Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Illinois Central College, in partnership with Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, announces the launch of a statewide Workforce Equity Initiative grant.  Illinois Central College will be the lead college of the $18.7 million initiative, receiving $1.85 million and partnering with 14 additional Illinois community colleges.     The ICC Workforce Equity Initiative is focused on improving workforce inclusivity by providing a credential and a living-wage job for adults residing in disproportionately impacted areas (low income, low employment, high crime).   African American participants must represent a minimum of 60 percent of the population served by the grant due to their underrepresentation in high-demand, high-wage careers.   The initiative addresses local workforce gaps and employment barriers in an effort to prepare underserved individuals with a decent and equitable employment opportunity.   The end goal is for participating s

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (HB 1438) on May 31, 2019 and Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the bill. The act, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, will allow anyone age 21 or older to possess, use or buy marijuana, which will be considered a lawful product. For employers, the end of Illinois' prohibition on recreational use invites a host of practical problems moving forward.  And then on August 9, 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker enacted sweeping changes to the landscape of employment law in Illinois. Among other changes, the amendments create the Workplace Transparency Act, which limits employers' abilities to restrict certain employee rights with regard to allegations of unlawful conduct. The amendments also significantly modify the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Victims Economic Security and Safety Act. The provisions of the amendments also go into effect on January 1, 2020. We are pleased to announce Abby J.

September 24, 2019 – Peoria, IL   Chillicothe Officer Alex Bastian and his wife Kelsey will be at the Peoria Ronald McDonald House ® (RMH) on September 26 th at 4:00 p.m. to view the new First Responders Hero Room and talk about why they are throwing their support behind the new Ronald McDonald House. The Bastian’s son, twenty-month-old Walter (or Wonderful Wally as called by many in the Peoria area), battles a rare metabolic and neuromuscular genetic disorder called Barth Syndrome. He was diagnosed at 8-weeks old and has spent much of his life in and out of the hospital. His most recent hospital stay was around 100 days long in Chicago where he underwent a heart transplant. During their time in Chicago, the Bastians were residents at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie’s Children’s and quickly came to view it as their “second home.” “We’re so thankful to hav

Better Business Bureau Study Examines Risk to Businesses from Business Email Compromise Scams An in-depth investigative study by Better Business Bureau (BBB) finds that business email compromise scams are skyrocketing in frequency and have co

                Illinois Central College will host a Power Show and Automotive Open House on Tuesday, October 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the ICC East Peoria Campus.  The open house provides potential students the opportunity to speak with faculty and representatives from the automotive service industry about high-demand careers in the automotive service area.                   The open house will include presentations by industry professionals and discussion of opportunities in the automotive field, technology demonstrations, hands-on activities and contests, door prizes and giveaways, and more.  New, classic, and racing vehicles also will be on display during the show.                 “ICC is proud to be hosting the Power Show and Automotive Open House for high school students in our region for 44 years now.  It is a long-standing, fun event, showcasing the exciting, high-demand careers available in the auto industry,” said Interim Dean of Agricultural and Industria

In observance of National Recovery Month, Gateway Foundation is celebrating our strides made as an organization, as well as highlighting notable alum and recent events. Today, read the story of Mike and his journey to recovery.  Mike's Success Story: Starting from the Bottom Shelf Drinking began for Mike when he was working at a liquor store at age 13. His friend’s father owned a store, and Mike was responsible for stocking the shelves and checking inventory. It was easy to steal a bottle here and there because he was the one in charge. As the years passed, Mike began experimenting with inhalants; as the highs became less intense, he moved on to different substances with greater risks. One such drug was Belladonna, a substance used for treating asthma. Its serious side effects caused him to overdose, and Mike awoke thr

Project will enhance water service and fire protection to downtown Pekin Illinois American Water’s Pekin District is investing approximately $1.5 million to install over 4,000 feet of 16-inch water main near the Pekin water treatment plant. The project will help increase water flow and pressure to downtown Pekin. Cord Crisler, operations superintendent for the Pekin District, explained the project is part of an overall effort to help enhance water service and fire protection in Pekin. He said, “We work closely with our local firefighters, testing and operating every hydrant in our service area. We also monitor water flow. We expect these improvements will not only improve water flow, but will also contribute to an improved ISO rating for the City of Pekin. That’s one of our goals.” An Insurance Services Offices (ISO) rating assesses community fire protection capabilities for insurance carriers. An upgraded rating illustrates improved public safety. It can also help decrease ins

Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford, IL, with locations in Peoria, Chicago, Downers Grove, Freeport, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, St. Charles, Sterling, and Wilmette, IL; Santa Fe, NM; Madison and Park Falls, WI; and McLean, VA has been ranked by Barron’s in its list of Top 40 Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) Firms and recognized by Forbes, naming Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant, as one of America’s top wealth advisors. Rising 11 spots from 2018, Savant earned the No. 24 spot on the list of the Top 50 RIA Firms by Barron’s, a ranking developed to help investors find quality financial guidance. Barron’s, an American weekly newspaper that reports on current financial information and market developments, weighed dozens of factors in the rankings, including assets managed, the size and experience of the teams, and the regulatory records of the advisors and the firms. Click here to view the complete list of Top 50

Pursuant to Public Act 101-0177 the Illinois Equal Pay Act now bans employers and employment agencies from asking about applicants’ past wage and compensation histories. This law takes effect on September 29, 2019 . Employers can be penalized for asking the applicant or the applicant’s current or former employers for wage or salary history. If they have not yet done so, employers should review their employment applications to make sure they do not ask for salary and wage history. They should also train those involved in hiring on the new law. For more information you should consult with your labor attorney or you may contact the Illinois Department of Labor at the Equal Pay Hotline 866-372-4365. Frequently Asked Questions on Wage History Ban 1.  Can employers ask for salary history or use salary history when determining whether to offer a job or when determining how much to pay the job applicant? No. It is unlawful for an employer to request or require a wage or salary history fr

Hopedale Wellness Center will be hosting its Annual Spooktacular on Thursday, October 24th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Wellness Center located at 222 NW Grove St. in Hopedale. The Spooktacular event is a FREE family friendly event open to children and adults of all ages. Come experience a Very Harry Potter themed event filled with quidditch, crafts, the Spooky Sprint, snacks, and more! You can dress in your Halloween costume and enjoy a Spooktacular evening of fun. The Spooky Sprint will be a half-mile glow run beginning at 7:30pm. The race includes a costume contest and treats along the route. Prizes for costumes will be awarded to the Best Child, Best Adult, and Best Family. The Hopedale Wellness Center offers programing for youth and adults throughout the year in a state-of-the art, 34,000 foot wellness facility. For more information on the Wellness Center visit http://www.hopedalewc.com or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/HopedaleWellnessCenter . Hours are Monday-Friday

Monday, September 23, 2019 1:30 p. m. – 2:00 p.m. ICC Peoria Campus Arbor Hall Room A112 5407 N. University St., Peoria, IL (Parking Lots 1 or 7 are closest to Arbor Hall) This project will address our regional workforce gaps while uplifting and changing the lives of many individuals in our area.     Additional details, including a news release, will be available at the press conference. Available for interviews: ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth ICC Associate Vice President of Workforce Development Dr. Andrew Kerr ICC Vice President of Diversity and Community Impact Dr. Rita Ali For questions, contact Kayla Thompson, ICC Lead Communications and Media Relations, at kayla.thompson@icc.edu or (309) 694-5527.

Illinois employers can no longer ask job applicants or their previous employers about salary history under a new law passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor JB Pritzker earlier this year.  The legislature passed two earlier versions of the legislation, but they were both vetoed by then Governor Bruce Rauner. Applicants will be able to seek up to $10,000 in damages if employers violate the law.  The new law also gives employees the right to discuss their salaries and benefits with co-workers.

Earlier this year, SB1, the "Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act," was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.  It takes effect on January 1, 2020 - just over 3 months from today. The impact on businesses will be significant.  Over the next five years, the minimum wage will increase from $8.25 per hour to $15.00 for workers 18 years and older.  For employees who are under 18 years of age who work less than 650 hours in a year, the minimum wage will increase from $7.75 to $13.00 during the next five years. Date                    18 & Older                Under 18 Current                       $   8.25                    $   7.75 January 1, 2020          $   9.25                    $   8.00 July 1, 2020                $ 10.00                    $   8.00 January 1, 2021          $ 11.00                    $   8.50 January 1, 2022          $ 12.00                    $   9.25 January 1, 2023          $ 13.00