Franks Elected to Lead Chamber

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on April 18 at the Pekin Country Club.  140 attendees representing 42 businesses and organizations enjoyed the reception and short business meeting.  The keynote speaker was Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. 

Three members of the Board of Directors completed their terms and were recognized for their service.  The retiring members were:  Larry Crouch, Monge Crouch & Mahoney; Zak Ehrmantraut, Springleaf Financial Services; and Frank Shearer, Covenant Heating & Air.  Also recognized was Aindrea Balagna who completed her service on the board as Past President. 

New board members elected by the chamber membership in March were introduced:  Becky Eubanks, Sound Choice Hearing Clinic; Dan Pfeifer, Dan Pfeifer State Farm; and Dennis Short, Pekin Community Bank.  

Becky Eubanks,
Sound Choice Hearing Clinic

  

          

             Dan Pfeiffer,
               Dan Pfeiffer State Farm

              

                  Dennis Short,
                  Pekin Community Bank

  

Other returning directors on the chamber’s board include Crystal Elliott, Pekin Hospital; Lynzie Gruden, Velde Ford; Dave Vaupel, Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory; Josh Bradshaw, Advanced Medical Transport; Baylee Gambetti, Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell; Brigitte Harper, Pekin Insurance; and John McCabe, Mayor of the City of Pekin.

The newly seated board then elected officers for the coming year.  They are President, John Franks III, Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab; Vice President, Becky Saban, BodyWealth Massage; Treasurer, Scott Kriegsman, Elliff, Dancy and Bosich, PC; and, Past President, Gregg Ratliff, Busey Bank.

John Franks, President
Peoria Limousine Company

                      

                              Becky Saban, Vice President
                             BodyWealth Massage

Scott Kriegsman, Treasurer
Elliff, Dancey & Bosich, P.C.,
Assoicate Attorney

The chamber’s executive director, Bill Fleming, highlighted some of the organization’s achievements during the past year.  In particular he noted the progress that was made under the chamber’s strategic plan.  

Before thanking the chamber members for their commitment to the organization, Ratliff emphasized the value of chamber membership and the efforts made through the strategic plan to improve that value.

Franks continued that same theme, outlining pieces of the chamber’s strategic plan that will be the focus of the coming year.  He also shared a personal anecdote about the impact the chamber had on his life. 

Maisch spoke about the challenges facing the business community in Illinois.  He shared his thoughts on the budget impasse and possible solutions, and the importance of renewing investments in economic development and transportation infrastructure.  

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has represented the business interests and promoted the growth of the Pekin area since 1893.