliding around forward and even backward! Whether your goal is to learn to skate backward, spin really fast or even land an Axel, we've got the place for you to start! Session 2 begins November 2, 2015.  You can join this session if it is your first time skating or if you completed session one and want to learn more skills.  Call us for more information about registration –  (309)347-7275.

The Peoria Rivermen open their 2015-16 season this Friday and Saturday night at the Peoria Civic Center against the Pensacola Ice Flyers! It's Bruce Sauers Hockey Weekend in Peoria, with $2 Budweiser, Bud Light, and Coca Cola products all weekend. Friday is also Chicago Blackhawks night at the Civic Center and will feature an appearance by Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk as well as Blackhawks memorabilia giveaways throughout the game! Finally, Friday night we will have Disney Channel star Trinitee Stokes ("Judy"on KC Undercover) in attendance to drop a ceremonial first puck before she appears in the Tween Stars Live event at the Civic Center Saturday afternoon. Come on out for all the fun and festivities at Carver Arena, get your tickets by calling the Rivermen office at (309)-676-1040 !

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Today, the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council announced the launch of  www.StayGP.org , a resource for individuals seeking a new career opportunity or retirement strategy that would allow them to stay in Greater Peoria. "When we heard the announcement from Mitsubishi and then Caterpillar about impending layoffs, we decided a resource like StayGP was something that could be helpful to those impacted," said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Greater Peoria EDC. "We want our friends and neighbors to stay here in Greater Peoria and we hope StayGP will make it a little easier to find opportunities to do so." The new website, a collaboration with CareerLink, offers information organized into four pathways: find a job, go to school, start a business, and retirement opportunities.  The first pathway lists local job postings, pulled from the online job bank Indeed, and resources to prepare for a new position.  The second pathway provides data on the hottest

ProHealth Medical Group is the recipient of the UnitedHealthcare PATH Excellence in Patient Service Award. The PATH program was developed by UnitedHealthcare to help improve outcomes for its Medicare Advantage members by encouraging greater use of preventive health care services. The Excellence in Patient Service Award is based on clinical results that measure how successfully practices have closed gaps in patient care. “We’re honored to receive this recognition from UnitedHealthcare,” said Dawn Moushon, Vice President of Practice Management for ProHealth Medical Group. “Our practices are dedicated to providing the best possible patient experience and achieving the best possible patient outcomes. Preventive health care services, such as regular screenings and annual check-ups, are an important step in that process.” Part of Progressive Health Systems, ProHealth Medical Group was established in 1986 as a sister organization of Pekin Hospital. ProHealth offers eight practices throu

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 Hospital School Art Room (enter through the Tech Ed Center doors) from 6:00pm - 8:30 pm on Wednesday, October 21st, 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 teh Memorial Arena at 250 Red Bud Drive; or call us at 309-347-7275; or fax you

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 18 th annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, October 15 at the Pekin Country Club.   The chamber’s Member Promotions Committee coordinated the luncheon, which was sponsored by Enviro-Safe Refrigerants, Pekin Insurance, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts, The Greenhouse Flower Shoppe, and Pekin Hospital.   Additional sponsors included Busey Bank, CEFCU, NRG Powerton, Pekin Community Bank, Peoria Limousine, and UnityPoint Health. Recognition was given to thirty-one area businesses and organizations in several different categories:   new ownership or management; new business or building; additional employees; major retraining effort; new technology or major equipment investment; other business improvements; and, community involvement.    Pictures of the award winners are available at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber The speaker at the luncheon was Dave Alwan, owner of Echo Valley Meats.

Thanks to the following businesses and organizations who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  APICS - Lincoln Land Chapter Beck's Convenience Store BodyWealth Massage Court Place Apartments Henderson Funeral Home JM Industrial Supply Schwartz Electric Company UAW Senior Citizens Center

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Sport Clips to Pekin with a ribbon cutting on October 14th. Located in East Court Village at 3562 Court Street, Sport Clips! Where it is good to be a guy! Their goal is to create a championship haircut experience for men and boys in an exciting sports environment. They are the home of the MVP with their legendary steam towel, pressure point shampoo & neck/shoulder massage. They can be reached at 353-1111 or www.sportclips.com. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems, working as part of the Tri-County Community Health Collaborative, have launched a community health needs assessment survey on pekinhospital.org . The survey will run for the rest of 2015 to help identify current and future health care needs, increase awareness of local and regional health issues, determine demographic trends related to health care and improve local services. “This is an important project for the communities we serve,” said Marcy Becker, who is leading Pekin Hospital’s portion of the regional project. “By collaborating with our community partners, we can find innovative approaches to health-related problems that impact the people of Central Illinois.” The Tri-County Community Health Collaborative represents area hospitals, clinics, public health institutions and service organizations. Questions about the community health needs assessment may be directed to 309-655-2826. Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hosp

