The Big Table

The public is invited to attend The Big Table: Greater Peoria.  You may have heard regional organizations talking about the plans for this event.  Now, we need your help in spreading the word.  And, registration is now open at: www.BigTableGP.com.

We need you and many others to take a seat at the Big Table and be a part of the regional discussion!  Here’s how you can help and take part in the event: 

1. If you are on social media, please like The Big Table GP  Facebook page to stay up to date on the event.
2. Sign up to participate at a table or to volunteer as a table facilitator at www.BigTableGP.com.
3. Share this event with your friends, communities, and networks.  The success of this event depends on many voices from around our region taking a seat at the table.  This is a FREE PUBLIC EVENT!

WHAT: The Big Table is a day of regional community building through conversations designed to strengthen and connect communities. Through open, thoughtful conversations that focus on how we can strengthen our region, we will spark new relationships and new ways for working together by deepening our understanding of each other and what our region needs.

DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 at the PEORIA CIVIC CENTER
8:30am -10am                 Workforce Development & Education
10:15am-11:45am           Quality of Life & Place
11:45am-1:15pm             Lunch Break (ON YOUR OWN)
1:15pm-2:45pm               Innovation & Entrepreneurship
3:00pm-4:30pm               Diversity & Inclusion
4:30pm-6:30pm               Regional After Hours Recap Community Vision and Celebration

Contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce if you have any questions.

Illinois Central College to Host Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase

                Illinois Central College will host a special Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase for potential students to learn about in-demand careers.  The showcase, sponsored by Compeer Financial, provides attendees an opportunity to speak with ICC faculty, local employers and vendors, and industry specialists from a range of career and technically based programs in agriculture, diesel, and horticulture. 

The event will take place on Friday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the ICC East Peoria Campus at the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Building.  The free showcase features a student panel Q&A session, industry speakers, and lunch.  Representatives from 20+ local businesses will be on hand to demonstrate the sophisticated technology used to provide goods and services to farmers, producers and other agricultural businesses.  Tours of the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Building, the Horticulture Center, and live demonstrations of diesel equipment, construction equipment, and highway trucks will be available.

                “There are many jobs available in the agriculture, horticulture, and diesel industries, but only a limited number of employable applicants trained in the emerging technologies,” said ICC Agricultural and Industrial Technology Professor Grant Grebner.  “That’s why ICC has partnered with local businesses in these fields to successfully train students with the desired high-tech skills.”

Attendees will have access to information regarding degrees, certificates, and “Earn and Learn” opportunities in these fields.  ICC Enrollment Services also will be on hand to answer questions regarding applying to the College and specific program admittance requirements. 

To register and for more information, visit icc.edu/ag-diesel-hort or call ICC at (309) 694-5200. 

The Center for Prevention of Abuse Prepares 30,000 Rubber Ducks for 31st Annual Duck Race at Duck Tagging Event, 8/21

Who:                   Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA)

Interviews:        Carol Merna, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Prevention of Abuse

What:                 The Center for Prevention of Abuse will prepare for its signature fundraiser, the 31^st Annual Duck Race, by hosting a “duck tagging” event where nearly 100 community volunteers replace the stickers on the bottom of each rubber duck with this year’s numbers.

The Duck Race raises funds to provide free and confidential services to help all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse in Central Illinois, and will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. at EastSide Centre in East Peoria.

When:              Wednesday, August 21, 2019
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where:               EastSide Centre
                             1 Eastside Drive
                             East Peoria, IL 61611

Why:                   The Center for Prevention of Abuse Duck Race is the longest running duck race in the country. Thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds go to support all of the programs and services offered at CFPA to help all women, men, and children live free from violence and abuse.

