Chalk Walk sponsored by NRG Powerton Generating Station

Thank you NRG Powerton Generating Station for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Chalk Walk! 

Richwoods Students Head to Work at OSF

Across the country communities are working to connect high school students to their careers of interest by creating internships. As you may imagine, connecting students to healthcare careers proves something of a challenge, given the various regulations. Lucky for us here in Greater Peoria, OSF Healthcare was up for the challenge, creating – for the first time – an internship program for high schoolers to explore clinical healthcare careers, and we recently had a chance to catch up with our first two OSF interns.

 

Amanda, Dede, and Rochelle

“These two have been such an incredible help.” Deuanna ‘Dede’ Moore-Harris, Sterile Processing Department (SPD) supervisor exclaimed as we navigated a maze of hallways. “We didn’t know what to expect, as we’ve never had students in our department, but when we interviewed these two, we knew they’d be great; I don’t have to worry about them at all!”

Amanda and Rochelle – both seniors at Richwoods High – who were curious about pursuing careers in healthcare and were looking for a way to experience potential careers first hand, so they jumped at the opportunity intern at OSF Healthcare. “I was really nervous in my interview, but it must have gone okay, because they offered me the internship!” laughed Rochelle with Amanda nodding in agreement next to her.

“Neither of us had no idea what the Sterile Processing Department was, but it’s been great meeting all the other employees and seeing all the hard work that happens in a hospital you don’t know about; interning in this department gives me a sense that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” states Amanda.

Amanda and Rochelle on the job 

Before this opportunity at OSF Healthcare, both Amanda and Rochelle had limited work histories, with Amanda working at bakery and Rochelle working summers as a camp counselor. While an internship in the Sterile Processing Department may seem unglamorous, for these two, it has made a world of difference in helping plan their next steps after high school.

“This opportunity has definitely strengthened our interest in pursuing a healthcare career, but it’s also shown us that there are more careers out there than we thought,” Amanda and Rochelle agree. “I plan on going to ICC for two years using Peoria Promise to continue to explore healthcare careers,” Amanda says. “I actually just got accepted into UIC Champaign-Urbana’s pre-med program, and I’ll be starting there this fall, I’m so excited, and this opportunity has made me more certain this is what I want to do,” says Rochelle.

As Amanda and Rochelle led us around the SPD, showing us the ins-and-out of their role, we were blown away by their confidence and the respect they had earned by their seasoned colleagues in the short time on the job. We’re so proud of both Amanda, Rochelle, and of our partners at OSF Healthcare who stepped up to lead in creating internships for high school students. We look forward to the seeing this program and its success grow!

CB Depot Joins Chamber

CB Depot
530 Margaret St.
Pekin, IL 61554
Website
Clair Divert, Manager
Eric Sweatt, Owner 
CB Depot offers CBD products for everyone as well as pets.

Jimmy John’s Game Zone

Thank you Jimmy Johns for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Game Zone! 

Illinois Central College Guest Artists Series Opens August 10 with a Tribute to ABBA

                The 2018-2019 Illinois Central College Guest Artists Series opens August 10 with a tribute to an iconic Swedish pop music group whose music has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity. Dancing Dream, a tribute to Abba, brings audiences all the hits of the legendary band in an authentic tribute featuring many of the classic Abba songs featured in the recent motion picture Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Dancing Dream performed a sold out show at ICC in 2015, and this time the group is back as a larger six-member ensemble with a set list including memorable classics such as Dancing Queen, Take a Chance On Me, Waterloo and more.

                The Dancing Dream show is the first of five shows in the 2018-2019 Guest Artists Series season featuring performances by nationally- and internationally-touring professional artists. All performances take place in the ICC Performing Arts Center on the East Peoria Campus.

                The full slate of shows and ticket prices includes:

·        Friday, August 10, 2018, at 7:30 pm - Dancing Dream: A Tribute to Abba - general public $31, students $21

·        Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 7:30 pm - The Everly Set: Jack Skuller and Sean Altman approximate the Everly Brothers - $26/$16

·        Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 2:30 pm - Lightwire Theater presents A Bigger & Brighter Very Electric Christmas - $26/$16

·        Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 7:30 pm - The Starlets present A Tribute to Girl Groups of the Fabulous ‘50s & Sensational ‘60s  - $26/$16

·        Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 7:30 pm - Kelly O’Brien presents The Dolly Show (a tribute to Dolly Parton)  - $26/$16

               The second show in the series, The Everly Set, features award-winning singers Jack Skuller and Sean Altman as they approximate the Everly Brothers. Their show presents all the favorite hits of brothers Phil and Don Everly, like Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Suzie, and Cathy’s Clown. The performance also includes other rarities and Everly-influenced classics, all sung with the same supercharged Everly harmonies that influenced The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Hollies and the Bee Gees.

