Announcing a New Virtual Tool to Attract Investment to the Pekin South Industrial Park

PEKIN – The City of Pekin and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) announce the release of a new marketing video to help attract businesses to invest in Pekin, Illinois. 

Pekin and the GPEDC worked with Baxter & Woodman, an engineering firm with offices in Peoria, Naperville, Chicago, and 3 states around the country, to produce a new marketing video that communicates assets of interest to businesses when they are researching a new business location. 

According to the GPEDC, businesses seeking new locations are looking to reduce time, money and risk when they are evaluating location options. To be a competitive location for investment, it is essential to communicate the site’s assets virtually to aid and support the decision making process. Communities are evaluated on their site availability, their utility capacity, their access/proximity to relevant suppliers, their talent pool, and the general quality of life and place. The more effectively we share that information with site selectors, the better our chances of being considered for investment. 

“The Pekin South Industrial property is one of the most marketable properties for site selection due to its utility capacity, its municipal ownership, and its general site readiness,” says Lenora Fisher, Director of Business Attraction at the GPEDC. “This site meets the criteria of 90% of the site searches to which we respond as a community. It’s a matter of time before the right buyer finds this hidden gem of a property and this video is designed to make that connection sooner than later. It will bring the site to life and help outsiders understand its value in a more dynamic way” 

“We are very proud of how well this video communicates the attractiveness of the Pekin South Industrial Park. We had a lot of information to pack into a short 2 minute video, and the Baxter & Woodman team exceeded expectations,” says Pekin City Manager, Mark Rothert. 

 Pekin South Industrial Park along with the video will be highlighted on a Featured Properties page of the GPEDC’s Data Hub and shared widely with site selectors across the country. It will also be featured prominently in the GPEDC’s social media channels. For more information on the video and site visit https://data.greaterpeoria.us/pekin-riverway-business-park/ 

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, is a public/private partnership serving the economic growth needs of Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Logan, and Mason counties. The City of Pekin is a community of 32,846 people and is the seat of Tazewell County. Pekin is home to industry giants including Excalibur Seasonings, Pekin Insurance, Pacific Ethanol, Hanna Steel and more. Please direct any questions about the event to Lenora Fisher, Director of Business Attraction at the GPEDC by email at lfisher@greaterpeoriaedc.org or by phone at 309-253- 6010.

 

First Annual Homeless Not Hopeless Sleep Out; Scholarships Available

The Salvation Army of Pekin 360 Life Center Hosts First Annual Homeless Not Hopeless Sleep Out 

The Salvation Army of Pekin 360 Life Center holds first Homeless Not Hopeless fundraiser in Mineral Springs Park Friday, July 16-17th. 

 

 

PEKIN, IL – Join The Salvation Army of Pekin 360 Life Center for their first annual Homeless Not Hopeless sleep out to raise awareness of local homeless individuals and families. This event, which is being held in Mineral Springs Park in Pekin, will begin Friday, July 16 at 6 p.m. and end Saturday, July 17 at 6 a.m. 

 

Registration is $25 for a single tent that can hold up to 2 adults and up to 4 children based on size of the tent. Scholarships are available for those people who would like to participate but cannot afford the registration fee.

 

“We recognize that not everyone who wants to participate may be able to afford the registration fee,” said Danielle Owens, Chair of The Salvation Army of Pekin 360 Life Center Advisory Council. “We have a limited number of scholarships available for people who want to attend. Contact Candace Burdette at (309) 346-3010 for more information.”

 

There are several ways the community can support The Salvation Army through this event:

• Sign up to sleep in a tent in the park for $25

• Sponsor the event as a Gold ($5,000), Silver ($2,500), Bronze ($1,000) or Red ($250 to $999) Level sponsor

• Purchase an event t-shirt for $25

• Pay for someone else to participate for $25 (you cannot join them in the Park but would like to pay for someone else to participate)

 

Current sponsors are: Deverman Advertising, Inc.; Excalibur Seasonings; Fort’s Toyota of Pekin; Pekin Insurance; Ray Dennison Chevrolet; and Screen Graphics.

