Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Halloween Special October 31st Kids 12 & under, dressed in costume will receive a FREE MINI PIZZA! (While supplies last) Only available at these locations: 1807 Broadway St, Pekin  Tel:  347-5051 604 S. Main St, Morton Tel:  266-7272

Members from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new business to the community, Brookes Baby Botique. Owners Brooke Cain and Richard Edminston buy gently used and new clothing for cash on the spot. They sell gently used and new quality name brand clothing (Gap, Carters, Gymboree) for infants through teens. They also buy and sell name brand (American Eagle, Hollister, Abercrombie, etc.) clothing for adults. Located at 113 N Parkway Drive next to Suzi Davis Travel, they are open from 10:30am to 5:30pm. They can be reached at 346-1985.

Join us in welcoming a New Chamber Member! Brookes Baby Botique, LLC 113 N Parkway Dr., Pekin Thursday, October 28th at 1 PM

Brookes Baby Botique, LLC , 113 N Parkway Dr., Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-346-1985; Brook Cain, Manager; Richard Edminston, Assistant Manager, business hours are 10:30 am - 5:30 pm. They buy gently used and new clothing for cash on the spot. They also sell gently used and new quality name brand clothing (Gap, Carters, Gymboree) for infants through teen. We also buy and sell name brand (American Eagle, Hollister, Abercrombie, etc.) clothing for adults.

To promote Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month, Pekin Hospital will offer pulmonary function screenings on Thursday, November 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Pekin Hospital, inside the Park Avenue Entrance.   Appointments for the screenings are required.   Please call (309) 353-0334 to reserve a time.   By participating in Get What You Need Out Of Life SM : Breathe In, Breathe Out, Central Illinois women will learn more about COPD and lung cancer.   Make lung health a priority to prevent death and disability for you and your loved ones. COPD is the 4 th leading cause of death is the U.S., affecting an estimated 12 million Americans. Lung cancer statistics are equally alarming: it continues to be the cancer with the highest death rate, with only approximately 4 out of 10 patients surviving longer than one year after diagnosis. (Source: American Cancer Society) Get What You Need Out of Life:   Breathe In, Breathe Out is brought to you by Pekin H...

Thank you for your continued membership! Ace Hardware ~ Allen & Associates ~ Automotive Machine Inc. ~ B'Ribboned Etc. Beck's Convenience Store ~ Concorde Inn   & Suites ~ Court Place Apartments Deuce Development Corp ~ Deverman Advertising ~ Enviro-Dry Golf Green Lawn Care ~ JM Industrial Supply Liberty Village of Pekin / Pekin Estates ~ Pekin Glass & Mirror Pekin Main Street ~ Peoria Logo (POGO) Professional Therapy Services~ Tazewell County Area Education Trouble Free Plumbing ~ Women's Center for Health

Sales Tax receipts by the City of Pekin were up 9.0% in October, compared to October of 2009, according to numbers from the Illinois Department of Revenue.   The City received payment from the State in October for the sales taxes collected in August.   The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.   Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 1.1 percent before seasonal adjustment.

Pekin Hospital invites the community to a Veteran’s Day celebration ceremony on November 11 at 3:15 p.m. in Park Court Conference Center at Pekin Hospital to honor all who have served in the armed services.   Judge Brett Bode, Erika Hunter, M.D., and Mary Dunn, R.N., who have all served in various military capacities, will be the guest speakers for the celebration, with accompanying music provided by William I. Bond, M.D., and Justin Riley.   Vocal selections will be provided Dr. and Mrs. C. William Fisher.   Pekin High School JROTC will be presenting a flag ceremony and a special ceremony to honor those who have lost their lives during military service.   Master of Ceremonies will be Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital CEO.   Refreshments will also be served following the ceremony.

2010 Pekin Night Out Against Crime Thursday, October 28th, 2010 Pekin Avanti's Dome, 3401 Griffin Avenue, Pekin 5:30pm - 7:30pm You are invited to enjoy a great night with a great cause.  There will also be free food, drinks, music, prizes, inflatable rides and police demonstrations. 

