Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Save the date for these upcoming events! Downtown Farmer’s Market & Artists (Weekly, Thursdays Mid June – September) Open-air market featuring locally grown fresh produce, delicious baked goods, flowers and herbs, crafts, organic items and arts. Free, live entertainment periodically on the Courthouse lawn. Held on Capitol Street, opposite the Courthouse. Family event. Summer Fun on Court (Saturday June 11 & Friday July 8 from 5:00-10:00 p.m.): Music fills the air in historic downtown Pekin with an outdoor street party. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the live entertainment and food vendor available. Family event, although alcohol will be sold. Pekin Main Street Super Cruise (Friday July 29, 4 – 10p.m./Saturday July 30, 1 - 8p.m.): Event expands, 2 Day Event Downtown Pekin fills up with beautifully restored to new model cars, trucks & bikes for this 6th annual popular event. Last year over 6,000 people attended this event to view over 1000 cars, trucks and bikes on ...

Save the date for the Spring Stakeholders Meeting on Thursday, May 26th, 2011 from 11:45am- 1:15pm. The meeting will be held at Kenyon's Restaurant in Lacon, Illinois. The cost is $25 per person. Aaron Ozinga from Ozinga Materials, Inc. will be discussing Ozinga's Marshall County mining operations and the importance of water transportation to the construction industry. To register go to www.portdistrict.com .

Thank you to the following members who have recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:              American Motor Trends ~ MAP/ACT (Artistic Community Theatre)                                Associated Bank ~ Bond Eye Associates ~ Boys & Girls Club of Pekin                                     Elliff, Keyser, Oberle & Dancey, PC ~ Holiday Inn Express Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Illinois Central College Illinois Department of Employment Security ~ J H Car Wash Jimmy Johns ~ Dr. Brendon J. Johnson, OD Kelley Construction Contractors ~ Kyle’s Care at H...

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on April 25 th at the Pekin Country Club.   Two-hundred twenty members and guests attended the reception and short business meeting, followed by entertainment with an inspirational message from Stephen Bargatze.   Five members of the Board of Directors retired, as their terms were completed.   Recognized for their service were:   Aindrea Balagna, Wolf Tesar & Company; Dave Calhoun, Let It Shine; Jim Kouri, Kouri’s Pub; Mary Ann Ladendorf, Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell; and, Scott Lange, Pekin Union Mission Society.   Also recognized was Mike Vonderheide from Vonderheide Floor Coverings, who completed his service to the board as Past President.   The membership elected new directors in March and they were introduced.   They are Courtney Antonini, John Dennison, Greg Henderson, Scott Kriegsman, and Brent Morgan.   See the next pages for their stories.   The newly seated board the...

May 3 Ambassador Meeting                          May 11 Board of Directors Meeting    May 4 Executive Board Meeting                   May 12 Tech and Tell May 5 Pekin 1st Committee                         May 18 Marigold Festival Committee          May 5 Business After Hours                         May 10 Member Services Committee                                May 11 Tran...

Ten chamber members got together on Thursday, April 14 th at the Avanti’s Dome for free coffee and “show and tell.”   This was the second month for this informal gathering.   Some of the participants were there to listen, while others shared and demonstrated new technologies, apps, or gadgets they use to be more efficient and effective at work. Last month we discussed QR Codes and accepting credit card payments with your smart phone.   This month we discussed downloading e-books from the Pekin Public Library, Quixey (a search engine for apps), Seize the Deal and Groupon advertising opportunities, some of the new phones and tablets and $G networks that are available or coming soon to Verizon Wireless and Sprint Wireless Express, Screencast-o-matic (a free tool to make simple online screen-shot tutorials) and, Animoto (a free tool to make and share slide shows with music and voice-overs). The next Tech Show ‘n Tell will be Thursday, May 12 th at 7:30 am the Avanti’s Dom...

Derby Days will be held May 19-May 22.   There will only be a carnival this year.

AMBUCS Auction will take place May 6 th at 5:00pm at the Pekin Memorial Arena.   Call any AMBUCS member or Terry Finnegan at 347-1131 to make a donation.

