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Showing posts from March, 2016

St. Joseph Church of Pekin Golf Classic

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Chamber Connection

Read this weeks Chamber Connection here !

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University

Workshop: The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University will be offering a workshop, Starting a Business in Illinois, on Tuesday, April 12 from 3pm - 5:30pm, at the PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center, 801 West Main Street, Peoria. This workshop is free to the public. To learn more visit: http://www.bradley.edu/academic/colleges/fcba/centers/turner/events/ or call 309-677-2992 to register. Seminar: The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University and Miller, Hall & Triggs, LLC: Attorneys at Law, Peoria, will be offering a workshop, "From Self-Employed to Employer: The Legal Challenges and Requirements of Hiring and Employing Others" on Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 7:30am - 12pm, at the PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center, 801 West Main Street, Peoria.  For more information or to register, http://www.bradley.edu/academic/colleges/fcba/centers/turner/events/self-employed-to-employer-workshop.dot

National Doctors' Day

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Pekin Business Showcase

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Be a "First Friend"

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council recently launched the “First Friend” program, which acts as a first personal connection to help newcomers to the area build a social and professional network. The GPEDC is looking for individuals who are passionate about Greater Peoria and willing to take time to help newcomers. Visit livegp.org/connect-here for more details—and to learn how you can help.

Sunset Hills Golf Experience

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Experience your finest Golf Tournament ever... We know you have plenty of golf courses to choose from in the area to hold your event... BUT, I assure you, there are none that will do a better job of providing your group a first-class golf experience. Our "whatever it takes" service attitude will make your event the most enjoyable. Sunset Hills is fast becoming the most popular choice for area golf tournaments and outings. Whether it is a Golf Tour, a 144 player charity event or 16 guys or gals on a golf get-together, we work hard to ensure your complete satisfaction. Many corporations, associations, and private groups already plan to host at The Clubs of Sunset Hills each year. Many returning year after year!  Good Old Fashion Hospitality Sunset Hills is dedicated t

Illinois Central College Workshops Focus on Parenting Today's Kids

ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON PARENTING TODAY’S KIDS This spring Illinois Central College’s Professional Development Institute (PDI) will host several workshops aimed at providing parents the tools they need to parent children in specific age groups. “Your Parenting Tool Kit” workshops are facilitated by Lisa Gentry, a public school teacher and private practice counselor with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families. The following workshops are scheduled for April and May with specific age groups in mind: ·          For parents of preteens aged 10 to 12 years: Saturday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ·          For parents of teens aged 13 to 17 years: Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ·          For parents of young children (up to age 5): Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 am ·          For parents of children aged 6 to 9 years: Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All classes will be held in Hickory Hall

Statement from State Representative Mike Unes

State Representative Mike Unes Regarding Scheduled AFSCME Protest on HB 580 For Immediate Release                                                                                     Contact: Rep. Mike Unes          March 29, 2016                                                                                                                                (309)620-8631 The “all or nothing” arbitration in HB 580 takes away collective bargaining, and I don’t believe that is fair to anyone. The best approach is and always has been for both sides to collectively bargain a contract that is fair to all concerned. Last fall, both sides signed a tolling agreement, which is a binding contract that established a path to resolution in the event that the parties believe the other side is not negotiating in good faith—and that’s the point they’re at right now.  Therefore, there is already a clear and mutually agreed upon path forward via a signed contract by both AFSCME and th

Bullets in the Bathtub Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

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Hanson’s Peoria office celebrates 50th anniversary

Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Peoria office is celebrating 50 years. Hanson, a company founded in 1954 in Springfield, Illinois, by Walt Hanson, established its first branch office in Peoria in 1966. At the time, the company was providing structural design services for Peoria architectural firm Phillips Swager Associates. The Peoria office has been involved in projects including the Bob Michel Bridge, the new westbound span of the McClugage Bridge, improvements to Interstate 74, the Warehouse District revitalization, the Washington Street roundabout, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center’s helipad, Peoria Civic Center’s exhibit hall expansion, the skywalks at Caterpillar’s corporate headquarters, Bradley University’s Field House, various projects for Illinois Central College and the Peoria Air National Guard Base and Heddington Oaks, a nursing home in West Peoria. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and allied services. The Pe

