Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

1st Flight *1. Donna Peterson and Jane Seiler 71 2. Meg Barnosky and Deb Seggerman 72 3. Rhonda Francis and Debbie Rogers 76 4. Tammy Byers and Sue Wheeler 76 2nd Flight *1. Pat Minch and Helen Wahls 81 2. Cathy Naleway and Paula Paluska 82 3. Carrie Ward and Betty Kaebel 83 3rd Flight *1. Jan Connell and Bessie Parks 87 2. Sandy Stone and DeDe Wilt 87 3. Diane Steiner and Stephanie 90 * Winner of Flight

A record number of rubber ducks competed in the 21st Annual Duck Race to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse presented by Par-A-Dice Hotel-Casino. With 18,000 ducks competing—nearly 3,000 more than participated last year—the first ducks to cross the finish line won exciting prizes for local residents who adopted them. Winners are as follows: Tanya Olds Washington $5,000 Shopping Spree from Sherman’s Sharon Gramm Metamora Rainbow Carnival Castle Playset with free installation in the tri-county area from Rainbow Play Systems, Peoria Celeste Nagle Spring Valley $1,000 Savings Bond from South Side Bank Adam Fuller Washington Sunglasses for two from Maui Jim Jacob Lewis Chillicothe Round of Golf for Two at WeaverRidge Robert Gilmore Peoria Spa Package courtesy of Skin Dimensions Day Spa Rhonda Urban Peoria Pizza for a Year from Little Caesars Nicole Swango Peoria Three month family membership to Greater Peoria Family YMCA Raymond Olson Peoria $250 Gift Certificate from Kull Landsca...

The September 8, 2009 general meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will have Jan Frazier whose presentation is based on the creative nonfiction book Transatlantic Ticket 1852. In this book Jan has written about the Germans coming to the New World in the 1850s -- their struggles in the Old World, the boat trip to America, and trials once they arrived in the New World. The video she created and shows in conjunction with the speech presents pictures of Germany during that time period as well as pictures of Pekin during the 1850s, thus showing what the conditions were in the country they left, and what they found in Tazewell County when they arrived. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on September 8, 2009 at the Society's Erlicher Library, located at 719 N Eleventh St, Pekin, IL. The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, with a business meeting immediately following. The building is handicapped accessible with ample parking av...

Central Illinois Endoscopy Center Achieves AAAHC Accreditation Central Illinois Endoscopy Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care ( AAAHC /Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes the surgical center from other outpatients' surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of patient care. Accreditation means that Central Illinois Endoscopy Center has met nationally recognized standards for providing quality health care set by the Accreditation Association. Ambulatory Health Care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self- assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association's surveyors-volunteer physicians. AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis-where an overnight stay would not be required. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care ( A...

First of its kind facility to help in the fight against Colon Cancer Peoria, Illinois (August 25, 2009)--Peoria’s first outpatient center dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenterology disorders was officially dedicated Tuesday, August 25, 2009. The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center located on the 5th floor of the Illinois Medical Center at 1001 Main Street is a collaboration of Methodist Medical Center and Illinois Gastroenterology Institute. A ribbon cutting was followed with tours of the facility. Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant commented in opening remarks, “ The Central Illinois Endoscopy Center will give Peoria area residents improved access to cancer screening and other diagnostic services previously available only in a hospital setting.” Illinois Gastroenterology Institute gastroenterologist Dr. Eli Kuga explains, “Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S. and in Central Illinois, we have an unusually high rate of colon cance...

Methodist at Pekin Offers Community Education Series A free community education presentation on hearing loss will be offered September 15, 2009 at Methodist at Pekin. Dr. Christopher von Hake will present this free presentation that will include a review of the basic function of the outer, middle and inner ear, types of hearing loss, treatment options and the relationship between hearing and dizziness. A free hearing screening will also be provided by Dr. Denise M. J. Comerford, Doctor of Audiology at the Sound Choice Hearing Clinic in Pekin. No reservations are required for the 6:00 p.m. presentation. Methodist at Pekin is located at 1800 Broadway in Pekin. For additional information call 346-3447.

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES Goodwill congratulates the following employees for their service: Turanna Hart, Angie Hatfill and Manuel Pena for three years of service. Connie McGlothlen for six years of service.