Spruce Up Pekin will set up dumpsters at four city locations to collect residents' garbage. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th, people can drop off their trash at four locations- the Mineral Springs Park parking lot, Fire Station No. 2 at 14th and Willow streets, 1130 Koch St., and the intersection of Knapp and Sapp streets. No yard waste, paint, microwaves, propane tanks or aerosol cans will be accepted. Williams said that, as always, more volunteers are needed for the day of the event. He can be contacted at 346-4432. Tires will be accepted at the 1130 Koch St. location only. The fee to drop off passenger tires is $2; the fee for implement tires from vehicles such as riding lawn mowers is $3; and the fee for semi-truck tires is $9. Metal will be accepted at the Mineral Springs Park location. Environmental Oil Company, out of Peoria, will also be there to collect used oil. Interstate Batteries will also be at the park location. "Another thing people hav...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on May 16, 17, and 18.   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 Registere...

The Pekin Hospital Foundation Garden Gala will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites in East Peoria.   Net proceeds from the event will benefit the relocation and renovation of the Pediatrics Unit at Pekin Hospital. Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased by visiting www.pekinhospital.org or calling (309) 353-0559.   The evening includes dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions featuring items generously donated by local businesses and donors.   The evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Downtime Band.   Attire is semi-formal. Some of this year’s silent auction items include a variety of getaways, health services, wine tastings, electronics, and home décor items.   Live auction items include:   a Cape Cod getaway, an Ireland 6-night package, 2012 Masters Finals getaway, a Telluride, Colorado 5-night stay for up to eight, and much more.   For a full listing of silent and live auction items, please visit...

The next First Tuesdays will be held on Tuesday, May 2, from 5 to 7 pm at Famous Daves, 7411 N. Grand Prairie Dr., Peoria, IL.   The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites area women to a monthly networking opportunity for Peoria-area women. Celebrate Spring and the spirit of giving by meeting other dynamic women who are passionate about empowering the women and children in our communities.  Become part of a national movement towards Women’s Philanthropy.  To automatically receive First Tuesdays’ invitations, call The Women's Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309 674-8730 or email kristan@communityfoundationci.org and ask to receive the ‘E-vite’, an online invitation, for First Tuesdays. Appetizers and beverages will be served and door prizes awarded. Donations will be accepted to further the work of the Women’s Fund.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois wants to help you honor mother and mother figures alike this Mother’s Day. With a minimum donation of $25 to the Women’s Fund you can remember your mother or someone who is like a mother to you with an “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” gift. For each gift, a hand-written note will be sent to the recipient (for in-memoriam gifts will be sent to the family). In addition to a hand-written note, an advertisement listing all the names will run in the July-August issue of art & society Magazine. For more information check out our website at: http://communityfoundationci.org/womens-fund-information or call or email Kristan at 309/674.8730 or kristan@communityfoundationci.org

We have received funding for Children's Garden Programs on Soldwedel's grounds. Assistance is needed in tilling, mixing soils, constructing deer deterrent fencing and posts. A work date is scheduled for Sat. April 30, beginning at 9am. Please call Terri Gambetti at 353-4319 if you are interested in helping.

The famed Izaak Walton League of America has announced that they have honored two local Pekin  “Heroes” of conservation efforts at their Annual Illinois State Directors’ meeting in Elgin , Illinois on April 9, 2011 . The Izaak Walton League is a diverse group of 50,000 men and women dedicated to protecting our nation's soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife.   Their strength lies in their grassroots, commonsense approach to solving local, regional and national conservation issues. Their interests span the spectrum   of outdoor recreation and conservation activities, from angling and birding to stream monitoring, wildlife photography and hunting. But we all share  one major goal: to protect and use sustainably America's rich resources to ensure a high quality of life for all people, now and in the future. Cathy Beers, a long-time member of Havana Illinois ’ Izaak Walton Chapter with Larry’s Casting Kids nominated Dan Johnson of   NTS Telephone...

