Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that Kurt Warkenthien, M.D., recently joined its medical staff and is now accepting new patients at ProHealth Family Medicine, Suite I of Park Court Medical Center at Pekin Hospital.       Board certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Warkenthien began his medical career when he graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois.   He then completed a Family Practice residency at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.   Prior to joining Pekin Hospital, Dr. Warkenthien was a family practice physician at Golden Rule Family Practice in Naperville, Illinois.   His areas of interest include treating male and female patients from one day to 100 years of age, with a strong emphasis on preventative medicine.   As a father of five children, he is an avid golfer, movie buff, and a sports enthusiast. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Warkenthien, please call (309) 346-1102.

Thanks to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:  Amanda's Closet ~ Ameren Illinois Utilities ~ American Fire Service ~ Bagley & Miller, Attorneys ~ George Beres ~ Champion Fitness Physical Therapy ~ CJ's Café ~ Commerce Bank ~ Elks Lodge ~ Enviro-Dry ~ Fred Lawrence and Sons Fire Equipment ~ Glesne Family Dentistry ~ Golf Green Lawn Care ~ Hallmark House Nursing Center ~ Harbor Light Hospice ~ Heartland Chiropractic Center ~ Herget Bank ~ Illinois Collections Unlimited ~ J & J Consulting Firm ~ Jim Maloof Realtor ~ Kriegsman Warehouses ~ Linde Group ~ Little 'Ades' Bicycle ~ Midwest Generation Powerton Station ~ Miller, Hall, & Triggs ~ Moehle, Swearingen & Umholtz ~ Neal Chiropractic Clinic ~ Pekin Community Bank ~ Pekin Hospital ~ Pekin Park District ~ Pekin Veterinary Clinic ~ Professional Towing & Recovery Operators ~ Les Pulfer ~ Ray Dennison Chevrolet ~ Redbrand Credit Union ~ Glen

Join us for the Pekin Area Business EXPO ‘12 Saturday, January 14th 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Avanti’s Dome Events & Sports Center of Pekin Free Admission – Free Parking Exhibits by over 70 Area Businesses Entertainment on Stage   9:30 am      YWCA of Pekin’s Coalition for Equality: 19 th Annual Martin Luther                        King   Jr. Celebration featuring the Fantastic Jones Family, a gospel                        group from Springfield, Illinois 10:30 am     Pekin Park District Dance Classes 11:00 am      Classical Dance Academy 12:00 pm     Signsations   1:00 pm      Kuk Sool Won of Pekin Door prize drawings throughout the day donated by Exhibitors Grand Prize Drawing: $250 Visa Gift Card, Sponsored by Illinois Collections Unlimited Thanks to our sponsors:  Midwest Generation - Powerton; Allegra Print & Imaging; Pekin Insurance; Pekin Daily Times; 101.1 Jack FM; 98.5 KISS FM; 96.5 ESPN; WWCT 99.

Pekin's economy continues to show signs of improvement.  The employment numbers are better than last month and significantly better than last year: Pekin’s unemployment rate is down from 9.6% in October to 9.3% in November Pekin’s unemployment rate is down from 10.9% in November of 2010 to 9.3% in November of 2011 There were 16,456 employed in Pekin in November of 2011, an increase of 709 (+4.5%) compared to November of 2010 Peoria regional unemployment is down from 9.3% in November of 2010 to 7.9% in November 2011 There were 191,943 employed in the Peoria region in November 2011, up 6,650 or 3.6% compared to November of 2010 The State of Illinois disburses sales tax receipts back to the municipalities each month.  Generally there is a lag of about two months from the time the purchase is made until the sales tax is distributed back to the the municipality.  So, the December disbursements from the State to the City of Pekin are generally those sales taxes collected b

The Chambers of Commerce in Tazewell County (East Peoria, Morton, Pekin and Washington) invite their members to the annual county-side Business After Hours on Thursday, January 12th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.  Fondulac Bank is the host.  There is no need to RSVP, just bring your business cards for networking!