In honor of American Diabetes Month, Pekin Hospital will offer a Diabetes Screening on Monday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Tremont District Library located at 215 S. Sampson in Tremont.   Fasting is not required to participate in the screening.   In addition to the screening, Peggy Zaayenga, Aerobics Instructor at Pekin Hospital’s Wellness Center, will demonstrate a fun way to exercise with music.   No reservations are needed to attend the event. Did you know that preventing diabetes is easier than you think? Being proactive about your health can lead to a healthier and longer life for yourself and your family. As a famous English author once stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure.” According to the American Diabetes Association, each year 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older.   Don’t allow yourself to join in this growing statistic. By making s ubtle changes to your lifestyle, you c...

On October 11, 2010, Henderson Funeral Home was honored with the 2010 Pursuit of Excellence ® Award by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) during its International Convention & Expo in New Orleans, La. Only 166 firms from around the world received this prestigious recognition, placing Henderson Funeral Home among an elite group of funeral service professionals. Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.             To achieve the Pursuit of Excellence Award, NFDA-member funeral homes must evaluate components of their business against standards set forth by the Pursuit of Excellence program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of the funeral service profession. Participants are required to fulfill criteria in six categories of achievement that de...

Future Rock announces ALL AGES show in Morton, IL. J-Campbell Events proudly presents Future Rock and the coop on Friday, November, 12 2010. Location:                 Ashland House Ballroom located on the first floor of the Best Western Ashland House Hotel and Conference Center, 210 E. Ashland St. Morton, IL. Doors open:            6:00pm Show time:              7:00 Advance Tickets:     $10 advance at JCampbellEvents.com Tickets also available at the following retail outlets: Paddy O’flaherty’s Irish Pub (Morton, IL) and Autumn Bloom Alternative Gardening (Pekin, IL). "Mickey is the kind of guy who gets a new synthesizer and takes it home to learn every single button and function. He's intense, very scientific and absolutely meticulous about what he wants to synthesize and when," Felix says, laughing without jokin...

Friends of McNaughton Park have rescheduled the clean up day for Sunday, October 31 at 1 P.M. Yes, Halloween, so costume is optional. Meet at the cul-de-sac or turn-around; the end of the paved road west of the disc golf course. The primary task that day will be picking up trash along the paved road (it is approximately 1 mile long) from the entrance at Highway 98 to the cul-de-sac. However, if enough people attend, there are other areas that we could expand into. The Park District is having a dumpster dropped at the cul-de-sac and we will have at least one shuttle vehicle transporting your collected trash bags to that dumpster. (ATV w/trailer – thanks to Mr. Brown!) Other activities include, but are not limited to, picking up trash around the disc golf course (I know, there is a tournament elsewhere), picnic areas, cleaning up Mustang Meadow (the area west of the cul-de-sac where much trash has been gathered in the tree line), the Totem Pole Shelter, the campground, and...

The Pekin Hospital League will hold its annual Holiday Magic Gift Show on Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. inside the Pekin Hospital Lobby.   The show will feature many beautiful handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, toiletries, stationery, Fannie May candy, baby items, toys and Vera Bradley items.   A large variety of baked goods, candies, and many other specialty food items will be available in our Pantry.   The Pantry will be located near the restaurant in the lobby. A raffle will be held with tickets selling for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.   Tickets may be purchased from League members before the show, at Nearly Nu and at the Pekin Hospital Gift Shop.   Raffle tickets will also be available the day of the show with the drawing being held at 3:00 p.m. that day.   Raffle items include: a $1,785.00 14K yellow gold sapphire bracelet from Udry Jewelers, an $800.00 handmade quilt from Peddler’s Way Quilt Co. & Lost Creek Quilters, a...

The Center for Prevention of Abuse is holding Walk a Mile in My Shoes to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse, Saturday, Oct. 30, at 8:30 a.m. at the Fulton Street entrance to the Peoria Civic Center.              Walkers receive a long sleeved t-shirt and free entrance to the Women’s Lifestyle Show, beginning at 9 a.m. at The Peoria Civic Center.  The cost is $15 for the one mile walk.  To take part, call The Center for Prevention of Abuse at (309) 691-0551 or download an entry form at www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org Registration at the event begins at 8:00 a.m.

