Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Cybernautic 900 W. College Avenue Normal, IL 61761 (309) 740-0174 ext 310 www.cybernautic.com Craig Hopper, Account Executive craig.hopper@cybernautic.net Cybernautic is one of the most innovative and decorated full-service web design companies, located right in Central Illinois. Started 11 years ago, they have a large portfolio of diverse sites, which are all custom-designed from the ground up. They make the web easy, offering design, hosting, SEO & promotional services.

The Tazewell County Jaycees will present their monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, March 11 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Gracie’s Sports Grille and Pizza, 1021 N. Cummings Lane, Washington. This month’s proceeds will benefit Dax’s Day and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Participants are needed to form teams for the competition. Cost is $10 per person, and teams may have between 2 - 10 people. The winning team will receive a traveling trophy, two pizzas from Gracie’s, and a free table for the April trivia night. Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and a 50/50 drawing will also be held. In addition, Gracie’s will offer drink specials to all participants, and any participant who joins the Tazewell County Jaycees that night will receive a free entry to the April trivia night. To reserve your table please contact Lori Rowe, Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-241-3888, or firstgradelover@yahoo.com . Held on the third Thursday of each month, the trivia nights generate funds to be us...

Good Shepherd Lutheran School will be holding its 4th annual dinner/auction at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, March 20. There will be three sections of silent auction items as well as over forty live auction items for your bidding. Check the school website at www.goodshepherdpekin.com for a list of items. Doors open at 4:30 with dinner served at 7:00. Tickets are $40/person and are available by calling Ann Fuelberth at 347-9027.

Can you change a furniture store into a modern school facility? Yes! We Can! Join us on Sunday, March 7th at Good Shepherd’s new location - 3201 Court Street from 1:00 – 4:00. While the renovations are not completed, we welcome you to stop and see the progress that has been made to open new doors to Christian education in the Pekin community.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School will be holding registration for next year’s preschool and kindergarten classes on Thursday, March 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at its present location (333 State Street). After a short presentation, parents and students will be able to visit with the preschool and kindergarten teachers. Good Shepherd offers preschool classes for 3 year-olds and 4-year-olds as well as all day kindergarten and a 1 st through 8 th grade program of Christian education. Latchkey is also available. Good Shepherd will be moving to its new location at 3201 Court Street in the fall. For more information contact the school office at 347-2020.

Methodist Medical Center has named Ryan Taylor, PharmD as Pharmacy Director. The appointment was announced by Michael Namanny, PharmD, MBA and Service Line Director for Imaging and Pharmacy Services at Methodist. Taylor is currently a Methodist employee and brings over 10 years of experience to the position, having served 7 years as Pharmacist and Medication Safety Officer for OSF St. Francis Medical Center and 3 years with CVS Pharmacies as Pharmacist and Pharmacist-in-charge. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Taylor will supervise the Methodist Inpatient Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacies, Clinical Pharmacy Services and Pharmacy IT Automation.

The new Avanti’s Ristorante in Pekin will celebrate Community Appreciation during March. Located at 3610 Kelly Avenue , just off Court Street near Veterans Parkway , Avanti’s is expressing its appreciation to the community by donating 10% of proceeds from carryout and pickup orders to different charities on different days in March. “We have received a wonderful welcome from the Pekin community,” Albert Zeller, owner and founder, said. “That’s why we decided to give back to the community by donating some of the proceeds to area charities.” 10% of Carryout/Pickup Proceeds Donated to Different Charities According to Zeller, several days in March will focus on a different theme and charity. Customers are encouraged to phone ahead to ensure their orders are ready for pickup or carryout. Following are the designated days and organizations: Monday, March 8 – Celebrating Children: Boys & Girls Club of Pekin Wednesday, March 10 – Celebrating Teens: Tazewell T...

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes is now operating its own crematory at 200 South Veterans Drive , near Broadway in Pekin . Unlike most funeral homes that outsource cremation, the new crematory means that Preston-Hanley will handle the entire cremation process for client families. “For us, owning and operating our own crematory is just one more way of offering the utmost in care,” D. Neale (“Buster”) Hanley II, said. “With cremation becoming more popular, we believe this service is important to the communities we serve.” The new crematory is housed in a 2,500-square-foot building and includes a private viewing chapel, as well as an urn and memorial display. In addition, all of Preston-Hanley’s funeral directors have been certified as crematory operators. “Having our own crematory can make a big difference to some families,” Hanley continued. “Many trust us to manage all the details when caring for their loved ones. They are glad to hear that we will not only oversee the...