 

The poverty rate in Tazewell County is just over 8.5%.  The Salvation Army provides vital resources for these individuals who have nowhere else to turn. Last year The Salvation Army of Pekin provided 1,643 nights of shelter.

 

“Our goal is not to just provide shelter for individuals and families who may be living out of their car; sleeping on friends’ couches; or on the streets,” said Major Heath Sells, Tri-County Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “We will also provide case management to help them work toward independence. Last year 80% of the individuals and families in our program moved to permanent and affordable housing.”

 

For more information, to register for the event or make a donation, visit their site at www.SalArmy.US/PekinSleepOut. 

Media Contact: 

Kathy Anderson

Tri-County Development Director

Phone: (309) 339-3849

 

 

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Illinois Moves to Phase 5, Final Restore Illinois Phase

SPRINGFIELD – "Illinois will move to a full reopening, also known as Phase 5, the final phase of the Restore Illinois plan, on Friday, June 11, 2021. On Friday, the state will eliminate all capacity limits on businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and all other venues. Mask requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals continue to align with CDC guidelines.
 
The state reaches this point as it records the lowest number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, the lowest test positivity rate, and more than 68% of Illinois residents age 18 and over who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“A strong economy requires that people not only feel safe, but truly be safe, as they go about their lives as workers, neighbors, consumers, and friends – and thanks to the lifesaving power of vaccinations, that day is finally here for Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I invite all Illinoisans to feel the hope and joy of this moment while also recognizing that this pandemic is still very present for the world at large – not to mention those here at home who have not been or cannot be vaccinated. As we take this next step forward, let’s do so with a renewed commitment to empathy, to community, and to making each day together count. You did it, Illinois.”
 
Today the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting 366 new confirmed and probable cases, 764 people in the hospital with COVID-19, and a test positivity rate of 1.3%. These are some of the lowest COVID-19 statistics reported in Illinois to date. Additionally, IDPH is reporting 209 people with COVID-19 in the ICU and 103 people on ventilators. These are also some of the lowest counts we’ve seen since the pandemic began.
 
Currently, 11.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Illinois residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting more than 68% of residents age 18 and older in Illinois have received at least one dose of vaccine and 51% of adults are fully vaccinated. Additionally, more than 88% of Illinois seniors have received at least one dose of vaccine.
 
“It is a very exciting time as we reach the point where businesses can operate without capacity limits and we are seeing the return of large events we’ve enjoyed in the past,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. 
 
“However, it is important to remember that we are still in a world pandemic and not everyone has the protection of one of the safest and most effective vaccines ever. Currently, there is not a vaccine authorized for children younger than 12 years and some adults have chosen not to be vaccinated. For these reasons, it is important for unvaccinated people to continue to wear masks while in public and to socially distance. The virus can continue to spread among unvaccinated individuals, which could lead to additional mutations and new, more virulent variants.”  
 
In accordance with guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated people in Illinois can resume activities without wearing a mask except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. 
 
Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons are required to wear a face covering in certain situations including (1) on public transportation, planes, buses, trains, and in transportation hubs such as airports and train and bus stations; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in health care settings. Individuals in schools and day cares must also continue to wear face coverings per guidance issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
 
According to the CDC, it is critical that schools use and layer prevention strategies. Schools providing in-person instruction should prioritize two prevention strategies:
1. Universal and correct use of masks should be required; and
2. Physical distancing should be maximized to the greatest extent possible.
 
Municipalities and businesses in most industries may choose to continue to implement public health mitigations as they deem appropriate, including requiring face coverings. 
 
To help businesses recover from the pandemic, the Governor, in partnership with the General Assembly, announced $1.5 billion in funding next year to support business grants, tourism, workforce, affordable housing, violence prevention, capital projects and other investments throughout Illinois. This investment follows the $580 million invested last year for Business Interruption grants to aid businesses in pandemic impacted industries and childcare providers.
 