Read what is happening this week with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce by clicking here:  http://www.pekin.net/ThisWeekWithTheChamber.htm

South Side Trust & Savings Bank is pleased to announce the opening of their new Pekin location at 3200 Veterans Drive (across from Menards) in Pekin, Illinois on Monday, May 2 nd , 2011.   A ribbon cutting will be held on Monday, May 16 th , 2011 at 9:00 a.m.   The Grand Opening Celebration will be held Monday, May 16 th through Saturday, May 21 st , with refreshments and door prizes all week long. Please take a moment to stop by and visit with Thomas (Chip) Hill, a graduate of Illinois State University and a life-long resident of Pekin, who will manage the new facility.   The new full-service branch offers a complete line of financial products and services – including checking and savings accounts, CDs, money markets, personal and business lending, and much more.   The branch houses 315 safe deposit boxes and presents a complete range of Brokerage and Trust Services .   It features three drive-up teller lanes, two of which are equipped with two-way televi...

The Current Exhibit :  Bipolarity , An exhibition by scuptor/painter-Morgan Elser. She will exhibit her interests in both 2D and 3D work. Her body of work spans both realism and whimsy. The exhibit will show April 8th-30th. The Next Exhibit :   Group Photography Exhibit of local artists. Additionally Speakeasy will have an exhibit of high school students photography work. The opening reception for these exhibits is May 6th from 6-8:30. Spoken Word Poetry Night :  Wednesday April 27th from 9p to ?. Bring yourselves, a friend and a drink and join us! Mothers Day is just around the corner! Please also keep in mind that Speakeasy Art Center is a lovely backdrop for any event/occasion. It's unique and artistic flair will be sure to make it a time to remember! They can host wedding receptions, family reunions, graduation parties, baby or wedding showers, birthday parties, office parties, etc. For more information please contact Nikole at speakeasyartce...

Bill Neff Video Productions., 1409 Lincoln Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-264-5369; fax: 309-402-0253; email: BillNeffVideo@gmail.com ; website: http://www.billneffvideo.com/ ; Bill Neff, Owner. Bill Neff Video Productions specializes in high definition video productions of community events, sports, web casts, commercials, and multi-camera productions.

Chemtura Agrosolutions., 2320 Lakecrest Drive, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-347-2184; website: http://www.chemtura.com/ ; Robin Thomas, Plant Manager; Debbie Gardner, Office Manager; Fran Bourdeall Jr, Production Supervisor; Business hours 7:30-4:00. Chemtura Agrosolutions packages and formulates seed enhancement products.

Eight local Police Dept. and Fire Dept. teams will be competing against each other in a double elimination charity basketball tournament to support the Special Olympics of Illinois. The event will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 8:30am at Pekin Community High School. Cost of admissions for adults is $5, students $3, and children 5 and under are free. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.

Stay tuned as Best Western Ashland House completes their mission to remodel. Out with the old, in with the new! There will be new carpet, new paint, new rooms, new bedding, and all king rooms! We will keep you posted on the completion, not to mention the coming out party!

Town and Country Baptist Church will be having a bluegrass gospel sing the second Saturday of May on the 14th @ 6pm. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy an evening of acoustic music with friends and family. The church is located just east of Pekin at 18443 IL STATE RT 9 Pekin IL 61554. A offering will be accepted to help off set of the cost for the event. For more information please call 309.613.3215.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that installation of flashing yellow arrow signals in the Peoria area has resumed and will continue through the end of the summer. These signals will be installed at intersections in the following communities in the months ahead: Peoria, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, Pekin, North Pekin, Creve Coeur, Chillicothe, and Mossville. Motorists traveling along area streets and highways should expect to see more of this new style of left-turn traffic signal head at intersections. In total, IDOT is equipping more than 100 intersections in Peoria and surrounding communities with flashing yellow arrow signals. By adding a flashing yellow arrow, this style of signal head is designed to make it easier for drivers to know what to do when making a left turn. When the flashing yellow arrow is displayed, motorists may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. For more information, please watch this short video: http:...

