Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

December 1 Executive Board Meeting December 2 Pekin 1 st Committee Business After Hours – Pekin Hospital December 3 Multi-Chamber Speed Networking Exchange December 7 Ambassador Meeting December 8 Board of Directors and Past Presidents Christmas Party December 9 Transportation Committee Train Trip to Chicago December 10 Puttin on Pekin Breakfast – Knights Of Columbus December 14 Member Services Committee Chamber events and committee meetings are also online at: ·     Visit our website @ http://www.pekin.net/    ·     Use the drop down box for Chamber Resources ·     Click the Calendar

Super Saver Chamber Coupons are now online! ·     Visit our website @ http://www.pekin.net/ ·     Use the drop down box for Chamber Resources ·     Click Chamber Coupons ·     View and print individual coupons

Thank you to the following chamber members who have recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Acorn Properties and Investments ~ Kirk W. Bode, Attorney Camp of Champions USA ~ Todd Campbell ~ CJ's Café Dr. Robert J. Johnson, DMD ~ Jost, Becker & Jost KCB Information Services ~ Leman Property Management Company Lewis Industries ~ McGladrey & Pullen ~ Lloyd Orrick ReMax Home Realtors ~ Glen Rittenhouse ~ Rogy's Child Care Center San Juan Pools & Spas ~ Schwartz Electric Company Sun Valley Subdivision ~ Suzi Davis Travel Tazewell County House of Hope ~ Tazwood Mental Health Center Wal-Mart

Employment Numbers Improve – According to information from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate in Pekin fell from 11.0% in September to 10.8% in October.   In October of 2009, the unemployment rate in Pekin was 14.3%.   While those percentages sound good, the actual number of persons employed in Pekin was 255 less than a year ago. Consumer Price Index – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent in October on a seasonally adjusted basis.   Over the past twelve months, the all items index increased 1.2 percent before seasonal adjustments.

Please join us for a ribbon cutting and grand opening at: Pet Supplies Plus Wednesday, December 1st  9:00am.   Located in Market Square next to Food Depot (old County Market). 

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new residential housing building at Tazwood Mental Health. Many local dignitaries congratulated Tazwood CEO Michael Polson on the addition. The complex includes 15 furnished, one-bedroom apartments and offers permanent housing for individuals with serious mental illness. The facility will also provide tenants with supportive services, including mental health, substance abuse and supportive employment.

Santa House Another age-old tradition returns to Downtown Pekin with the arrival of the Santa House on the Courthouse lawn.  Santa is available for visits and will also accept letters and wish lists.  If you wish to have photos, please feel free to bring your camera!  Hours: Friday 4-6 pm, Saturday 10 am - noon and 4-6 pm, Sunday 4-6 pm. (Weekends in December)

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Gordon Walker, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Pekin Insurance, has recently announced the following promotions: Scott Martin,  FLMI , President of all Pekin Insurance Companies; Dan Connell, CPA , Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Brian Lee, FLMI , FALU , Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pekin Life Insurance Company; and Todd Clark, CPCU , Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Property/Casualty Companies. Dan Connell continues as Secretary of all companies. View the entire announcement here .

Saturday, Dec 4th 10-4 & Sunday, Dec 5th 12-4 This bazaar is geared to help you find perfect, unique gifts for your loved ones. Several jewelers, photographers, painters, a furniture designer and many other artist will have booths set up displaying their one-of-a-kind items. View the full flyer ARTISTS.... there is still space available if you are an artisan and would like to display and sell your items at the bazaar. Please contact Nikole at speakeasyartcenter@yahoo.com for more details.

(Pekin, Ill.) McDaniels Healthcare Marketing Group , a marketing firm headquartered in Pekin, Ill., recently received four Pinnacle Awards as part of the annual conference for the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) . Each year, the Pinnacle Awards are presented for excellence in healthcare marketing and public relations. Randall McDaniels , president, and Lynda Senkpiel, marketing and public relations specialist, accepted the awards on behalf of the agency’s clients and creative / public relations team. McDaniels Healthcare Marketing was recognized with the following public relations honors: Award of Excellence Pekin Hospital – Website Design/Development – “Pekin Orthopedic” Website Award of Merit Jersey Community Hospital – Advertising Campaign – “I Just Discovered...” Wellness Center Testimonial Campaign St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland – Community Newsletter – “Growing Together” Honorable Mention Pekin Hospital – Print Advertising ...