“Today’s advancement to Phase 5 is a significant milestone in our work to combat the virus and get the Illinois economy back on track. Through Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, we have continued to lead on testing, vaccines and providing economic relief programs that are essential to supporting the return of workers and businesses amid the pandemic,” said Acting DCEO Director Sylvia Garcia. “Now, as businesses are set to fully reopen across the state, DCEO remains committed to implementing key programs that will not only reinvigorate our small businesses, workforce, and tourism, but that will build back our state's economy stronger than ever before.”
 
Businesses and communities can learn more about Phase 5 recommended public health practices by visiting IDPH's website."

 

Marigold Festival Announces Grand Marshals

Greg and Gloria Ranney are Selected as 2021 Marigold Festival Grand Marshals

 

The Pekin Marigold Festival is proud to announce Greg and Gloria Ranney as the 2021 Grand Marshals. Greg and Gloria truly represent the best of our community. In-line with this year’s theme of “Marigolds Shine On”, Greg and Gloria have been a bright spot within Pekin for a number of years with their intense commitments to community programs.

 

Greg and Gloria Ranney, Pekin, IL

In 2020, Greg Ranney worked tirelessly to organize and open the new Pekin Outreach Center location: a daytime shelter for people experiencing homelessness. During a world-wide pandemic, creating a shelter that offered access to showers, laundry and adequate nutrition to a poverty level population was critical and a much-needed service in our community. Greg has volunteered with an extensive number of Pekin area organizations including TCRC, Pekin Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Pekin First Committee, Pekin Transportation Committee, and Pekin Grace United Methodist Church. He has served as a Pekin Park District Commissioner, an Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Pekin Park Board Representative, Executive Director of the Pekin United Way and the Vice President of Pekin Outreach Initiative.

 

Greg Ranney’s nomination reads, “Greg would be the first to tell you that no one succeeds alone.” As his long-time guide and advisor, Gloria Ranney has inspired her husband with her well-known past career as a highly respected local teacher and administrator. She has numerous volunteer commitments within the Pekin area, notably the Leadership in Snack Pack Program, delivering several hundred nutritional snacks every week for low-income district 108 students. Among her other commitments are the Grace Café Food Pantry, shift work with Pekin Outreach Initiative and helping Greg with all the aforementioned projects.

 

The title of Grand Marshal designates an honorary position within the festival. While duties of a Grand Marshal are all for fun, the title itself represents a strong dedication to the betterment of Pekin. Greg and Gloria have made an outstanding commitment to our community, and it is with great pride we announce their selection.

 

More About Pekin Marigold Festival: The Pekin Marigold Festival, hosted by the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held September 9-12, 2021. This year’s festival marks a return of many anticipated events such as the Marigold Festival Parade sponsored by Busey Bank, annual carnival sponsored by Commerce Bank, Art in the Park sponsored by Vonderheide Floor Coverings and more. The Marigold Festival showcases community programs, supports local non-for-profits and features local entertainment and merchandise vendors.

 

For the latest information about The Marigold Festival, visit the blog or see updates on the Facebook and Instagram pages.

 

Media Contact:
Brittney Hogue

Communication Coordinator
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

309-346-2106

brittney@pekinchamber.com

 

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Pekin Announces Downtown Street Party Kick Off

 

Pekin Announces Downtown Street Party Series

Pekin kicks off summer street party series with music, food and local business vendors.

 

Pekin, IL- The City of Pekin begins its Downtown Street Party Series June 19^th from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the 500 block of Court Street. The first date will feature a concert from Stone Cold Cowboys, as well as area food, craft and merchandise vendors.

The Downtown Street Party series will be held as a block party within the historic downtown business district. Each event will feature live, outdoor music with June 19^th showcasing local Peoria group Stone Cold Cowboys. Comprised of seven world-traveled musicians, Stone Cold Cowboys boasts of an authentic country sound, including fiddle and steel guitar. Future Street Party Series are slated for August 21^st and September 25^th.