Salvation Army Ribbon Cutting

The Salvation Army of Pekin held an open house to celebrate the completion of the renovation of their worship center.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce was on hand to join in the celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Lt. Brandon and Capt. Megan Lewis were joined by staff and board members and Chamber Ambassadors for the ceremony.  Prior to the ribbon cutting Chamber Executive Director Bill Fleming read a proclamation signed by Chamber Board President Dan Pfeifer congratulating the Salvation Army and naming August 15, 2019 as Salvation Army Day in the City of Pekin.  You can see one more picture of this event at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/v4jr4TASF2NUoXqX7

SCORE: August News

How to Use Public Speaking to Grow Your Business Learn why public speaking is an effective tool for small business owners, and how it can help you grow your brand and business. Read More

The Secret Sauce to Success- The Entrepreneurial Mindset August 1 @ 1 p.m. ET  / 10 a.m. PT Discover the most important skill you need to make your business a success: the entrepreneurial mindset! In this 90-minute interactive webinar, attendees will learn how to use their frame of mind to accelerate their business goals. Register Now »  Building Resilience After a Business Setback August 8 @ 1 p.m. ET  / 10 a.m. PT In this webinar, you'll learn resilience-building tools, and how to use them to bounce back after a business setback or disappointment. Register Now » SCORE Peoria is offering this free workshop Getting Started with Facebook for Business (Beginner Level) Wednesday, August 14, 2019 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CDT Fondulac Bank - Fondulac Room (Clock Tower Place) 201 Clock Tower Dr. East Peoria, IL 61611 Facebook advertising is one of the best ways to use your advertising dollars effectively. In this introductory level workshop, Tammy Finch, founder and CEO of Web Services, Inc., will show you how to set up a Facebook page for your business, how to target your audience, and cover how to find content for your page. In September, Tammy will return with a more advanced workshop to discuss Facebook Marketing Strategies. This workshop is FREE, but registration is required. Call SCORE Peoria at 309-676-0755 or register online by clicking here. Simple Social Media Must-Do's for Small Business Owners  August 22 @ 1 p.m. ET  / 10 a.m. PT This webinar will cover the basics of social media marketing for small business owners and share tips for keeping up with the ever-changing social platforms. -Sponsored by Deluxe Corporation Register Now » End the Year in Good Legal Standing August 27 @ 1 p.m. ET  / 10 a.m. PT In this webinar, participants will learn key internal and external compliance requirements to review and other necessary legal to-do's for small business owners take care of before 2019 comes to a close. Register Now » A Practical Approach to Small Business Budgeting August 29 @ 1 p.m. ET  / 10 a.m. PT This webinar will outline the best ways to organize your finances, and how to choose the best budgeting format for your unique business goals. Register Now » SCORE helps you succeed! Check out one of our latest success stories. Small Business Success: Access Advocates After 17 years as an architect designing ADA-compliant buildings, Hank Falstad started the program ACCESS Watchdogs in Wheelchairs, allowing people with disabilities to report on buildings in the lodging industry that failed to meet ADA standards. In 2012, Watchdogs in Wheelchairs evolved into Access Advocates. Through Access Advocates, people with disabilities can make complaints about specific buildings, and Access Advocates audits the building and takes legal action on behalf of the individual who reported the building. The work of Access Advocates is improving accessibility across the country, one building at a time. How SCORE helped: SCORE mentors helped Falstad develop the basic structure for his business, preparing him to rebrand as Access Advocates. Mentor Bob Cushman helped Falstad with marketing and partnering with law firms and lawyers. In 2018, Access Advocates worked on over 150 cases. Falstad's goal is to work up to 1,000 cases per year. Read the full article and access all articles for small businesses currently in operation. Now Connect With Your Own SCORE Peoria Mentor SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Because of this, our mentoring services are free, regardless of the number of times you visit a mentor.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years. Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost. Find out more about our mission, vision and values here. SCORE Peoria - 403 N. E. Jefferson St., Peoria, IL 61603 Phone: 309.676.0755 - email: SCOREPeoria@scorevolunteer.org Web Site: https://peoria.score.org Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

Open House at The Dirksen Congressional Center

To mark the 50^th anniversary of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen’s death on September 7, 1969, The Center will host a reception from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The public is invited to attend.

In addition to tours of the building, located at 2815 Broadway in Pekin, Frank Mackaman, The Center’s Historian and Archivist, will deliver brief remarks about Senator Dirksen’s legacy at 3:30 p.m.

The reception will take place during the weekend of Pekin’s Marigold Festival, September 5-8. In 1973, his hometown chose to honor their favorite son’s contributions to the nation by establishing the festival named for the Senator’s favorite flower.