YWCA PEKIN SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR WOMEN’S RECOGNITION DAY

YWCA Pekin is accepting nominations for outstanding leadership and achievement awards to be presented at its 35 th Annual Women’s Recognition Day luncheon on Thursday, May 5 th at the Pekin Country Club.  The event will begin with a social from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by the luncheon program. Nominations to honor outstanding accomplishments and contributions of women in their careers and community service are being accepted at the YWCA office through April 20 th .   To qualify, nominated women must have residence or employment in Tazewell County and meet specific criteria for the nominating category.  Women may be nominated as outstanding employee or for contributions to the arts, business, professions, sports, or community service. The arts award is given to a woman displaying skill in drama, dance, music, painting, literature, sculpting, the graphic arts, or other artistic endeavors.  An accomplished banker, realtor, agent or other businesswoman, business

3rd Annual Diversity Festival

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2016 Annual Meeting & Reception

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3rd Annual Clay Shoot

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Savant Capital Management Recognized in Barron’s Top Financial Advisor List

Brent Brodeski, chief executive officer for Savant Capital Management , a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm, has been named to Barron’s 2016 Top Financial Advisor List. For the third year in a row, Brodeski has landed a spot among the top financial advisors in the state of Illinois. Brodeski is a co-founder of Savant, which manages more than $4 billion in assets and employs more than 130 team members. Headquartered in Rockford, IL, Savant also has 11 offices in the following locations: Chicago, IL; Freeport, IL; Geneva, IL; Hoffman Estates, IL; Naperville, IL; Peoria, IL; Sterling, IL; Wilmette, IL; McLean, VA; Madison, WI; and Park Falls, WI.  Savant also has an affiliate office in St. Charles, IL, Savant Tax & Consulting, which provides tax, accounting, payroll and consulting services.  Barron’s reports weekly on current American financial information, market developments and relevant statistics. Annually, Barron’s publishes America’s Top Financial

Timbercreek Rehab and Healthcare and Employees Receive Company’s High Honors

Each year, the parent company of Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care, Petersen Health Care holds an annual banquet to recognize the achievements of its individual facilities. This year’s banquet was held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the company’s Mason Point facility in Sullivan , IL . Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care, Pekin, IL, was honored to receive a fourth place award for the best net profit per facility bed, third place recognitions for the most outstanding census and most improved census as well as, second place awards for the most overall admissions, highest dietary productivity and the facility of the year. After the morning session of standing facility awards, lunch and a special speaker, the major awards were announced. Among the recipients was Ms. Sharon Rigler of Pekin who was presented with the CNA of the Year Award and Activity Director, Ms. Robbin Harrison of Pekin , who was recognized with Petersen’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her 35 years of service.

Timbercreek Rehab and Healthcare Easter Egg Hunt

Timbercreek Rehab and Healthcare, 1120 State St., Pekin, will hold its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. for ages 1-13. In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt, there will be a special visit from the Easter Bunny, pictures, candy, prizes and snacks. For additional information, please call 309.347.1110. Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care is part of the Petersen Health Care group. Petersen Health Care was founded in 1974 when James D. and Robert L. Petersen, both registered physical therapists, purchased Kewanee Care Home in Kewanee, IL and Robings Manor in Brighton, IL. In the three decades since, Petersen Health Care has had holdings is Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Nevada. Petersen Health Care currently owns and operates 95 homes in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri including 75 Rehabilitation and Health Care facilities, 2 Developmentally Disabled homes and 15 Assisted/Independent living complexes. The corporate headquarters is located in Peoria, IL. 