Nicholas Evans, store manager of Wireless Express, cut the ribbon on the official Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce "welcome to Pekin" on October 22. Wireless Express has been in operation at 535 S. Parkway Drive for some time, but they have been so busy serving customers they haven't had the opportunity to hold a ribbon cutting. Joining Nick at the ribbon cutting were Althea Geiser, President of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of the chamber's Board of Directors and Ambassadors. Wireless Express is the premier Verizon Wireless authorized retailer. They are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The can be reached at 478-1170 and on the web at www.wirelessexpresso nline.com .   You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at our chamber photo site:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Artistic Flowers , 1901 S 2nd Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-347-0022; website: http://www.artisticflowersofpekin.com/ Cathy Homerin, Owner; business hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm. They are a full service florist and gift shop. They also offer memory beads and dove releases.

Generations Lounge , 319 Court St, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-353-7697;Pat Rogers, Manager; e-mail: prlpromo08@yahoo.com ; business hours are Monday-Saturday 4pm - 1pm and Sunday 12pm - 1am. They are a lounge that serves Pekin's adult community. Specializing in dart and pool leagues.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer Healthcare Provider CPR courses for nursing students and others who are entering a health occupation field in the January 2011 semester.   Full professional rescue CPR classes are scheduled for November 30 from 4 – 8 p.m. and December 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital.   The cost of the class is $35 and will include the course manual.  Registration is required and class size is limited.  To register for one of the classes, please call (309) 353-0701 or email jwagner@pekinhospital.com The CPR classes are offered through the American Heart Association, and participants will receive a 2-year card on completion of either class.  If you or someone you know is entering nursing school or any other health occupation course this January, this is a CPR class that is accepted by all Colleges of Nursing in the Central Illinois area.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 1 3 th annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon on Thursday , October 21st the Pekin Country Club.   The Chamber’s Member Services Committee coordinated the luncheon, which was sponsored by Savant Capital Management, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts , The Greenhouse Flower Shoppe , and Pekin Hospital. Recognition was given to thirty-six area businesses and organizations in the following categories:   remodeling or expansion; new ownership or management; new business or building; additional employees; major training effort; new technology ; major equipment investment; other improvements; and , community involvement.   Before presenting the awards, Chamber executive director Bill Fleming told the audience of 1 70 pe ople representing fifty local businesses and organizations that the economic news continues to get better. “ Many of the economic indicators are starting to show positive signs this yea...

On Friday at 4pm we'll be at Wireless Express, 535 S. Parkway Drive. Come meet Nick Evans and congratulate them on all of their success in Pekin.

Andy's Diner , 1001 N 8th St, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-347-3370, e-mail: andysdiner@yahoo.com; Tom Poole, President; business hours are Tuesday - Saturday 5:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday 6:00am - 3:00pm. Andy's Diner is a family diner with home cooked food and great prices.

New Laws Go Into Effect to Fight Deceptive Debt Relief Good news for those struggling to pay their bills: all of the new Federal Trade Commission regulations to help protect financially-desperate families from deceptive offers for debt relief will go into effect on October 27. While the new rule will have a significant impact on reducing predatory debt relief, the Better Business Bureau advises consumers that they still need to use caution when enlisting the help of a third party to get out of debt. Since the start of the recession in December of 2007, the Better Business Bureau has received more than 6,000 complaints from consumers about debt relief or debt settlement companies. Typically, complainants say they were charged large up-front fees in exchange for the empty promise that the company would significantly reduce or eliminate their debt. "The debt relief industry has flourished in the current economy and you can bet that many unscrupulous companies are feverishly try...

Jason W. Proehl, of Manito, was recently appointed to Pekin Hospital’s Board of Trustees to serve a three-year term.  He will fill a position vacated by Scott Jeckel.  Jason is an attorney with Kuhfuss & Proehl, P.C. in Pekin, where he is a general practitioner with a focus in Agriculture Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, and Small Businesses.   In addition, he and his wife, Amanda (Galvin) Proehl, own and operate the Subway restaurant in Manito.   Jason and his family also farm in both Tazewell and Mason counties. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science degree (with honors) in agriculture from the University of Illinois.   He then graduated from Northern Illinois University College of Law with a Juris Doctor. He is Vice President of the Tazewell County Bar Association.   He attends St. John’s Lutheran Church – Sand Prairie, where he also serves on the Contemporary Worship Committee. He and his wife have two sons, J.J. and Joseph, and reside in...