               The December show features a return performance by Lightwire Theater, which rose to fame as a semifinalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and as winners of Tru TV’s Fake Off. This family show captivates audiences of all ages with a combination of theater and technology to bring a story to life in complete darkness. A Bigger & Brighter Very Electric Christmas is a tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including music.

               The March event by The Starlets features a tribute to the music of girl groups of the fabulous ‘50s and sensational ‘60s featuring the music of iconic groups including The Ronettes, The Angels, The Shirelles, The Chordettes and The Supremes. The premier headlining act from Sunset Singers, this terrifically talented trio of ladies and their backing band will transport the audience back to a simpler time of listening to records on the jukebox at the corner malt shop.

               Voted as the U.K’s best Dolly Parton impersonator by The Agents Association of Great Britain, the final show of the season features Kelly O’Brien bringing her tribute The Dolly Show to the stage at ICC. Backed by a four-piece band, O’Brien brilliantly captures essence of the lady from Tennessee, combining Dolly's greatest songs with flawless comic timing in this dazzling show. A world-class entertainer with stunning vocals, O’Brien captivates audiences with her rendition of Dolly's famous vocal style in a must-see show.

               Full season ticket packages cost $115 and include tickets to all five shows in the Guest Artists Series season. Those purchasing the full season ticket package get to choose their own seats (based on availability) and retain those same seats for all shows in the series. Full season ticketholders also receive two complimentary tickets for each season ticket package purchased to ICC Theatre Program productions.

                Pick 4 Flex Packs also are available for $95 and include four tickets that can be split or used in any combination for the five Guest Artists Series events. Seating for Pick 4 Flex Pack purchasers is assigned by the box office based on the best available seating for each performance.

               The ICC Guest Artists Series is presented by the Arts at ICC, which has a rich history of enhancing the arts community and expanding education beyond the classroom. Arts at ICC presents more than 500 exhibits, performances, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, master classes, clinics, seminars, receptions, orientations, forums, auditions and tournaments annually.

               For information about tickets or the individual performances, visit ArtsAtICC.com or call the box office at (309) 694-5136.

Kids Experience sponsored by Big R

Thank you Big R for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Kids Experience!

Commerce Bank Carnival

Thank you Commerce Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Carnival! 

Marigold Festival Parade sponsored by Busey Bank

Thank you Busey Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Parade! 

Jimmy John’s Game Zone

Thank you Jimmy Johns for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Game Zone! 

GP Works Surpasses 2018 Intern Placement Goals

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It’s been an outstanding year for GP Works, the Greater Peoria EDC’s effort supporting the creation and placement of internships for high school students, as we have surpassed our 2018 year-end goal of 175 placements. As of the end of June 2018, 189 local high school students between six school districts have been placed in internships between 38 unique companies in Greater Peoria since work began in earnest in the fall of 2016. 

From our first two placements at Easter Seals, to the rapidly scaling internship experiences for students at large organizations like UnityPoint Health – Peoria|Pekin, OSF Healthcare, Caterpillar, ATS, City of Peoria, and many more, this work has been expedited as employer-partners realize the power of these student internships as a way to identify and attract entry-level talent. Indeed, approximately 12% of the interns we’ve placed in internships have retained as ‘regular’ employees following their initial experience. Better yet, these interns also make an average of nine dollars an hour during their internship experiences prior to being hired. 

As we look forward toward 2019, GP works is squarely on track to surpass our year-end goal of 300 placements, as we have 60 placements on the horizon for just the fall of 2019. 

If your company is interested in adopting a new model of talent development and joining the growing cohort of leading employers, we encourage you to reach out to GP Pathways Co-Director Brent Baker to learn how your company can benefit!

Celebrity Tent sponsored by Kouri's Pub

Thank you Kouri’s Pub for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Celebrity Tent!