The Pekin Public Library is partnering with Pekin Hospital to present a Health Awareness Week, March 22-27th, at the library. All programs take place at the library (except the hospital tour). The schedule of events are: Senior Health Day, Monday March 22 10 am: Achilles Heel Screenings 2 pm: Safety in Medicine Women's Health Day, Tuesday, March 23 10 am: Diabetes 2 pm: Heart Disease Men's Health Day, Wednesday, March 24 10 am: Sleep Apnea 2 pm: Diet & Exercise Kid's Health Day, Thursday, March 25 10 am: Pekin Hospital Tour 2 pm: Vaccines Family Health Day, Friday, March 26 10 am: Getting Started with Weight Loss 2 pm: Diet and Exercise

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on April 12, 13, and 14. The series of three classes will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. 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 $60 inclu...

It's That Time Again! Mark your calendars! St. Patrick's Day at Paddy O'Flaherty's! * Authentic Irish Food * Live Music * Irish Dancers March 17th 11:00 am - 1:00 am Inside Best Western Ashland House 201 E. Ashland St. Morton, Illinois 266-6919 Keep an Eye out for details to come!

(February 22, 2010)--The Methodist Medical Center Service League has presented a check for $117,000 to Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant. Bryant accepted the check from Dorothy Swirmicky, Service League Treasurer and Kathy MacKay, Service League President. The money will be applied toward the purchase of a new mobile mammography unit for the Breast Services Department at Methodist. The mobile mammography van enables Methodist to provide breast health assessments in surrounding areas that do not have easy access to mammography. Methodist has the only mobile mammography service in central Illinois. The total cost of the replacement unit will be $600,000, which will be raised and contributed by the Service League over several years. Current balance in the fund to purchase the replacement mobile mammography van is $375,000. More than 100 Service League volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours of their time and service in 2009 at the hospital Gift shop, The November Gift Sh...

(February 15, 2010) – Pekin Orthopedic Surgeon Donald Mitzelfelt, M.D., is one of the first physicians in Central Illinois to perform patient-customized knee replacement surgery using Visionaire Patient Match technology. Visionaire Patient Match technology uses a patient’s MRI and x-ray images to design and create surgical instruments based on the anatomy and mechanical axis of each unique patient. While every person’s knee joint has subtle differences in shape and contour, traditional surgical instruments used to place knee implants are one-size-fits-all. In the past, an orthopedic surgeon would spend time during the procedure adapting to a knee’s “terrain” in order to achieve the proper placement of the implant. Using Visionaire technology, Dr. Mitzelfelt comes to the operating room equipped with single-use instruments, engineered exclusively for that patient’s knee by the leading innovator in orthopedic medicine—Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. Not only does the Visionaire system e...

Good Shepherd Lutheran School will be holding its 4th annual dinner/auction at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, March 20. Sponsorships for silent auction and dinner tables are still available. There will be three sections of silent auction items as well as over forty live auction items for your bidding. Check the school website at www.goodshepherdpekin.com for a list of items. Doors open at 4:30 with dinner served at 7:00. Tickets are $40/person and are available by calling Ann Fuelberth at 347-9027. Reservations are requested by Monday, March 1st.

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy is proud to announce that our patients reported 98% satisfaction with their physical therapy experience in our 2009 surveys. Go to www.champfit.com to see how Champion Fitness Physical Therapy can help you “GET BUSY LIVING!”

(February 18, 2010)---The following is the schedule for the Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van for the month of March 2010. Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams. March 2-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.-Morton March 3-Children’s Home-416 St. Marks Court-Peoria March 4-Cherry Tree Shopping Center-Washington March 9-Methodist Medical Group at Chillicothe-525 Sweetbriar-Chillicothe March 12-Methodist Medical Group at Farmington-158 E. Fulton-Farmington March 13-Cub Foods-5001 N. Big Hollow Road-Peoria (Saturday) March 15-Methodist at Mt. Hawley-Women’s Health-7725 N. Knoxville-Peoria March 16-Methodist at Morton-1909 N. Morton Ave.-Morton March 18-Methodist at Pekin-1800 Broadway-Pekin March 23-Methodist MedPointe at Peoria-8914 N. Knoxville-Peoria March 30-Wal-Mart-2071 N. Main Street-Canton There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If your are uninsu...