Flowers by Florence , 430 Margaret St, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-347-4500; website: http://www.flowersbyflorence.com/ ; e-mail: flobyflo@flowersbyflorence.com; Earl Krohn, owner; Office Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm. They are a full service florist and gift shop. They offer local and world wide service for their customers.

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to welcome Personal Finance Company to the Chamber. Personal Finance Company is located at 3279 Court Street. Chamber President Althea Geiser assisted Personal Finance Manager Kelly DuBois with the ribbon cutting. Local Personal Finance Company employees and the regional and division managers were also present. PFC is a finance company that offers loans with affordable payments for their clients. They try to help people with their credit needs. They also do retail financing for local businesses in the area. More information is available on their website at: www.personalfinancec ompany.com

Tazewell County Health Department has canceled the drive through flu clinic scheduled for October 23 rd .   Low response is the reason for the cancellation of the drive through clinic.   If you have scheduled an appointment, TCHD will be in contact to reschedule a time for you to receive your flu shot.   Flu shots are recommended for everyone six months and older.   Children younger than 5 years and all adults 65 years and older are increased risk of severe illness or hospitalization from influenza.   Much of the U.S. population is at high risk from serious flu complications either because of age or a medical condition like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) heart conditions, or because they are pregnant. If you need assistance or have special needs, please contact the Health Department at 925-5511 or 477-2223, extension 296.   An appointment may be scheduled to give your flu shot. The cost of the flu immunization is $30.00.   Individuals eligible for Med...

WASHINGTON — The IRS today issued a draft Form W-2 for 2011, which employers use to report wages and employee tax withholding. The IRS also announced that it will defer the new requirement for employers to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan, making that reporting by employers optional in 2011. The draft Form W-2 includes the codes that employers may use to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan.  The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that this relief is necessary to provide employers the time they need to make changes to their payroll systems or procedures in preparation for compliance with the new reporting requirement. The IRS will be publishing guidance on the new requirement later this year. Although reporting the cost of coverage will be optional with respect to 2011, the IRS continues to stress that the amounts reportable are not taxable. Included in the Affordable Care Act passed b...

The Center for Prevention of Abuse is holding Walk a Mile in My Shoes to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse, Saturday, Oct. 30, at 8:30 a.m. at the Fulton Street entrance to the Peoria Civic Center. Walkers receive a long sleeved t-shirt and free entrance to the Women’s Lifestyle Show, beginning at 9 a.m. at The Peoria Civic Center.  The cost is $15 for the one mile walk.  To take part, call The Center for Prevention of Abuse at (309) 691-0551 or download an entry form at http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/

Jay Flanagan, an insurance agent with CEFCU Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEFCU, was among a select group of insurance professionals with local, independent insurance agencies to be recognized as a High Achiever by Travelers Personal Insurance. The Travelers High Achiever award is designed to recognize insurance agency employees who display superior levels of customer service, demonstrate leadership skills, encourage teamwork among their peers, and contribute to the overall success of their agencies. Debbie Godke, CEFCU Vice President stated, “What an honor for Jay to be recognized by Travelers as an outstanding performer. Everyday, he makes sure that members receive the best service possible. We are proud that he is part of the CEFCU team.” CEFCU Financial Services insurance agents can help you evaluate what insurance options may be right for you, including auto and home, life, accidental death and dismemberment, vehicle service agreements, and long-term care ...

The Peoria Rivermen have teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Saturday October 30 th .  All survivors will receive a FREE ticket with $5 from all $15 tickets ordered through the Rivermen Office (not the box office) going back to the Foundation.  For more information and the  full flyer, click here .  All who attend are also encouraged to wear pink to the game.