CEFCU Soda Stations

Thank you CEFCU for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Soda Stations! 

Saddle Up for Neighborhood House

Dust off your cowboy boots and put on your favorite western attire for a fun-filled evening featuring the Joe Stamm Band, along with whiskey, tequila and vodka tastings. Friday, August 10th, 2018 5:30 p.m. Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino *New* Mystery Box Auction and Silent Auction 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner and Live Auction 6:30 p.m. Joe Stamm Band Performs 8:00 p.m. $75 per person purchase tickets online or by calling our Business Office 309-674-1131 ext. 225

Purchase Tickets

Savant Continues to be Recognized as a Top Investment and Accounting Leader

Industry trade publications release national rankings of top RIA and CPA firms in 2018

Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford, IL, with locations in Peoria, Chicago, Freeport, Geneva, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Sterling, and Wilmette, IL; McLean, VA; and Madison and Park Falls, WI, has been recognized by Financial Advisor, Financial Times, and InvestmentNews as a leading Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm and by Accounting Today as one of the nation’s leading CPA firms by assets under management (AUM).
Financial Advisor magazine has ranked Savant #48 in its 2018 list of top RIA firms – climbing five spots from 2017. The list includes more than 700 RIAs from across the nation and is based on a survey of the firms’ discretionary AUM. This is the tenth consecutive year Savant has made the list. To view the complete list, click here.
Additionally, Savant has been named to the Financial Times’ “FT 300: Top Registered Investment Advisers” list for 2018. The firm is one of 21 Illinois RIA firms to be recognized. The results of the list were based on AUM, asset growth rate, the firm’s longevity, compliance record, industry certifications, and online accessibility. This is the fifth year that Savant has been recognized. Click here to view the complete list.
The firm also was named by financial trade publication InvestmentNews as one of its 2018 nationwide ranking of leading RIA firms. Savant ranked #47 on the comprehensive list of more than 2,100 firms. The list is based on total AUM and is the eleventh time Savant has been recognized. To view the full list, click here.
Accounting Today magazine has ranked Savant for the sixth time in its “Top Wealth Magnet” list. Advancing one spot from 2017, Savant was named #4 out of 150 leading CPA financial planning firms in the United States. Savant is part of the “Billion Dollar Club” category based on AUM. Today, the firm manages nearly $6 billion in assets for its clients. Click here for the complete list.
“We are honored by the ongoing recognition we have received from the industry’s leading trade media, and are proud to be listed alongside the nation’s leading RIA and accounting firms,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant. “Our success is a direct reflection of Team Savant’s dedication to helping build ideal futures for our clients and the communities we serve.”
For more information about Savant Capital Management, visit savantcapital.com.

Student Intern Myths

Empowering employers to create internships for high school students is no easy task.  It’s even harder when there are so many myths around what high school students are able and permitted to do the in the workplace. Over the last two years of developing and launching Greater Peoria Works, we’ve had to confront and address these myths to increase both the quantity and diversity of career development opportunities for our region’s high school students.

Here are some of the most common myths – busted!

Myth 1 – “Students under 18 cannot work in our workplace!”

 Certainly there are unique challenges posed in certain industries regarding youth employment, but we shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater here!  In Illinois, state law actually allows individuals to begin obtaining gainful employment at age 16.

Safety is of course a priority and there are some occupational responsibilities that youth cannot perform.  But for the most part, it’s simply a matter of reviewing your corporate policy and finding valuable intern opportunities that make sense for your company.

Myth 2 – “My insurance policies don’t allow students under 18 to work at my company!”

While it’s always a good idea to review the specifics of your insurance, chances are that if your intern is compensated hourly as a ‘regular’ employee then they will be covered by your existing insurance policies.

With additional mindfulness to any specific training and safety requirements necessary for certain responsibilities, your intern should be covered!  For those unique unpaid or stipend-based internships, they may take more exploration with your insurance provider, but for those short-term or job shadow experiences, waivers can be utilized to help address any insurance gaps or concerns.

Myth 3 – “Students can’t really add value to our team or learn anything new in a four-week internship.”

A Greater Peoria Works intern learns the ropes in the logistics department at UnityPoint Health.