Don’t miss the 13th Annual Central Illinois Black Expo September 12, 2009. It will be held from 11am to 7pm at the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall. Admission is free! This year’s Expo will include exhibitors; a health/wellness fair with FREE screenings and important health information; a Job Fair; informative business and educational workshops; a Career Corner where youth and adults will be able to learn about different careers; and entertainment for the entire family. Don’t miss the great giveaways including a pair of Southwest Airline tickets (to anywhere they fly in the US) valued at $1,000, a $500.00 shopping spree at Wal-Mart, a $100.00 gift card from Toys R Us, Cologne Baskets from Bergners at Sheridan Village, hotel rooms, gift certificates, accessories, and more. We are also pleased to announce four new events this year: a Talent Show, calling all acts. If you think you've got talent, then come to the Peoria Civic Center for our version of “America’s Got Talent”. Acts...

Business AFTER Hours Hosted by The Grand Victorian of Pekin 2700 S. 14th Street Thursday, September 3, 2009 4:30—6:00 pm Take advantage of this great networking opportunity. You might start a new business relationship or meet your best customer. Enjoy the door prizes, refreshments, and visit with your friends, neighbors, and business associates. Admission is free to Chamber members ($10 for future members). Please RSVP to the Chamber at 346-2106 or e-mail us at chamber@pekin.net .

An interactive calendar can also be viewed by visiting our website at www.pekin.net . 1st Ambassadors Committee, CJ’s Café, 7:30am /8:00am 2nd Member Promotions Committee, Chamber Office, 7:30 am 2nd Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm 3rd Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am 3rd Business AFTER Hours, The Grand Victorian of Pekin, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated 7th Labor Day Holiday ~ Chamber Office Closed 8th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am 9th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am 9th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm 9th Marigold Committee, Mineral Springs Park, 6:30 pm 10th ~ 13th Pekin Marigold Festival 23rd Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm 29th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00am 30th LAUNCH Business Plan Competition, PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center

1st Pekin 1st Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 7:30 am 1st Business AFTER Hours, American Fire Service, 4:30~6:00 pm Reservations Appreciated 6th Ambassadors Committee, CJ’s Café, 7:30am /8:00am 7th Member Promotions Committee, Chamber Office, 7:30 am 7th Executive Committee, Chamber Office, 4:00 pm 8th Business & Community Recognition Luncheon, Pekin Country Club, 11:30 am~1:00 pm 9th Puttin On Pekin, Knights of Columbus Hall, 6:45 am 12th Columbus Day Holiday ~ Chamber Office Closed 13th Member Services Comm., Chamber Office, 7:30 am 14th Transportation Committee, Pekin City Hall, 8:00 am 14th Board of Directors, Herget Bank, 4:00 pm 15th Marketing Committee, District 108 Board Room, 7:30 am 21st Marigold Committee, Holiday Inn Express, 6:30 pm 27th Business Advocacy Comm., Chamber Office, 7:00 am 29th Tazewell County Chambers Business After Hours, Five Points, Washington, 5-8:00pm

Sluggish Economy Continues While many businesses and economists are beginning to project more favorable economic conditions, there are still signs our economy is struggling. As an example, the unemployment numbers for Illinois and our region jumped significantly in June. The effects of the slow economy are being felt at many businesses and organizations in our area, including the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. While we have many generous members who have continued to support the chamber with their sponsorships and membership investments, we have also lost a few longtime members and event sponsors. Like many of you, the chamber has taken steps to weather this storm. At their August meeting, the Board of Directors amended our budget, reducing or eliminating expenses totaling $10,600 for the rest of the fiscal year. These expense reductions will not have an impact on the chamber’s programs, and the staff will work diligently to ensure our members continue to receive the same level of...

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Busey Bank ~ Concorde Inn & Suites ~ Farnsworth Group ~ First Community Title Services, Inc. ~ Heartland Chiropractic Center ~ Hospice Compassus ~ Illinois Centers for Pain and Rehab, Inc. ~ Little Ade's Bicycle ~ Lowman & Barra, Inc. ~ Methodist at Pekin ~ Midwest Eye Care, P.C. ~ Newman & Ullman, Inc. ~ Paradise Tanning & Gifts LTD ~ Pekin Union Mission Society, Inc. ~ Peoria Rivermen ~ Pepsi Cola ~ Rick Tyler Agency - American Family Insurance ~ Salvation Army of Pekin ~ SBSi Semonis Insurance Group ~ The Grand Victorian of Pekin ~ Walgreens II ~ Jimmy Williams

The Consumer Price Index for the CPI-U (all urban consumers) and C-CPI-U (chained all urban consumers) increased 0.9% for the month of June. The CPI-W (all urban wage earners and clerical workers) increased 1.1% for the same time period. Changes for the year include the CPI-U –1.4%, -2.0% for the CPI-W, and –1.3% for the C-CPI-U. The United States City Average for all consumers—all items—January 2009, 211.1; February, 212.2; March, 212.8; April, 213.2; May, 213.9; June, 215.7; and July, 215.4.