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for $16 Million Medical Office Building in Pekin

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Progressive Health Systems and the City of Pekin hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on March 23 rd for the new $16 million ProHealth Medical Office Building to be located at the corner of Griffin Avenue and Veterans Drive in Pekin, Illinois. The 62,000-square-foot building will house multiple providers in Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Basic lab and x-ray services will be included in the new facility. “I think today is a great example of what can happen when public and private sectors work together to support something very special for the whole community,” said Pekin Mayor John McCabe. “It is our hope that this new medical facility will not only advance the medical community but will serve as an anchor for future development, which will benefit this entire region.” The project is a collaboration between the City of Pekin and Progressive Health Systems, the parent organization for ProHealth Medical Group. Construction on the new building is expected to begin l

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory Grief Support at First United Methodist Church

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory will offer grief support  at First United Methodist Church 1315 Court Street across the street from Pekin Hospital as part of its aftercare program. The group is for those who are “Learning to Live Again” after the loss of a loved one.  This is designed to give grief support and will be presented in four consecutive one hour sessions April 21 & 28 and May 5 & 12.  Sessions will be in the church chapel room at 6:30 p.m.  Sessions will cover the nature of grief, making choices in grieving, finding your way through the second year of grief and building memories.  Sessions will be led by Aftercare Consultant, John Plunkett, a retired pastor, with  49 years of experience helping families through their times of grieving.  For more information email John@preston-hanley.com or call 309-346-2176.

IDNR Hunter Safety Class Scheduled at Pekin Park District

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of hunting safety at an upcoming, two-night workshop to be held at Pekin Park District’s Soldwedel Program Center.  The program will be held Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 5 to 10 p.m.  Who must take the course?  On January 10, 1995, a State law was passed that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 may not be issued a hunting license unless he or she presents a valid Hunter Education Certificate of Competency, issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Division or another state. The Illinois Hunter Education Program consists of a minimum of ten hours of instruction.  The education material is based on a sixth-grade reading level.  The course covers the basics of: hunter responsibility and ethics; tree-stand safety; firearms and ammunition, field safety, first aid; bow hunting; muzzle loading; wildlife conservation and identification; and state regulations. Person

ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE HOSTS FORMER ARMY RANGER AND AUTHOR RORY FANNING FOR DISCUSSION ON THE REALITIES OF WAR MARCH 31

Illinois Central College’s English, Humanities, and Language Studies Department will host Former Army Ranger Rory Fanning   for “Fighting to End the Unending Wars,” a discussion about the realities of the U.S.’s role in former and ongoing conflicts around the world. The presentation will be held on Thursday, March 31 at 2 p.m., in the Student Lounge on the East Peoria Campus. Fanning authored a book titled Worth Fighting For: An Army Ranger's Journey Out of the Military and Across America, which explores the emotional and social consequences of rejecting the mission of one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. He draws upon his experiences in the military to ask key questions, such as “Who are we fighting in Afghanistan, and why are we fighting?” He pushes back the myths surrounding U.S. Special Forces as perpetuated by movies and books such as Zero Dark Thirty, Blackhawk Down and Lone Survivor . This special event is free and open to the public and is underwritte

Speakeasy Calendar of Events for April is now Available!

Visit the Speakeasy Art Center's website to view their April calendar of events!!!

Independent Beachbody Coach Leaderboard

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Independent Beachbody Coach - Teresa Mack recently recognized the following TEAM MEMBERS!

Weekly Chamber Connection

Check out this weeks Chamber Connection !!

Run A Muck

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VFW Road Closed Starting March 28

The construction of Veterans/VFW Drive will resume on Monday March 28th. In order to complete the new construction of five lanes, VFW Road will be closed to through traffic from Towerline Road to 14th Street. Property owners located in this section will have access to either Towerline or 14th Street depending on constructions staging. It is anticipated that it will take several months before Veterans Drive will be reopened to through traffic as this is the final stage of construction. Once construction is complete the entire roadway will be opened for traffic. Veterans Drive from Commercial to Towerline and from 14th Street to 5th Street will remain open to traffic. Veterans Drive from 5th Street to IL 29 will remain closed pending installation of the grade crossing with the railroad. Please refer to the City website at www.ci.pekin.il.us  for further information and project updates.