The Illinois Blood Bank is running critically low. Papa Murphy's wants to help the American Red Cross in its efforts to help save lives. Papa Murphy's will be holding a blood drive on Saturday, April 30 between 10:30am- 3:30pm. The blood drive will be located at Methodist at Pekin at 1800 Broadway Street. Everyone who presents to donate receives a Large deLite 1-Topping Pizza FREE! (Or $7.99 off any regular menu price pizza).

The Rotary Club of Pekin will host an Open House at the Avanti’s Dome on Wednesday, April 27 th from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.  The public is invited to attend to learn more about Rotary’s purpose, its good works in the community, and membership in the group.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served.  For more information, you can contact Rotary President, Mike Krohe, at 347-0265. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that paving operations are set to begin in the southbound lanes of IL 29 in North Pekin Wednesday, April 20 th , weather permitting. This work is expected to take about two weeks. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures while the paving is underway. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones.

On April 20 th at 10:00 a.m. Passages Hospice will launch their new pet seal, “DALA” at Hallmark House Nursing Center.   The DALA therapeutic robot looks, feels and sounds like a baby seal.   It will coo when you pet it and cry when you squeeze it too hard.   It knows its name, and the sound of your voice.   It can easily be mistaken for a real animal, and that’s the point. DALA is being used to treat dementia patients who have difficulty communicating with their loved ones and caregivers.   Studies have shown that uncommunicative patients may respond to animals more easily than to humans.   DALA offers all the comfort of a pet without the risk or mess. “Hallmark partnered with Passages Hospice three years ago, and our residents have experienced Passages sincere compassion, unrivaled palliative care, and now advanced high tech patient-centered therapies,” said Lynn Brady, Administrator of Hallmark House.   Passages Hospice is the only hospice provi...

There is still time to earn your $2,500 Illinois Tax Credit! When your business creates a new position and hires a new full time employee with a salary of $10.00 per hour or more, your company can receive a $2,500 Illinois Tax Credit. Small businesses (50 or fewer employees) still have time to save $2,500 per person when they hire a new full time employee.  Here are the highlights:  Eligible if, as of June 30, 2010, you employed 50 or fewer full-time employees (counting all locations) Eligible Jobs created between 7/1/10 - 6/30/11 Position pays no less than $10/hour or equivalent with minimum $18,200 annually. Position sustained for at least one year (not necessarily held by the same individual for the year). Withholding tax goes to Illinois. Hourly or full-time, but not partners or independent contractors. Tax Credits - Certificate after one year Visit the website to register and learn more about this tax saving opportunity.   http://jobstaxcredit....

Tickets are now available for the Native American Blessing Ceremony of the Illinois River Grounds at East Peoria on Saturday, April 23rd at 1 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 100 Conference Center Dr., East Peoria, Il. Tickets are available at the Tazewell County Museum & Educational Center, 2950 Court St., Pekin, Il. on Wednesday, April 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost of the Tickets is $20.00 and reservations are required. Seating is limited. Or you may contact Christal Dagit at 309-346-1889 or 309-840-0177 for a reservation. We will be located in the Grand View Room and retire to the patio area for the Blessing Ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony will be a Native American Cultural program with a Native American theme dessert. All proceeds go to the War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium Gathering being planned for April 26 through 28, 2012. Come and enjoy a taste of our earliest Illinois heritage. This program is sponsored by the Tazewell County Museum ...

Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Rotten Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 30th at Mineral Springs Park, Diamond 1, in the Pekin Park District. This event is free and the hunt will begin at 10am and is for ages (1-3, 4-7, 8-12). Parents will only be allowed on the field with children in the first age group. Grand prizes will be given away for each age group. If you would like more information about this event please check out http://www.tazcojaycees.com/ or email tazcojaycees@yahoo.com .

Professional Therapy Services, Inc. is moving their Pekin therapy clinic to a new location at 2988 Court Street in the Sunset Office Plaza.   Their team, of skilled and knowledgeable therapists, is available to treat an array of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy disorders and conditions.   For information regarding the programs and services available, call 309/353-5940 or visit them on-line at www.ptsinc.org .