Join us for Business After Hours on Thursday, January 5th from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.  The host is Riviera Tan, 2133 Court Street.  Come enjoy the networking, refreshments, door prizes and meet owners Anna and Yancy Green and their staff.  Admittance is free for chamber members and their guests, but a reservation is appreciated.  Call 346-2106 or email info@pekinchamber.com

January 2 – Chamber office closed January 3 – Ambassador Meeting January 4 – Member Promotions Comm. January 4 – Executive Committee Meeting January 5 – Pekin 1 st Committee January 5 – Business After Hours January 10 – Member Services Committee January 11 – Transportation Committee January 11 – Board of Directors Meeting January 12 – Tazewell Chambers After Hours January 14 – Pekin Area Business Expo January 16 – Chamber office closed - MLK January 18 – Marigold Festival Committee January 31 – Business Advocacy Committee

  On December 15, 2011, the 2012 Annual Contribution Rate Determination notice was mailed to employers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The recession caused Illinois and 20 state workforce agencies to have federal loan balances at the start of 2010 and 2011, triggering a credit reduction in the federal unemployment tax for 2011 that is payable in January 2012.  Earlier this year, legislation to avoid the need for continued reliance on federal loans passed the Illinois House 114-0 and the Illinois Senate 53-1. The bi-partisan support was earned after months of negotiation with lawmakers and leaders with the business and labor communities. Had the agreement not been reached, 2012 taxes for many employers would have been higher.  The legislation allows Illinois to sell bonds to pay off the loan. Managing the debt this way is similar to refinancing a mortgage. It saves money because the interest rate on the bonds is anticipated to be lower than the federal interest r

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on January 23, 24, and 25.   The series of three classes will be held from 2 – 5 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:   v   the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control v   how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size v   the possible complications associated with diabetes v   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 $70 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost).   The $7

Dreamscapes Landscaping, LLC, 425 Ann Eliza, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-267-0619; Mitch O'Shaughnessy, owner.  dreamscapeslandscaping@yahoo.com ; www.dreamscapespekin.com .  Dreamscapes Landscaping is a full-service lawn and landscape company offering year-round services, including snow removal.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) District 4 along with its partner agencies, the Illinois State Police (ISP), the City of Peoria and the City of East Peoria police and public works departments announces a new website which will provide detailed traveling conditions to Peoria area motorists. www.gettingaroundpeoria.com “This website will be an asset to motorists as well as law enforcement and first responders,” said Joe Crowe, IDOT Region 3 Engineer. “You will be able to see up to the minute traffic conditions at more than three dozen locations, in addition to work zone updates, railroad crossing alerts, and much more.” Information you will be able to access from your personal computer or mobile device includes: ·          Camera images ·          Dynamic sign messages ·          Roadway weather information ·          Roadway speeds and congestion levels ·          Construction activity ·          Incidents ·          Status of railroad cro

Security Finance., 404 North 5th Street, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-347-8339; fax: 309-347-8343; Tony Gordon, Manager; Shain Kell, Supervisor. Business Hours: Monday 9am - 6pm, Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 5pm, Friday 9am - 6pm. Security Finance is a consumer loan company with emphasis on delivering a high quality of professional and personal service, ensuring satisfaction with each and every customer experience. Security Finance specializes in installment loans and tax preparation.

Pekin Hospital is participating in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Heart Failure program.   The program provides hospital staff with tools that follow proven evidence-based guidelines and procedures in caring for heart failure patients to prevent future hospitalizations. Under the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure treatment guidelines, heart failure patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diuretics and anticoagulants while in the hospital.   They also receive alcohol/drug use and thyroid management counseling as well as referrals for cardiac rehabilitation before being discharged.   These standards of care are outlined in the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology secondary prevention guidelines for patients with heart failure. “The full implementation of national heart failure guideline recommended care is a critical step in preventing

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications for the position of Events Manager. Qualified applicants are encouraged to review the job description at http://www.pekinchamber.com/2012/EventsManager2012.pdf , and submit a letter of application and resume to: Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Attn: Bill Fleming 402 Court Street,  Pekin, IL 61554 Application deadline is January 4, 2012.

Whiz Kidz Academy., 1605 Florence Avenue, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-347-5121; email: info@mywhizkidz.com ; website: www.mywhizkidz.com ; Shelly O'Connell, Owner, President; Missy Deppert, Director. Business Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6pm. Whiz Kidz Academy's mission is to provide first-class activities and facilities. Their preschool and childcare programs are developmentally appropriate for your child's age and skill level and are taught by highly qualified and professional staff. Their facility and procedures ensure safety and contribute to a nurturing environment.