This is a free event, sponsored by the City of Pekin’s Discover Pekin tourism endeavors. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own chair and check out the locally based craft and merchandise vendors including: Ravenwing Creations, Gray Raven Press, Haddads Lebanese, Grammananas, Sandy Kline, El Taco Rico and Krazy Krafts by Pam.

For more information about the Pekin Downtown Street Party Series, including vendor registration, contact Melanie Matthews at Melanie@itv-3.com.

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Illinois Central College Fully Opens Campus

Illinois Central College Fully Opens Campus with In-Person Course Offerings for Fall 2021 

 

Illinois Central College will provide Fall 2021 course offerings aligned with student needs, including in-person classes, student activities and athletic events. Students can choose courses from five formats – In-person, Hybrid, Online Anytime, Online Scheduled, and/or face-to-face Clinicals and Internships.  

 

Regardless of the way students take classes at ICC, all will have access to both in-person and virtual support services, such as academic support, advising, counseling, free tutoring, library services, career advising and more. 

 

“We are providing our programs, as well as our campus activities, in-person when our students begin the fall semester on August 16. We will use insights gained over the past 15 months to align our programs and services with the modalities students desire,” said ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. “Due to their popularity, we will continue offering expanded virtual student services in addition to in-person services during normal business hours. I am excited about the future we are creating together to best serve students.”  

 

The Fall 2021 course formats are: 

 

In-Person is the traditional face-to-face, on-campus experience.  

 

Hybrid courses will include a combination of online lectures and in-person classes. 

 

 

Online Scheduled is an online class at a scheduled time. Students log in to their class at the scheduled times and participate in live, video-supported classes with their instructor and classmates, in addition to completing homework.  

 

Online Anytime is a traditional online course that does not require on-campus attendance. While there will still be regular and scheduled due dates for assignments, students are not required to log in at scheduled times each week to participate in class sessions, though they may be required to log in at specific scheduled times for exams or other assignments, like conferences. 

 

Clinical and Internship experiences will continue face-to-face at off-campus locations with hosting partners.  

 

“In a survey conducted by the College, we found almost half of ICC students preferred in-person classes. Likewise, almost half of the students wanted more courses offered with an online option,” said Dr. Quirk-Bailey. “Our fall schedule will meet these needs and allow students to design a flexible and effective schedule that fits their educational goals and preferences.” 

 

Dr. Quirk-Bailey added, “There has never been a better time to change your life at ICC. In addition to the expansion of course formats, ICC has more funding available now than ever before. State and federal COVID funding is allowing ICC to remove financial barriers for students. Whether someone is considering launching a new career, wanting to transfer debt-free, or looking to get certified quickly to join the workforce, I encourage them to reach out. Illinois Central College is here to help you build your future.” 

 

For more information, visit icc.edu/fall2021. Class registration is available at icc.edu/register.  

 

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ICC & Regional Workforce Alliance to Focus on Revitalizing Manufacturing in Central Illinois

Gilmore Foundation Announces Sponsorship & Matching Grant Challenge 

Supporting the Illinois Central College Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative: ICC & Regional Workforce Alliance to Focus on Revitalizing Manufacturing in Central Illinois 

 

The Regional Workforce Alliance, chaired by the CEO Council and Illinois Central College, is building regional momentum to revitalize the manufacturing industry in Central Illinois. The momentum is demonstrated by the ability of the Alliance, Illinois Central College, the Gilmore Foundation, and their partners to address regional deficiencies in the manufacturing workforce that inhibit manufacturer stabilization and expansion.   

 

In the Greater Peoria area, less than 40 percent of individuals over the age of 24 have a post-secondary credential while 60 percent of jobs require a credential beyond high school. The area’s manufacturing industry is second only to health care and employs 22,858 workers in 349 manufacturers across the ICC district. The industry is already experiencing sizable workforce gaps, with projected job growth at 6.3 percent from now through 2025. The Greater Peoria area has the required “raw materials” to revitalize manufacturing, including underemployed, under-credentialed individuals who need to be certified to expand the manufacturing workforce.   