Congratulations to Michele and Bob Small, the Grand Marshals of the Pekin Winter Wonderland Parade.  Local resident Ed Emmons has posted over 150 pictures from the parade and opening ceremony.  You can see them at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/edemmons1/20101128WinterWonderlandParade?authkey=Gv1sRgCPbb3LWW4YLc5AE&feat=directlink #

INNOVATIVE AFFILIATION BETWEEN BRIDGEWAY AND ILLINOIS GROWTH ENTERPRISES PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICES AND EMPLOYMENT Bridgeway and Illinois Growth Enterprises (IGE) have joined forces in the creation of a progressive and innovative partnership that will allow for sustainability of human service programs while presenting the opportunity for expansion and growth. Bridgeway and Illinois Growth Enterprises, both of which are not-for-profit human service organizations, have created an affiliation which will combine the expertise of the two organizations with longstanding ties in their respective service areas. The Boards of Directors of Bridgeway, which operates in 40 locations throughout Illinois and Iowa, and Rockford-based Illinois Growth Enterprises, have approved a long-term affiliation agreement paving the way for the maintenance and expansion of jobs and programs. The state’s budget woes have been painful and far reaching to human service organizations which serve persons ...

Going Green Computers ,1600 Market St, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-241-2229; fax: 309-620-8679; email: goinggreencomputers@gmail.com ; Website: http://www.goinggreencomputers.com/ ; Bradley Frick, President. They are a residential and business computer recycling certified EPA collector of E-waste. They also provide sales and /or service of used compters and laptops.

The Pekin Winter Wonderland Committee is pleased to announce this years Grand Marshalls, Bob & Michelle Small.  Congratulations! Winter Wonderland Festival Parade~ Sunday, November 28, 2010 starting at 3:30 PM. This year’s theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Date: Sunday, November 28, 2010 Time: 2:30 PM - Line-up/judging begins Time: 3:30 PM - Parade begins at 9th and Broadway Parade Route : Begins in the 1100 block of Broadway, east on Broadway, right on Sycamore Street to Pavilion Drive, and ending at the Dugout Parking Lot. Please disband and have members picked up at the Miniature Golf parking lot. Following the parade the Opening Ceremonies will take place at the Pavilion in Mineral Springs Park with Fireworks, Refreshments, Carriage Rides, Sing a longs, and SANTA.

February 4, 2011 at the Waterhouse in Peoria Tickets Now Available $24.24 plus $2.32 online fee BUY HERE Habitat's 2x4s & More Art Auction is a unique fundraiser featuring more than 50 works of art using 2x4s as their "canvas."   Call 676-6729 ext. 3 or visit http://www.habitatpeoria.org/ for more information.

Business Expo 2011 The 2011 Pekin Area Business EXPO is a great opportunity to showcase your products or services to the public.   Last year 65 businesses and organizations participated. We hope you’ll join us for the Pekin Area Business EXPO ’11. Avanti’s Dome Saturday, January 22, 2011 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Free Admission – Free Parking Great EXPO Features: Ÿ          Entertainment Ÿ          Grand Prize Drawing: $250 Visa Gift Card, Sponsored by Illinois Collections Unlimited Ÿ          Door prize drawings all day from Exhibitors Join your fellow chamber members and promote all that is available in the Pekin area!   Register your business today.   View and print registration information on line at http://pekin.net/2010/EXPOmailer2011.pdf   Discounts apply to Chamber Members.   Register by December 31 st to be included in the special E...

Illinois Corn Processing , 1301 S Front; P.O. Box 1069, Pekin, IL 61555-1069; phone: 309-478-4474; fax: 309-353-4588; Randy Schrick, President; Tom Belk, Operations Manager; Sean Miller, Risk Manager; Don Shippy, Controller. Illinois Corn Processing is a producer of beverage, industrial, pharmaceutical and fuel alcohol.