The 16th Annual John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The outing has been moved back 1 week later this year only, due to the Tri-Fund Conference. Look for more information being sent to you around February 15th. John M. Evans appreciates your continued support and are looking forward to seeing you on June 20th.

Dr. James Baldi , Morton IL 61550; Individual Member

Bard Optical is celebrating 70 years of providing vision care excellence! As a “Thank You” to the communities in which Bard Optical has an office, we are donating up to 70 pairs of glasses to “in need” public school students in each community. We will begin this program in Districts #108, #50, #52 and #122 on January 3, 2012. Students will bring their assigned voucher to the following Bard Optical offices: Pekin (Dist. #108), Washington (Dist. #50 and #52) and Peru (Dist. #122). Bard Optical recognizes that some students simply have little or no access to proper vision care.   We want to help these students by providing free glasses. To be eligible for this program, the student must meet the following criteria:             *            Age 13 and under             *            Family has no private optical insurance benefits for glasses Each eligible student will be provided with a voucher for one pair of free glasses.   If the student does not already have a current prescripti

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced the 2012 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2012, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 55.5 cents per mile for business miles driven 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The rate for business miles driven is unchanged from the mid-year adjustment that became effective on July 1, 2011. The medical and moving rate has been reduced by 0.5 cents per mile.

Professional Therapy Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that Shannon Stubbs, MS, CCC-SLP and Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Stergar, PT, CLT and have attained the status of Senior Clinician and Advanced Senior Clinician , respectively .   This recognition was gained through the successful completion of several steps including advanced education, certification and training, a minimum of four years of clinical experience, demonstrated expertise and knowledge in their therapy discipline, mentoring of student clinicians, providing community education, and peer and supervisor recognition of their career accomplishments.

CARF International announced that Goodwill of Central Illinois has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services: Community Housing, Employment Services: Employment Skills Training Services programs and Governance Standards Applied at the following three locations: Peoria Learning Center, Galesburg Learning Center and the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans. This is the sixth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) has awarded to Goodwill of Central Illinois. The Three-Year Accreditation from CARF represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows Goodwill’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurab

Nearly 100 people attended the Puttin On Pekin breakfast this morning at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Jake Ista (Jake's Place) won the early prize, while Melanie Long (McDaniels Marketing Communications) earned a lump of coal with the late prize. The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble entertained the crowd with Christmas music. There were 7 grand prize winners in the big year-end door prize drawing. Erik Reader, Drew Lockwood, Ralph Mickley, Beau Austin, Dr. Timm Schwartz, Terry Finnegan, and Leslie Cameron each won a basket of prizes worth about $300. There were 8 names drawn from people who weren't in attendance, including one who left the breakfast early! You had to be present to win.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, along with several past presidents, chamber staff, spouses and guests got together for a Christmas dinner at Mashie's. Christmas entertainment was provided by Val & Greg Springborn, Connie Moser, and Dan Taylor. The guests brought stuffed animals that will be donated to the Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center.  More pictures from this and other chamber events can be found at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer a Healthcare Provider CPR course for nursing students and others who are entering a health occupation field in the January 2012 semester.   A full professional rescue CPR class is scheduled for January 3 from 8 a.m. – noon 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, please call (309) 353-0351 or email Pgreen@pekinhospital.com The CPR class is offered through the American Heart Association, and participants will receive a two-year card upon completion.  If you or someone you know is entering nursing school or any other health occupation course this winter, this is a CPR class that is accepted by all colleges of nursing in the Central Illinois area.  

Over the next three months the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy ® program will be offering FREE online training events that you can access from the comfort of your desk. These training events are designed to help businesses become more knowledgeable about energy efficiency. For more information on all ActOnEnergy training events, go to the Education and Training   page at ActOnEnergy.com. December Online Training Event Topic: Best Practices for Compressed Air to Improve Industrial Efficiency Speaker: Bill Scales, P.E., Scales Industrial Technologies, Inc. Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. In this presentation, we will discuss current trends in compressed air technologies and sequencing that can make your compressed air operations more energy efficient. To register for “Best Practices for Compressed Air to Improve Industrial Efficiency,” click here . January Online Training Events Topic: Variable Frequency Drives: Energy Efficiency Opport