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Mayor Mark Luft Delivers State of the City Address in Pekin

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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Brittney Hogue Communications Coordinator Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce brittney@pekinchamber.com 309-642-7029 (cell) | 309-346-2106 (office)     Mayor Mark Luft Delivers State of the City Address in Pekin   Mayor Mark Luft delivers a State of the City address to area business leaders and community members with focus on the community’s successes.   Pekin, IL May 6, 2022 - The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a State of the City Address Wednesday on behalf of Pekin’s Mayor, Mark Luft. Upward of 85 area business leaders and community members attended the event which focused on how the City of Pekin has prospered under the leadership of Mayor Luft.   Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Amy McCoy stated, “The initiative of the Chamber is really to support businesses and to provide opportunities for businesses to succeed in our community.” McCoy continued, “A big piece of that is having the knowledge a
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Pekin Announces Downtown Music Concert Series

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    Pekin Announces Downtown Music Concert Series     Pekin kicks off summer concert series June 17 th with music, food and local business vendors.   Pekin, IL-  The City of Pekin begins its Downtown Music Concert Series Friday, June 17 th  from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the 300 block of Court Street. The first date will feature a concert from Stone Cold Cowboys, as well as area food, craft and merchandise vendors. Mayor Representative Mark Luft says, “We are excited for the return of the Downtown Music Concert Series this summer. These events and quality entertainers are a fun experience for our residents, and what a great reason to visit Pekin for our friends in the greater central Illinois region.” The Downtown Music Concert Series will be held as a block party within the historic downtown business district. Each event will feature live, outdoor music with June 17 th  showcasing local Peoria group Stone Cold Cowboys. Comprised of seven world-traveled musicians, S
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Hopedale Medical Complex Named Top Critical Access Hospital

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                                                                          Hopedale Medical Complex Named Top Critical Access Hospital   Hopedale, IL – Hopedale Medical Complex (HMC) was recently named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for Patient Satisfaction in th e country. The top 20 CAHs, including Hopedale Medical Complex, scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Patient Satisfaction. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo. The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2022 top 100 CAH list, which w
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Pavement repairs underway on Illinois 29 in Pekin

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  Pavement repairs underway on Illinois 29 in Pekin     PEKIN  – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the right lane of northbound Illinois 29 is closed near Velde Drive in Pekin because of a pavement failure.     Repairs are underway and are expected to last into next week.     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.     Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,500 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Two included approximately $5.2 billion
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Illinois Central College Offering "Smart Start" & "ReStart" College Success Programs This Summer

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      For more information contact: Kayla Thompson, PR@icc.edu , (309) 694-5527 Illinois Central College Offering "Smart Start" & "ReStart" College Success Programs This Summer EAST PEORIA, IL (05/04/2022) Illinois Central College will offer "Smart Start" and "ReStart" college success programs this summer to support individuals in their transition to or transition back into college. Students are not required to enroll at ICC this fall in order to participate. "Smart Start" is a three-week program designed to help high school seniors in their transition from high school to college. Students will practice math, English, and college success strategies in a college atmosphere. Each session includes a variety of activities to help students develop the range of skills needed to become successful college students. These activities will help students build academic skills and social connections, develop their awareness and understan
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Healthy Workplace Virtual Events

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  Healthy Workplace Virtual Events  Final Session of the 3 Part Series - Taking care of yourself, so you can take care of others Wednesday, May 18  |  7:30 - 8:30 A.M. Physical Wellbeing   Speakers: Erin Kennedy, Manager Center for Healthy Lifestyles and Abraham Kocheril, M.D., Cardiologist Discussions on Keeping Yourself and Others Healthy:  •    Reducing health care costs •    Reducing absenteeism •    Increasing employee productivity and engagement •    Increasing retention rates •    Improving employee morale •    Attracting new employees Register online by May 17  HERE Previous Sessions Session 1 of 3  |   RECORDING AVAILABLE HERE Mental Wellbeing Speakers: Henry Martin Del Campo, M.D., Director of OSF Healthcare Management and Jenna Boyd, OSF Behavioral Health Navigator  Session content includes: •    Understanding your own abilities •    Reviewing coping strategies and identifying resources •    Identifying activities that reduce burnout •    Creating habits that can promote res
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Pekin State of the City Address To Be Held May 11th

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    Pekin State of the City Address  To Be Held May 11 th   Mayor Mark Luft and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will host a State of the City address on May 11 th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge.   Pekin, IL – Mayor Mark Luft will deliver a State of the City address on Wednesday, May 11 th before an audience of Pekin’s business and community leaders. The Mayor will be discussing the City’s current progress and presenting a vision for the coming year. A meet and greet opportunity with Mayor Luft will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will host this event at the Pekin Moose Lodge, located at 2605 Broadway Street in Pekin, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A luncheon will proceed the address. Tickets can be purchased through the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce website: https://bit.ly/SotCPekin . About the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce- The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be the trusted partner for the Pekin b
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Pekin Sunset Kiwanis Annual Charity Golf Outing

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A Weekend Celebration of Peoria’s Own Dan Fogelberg!