Bruce Helling has returned to McDaniels Marketing Communications as media director/account executive (AE). Helling worked at the agency in the same position from 1993 through 2000. He brings a variety of skills to his position, including business development, print and broadcast media sales, advertising planning and negotiation, trade show experience, and project management. As media director, Helling is responsible for the management and oversight of the media department’s daily activities. In addition, he will be involved with production, including print projects like brochures, direct mail campaigns and more. “I am very excited about returning to the agency and the work I enjoy most,” Helling said. “It feels a little like I’m coming home.” Helling also serves as an AE, helping to maintain the agency’s high level of service for existing clients and developing new business opportunities where possible. Comfortable in the role, he also worked as an AE for a Bloomington-based advert...

Sunset Hills Mashie's Trivia Night! 1620 Summit Tonight 7:00 pm Bring a team or join a team!  Fun will be had by all! Prizes! Contact The Clubs at Sunset Hills for more information 347-7553

Local Pekin Community High School Students are helping to get the Downtown area ready for Christmas. Read the full article at: Beginning to look alot like Christmas in Pekin - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

Monday, November 15th Monday Night Football - Philadelphia @ Washington Wednesday, November 17th Trivia Night 7pm - PRIZES! Bring a team or join a team Special: Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Thursday, November 18th Taco Night!  3 for $5 or $2/ea NFL Chicago @ Miami Play BAGS Thirsty Thursday drink specials... $1 Domestic Pints & $2 Well drinks Friday, November 19th Special Fish and Chips, $8.95 Saturday, November 21st Sunday Ticket NFL Football Wednesday, November 24th Thanksgiving Eve Trivia Besides our regular trivia, which is our end of the month championship, how about a couple of rounds of Boomers (over45) vs. Post Boomers (under 45) A chance to have a night out with your kids, family or friends who are home for the holidays... November 26th or 27th Turkey Shootout!  2 Player Scramble Your choice, Friday or Saturday - Call for tee time. $25/player  includes: golf, cart fees and appetizer at Mashie's after round one.  Results will be...

CALL TO ARTISANS AND CRAFTERS!!! Holiday Shopping Bazaar!!! Saturday, December 4th 10a-4p and Sunday, December 5th 12-4p We are looking for artisans (woodworking, fiber, pottery, jewelry, photography, etc.) interested in displaying and selling your work. If you are interested please email us at speakeasyartcenter@hotmail.com for more details. COONEY/ MIALKOWSKI EXHIBIT All through the month of November you can visit the amazing work of Eric Cooney (photographer/sculptor/painter) & Gene Mialkowski (sculptor). Eric Cooney's work brings to life extraordinary beauty from ordinary places. Focusing in industrial abstract photography, his work always leaves you with a sense of wonder and intrigue. Gene Mialkowski works primarily in steel. He has an amazing ability to make heavy, metal sculpture feel as weightless as ribbons. This show is a MUST-SEE so come enjoy! FREE OPEN STUDIO!!! ( EVERY Thursday, 6-8p) Bring your pencils, pens, brushes, camera's, laptops, instruments (...

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING For VETERANS DRIVE (BROADWAY TO FISCHER ROAD)     THE CITY OF PEKIN WILL HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE, PUBLIC HEARING ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010 CONCERNING THE EXTENSION OF VETERAN’S DRIVE FROM BROADWAY TO FISCHER ROAD NORTH OF INTERSTATE 474.  THE OVERALL LENGTH OF THE PROPOSED ROADWAY EXTENSION IS APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILES.  ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THIS PROJECT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD FROM 5:30 P.M. UNTIL 8:00 P.M. AT SCOTT ALTMAN SCHOOL (FORMERLY SUNSET HILLS SCHOOL) LOCATED AT 1730 HIGHWOOD DRIVE, PEKIN, ILLINOIS. PERSONNEL FROM THE CITY OF PEKIN AND THE CONSULTING FIRM OF AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN PROJECT DISPLAYS.  ALL INTERESTED CITIZENS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND WILL BE OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE PROJECT.  VERBATIM COMMENTS WILL BE RECORDED.  NO FORMAL PRESENT...

Congratulations to the owners and employees at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, which reopened November 10th, just over a year after a fire destroyed much of the facility. Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pekin, the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and many others came together to commemorate the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Tours of the completely refurbished facility were also available.