The Trail Building Workshop is this Sunday, April 17, noon-4pm. Taught by Tony Thaller, Mike Staub and Randy Reliford, the workshop begins in the lodge learning the basics of trail planning, design and construction techniques. They will construct 1/2 mile or so of trail in the woods north of Soldwedel. Wear old clothes, long sleeves and heavy boots. Limited spaces are available. Please email Terri Gambetti at   tsgambetti@netscape.net , to let them know if you plan to attend by Friday at noon.

A leading provider of mutual fund information, analytical tools and commentary has given one of the funds in the Commerce Family of Funds its highest rating.  The Commerce Short-Term Government Fund (CFSTX) was awarded the 2011 Lipper Fund Award’s “Best Fund over Three Years” in the Short U.S. Government Funds category.   “This award provides further recognition that The Commerce Trust Company and its Fixed Income group continue to deliver the best risk-adjusted performance,” said Scott Colbert, director of Fixed Income Management, The Commerce Trust Company.  “This particular fund has been and remains a lower risk alternative to traditional bond funds and continues to seek to deliver its investment objective.  The Commerce Short-Term Government Fund continues to look for current income with the preservation of principal, and has done it better than any of its competitors over the last three years.” The fund was started in December, 1994.

Click the picture above to enlarge the calendar

Read what is happening this week with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce by clicking here:  http://www.pekin.net/ThisWeekWithTheChamber.htm

The 9th annual PCHS Dragon Pride is Thursday, May 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hawkins Gym.  There will be student and class displays and demonstrations, and student recognition.  The public is invited.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has extended the deadline for the Women in Leadership Scholarship Application to April 15, 2011. The Women in Leadership of Central Illinois Scholarship Fund is a $1000 scholarship founded to provide scholarships for women throughout the Tri-County area pursuing higher education in business and management.   For more information, please visit www.communityfoundationci.org or contact Kristan Creek of CFCI at 309-674-8730, and email: kristan@communityfoundationci.org .

About 60 chamber members attended the April 8th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Dave Osborn from Trouble Free Plumbing won the early prize, while Michael Ragan from the Illinois Department of Employment Security won the late prize. Renna Hadsall accepted the Spotlight on Business Award for Busey Bank. The Blue Ribbon Award was given to Amanda Rogy at Amanda's Closet, and the YWCA of Pekin was presented with the Sunshine Award. Jim Lynch from Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois was the speaker.

Thanks to Allen & Associates for hosting the April 7th Business After Hours.  Rather than holding it at their office, the event was held at one of their new homes in the Deerfield Estates subdivision.  A great turnout of chamber members were there to see the new construction and here about the growing subdivision.

Welcome new individual member Erik Reader!

Kuk Sool Won of Pekin., 1530 N 8th Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-346-3466; email: yates1675@yahoo.com ; website : www.kuksoolwonofpekin.com ; Michael Yates, Owner; Teresa Yates, Director; Business hours 5:00pm- 9:00pm M-F, 9:00am- 12:00pm Sat. Kuk Sool Won of Pekin is a Korean martial arts studio that teaches the Traditional Korean Martial Art of Kuk Sool. We provide martial arts instruction to children, adults, and seniors. We strive to promote self-confidence and self-discipline through effective self-defense.   

BBB Warns Central Illinois 'Don't get burned by this smokeless scheme'. Consumers who tried to take advantage of "free" Internet offers for smokeless cigarettes say they were burned by unexpected charges that totaled $100 or more, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns.  Customers from 44 states have filed more than 360 complaints against Direct E-Cig of Naples, Fla., and London, England, in the last year. More than 40 of those complaints came from Missouri and Illinois. Direct E-Cig has an "F" grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible.

According to an annual report released today by Better Business Bureau, consumers filed 1.1 million complaints against North American businesses in 2010, reflecting a ten percent increase over the previous year. Consumers also turned to the non-profit more than 87 million times for help researching businesses across North America, a whopping 37 percent more than in 2009.