Methodist Medical Center September-2009 The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of September 2009. Unless otherwise listed, the van will be in these locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams. September 1-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton Ave. September 3-Valley Forge shopping Center, Dr. Ryan Schmidgall’s office, Washington September 9-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington, 158 E. Fulton, Farmington September 10-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar, Chillicothe September 15-Methodist at Morton, 1909 N. Morton Ave, Morton September 16-Methodist at Mt. Hawley-Women’s Health-7725 Knoxville, Peoria September 19-Carver Community Center, 710 W. 3rd, Peoria (Saturday) September 22-Wal-Mart, 2071 N. Main Street, Canton September 23-Methodist at Pekin, 1800 Broadway, Pekin September 29- Heartland Clinic, 1701 Ga...

The Pekin Area Networking Group (PAN) will be conducting a membership drive Thursday evening, August 27. You are invited to attend a Chief's baseball game on us and get to know the members of PAN and how we help each other with business referrals. We will be meeting before the game at Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery located at 619 SW Water St. We will meet between 5:00 and 6:00 at Kelleher's to pass out tickets to the game or call ahead and speak to Dr. Jeff Dill 353-9700 or Jeff Stevenson at 347-7075 or feel free to contact Jeff at jeff.stevenson@nationalcity.com . Come enjoy a game on us and find out how we can help promote your business.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Papa Murphy's Take N Bake Pizza at 1807 Broadway in recognition of their one-year anniversary in Pekin, and their new ownership. Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting with store manager, Matt Dickey, and new owner, Ray Fields. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Plans are being made for our 12th Annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon. This event will be held on Thursday, October 8th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Pekin Country Club. Our speaker will be Bradley University President Joanne K. Glasser. Once again CenturyTel will sponsor the event, and Pekin Trophy House and Engraved Gifts will sponsor the awards. At the luncheon, we would like to honor your business or organization for its accomplishments during the past year. Please download more information and a self-nomination form at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/BusRecogSelfNominate.pdf .

Since 1994, the City of Pekin has conducted an annual Community Update meeting. A golf outing and dinner completed the day’s events. All previous events have been very well attended and the feedback has been valuable. The City is now planning their 15th annual event for Thursday, September 17, 2009. A Community Update will be held starting at 8:00 A.M. at the Pekin Insurance Lodge, followed by golf at Lick Creek Golf Course and a dinner back at the Lodge. Please download more information and your reservation form at: http://www.pekin.net/newsletters/Ads/CityUpdate09.pdf

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy will be hosting a Community Appreciation Day on Thursday September 17th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at their Pekin office located at 2105 Court Street near County Market. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Join us and meet the therapy staff, tour the facility, find out what Champion Fitness Physical Therapy offers, and pick up some great giveaways. Visit our website at www.champfit.com to see how Champion Fitness Physical Therapy can help you “GET BUSY LIVING!”

A nasty thunderstorm didn't stop the festivities, they just moved inside. On Wednesday, August 19th, Liberty Village held a ground breaking ceremony. The event was a public kick-off of the construction of their new Bounce Back Rehabilitation Department and their Garden Court Alzheimer's/Dementia Neighborhood.

Please welcome the newest chamber member: Pekin Glass and Mirror 332 Derby Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 347-6158 fax 347-1778 Holly Payne, Vice President pekinglass@omnilec.com Open 8am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Pekin Glass and Mirror is a glass contractor, selling and installing storefronts, shower doors, and mirrors.

Please welcome another new chamber member: Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area 931 N. Douglas Peoria, IL 61606 (309) 676-6729 fax 676-6409 www.habitatpeoria.org Greg Woith , Executive Director Habitat for Humanity builds homes and sells them to qualified low income applicants with a 20-year interest free mortgage.

CreativEngraving & Marking has new phone and fax numbers: Phone: (309) 981-0036 Fax: (888) 353-9015 Please update your records! We would hate for you to lose us!!