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: S & D Cleaning 1441 Valle Vista, Suite E Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 347-8632 Sue Kyle, Owner Cathy Tarpley, Agency Manager Christy Rendleman, Manager. Open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, S & D Cleaning provides residential and commercial cleaning services.

At their February 10, 2010 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce approved the following policy statement: The Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce believes that, as currently designed, Illinois’ redistricting process is inherently unfair, overly partisan, and not in the best interests of the business community or the public good in general. It should be replaced through a Constitutional Amendment with a system that meets the current Constitutional criteria, but is also: More independent of the legislature and Governor Less partisan Does not take into account incumbency or voting habits of the populace Complies with federal laws on voting The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors believes that the IL Fair Map Amendment strives to improve Illinois’ system and meets the objectives above. Further, the Board of Directors: Will sign on with other partners to support the IL Fair Map Amendment Direct the staff to educate members...

Pekin Public Library announces the retirement of Reference Librarian Laurie Hartshorn. The library will host an Open House Reception for her on Friday, March 12 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the library's Community Room. The public is invited to stop by to visit with Laurie and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Laurie joined the library on October 2, 1979. In her thirty plus years of service to the library, her main job duties included staffing the reference desk to help patrons find books and information, selecting books and audiobooks, planning programs for adults, putting up library displays, writing a monthly book review column for the Pekin Daily Times, and leading book discussions. Laurie also developed several projects, including Video Pekin, a NEH project to film and describe historic sites in Pekin. She also started the first Young Adult Advisory Council, a group of teens who reviewed and helped select YA books. Two of her favorite grant projects were Writing Your Life, with ...

Save the Date! Thursday May, 13th, 2010 5:00 - 7:00pm Udry Jewelers, 1100 Derby St. $50.00 per ticket This event will honor Pekin High School superintendent Paula Davis for her leadership in the community and ongoing demonstration of courage, confidence, and character. You won't want to miss the delicious food prepared by C.J.'s Cafe, the silent auction, and the local entertainment. Each ticket purchases the opportunity to win an item of handcrafted diamond jewelry. For more information contact: Kimberly Weeks at: kweeks@girlscouts-gsci.org or at 309-688-8671 ex. 1414 Sponsored by: Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and Udry Jewelers

Maryann Russell, who works as a volunteer for the New Salem Historic Site, will be the speaker at the March 9, 2010 meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical Society. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site preserves the hard years of Lincoln's life and those of his fellow pioneers in a "living museum." It represents a special place in the nation's history. People from other nations all over the world visit the site each year, as explained on the Lincoln League website. Maryann will focus on the rebuilding of the village of New Salem by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940’s, and introduce us to the book the Lincoln League has written about the reconstruction of the village. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on Tuesday March 9, 2010 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 handicap...

(February 15, 2010)-Methodist Medical Center has announced the February, 2010 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 Mimi Cofoid of Granville selected for the category of Nursing. She works in Information Technology. Also selected was Lisa Frericks of Chillicothe for non-nursing support. Lisa works for the Methodist Medical Group. And for the category of Patient Care, Lori Kreiter of Brimfield was selected. She works in Pharmacy. All three were honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, February 17, 2010

About 70 chamber members attended a very special Puttin' On Pekin on Friday, February 12th. It was special, as it was held at Pekin Community High School and hosted by the Career and Technical Education department. Following the breakfast (prepared and served by students in the Culinary Arts program) department chair Steve Huey and other teachers led the group on tours of the classrooms. It was an eye-opening experience for many of the attendees who had no idea of the types of career and technical programs offered to PCHS students.

Family Pizzeria II, located at 215 N. 8th Street, was welcomed to Pekin with a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 11th. Pekin Chamber President Mike Vonderheide was joined by other chamber representatives and Pekin City Councilman Tom Blanchard for the ceremony. Owners Jason Bauser and Jennifer Lucas were assisted in the ribbon cutting by their family.