Not true! In fact, for most students, the tasks that may seem mundane to your regular staff — working in Microsoft Excel, conducting inventory checks, cleaning GIS data, packing surgical kits, assisting in children’s physical therapy sessions, delivering critical supplies between departments, attending meetings — carry more gravitas than the tasks associated with the typical retail and hospitality jobs for high schoolers.  Better yet, these responsibilities build students’ soft skills and teach basic workplace technical skills.

Students will rise to the challenge and can add huge value to short-term, task-driven projects by freeing up your existing staff to address other needs. It’s a win-win-win — the students earn skills and confidence, your staff gets extra hands, and your company cost-effectively builds capacity.

Myth 4 – “Our Company will have to create a specific code of conduct for student interns.”

Nope! Similar to the myth above, students will respond to responsibility and treating them just like any other ‘adult’ employee is a huge confidence booster.

The fact that you’re trusting them to get the job done is not lost on them. Chances are that your company may be the first to make this type of investment in them.  These early experiences are fundamental for preparing students for future work life and they will not soon forget the impact you and your company have on them.

This is also an incredible opportunity to instill your organization’s values and ethics into your potential future employee to ensure that they are set up for success.  You never know where you’ll find your next employee!

A Greater Peoria Works intern gets under the hood at Beachler’s Auto.

Join Greater Peoria Works and create opportunities!

So what are you waiting for!?  Let’s work together to create more high school internships and build our region’s workforce. If you or your company is interested in learning more on how you can create an opportunity, give Brent Baker, GP Pathways Co-Director, a call at 309-696-4733 or email at bbaker@greaterpeoriaedc.org to learn more!

Pekin Community Bank Showcase Stage

Thank you Pekin Community Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Showcase Stage!

Marigold Festival Supporters

Thank you to all of the 2018 Marigold Festival Supporters!

West Dublin Pub

West Dublin Pub
507 Court St. 
Pekin, IL 61554
Website
Tom West, Owner
Dori West, Owner 
West Dublin Pub stay true to their roots. They offer a range of traditional Irish dishes including Scotch Eggs, Fish & Chips, and Shepherd's Pie. Their menu also features a number of American pub favorites. Enjoy the covered patio seating, happy hour and drink specials.

KZBEME Relocates

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for KZBEME Fingerprinting on July 19.  They recently relocated to a new office at 2416 N. 8th Street.  Family,  friends, and employees joined with representatives of the chamber for the event.  KZBEME provides Livescan fingerprinting for multiple purposes such as gaming, health care professionals, CONCEALED CARRY (prints and app) and PERC security.  They are open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and can be reached at (309) 613-1733. 

July Biz Barometer

Shuttle Bus sponsored by Peoria Limousine

Thank you Peoria Limousine for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Shuttle Bus!

UnityPoint Health Civic Collage

Thank you UnityPoint Health for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Civic Collage!

Art in the Park sponsored by Vonderheide Floor Coverings

Thank you Vonderheide Floor Coverings for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Art in the Park!

Illinois 29 Lane Closures Begin July 26

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that lane closures will begin Thursday, July 26, along northbound Illinois 29 at the Interstate 474 interchange.

The closures are necessary for bridge painting. The right lane will close the morning of July 26, but all ramps to I-474 will remain open during the project, which is expected to last about a week, weather permitting.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundPeoria.com.

Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt

Thank you Pepsi for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Marigold Medallion Hunt!

Paint Nite Fundraiser

ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE OFFERS “QUICKSTART” ON AUGUST 4

Illinois Central College is offering an expedited way for potential students to get through the steps of enrolling all in one day with its QuickStart program on Sat., August 4 from 9 am to 1 pm on the ICC East Peoria Campus. No appointment is necessary. Free parking is available in Lots A and B on the East Peoria Campus, as well as the Visitors Lot.

During QuickStart, participants can complete an ICC application and have it processed immediately, take placement testing, fill out financial aid paperwork, set up a payment plan, and enroll for classes. Fall semester classes begin on Mon., August 20.

Advising is available for students on a walk-in basis in the month of August.  Advisors are available to help students who wish to enroll, but additional follow-up may be required for select programs. Some programs are restricted enrollment and only general education or pre-requisite courses may be scheduled in those cases.

QuickStart participants are assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure enough time to complete the steps to enrollment, ICC suggests arriving early in the day.