You Can... Host A Chamber Event! -Business Before Hours -Business After Hours Dates are available. Contact the Chamber today to reserve yours. 346-2106 or chamber@pekin.net

JOHN SELBURG OPENING!! OCTOBER 29th, 5-8pm Our exhibit this month features the artwork of   John Selburg.   John attended his undergraduate training at Bradley University. His major was in Drawing, Sculpture and Graphic Design. He received his Master's Degree in Drawing from the University of Missouri. He has a graphic novel in the process of being published. He is currently working full-time on creating a wordless illustrated novel and a number of shorts. You can get a sneak peak at Johns work by visiting www.johnselburg.com . However its NOTHING like seeing these amazing works in person. His work is up this entire month so visit us soon!!! The artists reception will be held on   Oct 29th from 5-8pm.   Its free and EVERYONE is welcome. FREAKERS BALL HALLOWEEN PARTY!! OCTOBER 30th, 5pm-12am Speakeasy Art Center & Bottoms Up want to bring you an evening of   FREAKY FUN!   We will    have   live music   and    a DJ, a ...

  Come shop enjoy the food and treats. U-Design Jewelry Stress Buster Massage                                                                    Cupboard spices FEATURING NEW PRODUCTS FROM Scentsy Special guest- Bremmer Jewelers Try some new wines and you might find a new favorite.   Come get you Christmas Shopping Done As always, there will be giveaways & raffles from our venders you won’t want to miss!      WHEN? November 18 th   5:30-7:30 WHERE? Grumpy Pete’s Steak House Would you like to join us next month?   Give us a call at…477-8325 or 202-2302

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, the Pekin Public Library is participating in the Library of Congress’s Veteran’s History Project.   For this project, volunteers will interview and record veterans' first-person accounts of military service in World War I, World War II, the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The library will then submit these written accounts to the Library of Congress.   The library will be holding oral history interviews on Wednesday, November 10 and Friday, November 12.  Any veteran who would like to participate should make an appointment for their interview by calling the Reference Desk at 347-7111, ext. 225.   For more information on this project through the Library of Congress, please visit www.local.gov/vets .

Free Mammograms for National Mammography Day at Pekin Hospital October 15th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Free mammograms are being offered on a walk-in basis to Uninsured Tazewell County Women ages 40 through 64. There will be: Free Flu Shots offered by Tazewell County Health Department, Chair Massage performed by ICC students, Bone Density Testing provided by Pekin Hospital, Breast Health Education provided by Bradley Nursing Students, Refreshments and Free Gifts for women who qualify and receive their mammogram on that day. There will also be several door prizes that will be given out that day. Contact the Tazewell County Health Department for more information.  Walk-ins welcome or call 1-866-925-5511 x 316

The following dates are still available: August 4th September 1st November 3rd

Meet Your Candidates Night Presented by Southside Business Association Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 K of C Hall 715 N 11th St., Pekin SBA will serve a chili/hot dog dinner from 5-7 pm.  Cost is $5.00/ticket.  Each candidate with a contested race will be given (3) minutes to speak.  The program will begin at 7pm and the public is invited.  Campaign literature may be passed out to the audience.

Tremont— Tazewell County Resource Centers recently held its Annual Staff Appreciation Dinner at the Pekin Country Club.   TCRC holds this Dinner every year to celebrate the special people who make a difference to the agency and the individuals we serve. The First United Methodist Church of Peoria was named as the agency’s “Volunteer of the Year” that evening.   The church and its members have been staunch supporters of TCRC and its Mission for the past few years now and generously donate of their time, talent, and treasure, especially during the holiday season.   The “Gene Smith Community Service Award” was presented to the Wal-Mart Supercenter of Morton.   This many-year friend of TCRC has always been there to show its support for the many programs and services that TCRC offers to some of the most vulnerable persons in our community.   Awards of appreciation were handed out to TCRC staff who have reached certain milestones with the agency:   Teresa Mill...

Did you know that every year the Illinois National Guard spends about $3 00 million on goods and services in Illinois? Would you like to be a provider of some of those goods and services?   The Illinois Chamber has partnered with the U.S Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois to assist businesses gain access to that purchasing power. The Illinois Guard spends money in 35 different product and service lines , extending from heavy and construction engineering to footwear.    The complete listing can be accessed through the link below On November 9, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield from 11:00am to 2:00pm the USPFO and staff will provide information needed to be eligible to sell goods and services to the National Guard. Registration is FREE. Lunch will be provided by the Illinois Chamber. For more information about business opportunities click here .