Vineyard News August & September

August & September Vineyard News PIN UP Contest hosted by the Whimsical Wine Woman & a 50's rock & roll style dance with DJ-TJ August 16, 2019       7-11pm THE SHOW! FAB and FUN, for the first time at the vineyard a PIN Up vintage fashion show competition hosted by our friend the Whimsical Wine Woman. Glamourous contestants in retro fashions will compete for fun and prizes.  THE MUSIC!    50’s themed rock music and sock hop dance hosted by DJ-TJ! YOU ! Dress up in your best retro 50’s gear a la American Graffiti style.  Style yourself 50’s with a poodle skirt, pony tails, slicked back duck tail, greaser leather or high style retro 50’s vintage. Creative dress welcome or just come out casual and enjoy the fun. $5 per person cover , kids 12 and under free. Arrival suggested 6-7pm. 7-8pm Wine tasting, music and mingle 8-9pm PINUP Competition with the Whimsical Wine Woman Hosting 9-11pm DJ TJ dancing 50’s ROCK MUSIC and fun! -HELD RAIN OR SHINE – CONCERTS IN THE VINEYARD 7-11pm, $5pp cover, 12 & under free 8/17 Champaign Freight- Rockin the Vineyard for the first time. 8/24 The Mystery Machine- come out and solve the mystery! Find out what Rod, Vinny, George, Jill, Doug and Steve have in store 8/31   Jammsammich 9/02   Stewarts's Goose Acoustic Show* no cover 9/07  Highway J 9/14  The Unhandsome Devils-really...they're handsome and they can rock! 9/21   The Joe Stamm Band 9/28   Coco Loco  ‌ Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival Date: September 1, 2019 Time: 12:00 pm-6:00 pm The Annual Grape Stomp is for those who have the desire to emulate Lucy and get their “feet” wet in the wine. Bring your cameras to preserve the moment and have proof of your endeavors in “wine making”. ·     Wine tasting all day ·     Food by The Mackinaw Lions Club ·     Music by Rod, Vinny and friends will be performing throughout the day as MC’s and play “Stompin Rock” for everyone to enjoy. ·     Free Face Painting for kids young and "mature" YES! is the answer for anyone who wants to come in costume dressed as a LUCY look-a- like and all are welcome to dress up and have fun, there is no charge to enter the Lucy contest. ·     Lucy Look-a-Like contest will be held at 3:30pm the $50 prize this year will be shared between the children and adult division winners for the Best LUCY’S. There are grab bag prizes for kid stomp winners and gift certificates for adults stompers. Face painting for kids of all ages!!          HELD RAIN OR SHINE! Admission to the event is $5 per person, with 12 and under free. Call for more information to 309-359-9463 or email-mackinawwinery03@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS Special Olympics- LIP SYNC COMPETITION featuring Retrofit September 6, 2019 6:00 PM - 9:00 P Special Olympics Illinois Heartland/Area 6 and the Law Enforcement Torch Run are hosting their Third Annual Lip Sync Battle on August 9th at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard 6-9pm. This event features Central Illinois celebrities who will “sing” their hearts out against other local celebrities to raise money and awareness for our Area 6 athletes and their families. Lip Sync contestants will perform to one of their favorite songs for the audience, who will in turn vote for their favorite acts with a donation. TO BUY TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact- Jonathan Mays | Assistant Director – Region G | Special Olympics Illinois 605 East Willow St. | Normal, IL 61761 | Office: 309-888-2562

Flower Arranging Class with Alice's Table Date: September 8, 2019 Time: 1:00pm -3:00pm Please join us at Mackinaw Valley Winery for an early evening flower arranging workshop with an instructor from Alice’s Table! Create a beautiful summer arrangement to take home while learning tips and tricks to use again and again. The flower arranging can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the complexity and format of the arrangement. Alice’s Table provides aprons for you to wear for the duration of the event. Working with flowers can be messy, so make sure to wear something you won’t mind getting a little dirty. You don’t need to bring anything out of the ordinary with you – we provide the flowers, vases, and tools you will need to create your arrangement.  Class fee includes three samples of their fabulous wines! You can bring snacks or enjoy cheese and crackers from Ropp Jersey Cheese or Chocolatier Confection Chocolates, available in the tasting room. Reserve spots for a party of five or more and get 10% off CLICK HERE TO REGISTER