 

“We are fully aware of the need to revitalize manufacturing here in Central Illinois and are committed to making it happen through community partnerships,” shared ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. “Today’s manufacturing worker requires a high-skill credential, which will provide a high-demand career with a family-sustaining wage. Earning that credential will not only change the trajectory of the individual’s lives, but also the lives of their families while growing the workforce, expanding manufacturing, and revitalizing the regional economy.” 

 

These initiatives will transform the regional manufacturing industry by expanding the manufacturing workforce at significant rates; supporting career pathways for upskilling the incumbent workforce and credentialing the emerging workforce; significantly reducing workforce development lead time; increasing capacity for manufacturing expansion and recruitment; and by providing a supported manufacturing pathway for our citizens of poverty and color, enhancing our equity agenda.  

 

Gilmore Foundation Announces Matching Grant Challenge for Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative    

 

Gilmore Foundation has joined the manufacturing revitalization movement by supporting the ICC Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative. The Foundation recently contributed a generous $435,000 grant to implement the initiative. One third of the amount will be received in the form of matching funds.    

 

“Gilmore Foundation is committed to job creation through projects which assist in the development of our community’s infrastructure. We are proud to invest in a movement to revitalize manufacturing in Central Illinois, while simultaneously transforming adults of color and poverty into credentialed manufacturing professionals,” said Gilmore Foundation President Laura Cullinan. “Our hope is that this matching grant will spark a unified giving effort in our community to invest in training and retaining talent in the tri-county area.”  

 

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have the support of the Gilmore Foundation for this new initiative,” said Dr. Quirk-Bailey. “Their investment allows us the opportunity to remove barriers for struggling and under-credentialed members of our community and make a life-changing impact.”  

 

 The ICC Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative addresses the local manufacturing workforce gaps and employment barriers in an effort to provide underserved individuals a full-time manufacturing job paying at least 30 percent above the regional living wage. It also focuses on improving workforce inclusivity within manufacturing. It will provide a credential and a living-wage job for adults residing in disproportionately impacted areas (low income, low employment, high crime). African American or low-income participants must represent a minimum of 66 percent of the population served by the grant.  

 

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council President & CEO Joshua Gunn added, “The Regional Workforce Alliance and ICC are committing to major initiatives to revitalize manufacturing, including the Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative, the GPEAK essential skills project, the Workforce Sustainability Center, and a Manufacturing Academy. These four initiatives will foster advanced manufacturing excellence by meeting incumbent and emerging workers where they are, and aligning required skill sets with current and future employer needs.”   

 

ICC will provide Earn and Learn and Workforce Readiness skills programs, enhanced by pre-apprenticeship and essential skills training. Local community-based organizations will assist with case management and wrap-around support services to ensure student success.   

 

The Manufacturing Workforce Equity Initiative will train participants in the high-demand occupations of CNC Machine Operator, Production Welder, Welding Specialist, and Diesel-Powered Equipment Technician.  

 

Interested individuals can apply at icc.edu/wei or call (309) 690-7600. Additional information is available at icc.edu/wei. Interested manufacturers looking to join the revitalization movement and sponsor a student can contact the ICC Educational Foundation at foundation@icc.edu.   

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:   
Kayla Thompson  
Lead Coordinator, Communications & Media Relations  
Cell: (309) 218-9933  
Email: PR@icc.edu   
Media resources: icc.edu/news/media-resources/  

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Illinois American Water Names Angie Bell Director of Rates and Regulatory

 

Illinois American Water Names Angie Bell Director of Rates and Regulatory

Belleville, Ill. (June 3, 2021) – Illinois American Water announced today Angie Bell has been named Director of Rates and Regulatory. Bell will succeed Rich Kerckhove who retires next month after over 14 years of dedicated service.

 

In her new role, Bell is responsible for the successful administration of rate reviews, rate mechanism compliance filings and other key rate and regulatory matters for Illinois American Water. She reports to Illinois American Water’s President Justin Ladner, and will work from the corporate office in Belleville.