Maurer-Stutz, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful completion of an internal ownership transition, effective October 1, 2009. The firm's new owners/principals are Rick J. Anderson, P.E., Steven Arahood, P.E., Terry L. Feldman, P.E. and Keith J. Plavec, P.E. Maurer-Stutz, Inc. is a locally owned, full services civil engineering consulting firm with over 45 professionals located in Peoria and Canton, Illinois. The company offers a full array of professional engineering services including expertise in the following disciplines: transporation, structures, water, wastewater, land surveying, environmental and CADD.

"Civil War Tea" Life & Love of a Soldier is a program by Peggy Meyer & Connie Markley. Presented by The Tazewell County Museum and Educational Center and the Morton Tourism Association. Don't miss this opportunity to spend an enchanting afternoon of tasty delights and the sharing of a Civil War presentation, inspired by 23 letters that were inherited by Peggy Meyer's husband. These letters were written between a husband and wife that lived in Concord, Il. during the Civil War. This is a true historical love story. Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 616 W. David St., Morton. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the Tazewell County Museum, 2950 Court St. on Mondays and Wednesday's 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon. or you may contact Christal Dagit at 346-1889 or 840-0177 or Susan Pyles in Morton 309-696-7780 for ticket information. All proceeds go to Tazewell County Museum Building Fund. Christal ...

Feb. 5, 2010 - The America Hospital Association (AHA) Certification Center has awarded Sandy Pryor, RN of Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, the designation of Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management ( CPHRM ). The CPHRM is a national credential that distinguishes an individual as being among the elite in a critical field of healthcare management. Pryor is the Patient Safety Coordinator/Risk Manager and HIPPA Privacy Officer for Methodist. Her key areas of responsibility include claims management, corporate risk management program administration and education, pro-active risk assessments , disclosure facilitator and patient safety goals/improvements. To earn the CPHRM , an individual must satisfy eligibility requirements that incorporate a blend of work experience and education, agree to adhere to Professional Standards of Conduct, and pass the CPHRM Examination. Pryor is currently a member of both the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management ( ASHRM ) and ...

The PACVB Annual Meeting The Road Ahead introducing Bob Marx, President/CEO the "Leader of the Pack" The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to our 2010 Annual Meeting. Come early to take advantage of great networking opportunities and more! Door Prizes, Awards, Special Surprises & BREAKFAST ! Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino 21 Blackjack Blvd. East Peoria, IL 61611 February 23rd, 2010 8:30 - 10:30 am (doors open at 8:00 am) Don't miss out on our 30th Anniversary! Space is limited, RSVP Today We hope to see you there!

The Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois (BBB) which serves 36 counties in Cenral Illinois has opened the call for nominations for the 2010 BBB Torch Award for Business Integrity. Anyone may enter their choice of a company that they feel qualifies for displaying ethics and reliability in the marketplace. A distinguished panel of judges from business and academia will review and decide this year's recipient of the awards. The awards will be presented at The Annual BBB Torch Award Dinner help May 6, 2010 at the Hotel Pere Marquettte. Nominations will be accepted until February 22, 2010. To naominate a company, visit http://heartofillinois.bbb.org/ and click Torch Award logo

Pekin Main Street invites you to Yesterday's Bar & Grill, 363 Court St. Thursday, February 18th, 4:30 - 6:00pm. Come celebrate the accomplishments of 2009, recognize volunteers & see our 2010 calendar of events and downtown projects. Mingle with and meet your fellow supporters, the board of directors, committee members and chairpersons of Pekin Main Street. Join us for hors d'oeuvres & drinks. RSVP (Recommended) Leigh Ann Matthews, Executive Director 309-353-3100 or lmatthews@ci.pekin.il.us

Please welcome another new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Tropic Cove 357 Court Street Pekin, IL 61554 346-8122 Jenni Reames, Owner Lindsey Bock, Manager This tanning salon is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm; Friday from 8am to 9pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. It's the "second best thing you'll do naked."

The February Business After Hours was hosted by Jim Maloof Realtor. Chamber members and their guests enjoyed refreshments catered by the Chateau on the Lake, and had the opportunity to win several nice door prizes.