Be sure and mark Thursday May 26, 2011 to attend the BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics.

If you have not yet done so, please call with your reservations for Puttin' On Pekin.  The breakfast is this Friday, April 8th, beginning at 6:45am at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th.  The cost is only $10 if you get your reservations in by the end of today.  Call us at 346-2106 to RSVP.

April 7th Allen & Associates 1708 Whitetail in Deerfield Estates

Town and Country Baptist Church is having a Bluegrass Gospel Sing. Saturday April 9th @ 6pm located at 18443 IL Route 9 Pekin IL 61554. The little country church on the outskirt of town just east of Pekin. If you would like to pick and sing or just relax and listen please come. A free-will offering will be accepted. For information call 309.613.3215.

Listen Live to interviews with Mike Quade, Len Kasper, Casey Kopitzke, Oneri Fleita and Kevin Goldstein! Opening Day is Thursday! The Peoria Chiefs are set to kick off the 2011 season at home aganst the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m . The first 1500 fans through the gates get a 2011 Peoria Chiefs Magnet Schedule courtesy of Trouble Free Heating & Cooling. Opening Day also marks the return of Thirsty Thursday's with $2.00 16 oz beers and sodas. Start the night with a pre-game party at Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery at 3:00 p.m. with $2.50 Bud Family bottles and $10.00 buckets as 105.7 The X Rocks broadcasts live. Friday April 8 is Fright Night with a 6:30 p.m. start. Come dressed in your scariest costume as the ballpark is transformed into a scary, haunted dwelling by Spider Hill. Performers will be roaming the concourse with a mini Haunted House on display and decorations all over the stadium, provided by the folks who scare you every Octo...

The Pekin Riding Club is holding a fundraiser on April 18, 2011 from 5 PM to 8 PM in conjunction with Culvers in Pekin, IL.   We invite anyone with an interest in equine events to help support our group as we raise funds to help keep our shows fun and safe for our members.   Members of the group will be present to answer questions about our organization, our shows and our horses. All you need to do is stop by Culvers and enjoy an ice cream treat or a meal.   The fundraiser will provide 10% of all regularly priced food sales to the Pekin Riding Club. Participating store is at 3500 Court St, Pekin, IL. The Pekin Riding Club is a membership-based, non-profit organization that is open to horse enthusiasts of all skill levels.   The fun shows run all summer, boast a wide variety of classes and are free to spectators who wish to attend.   The Fun Shows are held on the Pekin Riding Club grounds, located at 11401 IL Rt 29 in South Pekin. For directions to the Pekin R...

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that one lane of northbound IL 29 from just south of Wesley Rd. to just north of Lasalle Blvd. in North Pekin will be closed on Thursday, April 7 th . In addition, milling work is expected to begin on IL 29 in this area Tuesday, April 12 th , weather permitting. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures while the milling work is underway. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones.

The Pekin Hospital League’s 20 th Annual Golf Classic will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011, at Pekin Country Club. The entry fee is $125 per person and includes green fees, cart, lunch, beverages, and a buffet dinner.   Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. shot-gun start.   The format will be a four person scramble.   The right hole-in-one could net the winner $5,000 along with chances to win other bonus prizes.   Proceeds from the golf classic will support digital mammography at Pekin Hospital. Entry forms are available online at http://www.pekinhospital.org/ , or by calling (309) 353-0559.   Entry deadline is April 26, 2011.   For more information, call Gloria Neal at (309) 347-7307.

Don't miss the news about Business After Hours, Puttin' On Pekin, Breakfast 2.0, Tech and Tell, the Marigold Grand Marshall nominations, and more. Read what is happening this week with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce by clicking here:  http://www.pekin.net/ThisWeekWithTheChamber.htm

The Redbrand Credit Union Board of Directors announces the appointment of Kelly Whitaker as President/Manager.   She is replacing Anna May Nichols, who served in the position from 1988-2011. Mrs. Whitaker has been an employee of the Credit Union for 11 years.   Previous to this she held the position of Executive Vice President.