Goodwill™ and Family Circle Team Up for Back-To-School Clothing Drive To ensure that every child goes back to school in style this year, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois and Family Circle have teamed and launched a national five million pound clothing drive that runs now through Wednesday, September 30, 2009. The partnership is featured in the September issue of Family Circle, the magazine’s first ever issue dedicated to Back-To-School, as well as at www.shopfamilycircle.com , the magazine’s new e-commerce destination. Family Circle and Goodwill® encourage all families to donate gently-used clothes so that other children might have a “new to them” outfit on the first day of school. Donated items will be sold at the Central Illinois agency’s nine stores and elsewhere nationally at more than 2,300 Goodwill® retail stores. To track the donations, the September issue of Family Circle has a coupon to attach to all donation bags. The coupon can also be downloaded at www.shopfamilyc...

Methodist Medical Center has announced the August, 2009 Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees. The three selected were Cheryl Schadt, RN of West Peoria selected for the category of Nursing. She works with the Methodist Family Medical Center. Also selected was Duane Funk of Bartonville for non-nursing support. He works in Marketing/Public Relations. And for the category of Patient Care, Jennifer Branaman of Washington was selected. She works in Patient Registration. All three will be honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.

The Chateau on the Lake will host a blood drive on September 30th from 10am to 2pm. Contact the Chateau, 382-3414 for more information.

About 60 chamber members and guests attended the August 14th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast. Brandi and Michelle (along with Wrigley and Mugsy) gave a presentation from PAWS Giving Independence. Dave Osborn won the early prize, while Bernie Riley won the late prize. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented by Nicole Bozarth to Gary Flynn of Paradise Donuts for remodeling their building on 8th Street. Stephanie Stoneking presented the Spotlight on Business award to Gregg Ratliff and the Pekin Daily Times. Renna Hadsall did a great in her first appearance as emcee. You can see pictures from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Pekin Public Library will be honoring the retirement of longtime library employee Linda Miller with a public reception on Tuesday, August 25 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the library's lobby. Linda Miller, who has served the library for 32 years, has recently retired from her position as Circulation Clerk at the front desk. The public is invited to this reception in her honor. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Lori Parkin at the library at 347-7111.

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Liberation Software, Inc., 309 N. 6th, Suite B Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 282-6249 sales@liberationsoft.com www.liberationsoft.com Trent Lawrence, President Lance Waidzunas, Sales & Marketing Manager Liberation Software is a dual-purpose information technology firm specializing in software development, high-speed connectivity, terminal services solutions, and small to medium-sized business IT consulting. Open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Please welcome Jim Jones of Pekin, who recently joined the chamber as a retired business person.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd. The series of three classes will be held from 2~5:00pm in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital. The classes are designed to provide information on managing adult diabetes and are designed to help diabetics learn and develop the skills of self-management of diabetes therapy. Topics covered in the sessions will include: the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size the possible complications associated with diabetes why exercise will benefit your health and make you feel good Workshop speakers will include a Certified Diabetes Educator, Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Registered Pharmacist, Exercise Specialist, and Registered medical Technician. Class fees are $60 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost). The fee includes all three cla...

The Chateau on the Lake is now booking Holiday parties - Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve and all of the holidays. Call 382-3414 to reserve your date. Also, the Chateau on the Lake offers their Champaign Brunch starting at noon every Sunday, their German Buffet on the last Sunday of the month.

Congratulations to Miss Diane Jess who was crowned Miss Marigold at the August 8, 2009 Miss Marigold Queen Pageant. Also, congratulations to all of the contestants: Sarah Gouliard, Megan Shreffler, Marjorie Miller, Katrina Robison, Trisha Lynn Fleeharty, and Brittney Heath. You can see plenty of pictures from the pageant at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home. Census workers are currently...

The Workforce Development Week will be August 31 to September 4th. Career Link and IDES invite you to attend their open house at their Illinois workNet™ Center. It will be held on Monday, August 31, 2009 from 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. at 200 S. 2nd Street, Suite 10 in Pekin. Meet their professional Workforce staff and find out more about the Center and the services available to both employers and individuals.

NTS Telephone Company hosted the August Business After Hours. About 40 chamber members and guests attended the event. There was plenty of refreshments and tours of the NTS facility were also available. You can find more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

You’re invited to State Representative Mike Smith's Women's Health and Education Fair on Wednesday, August 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Festival of Lights Building, 2200 E. Washington Street in East Peoria. Join Rep. Smith for this first time event that includes demonstrations, free screenings, great vendors, and much more!! This event is free and open to the public! For more information, please contact State Rep. Mike Smith’s constituent service office at 353-6276. Partial List of participants includes: Secretary of State Jesse White, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, IL Student Assistance Commission, IL Dept. of Health & Family Services, Attitudes and Images, Arthritis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Serenitee Spa & Salon, Alzheimer’s Association, Fondulac Park District, Lupus Foundation of Illinois, Tazewell Co. Children’s Advocacy Center, National Assn. of Women Business Owners, IL Dept. of Public Healt...