Verizon Wireless, 3578 Court Street, is planning a Customer Appreciation Day on February 13th. Stop in for discounts on accessories, great phone pricing and giveaways. Call Jennie Waldo, the store manager, at (309) 397-1318 with any questions.

The 2010 Census is almost upon us. You can learn more about the census, when it will happen, how the information will be used, why it's important, what you need to do, etc. at: http://www.2010census.gov/ . Learn why "we can't move forward until you mail it back."

Please welcome a new business to Pekin and the chamber: Family Pizzeria II 215 N. 5th Street Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 620-8398 Jason Bauser & Jennifer Lucas, Owners. Open everyday from 11am to 9pm. They are "Home of the Famous Spaghetti Pizza." They offer pizza, pasta, sandwiches, "thin-style" crust pizza, homemade pasta sauce and bread.

Papa Murphy's Pizza is proud to help TAPS with their fundraising efforts. Simply visit Papa Murphy's Pizza in Pekin on Wednesday, March 3rd from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. How it works: Mention TAPS with your regular priced food purchase ...and Papa Murphy's will donate 20% of your sales to them. Spread the word and help us put the fun in fundraising.

January 21, 2010 – Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is proud to announce its 2010 Board of Directors and Officers. Board Officers are Pam Johnson, chairman; Doug Orear, vice chairman; Becky Brown, secretary and Ryan Beasley, treasurer. Board members include Major DK Carpenter; Barbara Duryea; Dennis Higdon; Tucker Kennedy; Terry Lake; Dr Robert Phillips and Tom Schlink. Goodwill’s board members come from many businesses within our community and each possesses great skill in their area of expertise. According to Goodwill President and CEO Patty Fuchs, “Our board members are invaluable to our mission.” “They provide counsel and advocacy while always keeping our core values in the forefront.” Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois provides job training, career and vocational services to individuals who face barriers to employment. Revenues from the sale of gently-used items support the Vocational Services programs of Goodwill. For further information on retail stores, donation c...

Launches “Staples StickK to It! Business Challenge” – A New Take on New Year’s Resolutions for the Office (Feb. 4, 2010) – Setting New Year’s resolutions for the office is easier said than done. Once clients start calling and deadlines loom, those wishful goals soon get lost in the daily grind of completing the tasks at hand. Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS), is now making it easy for small businesses to set, track and achieve professional goals. Teaming with the goal-setting experts at stickK.com , Staples is launching the Staples stickK to It! Business Challenge , a unique program to help small businesses prioritize and achieve their objectives for the New Year. Whether it’s one simple goal like organizing a desk or tackling larger challenges such as overhauling a business plan, Staples encourages professionals to sign up for the Staples stickK to It! Business Challenge to commit to improving their businesses today. The goals small businesses set in 2010, and their success in achieving the...

February 4, 2010, The City of Pekin receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis. One of the many requirements of CDBG program is the completion of a 5 year Consolidated Plan along with the upcoming fiscal year Yearly Action Plan. The 5 year Consolidated Plan along with the upcoming fiscal year Yearly Action Plan is available for your review and comments from February 2 to March 4, 2010. These reports are available to be viewed on the City of Pekin web site ( http://www.ci.pekin.il.us/communityDevelopment/index.asp ) or a hard draft copy is available at City Hall on the 2nd floor reception counter. All written comments will be addressed. There will be a public hearing on the evening of March 4th at 5:30pm in the Pekin City Council Chambers. The reports will go before the City Council on March 8th for recommendation approval. Thank you for your interest in the 2010 - 2014 Comsolidated Plan and 201...

Herget Bank is pleased to announce that Mike Krohe, a Trust Officer with their Trust & Investment Services department, has successfully completed the certification process and is now a Certified Financial Planner™. Krohe was recently authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the certification marks of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)™. The authorization indicates Krohe passed the CFP Board certification examination covering the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, estate planning, retirement and employee benefits. Krohe joined Herget Bank in 2002 with nine years of financial planning, insurance and securities experience. He has been responsible for administering account relationships at the Bank and utilizing his financial planning experience for the Bank’s Trust & Investment customers. A graduate from Western Illinois University, Krohe is a Certified Public Accountant and member of The Estate Pl...

The Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM) designation was recently conferred to local insurance agent, Pat Taphorn, which was also the first of its kind in the State of Illinois. The CSRM designation is awarded to those who successfully complete five separate classes and subsequent exams in the areas of School Risk Identification, Analysis, Control, Financing and Administration. CSRM designees are also committed to meeting annual update requirements to further their knowledge and maintain their designation. CSRM, founded in 2004, is the first education/designation program in history for individuals serving as School Risk Managers. The CSRM Program is conducted by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, headquartered in Dallas, TX and has partnered with the various Independent Insurance Agent Associations for each state to carry out and implement the curriculum. Taphorn is Vice President of The Unland Companies and has been with the firm for over 18 years. In add...

(February 2, 2010) ? Illinois American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2010 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies. The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts. "The goal of this program is to positively impact watersheds and our drinking water resources," said Karla Teasley, president, Illinois American Water. "We encourage municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit a watershed in their community." To qualify, a proposed project must be located within an Illinois ...

The chamber's R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy is almost halfway through the 10-week run. On Thursdays of each week, participants hear from community leaders on leadership challenges and opportunities in the Pekin area. On Tuesday's the participants have the opportunity to tour local businesses and organizations and learn more about Pekin. You can see pictures from the academy events by visiting: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

About 20 chamber members attended Breakfast 2.0: Tips, Tricks & Info on Search Engines on Friday, January 29th. The event was coordinated by the chamber's Member Services Committee. The participants enjoyed breakfast at the Pekin Public Library followed by the presentations by committee members Brent Morgan and Alissa Williams. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

(February 1, 2010) - The Pekin Hospital League held their annual meeting today and presented a check to Pekin Hospital CEO Kevin Andrews for $135,000. The contribution will be used to support the addition of digital mammography at Pekin Hospital. The following new League members were also introduced: Theresa Mahoney, Lori Saurs, and Candy Lee. Founded in 1958, the Hospital League was comprised of 38 women. Over the years, the League has contributed over $4.5 million towards patient care. Today, the League has 84 active members, 10 provisional, 60 sustaining, 32 sustaining life members, and 22 non-resident members. In the past year, the League has contributed 20,600 hours, and manages the Pekin Hospital Gift Shop located in the hospital lobby and the Nearly-Nu Shop located on Derby Street. Other fundraising events include the annual Golf Classic, scheduled for May 3, 2010, and the Holiday Magic Gift Show scheduled for November 6, 2010.

(February 1, 2010) – Pekin Hospital invites Central Illinois residents to the annual Spirit of Women Day of Dance for Health on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin. The event will feature dance and exercise demonstrations and opportunities for participation, free health screenings, prominent physician speakers on heart disease and other important health topics, giveaways, heart-healthy snacks, and more. Day of Dance for Health will include both dance and exercise demonstrations, as well as opportunities for participants to try various dances and exercises. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably to take advantage of activities. Admission to the event is two non-perishable food items. To attend the event, please call (309) 353-0662 or visit pekinhospital.org. Day of Dance for Health events are presented by affiliate hospitals of the Spirit of Women Health Network in over 65 cities across the United States. Although in ...

(February 1, 2010) - The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2009 Report Based on 2008 Data identified ProHealth Medical Group as a “better performer” because of superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide. ProHealth Medical Group excelled in the areas of productivity, capacity, and staffing. ProHealth Medical Group is a subsidiary of Progressive Health Systems, the parent company of Pekin Hospital. Most recently, ProHealth Medical Group brought six new physicians to the Pekin community. ProHealth operates primary-care physicians' offices in Pekin; Park Court Pharmacy in Pekin Hospital; and physician management services. ProHealth also operates ProCare, a durable medical equipment company. Sharon Adams, MBA, Vice President of Physician Services added, “This is the first time that ProHealth has achieved national recognition by the MGMA, and we are extremely proud. Recog...

Please welcome a new busines to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Wireless Express 535 S. Parkway Drive Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 478-1170 478-1171 (fax) www.wirelessexpressonline.com Nicholas Evans , Store Manager Wireless Exprees is the premier Verizon Wireless authorized retailer. Open Monday-Friday from 9am to 7pm; Saturday from 10am to 5pm; and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5pm.