 

“We are pleased Angie has joined our team. She brings over a decade of experience and knowledge to this position,” said Justin Ladner, president of Illinois American Water. “We look forward to the leadership she will bring to the team based on her success, with key regulatory matters. We also congratulate Rich on his retirement and thank him for his contributions.”

 

Bell comes to Illinois American Water from CenterPoint Energy, where she worked for 15 years, most recently as Director of Regulatory and Rates. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Coker College in South Carolina.

 

About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. 

 

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Media Contact:  Karen Cotton, External Affairs Manager, 309.566-4126 or karen.cotton@amwater.com

 

 

Pekin Park District Mineral Springs Park to host Community Blood Drive Sunday, June 13th

Pekin, IL- Pekin Park District Mineral Springs Park will host a community blood drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 13th at 257 Pavilion Drive, inside Lagoon Pavilion. 

What: Pekin Park District Mineral Springs Park Community Blood Drive

When: Sunday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Where: Lagoon Pavilion, 257 Pavilion Drive, Pekin, IL 61554

Appointments and masks are required: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Peoria at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 61257 to locate the drive. 

Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 4/18/21 are eligible to give at this drive. 

About Blood Donation: Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible doors. 

About ImpactLife: ImpactLife is the provider of blood and blood components to more than 100 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In your area, ImapactLife is the exclusive provider to UnityPoint Health Pekin (Pekin, IL) UnityPoint Health Methodist (Peoria, IL), UnityPoint Health Proctor (Peoria, IL), OSF HealthCare St Francis Medical Center (Peoria, IL), Graham Hospital (Canton, IL), OSF St Joseph Medical Center (Bloomington, IL), and Hopedale Medical Complex (Hopedale, IL). 

Contact:

1123 W Glen Ave

Peoria, IL 61614

www.bloodcenter.org

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 Pekin Hosts Annual 4^th of July Fireworks

 Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will host 4^th of July Honor America Celebration firework display in 2021.

 

Pekin, Il— 06/03/2021 — The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the continuation of the 4^th of July “Honor America Celebration” firework display at Pekin Memorial Stadium this summer.

 In anticipation of Phase Five of the Restore Illinois plan rolling out next week, the Chamber of Commerce plans a full-scale firework show in line with past years’ celebrations. The fireworks display will be held at nightfall July 4^th, with a rain date the following evening. Tickets will be available for purchase at Pekin Farmer’s Market on June 17^th and 24^th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Miller Center parking lot. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gates of the stadium on July 4^th. Admission is as follows:

·       Ages 13 and up: $5 per person

·       Ages 6-12: $1 per person

·       Ages five and under: free

·       Veterans and active military personnel receive free admission

Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. July 4^th with pre-show entertainment and concessions available. Early ticket purchasing is encouraged.

 This summer will mark Pekin’s 73^rd year of the Honor America Celebration. Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy McCoy states, “After making the hard decision to cancel the firework display last year, we are genuinely excited to be able to offer this event again to our community with the help of our sponsors. The Honor America Celebration is a hallmark of summer in the Pekin area and I know many families here will looking forward to resuming their holiday traditions.” In recent years, the firework display has been viewed from within the 10,000 seat Pekin Memorial Stadium, with additional seating and handicapped accessible seating located on the football field.

 New to the event this year, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce intends to live stream the firework ariel display from their Facebook page to accommodate families focused on the continuation of social distancing. Viewers can tune in to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page beginning at 9:00 p.m. on July 4^th.

 

 About the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that fosters and promotes a vibrant business environment. The Honor America Celebration is made possible by members and Pekin area business sponsors. For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PekinChamber or website at www.pekinchamber.com.

 

Contact:
Brittney Hogue
Member Communications Coordinator
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
309-346-2106
brittney@pekinchamber.com

 

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Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Seeks Member Communications Coordinator

 

It’s time to grow our team and we are hiring a Member Communications Coordinator. If you're dedicated and ambitious, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is an excellent place to grow your career. We encourage a culture of positivity, fun, and teamwork.