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Pavement work on U.S. 24, Illinois 29 begins May 9

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  Pavement work on U.S. 24, Illinois 29 begins May 9   The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction on U.S. 24 between Bartonville and Illinois 9 in Peoria County, as well as on Illinois 29 between Creve Coeur and Marquette Heights in Tazewell County, begins May 9.    The project involves crack and joint sealing as well as new pavement markings and will require lane closures in both directions. Work is expected to be complete in June.    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.    Over
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New Pekin Podcast Launches: “What’s the Story, Pekin?”, Hosted by Gary Gillis

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  New Pekin Podcast Launches: “What’s the Story, Pekin?”, Hosted by Gary Gillis   Pekin resident Gary Gillis hosts new podcast focusing on noteworthy topics of Pekin.   Pekin, IL- Pekin resident Gary Gillis is hosting a new podcast across major streaming platforms: “What’s the Story, Pekin?” Playing on a phrase Gillis has often been prompted with, the podcast will center around sharing the community’s profile and personalities as an objective source of information on topics relevant to many listeners. The podcast has had assistance with launching from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. “We hope to discover the power of possibilities and find reasons for much needed optimism,” Gillis says. The 23-minute pilot episode features Mayor Representative Mark Luft and Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, Amy McCoy. Topics of discussion included new businesses coming to the city and Court Street Project updates. During the episode Amy McCoy states, “One thin
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PIA achieves Perfect Score from FAA

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PIA achieves Perfect Score from FAA     Peoria, IL – The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport recently achieved another perfect score from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during a rigorous annual certification and safety inspection. The FAA requires all U.S. airports providing commercial airline service to undergo a yearly examination.  This critical and comprehensive annual safety inspection covers: Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and Emergency Plan (AEP) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) equipment, and training Airport Personnel operations, procedures, and training Self-inspection records, work orders, and Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) Snow and Ice Control procedures Aircraft fueling procedures and fuel farm/truck safety Review of all airfield markings, lighting, and signage Wildlife management Construction safety   “Receiving another perfect score validates the hard work our tea
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Illinois Central College secures over $900,000 EDA Grant with support from Congressman Darin LaHood

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  Illinois Central College secures over $900,000 EDA Grant with support from Congressman Darin LaHood EAST PEORIA, IL (04/12/2022) Illinois Central College, with support from Congressman Darin LaHood, announces the awarding of a $911,900 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). ICC will use the investment to enhance student learning through the support of campus projects and upgrades on the East Peoria and Pekin campuses. The investment will be matched with $521,177 in local funds and is expected to create 100+ jobs and generate $2 million in private investment. "We are so pleased to have secured this critical funding that will allow some needed additions and upgrades for students," said ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. "We appreciate Congressman LaHood's constant support of the College. He understands the vital role we play in the community as we strive to help individuals earn a degree or credential leading to a family-sustaining wag
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Record low inventory of homes for sale in the Peoria-area market pushes prices up, sales down

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The Peoria area's real estate market continues to cope with a sharp decline in homes for sale, leading to a drop in first-quarter closings with prices on the rise. The Peoria Area Association of Realtors reported 564 listings on the market in the first quarter, down from 1,087 a year ago and 2,174 in 2020. PAAR president Ryan Cannon said it’s the lowest supply on record for the market, resulting in a 12.2% decline in sales. “We had 48% less houses to sell, so of course there was a little bit of a decrease in the number of sales compared to 2021,” said Cannon. “But overall, (with) 48% less houses, 12% less sales is still a good number.” The low inventory has homes selling quickly and costing more. While the number of sales dropped by 166, the average price climbed from $155,937 to $159,076 and the average time homes stayed on the market fell to 47 days, down from 77. “Prices, since 2020, have increased almost 20% almost 20% – 19.8%. So you're seeing price increases year over yea
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Illinois American Water Encourages Customers to be Environmental Stewards through Conservation and Education on Earth Day

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  Illinois American Water Encourages Customers to be Environmental Stewards through Conservation and Education on Earth Day Educational resources are available on company’s website.   Belleville, Ill. – (April 22, 2022) – Illinois American Water is sharing environmentally-focused educational resources with customers on Earth Day to encourage conservation and environmental leadership. A resource for both adults and youth is Illinois American Water’s online learning center which provides in-depth information about how water makes its way to the tap and the importance of protecting precious water sources. The online learning center offers activities, lesson plans and information for all ages.   Beth Matthews, vice president of operations for Illinois American Water said, “At Illinois American Water, educating our youth and communities is just as important as providing safe, reliable service. Our team is passionate about building future environmental leaders. Employees have bee
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