Easter Egg Hunt

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20th Annual John M. Evans Scholarhsip Golf Tournament

The 20th Annual John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament has been scheduled at Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin, IL on Wednesday, June 8th, 2016. This tournament is specifically designed to raise money to perpetuate this scholarship fund so Laborers' Local 231 can continue to give financial assistance to qualified recipients. Last year's tourney netted approximately $13,000 from which Laborers' Local 231 was able to award 10 scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. Non of this would be possible without your help. Please consider participating in this Golf Tournament to make it as successful as last year's. As always, your generosity is appreciated! For more information on this outing please contact Kate Beckman at Laborers' Local 231   (309) 347-7106.

A Girls Night Out

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March Biz Barometer

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Illinois Green Office Challenge

Join us for the second year of the Illinois Green Office Challenge of Greater Peoria Learn how participating in the Illinois Green Office Challenge can take your business’ sustainability efforts to the next level! The Illinois Green Office Challenge of Greater Peoria , a friendly competition amongst organizations looking to save money by conserving energy and water, while reducing waste within your office building. If you haven’t played before, the Challenge is played like a game, where participants can score points for fulfilling or issuing specific sustainability challenges to colleagues and competitors. The Challenge website provides participants with the information and tools they need to compete, and participants can share best practices and ideas with their peers at fun networking events held within the Greater Peoria Community. Participants will be acknowledged for their hard work through media, peer recognition and year-end awards. The Illinois Green Office Challen

Area Hospitals to Host Community Events on Advance Care Planning

Pekin Hospital, OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health Methodist-Proctor are partnering to host two interactive events on advance care planning during the month of April. “The ABCs of Advance Care Planning” is a program designed to inspire, educate and empower the public about the importance of making and communicating end-of-life decisions. The program is being offered at two different times and locations: ·          April 12 th —Pekin Hospital; Park Court Conference Center; 600 South 13 th Street; Pekin, IL; 1 p.m. ·          April 21 st —Proctor Professional Building; Classroom #1; 5409 N. Knoxville Avenue; Peoria, IL; 5 p.m. “The ABCs of Advance Care Planning” will feature local medical professionals and advance care planning experts to provide resources, lead discussion and answer questions. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is appreciated. For more information or to pre-register, call 309-308-5953, 309-672-5696 or 309-353-0685.

Leadership Graduation

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Congratulations to the 23 graduates of the 2016 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy. State Rep. Mike Unes offered his congratulations during the graduation banquet held at the Speakeasy Art Center. Class speakers included Dawn Wilde-Burgess, Amy Wilson, and Ben Thomas.  You can see a few more pictures at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber The list of graduates include: Ed Betzelberger, Brandon Burling, Shannon Cox, David B. Craig, Cord Crisler, John Dossey, Lenora Fisher, Michelle Greene, Tim Harris, Heidi Hutchison, Ashley Ingles, Matt Keech, Kate Legge, Mike McClain, Ryan Morris, Katie Pena, Alyssa Pilgrim, John Plunkett, Theresa Ruder, Amelia Schureman, Ben Thomas, Dawn Wilde-Burgess, and Amy Wilson.

Chamber Connection

Weekly Chamber Connection !

IL 9 Lane Closures in Pekin

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that lane closures are in place on IL 9 (Court St.) in Pekin between Stadium Dr. and Reservoir Rd. and will continue until Friday, April 22. The lane closures are necessary for utility crews to relocate a water main. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones. For IDOT District 4 updates on Twitter, follow us at https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict4 . For updated traffic information and views from dozens of traffic cameras in Peoria and surrounding areas, visit http://www.gettingaroundpeoria.com .  

KeyStart Application Deadline is Thursday

What is KeyStart? KeyStart is an idea submission and pitch competition which will award a $5,000 investment to one new business idea per bimonthly program cycle. The purpose of this program is to provide entrepreneurs with fast access to capital in order to turn ideas into real companies. How the program works: We will accept all applications online. Applications will be screened and evaluated by a steering committee. The three strongest applicants will be considered finalists and will be invited to participate in the KeyStart pitch competition. The committee will also select three semifinalists who will have the chance to earn their way into the pitch event finalist group by way of community choice voting. Details and application available online at startuppeoria.com/keystart ​