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The October Puttin' on Pekin was held on the 9th and nearly 90 chamber members and guests were in attendance.  It was held at the Speakeasy Art Center and breakfast was catered by the Taste of TCRC Cafe.  Lenora Fisher won the early prize, while Ed Betzelberger won the late prize.  The Spotlight on Business was presented to UnityPoint Methodist, the Blue Ribbon award was given to the Carrie Joos Agency, and Artistic Community Theatre received the Sunshine Award.  The Speakeasy Art Center and TCRC both made presentations for the program.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Pekin office of Illinois American Water hosted the October Business After Hours.  Chamber members and their guests enjoyed food by Nacho Mama's, plenty of door prizes, and fun games including a back hoe competition.  Roger Goodson announced the promotion of Dennis Barron to the Peoria Field Operations Superintendent position and Cord Crisler to the same position in Pekin.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Jenni Williams o North Pekin reaffirmed her status as an elite photographer, once again earning the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Williams, who owns and operates Blissful Images in North Pekin, successfully completed the requirements required to keep her CPP designation. Every three years, CPPs must show that they have maintained the mark of excellence that the CPP designation represents. Williams earned this designation after meeting challenging requirements that measure her artistic and technical competence. PPA currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 Certified Professional Photographers. “When I first became a Certified Professional Photographer in 2005, I did so because I wanted the credentials that prove I am a true professional. You wouldn't go to a Doctor or a Lawyer that didn't have their industry credentials, so why trust your most valued tangible memories to a photographer who can't prov

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Illinois American Water is inviting 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.  Winning artwork will be featured in a future bill insert and earn the student(s) classroom a $100 donation.  The contest also helps 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. To help educate Illinois American Water’s youngest customers, the Company partnered with the Value of Water Coalition to launch the “Imagine a Day Without Water” event Oct. 6-8, 2015.  All across the nation, events and activities will t

Upcoming Events 10/18: Adam & Eve Go to Marriage Counseling Theater-Peoria Lutheran Women's Fundraiser, Open to the public, tickets on sale now,2-5pm 10/24:  Vinyasa Yoga Class, Wine and Conversation, 1-3pm 11/01: Open Mic Music Session, 1-4pm 11/08:Masterpiece Painting Classes,11am-1pm, 2-4pm   October Murder Mystery Dinners 10/30 & 31: Murder Mystery Dinner-It's a Bird, It's a Plane...It's MURDER! Times:  10/30-6:15-9:15pm, 10/31-5:30-8:30pm IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S MURDER - When super villains start dropping dead, it takes a super sleuth to solve the mystery. Will the Joker kill the audience with laughs ... or will he kill them in a more deadly manner? Can Lois and Clark figure it out - or will it take the Boy Wonder and Inspector Gadget? See fo

Blissful Images will host a Limited Edition Portrait Event on Sunday, November 8th at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie by appopintment. The portrait sessions will be themed ‘Silly Faces’ and features a session of your child and a 5x30 print including 7 images. $25 of every session will be donated to the Peoria PlayHouse. Certified Professional Photographer Jenni Williams designed the theme after doing portraits of her nephew’s silly faces in 2008. “I loved all the adorable faces he made when he was little and I custom designed the 5x30 panel to hang in my home. I love donating back to area organizations, events and fundraisers, so partnering with the PlayHouse was a perfect fit for this Limited Edition Portrait Event” Sessions can be booked by contacting Blissful Images at 309-369-0099.

Thanks to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: 1-Star MVPs Farnsworth Group Velde Cadillac Buick GMC Classic Members Concorde Inn & Suites Cordts Heating & Air Conditioning Dr. Michael Danner, DDS Deuce Development Corp. Easter Seals - Central Illinois Home Health Care Plus, Inc. Hospice Compassus iTV-3 National Rental Personal Finance Company Sign Shop Sunset Lanes The HOPE Chest Tomorrow's Hope Christian Academy

Flashmugz Photo Booth Rentals Pekin, IL 61554 309-241-5916 Brigitte Krieg , Owner www.flashmugz.com Flashmugz Photo Booth Rentals is a company specializing in open and enclosed photobooth rentals. Our booths and open air back drop designs are available for a variety of events including company parties and branding events, fundraisers, conventions, weddings and reunions.

Approximately $49,600 will be awarded to 62 fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2015 Firefighter Grant Program .   The program was created in 2010 to provide financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.  Since creation, the program has resulted in over 280 grants totaling over $294,000 awarded across the state. “We are committed to supporting our local fire departments,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water.  “This program enables us to further support fire protection in the communities we serve and partner with our local fire fighters.” Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs.  Illinois American Water presented grants to the following Illinois fire departments: Northern Illinois Des Plaines Fire Dep