Join a Community Input Session for your community! Peoria:  November 16th, 2010  3-4:30pm Peoria Area CVB 456 Fulton Street, Suite 300, Peoria Seating for this important session is limited, please RSVP your intent to attend to: Michelle Rios at 309.676.0303 or mrios@peoria.org

The Butch Gudat Fund is a charitable fund established to assist Tri-County firefighters, their families and their communities.   The fund commemorates the dedication and bravery of Peoria Fire Captain Butch Gudat who died fighting an apartment complex fire on Main Street on January 23, 1983. The fund provides two (2) $1,500 academic scholarships to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters and one (1) $750 grant to a fire station in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties.   Applications for the scholarship and grant are due by December 1 st .   To receive applications please go to the Butch Gudat Fund website at http://www.butchgudatfund.org/ or contact Mike Gudat by e-mailing mike@butchgudatfund.org . Applications may also be obtained at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois by calling 309-674-8730 or by e-mailing Kristan@communityfoundationci.org . ### Editor’s Note: The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has s...

Dr. Michele Moul will be hosting a BeadforLife Party fundraiser on Friday, November 19, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at CJ’s Café, 404 Court Street, Pekin. CJ’s Café will be open for dinner during the fundraiser. The BeadforLife Party will feature unique, colorful beads hand-rolled from recycled paper by Ugandan women. A large variety of loose beads, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces will be presented in many different styles.   Prices run from $5 to $30. A ll proceeds benefit BeadforLife.   Women work their way out of extreme poverty through the sale of these Beads.   The income received enables them to purchase food, healthcare, education and housing. The event is open to the public. For more information, please call (309) 347-0404.

Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) Participates in a National Effort to Highlight Collaboration, Innovation in Philanthropy During the week of November 12-18, 2010, The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will join more than 700 community foundations across America celebrating Community Foundation Week. For more than 20 years, the effort has raised awareness about the increasingly important role of these philanthropic organizations in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges. Community foundations are independent, public charities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to community-based organizations. Community foundations strengthen communities by enabling people to create charitable funds that address a wide range of interests. Through visionary, diverse, and inclusive philanthropy, community foundations have become catalysts for significant community change. During th...

The Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a membership information open house at the Avanti’s Dome in Pekin on Monday, November 15 th from 6 pm – 8 pm.   Individuals ages 18-40 who are interested in joining a growing social and service organization are encouraged to attend.   Food will be provided and adult beverages will be available to purchase. The Jaycees will also be running a membership special for that night only.   Dues will be slashed by $10 for individuals and $25 for couples.   The Tazewell County Jaycees run a variety of projects in the community, such as monthly trivia nights, a rotten egg hunt, and an upcoming triathlon.   The Jaycees also offer many programs for personal and professional development, such as an upcoming financial planning workshop.   They have plenty of fun, too, so please stop by the open house to learn more!

  A unique partnership between regional employers, Chambers of Commerce and employer organizations, local government, and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has resulted in the launch of ciCarpool, a web-based, interactive rideshare matching program. Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of ciCarpool, a web-based rideshare-matching service for the Peoria-Pekin region.   The service will launch in early December; with a press conference being held on December 2, 9:00am at the offices of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.   This service will allow employees and residents in the region to find carpool partners and share rides to work, special events, or when running errands.   As a result, users will save money and fuel, improve local air quality by eliminating some of the pollution-forming emissions, and reduce congestion on the region’s roadways. Sign-up and use of the ciCarpool service is free to u...

1st Annual Christmas Sip N Shop Ladies Night Out! Do you hate the crowds on Black Friday? How about a one stop shopping experience for EVERYONE on your Christmas list?  And have a night with the girls at the same time! Friday, November 19th 5-9 pm Avanti's Dome in Pekin Food, Fun, Prizes and Shopping! Food and cash bar provided by Avanti's Dome Admission $5 A protion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children's Hospital Full Flyer lists participating services. Questions or if you would like to participate, please contact Jona Ledgess 202-4460 or Rachel Fox 202-4179

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed their newest members, Morton Terrace and Morton Villa, with a ribbon cutting. Located at 191 Queenwood, Morton Villa and Morton Terrace are skilled nursing facilities specializing in small town comfort and secure living for seniors with needs. Morton Terrace Administrator William Wade, Morton Villa Administrator David McDaniel, and Community Outreach Director Ruby Cunefare, were joined by other employees for the ribbon cutting. More information is available at: www.MortonTerrace.co m