Residents Invited to Rate Quality of Life

Local area health departments in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties invite residents to rate their quality of life issues in a new online survey, available through April 30. The survey is an effort to include community members in the year-long process of identifying strategic public health initiatives. Individuals will rate factors that influence a healthy community such as safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, the environment, and healthy living. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Commthemes . Melissa Adamson, Director of Community Health Policy and Planning at Peoria City/County Health Department, explains the public health approach. "The survey is one of four parts to a strategic planning initiative based on MAPP, or Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships, a tool developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It will help us identify strategi

Membership Renewals

Thanks to the following employers and organizations who recently renewed their annual investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Classic MVP Members CJ's Café Command Center Grace United Methodist Church of Pekin Greg's Garage Door Service Griffin-Rahn Insurance Sam Leman Auto Stop The Parlour WTVP TV  

Martha Herm Honored for Her Work as Center for Prevention of Abuse Executive Director

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The long-time Executive Director of the Center for Prevention of Abuse was honored for her years of dedicated service on Friday. Martha Herm was the recipient of a 2016 Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Community First Award at a luncheon at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington. Martha was nominated for the Pioneer Award by South Side Trust and Savings Bank. The Pioneer Award recognizes a career of achievements of an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to investing their time and improving their surrounding through community or economic development activities. Martha Herm is a well-deserving recipient of this award.  She retired as Executive Director of The Center in May 2015 after 25 years of dedicated service.  During that time she worked to fulfill The Center’s mission of helping every woman, man and child live free from violence and abuse. Highlights of her leadership include: ·          The organization’s name was changed from Tri-County Women Stre

Illinois American Water to Install 3,500 Feet of Water Main in Pekin

— Illinois American Water will replace approximately 3,500 feet of 16-inch water main along Court Street in Pekin.  The work will begin on Monday, March 14, 2016 on Court Street from Stadium Drive to Reservoir Road and continue for a short distance on Reservoir Road.   This investment of about $600,000 is related to the Company’s effort to bring a new booster station online.  Last year, the booster station project uncovered some weak spots in the water main on Court Street.   Cord Crisler, operations superintendent for the Pekin District, said, “We worked with our engineering team on this solution.  Our expectation is that we will be able to complete the booster station project this summer.” In order to complete the main installation, intermittent lane closures will be needed throughout the project.  Detour signs will be posted for the alternate route.  Motorists should use caution, obey traffic signs and follow detour routes when driving in the area. If possible, for their sa

Illinois American Water and EPA Can Help You Cut Down on Leaks During Fix a Leak Week

Free materials and information available to help reduce the trillion-plus gallons of water lost in residential leaks every year — Illinois American Water has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the eighth annual Fix a Leak Week, which runs from March 14-20. The national campaign, part of the EPA’s WaterSense program, is designed to raise awareness about small leaks and other water waste that may be occurring within homes. Considering there are more than 110 million households in this country, a seemingly minor leaky faucet or running toilet collectively results in a tremendous amount of wasted water -- more than a trillion gallons of water are lost annually nationwide through leaks occurring within our homes, with the average residence losing 10,000 gallons a year this way. However, through initiatives like Fix a Leak Week, local utility companies like Illinois American Water, are hoping to significantly reduce that amount. “Ten percent of U.

Pekin Park District Easter Break Escape

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LOOK AT THOSE SMILES!! If you are looking for ways to keep your child’s imagination fueled while on school break, our Easter Break Escape is the place to be.  Children participate in activities with experienced counselors including, crafts, games, field trips, nature hikes and lots of playing outdoors.  Field trips, breakfast and snacks are included in the fee, but please bring a lunch. Dates:  Friday, March 25 and Monday – Friday, March 28 – April 1, 2016.  Ages:  Kindergarten – 13 years. Times: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Fees:  $34 per day or $144 for the entire camp.  Non-residents add $3 per day.  Location:  Soldwedel Program Center, McNaughton Park off  Route 98. 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

182nd Airlift Wing Breakfast with the Boss Breakfast and Flight

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Chamber Connection

Check out this weeks Chamber Connection !

Bride On A Budget

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Mashie's Pub & Eatery

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Free Veterans Workshops

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The Retail Project

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