The Tazewell County Jaycees will present their monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, February 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Gracie’s Sports Grille and Pizza, 1021 N. Cummings Lane, Washington. This month’s proceeds will benefit The Children’s Home of Illinois, a non-profit organization that provides live-in care and treatment, special education, and family services for children. Participants are needed to form teams for the competition. Cost is $10 per person, and teams may have between 2 - 10 people. The winning team will receive a traveling trophy, two pizzas from Gracie’s, and a free table for the March trivia night. Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and a 50/50 drawing will also be held. In addition, Gracie’s will offer drink specials to all participants, and any participant who joins the Tazewell County Jaycees that night will receive a free entry to the March trivia night. To reserve your table please contact Lori Rowe, Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-241-3888, or...

During the Region IV awards ceremony in Madison, WI, McDaniels Marketing Communications received a first place “Best of NAMA” award for the digital presentation, “Think’n with Lincoln,” and “Secret Six/Lead Hybrid,” a local multi-media campaign. Presented by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), the regional ceremony honored the area’s best work in agricultural communications. “Think’n with Lincoln” was created for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), a statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers located in Bloomington, IL. The interactive game was unveiled as part of ISA’s new exhibit at the Farm Progress Show last September and supported ISA’s key message – “Illinois Soybean Growers: A Legacy of Leadership” – by helping people learn how Illinois soybean growers lead in agricultural production, research and education. “Think’n with Lincoln” also tied in with Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday celebration and made a connection between Lincoln as a leader and soybean ...

January 29, 2010 Methodist Medical Center is hosting a free “Coffee with the Doctor” on Saturday February 27, 2010 in observance of National Heart Month. Tahir Ilahi, M.D. of the Methodist Medical Group Cardiology will be making a presentation on “Cholesterol and Your Heart”. Registered Dietician Hannah Lee will also be on hand to demonstrate heart healthy meal preparation. “Coffee with the Doctor” will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Methodist Medical Group Cardiology Conference Room at 112 NE. Crescent Ave in Peoria. The event is free but space is limited. Reserve your seat by calling 671-5121.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) is currently accepting grant proposals from non-profit organizations within a 50-mile radius of Peoria. Newly revised grant guidelines should be downloaded from the CFCI website at: www.communityfoundationci.org and are available at the office, 331 Fulton Street, Suite 310, Peoria, Illinois 61602. Proposals must be received at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois office by:4:30 PM, Monday, March 15, 2010. Proposals received after this date will not be accepted. The Community Foundation's purpose is to assist projects in the fields of education, arts, health, human services, community service or community development and advance ONE OR MORE of the following objectives: 1. Address and help resolve important existing or emerging community issues. 2. Support new and creative projects and organizations offering the greatest opportunity for positive and significant change. 3. Promote cooperation and collaboration among organ...

Pekin Public Library is pleased to announce the new Youth Services Manager for the library, Julie Nutt. Julie has assumed the duties of Mary Alyce Hofsess, former Head of Children’s Services, who retired in December 2009. Julie has been with the library since January 22, 2008, first working in Circulation and Adult Reference, then moving to Youth Services in June 2008. Julie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with special certification in K-12 education, from Monmouth College. She plans to pursue a Master's Degree in either Library Science or Juvenile Literature in 2011. Julie's goals include implementing more regularly scheduled programming, such as "Family Activity Hour" one Saturday per month; showing of a new-release family movie once a month; and year-round story time for pre-schoolers and toddlers. Her main focus, however, will be keeping the library's children's collection up-to-date and relevant to today's youth.

Pekin Public Library has expanded their services with the addition of downloadable audiobooks and eBooks. Library card holders can check out, download, and enjoy digital audiobooks and eBooks anytime, anywhere, and at no cost by visiting www.pekinpubliclibrary.org . “With the increase in usage of mobile devices and mp3 players, the library has made it a priority to provide materials in formats meeting the busy lifestyles of our customers. Customers can browse and download titles 24 hours per day, every day of the week, from any computer with an Internet connection. You can take digital titles in the car, on the bus, in a waiting room, anywhere,” said Alissa Williams, Assistant Director. By visiting www.pekinpubliclibrary.org , customers may browse the growing collection of best-selling and classic titles. To check out, users will need a valid library card, personal computer, Internet connection, and the Overdrive Media Console, free software available on the site. Once downloaded, dig...