Applicants also should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov/  prior to coming to campus. Please list ICC on the form in order to be fully considered for federal student aid opportunities at the College.

To complete all the steps of admission and enrollment, participants should bring:

·        A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID).

·        Checkbook or credit card to set up a payment plan.

·        Social security card.

Extended Saturday hours also will be available on Sat., August 18. Beginning July 30, offices will extend hours until 8 pm on Mondays at the Peoria Campus and until 8 pm on Tuesdays at the East Peoria Campus.

For more information, call (309) 694-5200, email admissions@icc.edu, or visit icc.edu/QuickStart.                        

Local Retirement Planning Seminar to Help Navigate the Complexities of Medicare

Presented by Savant Capital Management featuring Hagen Benefit Services

 Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized, fee-only wealth management firm located in Peoria, will host “Are You Prepared for Retirement,” a seminar that will discuss the role Medicare can play when planning for retirement. There are several event dates to choose from, with the first one on Thursday, July 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Fondulac District Library, 400 Richland Street in East Peoria.

The event will feature Savant’s Peoria Market Manager and Financial Advisor Daryl Dagit, Financial Advisor Donovan Sanchez, and Teresa Hagen with Hagen Benefit Services. Attendees will gather valuable information about retirement planning and tips that will help navigate the intricacies of Medicare to work towards a successful retirement.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. The seminar is also scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21, and Thursday, Sept. 20 (times and locations vary). To register for a seminar or for more information call 309-693-0300 or email ppost-freeman@savantcapital.com.

Tailgate N' Tallboys

Enrollment Now Open for Illinois Central College GED Bridge Program Classes

               GED graduates now can enroll in a new program at Illinois Central College that is designed to bridge the gap between completing their requirements and finding jobs earning family-sustaining wages.

               The ICC Success After the GED College Bridge Program currently helps grads with career exploration assistance, as well as life skills and industry/occupational skills development. The goal is to enroll each of the GED graduates into college-level coursework and continue on a path to obtain a credential beyond the GED. Career development will focus on the high-demand, middle- and high-skilled occupations of health careers, information technology, manufacturing, and education.

               Participants may choose from four session dates. Each session includes 100 hours of customized training and takes only five weeks to complete. There is no cost, and students receive a weekly stipend.

Participants attend one of four sessions scheduled through spring of 2019:

·        Aug. 20 through Sept. 21, 2018

·        Oct. 15 through Nov. 16, 2018

·        Jan. 21 through Feb. 22, 2019

·        March 18 through April 19, 2019

               All class sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm on the ICC Peoria Campus, located at 5407 N. University St. Each session is limited to 15 GED graduates from Peoria and Tazewell counties.

               The Illinois Community College Board recently awarded ICC more than $200,000 in grant funding for the program.  

For more information or to apply, contact Pachaunce Allen-Walker, program coordinator, at (309) 690-6892 or email mailto:Pachaunce.allen-walker@icc.edu

Illinois Central College Offers 12-Week Pharmacy Technician Course This Fall

Illinois Central College will offer a fall session of its course to prepare individuals for employment as a pharmacy technician. The pharmacy technician course is 12 weeks of classroom instruction, which will give students a solid foundation in the skills necessary for employment as a pharmacy technician and will prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam. 

The pharmacy technician classes will be held on Mondays, beginning Sept. 10 through Dec. 3, 2018, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Hickory Hall on the ICC Peoria Campus, located at 5407 N. University St., Peoria. Cost of the course is $1,625, and a payment plan is available. Cost includes tuition, Pharmacy Technician textbook and workbook, a set of Top 100 drugs brand/generic flashcards, and a set of medical scrubs.

Free informational sessions will be held Sat. August 4 at 10 am and Mon., Aug. 6 at 6 pm at Hickory Hall on the ICC Peoria Campus. No pre-registration is required.

For questions or to register with a payment plan, contact Ellen George at (309) 690-6909. To register and pay in full, visit icc.edu/pdi/pharmtech or call (309) 690-6900.

Junior Golf Tourney Makes Impact on Local Economy

The D.A. Points Junior Championship sponsored by Pekin Insurance and UnityPoint Health was held at Pekin Country Club July 9-12.  The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event was also sponsored by Jimmy John's and the City of Pekin.