Goodwill congratulates the following employees for their service: Tanner Mammen, Daniel Capron, Kathy McKnight, Niki Jones, Andrea Sego and Duffy Armstrong for three years of service. Patricia Stone, Brenda Wilder, Shirley Reynolds, Gerald Jordan, and Teresa Streeper for four years of service. Bonnie Beachler for twenty one years of service.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza is celebrating their one-year anniversary in Pekin this weekend. Stop in at 1807 Broadway on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and take advantage of their special anniversary offer: a large 1 topping pizza for $5.99.

RiverFest 2009 Saturday, August 29, 3 PM - 11 PM East Peoria RiverFront Park Featuring performances by: Mister Sister, Rachel’s Hippo & Uncle Pucker. Come celebrate the end of summer down on the riverfront with rockin’ performances from local bands and delicious treats from community establishments. Tickets are $3 for adults and children 12 & under get in FREE when accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to return to RiverFront Park on Sunday for RiverFest Faith & Family from 2 PM until 6 PM. Sponsored by CEFCU, Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino, 93.3 The Drive, Brewers Distributing Company, the City of East Peoria and the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce.

Registration is now open for the “Run the Town Red” 5K Run/Walk, being held on Saturday, August 29 th at Coal Miner’s Park in Pekin . The event is part of the annual “Paint the Town Red” campaign to raise funds for scholarships and other YWCA of Pekin programs. The entire race will be run on a paved bike trail, and the course will be marked at 1 and 2 miles for walkers. The event will start at 7:15 a.m. Register before August 20 th to guarantee you receive a T-Shirt. Registration forms for the event are available at the YWCA, 315 Buena Vista , or online at www.ywca.org/pekin . For more information, please call the YWCA at 347-9922 .

Methodist Medical Center has been ranked 43rd in Urology Services in U.S. News's 2009-10 publication of America’s Best Hospitals. Now in its 20th year, the multi-platform 2009-10 America's Best Hospitals guide is the most extensive hospital ranking to-date. It includes rankings of 174 medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties--with full data available online for another 1,500 unranked hospitals. In addition, the Best Hospitals "Honor Roll" highlights 21 medical centers that were ranked at or near the top in at least six specialties. The 16 ranked specialties are cancer; diabetes & endocrine disorders; digestive disorders; ear, nose, and throat; geriatric care; gynecology; heart and heart surgery; kidney disorders; neurology and neurosurgery; ophthalmology; orthopedics; psychiatry; rehabilitation; respiratory disorders; rheumatology; and urology. Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Methodist is one of only four hospitals in...

For the first time since 1992, Caterpillar employees and retirees who participate in the Caterpillar Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan will be able to choose Methodist Medical Center for their healthcare needs when Methodist joins the Caterpillar PPO network next July. A new three-year Caterpillar preferred provider contract takes effect July 1, 2010. The addition of Methodist to the Caterpillar PPO network gives Caterpillar PPO participants the opportunity to choose Methodist as a healthcare provider. It also complements the existing Health Alliance/Methodist HMO currently available to Caterpillar employees. The agreement is consistent with the principles of healthcare reform, with performance and quality-based measures, an emphasis on transparency in healthcare pricing and promotion of employee health and wellness. Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, “Methodist is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our friends and neighbors at Caterpillar. We have no doub...

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is now accepting computer equipment for recycling through its partnership with Dell Reconnect. There is no charge for recycling and all brands of equipment will be accepted. Individuals may bring their donations to any Goodwill store or donation site. A donation receipt for tax purposes will be provided upon request. Proceeds from the recycled computer equipment will support Goodwill’s job training programs and veterans’ services. The partnership, which Dell recently expanded into Illinois, makes it possible for individuals to correctly recycle unwanted equipment and keep the items from being dumped into area landfills. Computers do contain some environmentally sensitive materials. These materials are safely removed or recycled as part of the Dell program. “Dell Reconnect makes it possible for us to expand our role as an environmentally responsible nonprofit agency. It also provides, at no cost, an important recycling opportunity for peopl...

Two chamber members recently merged under a new name: Decorative Solutions, Inc. The co-owners are Mike Mitzelfelt and Matt Woiwode. The former companies were Midwest Sealing Technologies and Woiwode Painting. Decorative Solutions, Inc. can be reached at 620-1382.