This is a full time (30-40 hours per week), hourly position with hourly pay commensurate with experience ($14.50-18.00 range). We can offer a flexible schedule, paid vacation days and a retirement plan. Interested applicants should email their resume and if available, samples of their writing and design work, to Amy@PekinChamber.com.

Responsibilities for Member Communications Coordinator

• Write/design a variety of content to support communications and marketing efforts, including newsletters, website copy, social media posts, brochures and press releases
• Assist organization in developing and implementing a communications strategy designed to further organization objectives
• Monitor analytics and create reports detailing the successes and failures of communications campaigns and strategies
• Stay up to date on industry trends and make recommendations for adjustments to communications strategies and practices
• Respond to media inquiries and maintain relationships with media contacts
• Plan ribbon cuttings and other member focused events, press conferences and other promotional events - to help keep the organization top of mind
• Coordinate volunteers, support staff, vendors and more to support events
• Perform outreach to press outlets, magazines, influencers and build strategic partnerships to grow the organizations brand

Qualifications for Member Communications Coordinator

• 2+ years of experience in a communications or marketing role
• Superior time management and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• An analytical mind and ability to think critically
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Familiar with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and capable of creating visually compelling presentations
• Knowledge of email marketing software such as Constant Contact or a similar program
• Proven knowledge of communications and marketing ethics and best practices
• Proficient public speaking abilities are an asset
• Customer service mindset is a must

Illinois American Water Ranks #1 in J.D. Power Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study in Midwest Large Region

 

For the Second Year in a Row, Illinois American Water Ranks #1 in J.D. Power Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study in Midwest Large Region

Company also ranks highest in three of six factors measured including

price, conservation, and communications.

 

Belleville, Ill. – May 18, 2021 – For the second year in a row, Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Company (NYSE: AWK), has received the J.D. Power award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction among large water utilities in the Midwest according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study^SM.

Illinois American Water also ranked #1 in the Midwest in the 2016 study, which was the first year for the J.D. Power Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. The study measures satisfaction among residential customers of 90 water utilities that deliver water to at least 400,000 customers and is reported in four geographic regions and two size categories: Midwest Large, Midwest Midsize, Northeast Large, Northeast Midsize, South Large, South Midsize, West Large and West Midsize. Overall satisfaction is measured by examining 32 attributes in six factors (listed in order of importance): quality and reliability; price; conservation; billing and payment; communications; and customer service.

In addition to ranking #1 in the Midwest Large region, Illinois American Water also achieved the highest score in the Midwest Large region for three of the six factors measured within the 2021 study – price, conservation, and communications.

“Our employees truly are our best asset, and this recognition is a testament to their commitment to our customers,” said Illinois American Water President Justin Ladner. “Everything we do centers around delivering exceptional service at a good value.  We thank our customers for their feedback and for helping to recognize our team.”

According to a J.D. Power news release on the study, a key finding of the study was the need for water utilities to communicate about annual water quality reports.  The release stated, “Water utilities are required to test the tap water and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report to reassure their customers that the water is safe to drink. Only 41% of customers recall seeing or receiving such a report but, among customers who do recall seeing or receiving a report, satisfaction scores increase 83 points, on average.”

Illinois American Water encourages customers to view their annual water quality reports which were recently published online at www.illinoisamwater.com.  The report, which is issued for each service area, highlights the company’s commitment to providing drinking water that meets or is better than standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ladner said, “Delivering safe drinking water to our customers is very personal for our entire team.  Parents are serving our product to their children and counting on us to provide a safe, reliable product.  We’re proud of our track record and thank our customers for the confidence they place in us.”

Customers can access their water quality reports at https://amwater.com/ilaw/water-quality/water-quality-reports.  Illinois American Water is communicating about the reports via bill message, bill image, customer email, website updates, social media outreach and more.

For more information about the J.D. Power 2021 Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study^SM, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2021-us-water-utility-residential-customer-satisfaction-study. 

About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. 

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:  Karen Cotton, External Affairs Manager, 309.566-4126 or karen.cotton@amwater.com