The event drew 96 participants from all over the world.  Kornkamol Sukaree of (Thailand) Huntington Beach, California, won the girls division, while Luke Armbrust of Wheaton, Illinois, won the boys division.  

The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the total direct economic impact to the local economy at $102,756.  That would include money spent on hotels, dining, and local purchases.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT HOSTS SPEAKER KRISTIN KAUFMAN FROM PREVENT CHILD ABUSE ILLINOIS

The public is invited to attend a presentation about Child Sexual Abuse Prevention on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center, 341 Buena Vista Ave, Pekin. Guest speaker will be Kristin Kaufman from Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit is proud to partner with the Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse Illinois to provide this presentation.

For more information, contact CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit at 309-669-2939 or casa@peoriacounty.org.

Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court

Thank you Pekin Insurance for sponsoring the 2018 Pekin Marigold Festival Festive Food Court!

Illinois Central College Offers New Evening College Degree and Certificate Options for Busy Adults This Fall

               Beginning with the fall 2018 semester, Illinois Central College is making it easier for busy adults to start and complete their degree or certificate. Evening College includes specific programs of study where all required classes are scheduled on the same campus during convenient evening hours. These programs will continue to offer daytime course meeting times, as well as course start times of 5 pm or later for students who want or need a later class start time.

               “Previously, students who had work or family commitments may have had to choose between completing their program of study or taking care of their kids and keeping a job. Evening College gives these students options,” said ICC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Emmanuel Awuah.

               “Students can start and complete these programs with predictable evening course times and locations that may better fit their lifestyle. We anticipate more students being able to complete their program of study and may even do it at a faster rate than before.”

               Evening College includes a broad range of programs offered at either the East Peoria or Peoria Campuses for the fall semester. Some of the degrees and certificates students can complete entirely in the evenings include: both the general Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees, Accounting Bookkeeper Certificate, Associate of Applied Science Business degree, several CISCO and Networking degrees and certificates, Production Welder Certificate, Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science degree, Medical Assistant Certificate, Medical Office Administrative Assistant and Medical Coder certificates, Phlebotomy, Emergency Medical Technician certificate, and Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, to name a few.

For a complete listing of Evening College programs, visit icc.edu/evening-college/. For questions regarding Evening College or to enroll, contact Advising Services at (309) 694-5281.

Employer Alert

Illinois will soon begin implementation of the Secure Choice Savings Program, a program created by Public Act 098-1150 which establishes a statewide payroll deduction Individual Retirement Account program open to private sector employees. Participation in the program is mandatory for businesses that have been operating for at least 2 years, have more than 25 employees and do not offer their own qualified retirement plans. Employees of these businesses will be automatically enrolled in the program unless they opt out. Other employers may voluntarily offer the program to their employees, either by itself or in addition to an existing retirement plan. Persons working for employers that do not offer the state program may enroll in the program individually, but may be required to contribute through methods other than payroll deduction. 

Implementation will be divided into three waves and employers will be assigned to a wave based on their size:

• November 2018, Wave 1: Employers with 500+ employees
• July 2019, Wave 2: Employers with 100-499 employees
• November 2019, Wave 3: Employers with 25-99 employees

The Illinois State Treasurer’s office will administer the program and they have created a website which answers many questions employers may have, such as eligibility and registration, FAQ’s, news, etc. The website is www.ilsecurechoice.com, and is the best place to obtain information about the new program. 

The rules for this program are currently open for public comment. The rules establish the responsibilities of the Secure Choice Savings Board, the Treasurer and the account administrator with regard to administration of the program; sets out investment policy and guidelines; establishes the registration and enrolment process, program fees and reporting requirements; and includes procedures through which employees may opt out of enrollment. Employers who begin offering their own qualified retirement plans (thereby becoming exempt from mandatory participation in the state program) may terminate their participation in the program.

The rules are in the June 15th Illinois Register and begin on page 10351 (page 737). This is an opportunity for employers to submit comments or suggestions on the rules prior to them being adopted. The comment period is open until July 30th. All comments must be received by the Treasurer’s Office prior to July 30th. For questions, request for copies, or to submit comments, you may contact: 

Chris Flynn

Office of the Treasurer, 

400 W. Monroe Street, Suite 401

Springfield, IL 62704

(217) 558-0115 (office)

(217) 785-2777 (fax)

CFlynn@Illinoistreasurer.gov