Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer a free food label reading program for persons with diabetes on September 22, 2011 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Pekin Hospital’s Park Court Conference Center. The 90-minute program is designed to provide the tools and skills to understand basic food label reading and how it applies to diabetes meal planning. At the completion of the course, participants will: •   Demonstrate recognition of serving size from sample labels •   Verbalize the relation of serving size to carbohydrate choice •   Utilize total carbohydrate and dietary fiber to determine carbohydrate choice Workshop speakers will include registered dieticians with meal planning experience. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration by September 15 is required.   Class size is limited.   To register, please call (309) 353-0719.

The Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Trivia Night on Thursday, September 8th starting at 6:30pm at EP’s Timeout ( 1011 E. Washington St. ) in East Peoria to raise funds for the Dax Locke Foundation.  They will be collecting schools supplies for area schools. A two to ten person team will be able to play 8 rounds of 10 questions for $10.00 per person or $5.00 per person for Jaycees.  Registration begins at 6pm with play starting at 6:30pm .  Throughout the evening a 50/50 raffle will be conducted along with door prizes being awarded.  The winning team will be awarded a traveling trophy, free admission and 2 free pizzas from EP’s Timeout at the next trivia night. If you would like to reserve a table for your team please contact the Tazewell County Jaycees at TazCoJaycees@yahoo.com .  Please note that reservations are preferred, but not required.

Debbie Henninger will present a program on Hobo Quilts at the next TCGHS meeting.   She will be showing quilts and sharing her knowledge of the depression era hobo markings that appear in them.   Debbie owns three local quilt shops including Cotton Stitches in Pekin.   She also authored a book about the quilts. The meeting will take place Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00PM at the TCGHS Ehrlicher Research Center, 719 N 11th St., Pekin.  Regular membership meeting will follow the presentation.  For more information about TCGHS visit the website www.tcghs.org  or call 309-477-3044.

Congratulations to all the players and winners in the 2011 Women's Marigold Golf Outing, held on August 27th at Parkview Golf Course.  You can see a few pictures of the event on the Chamber's picture page . A FLIGHT 64 - Helen Wahls & Patricia Minch 67 - Sandy STone & De De Wilt 73 - Marlena Woll & Connie Betson 76 - Marie Antonini & Shirley Barker 78 - Ann Jarvill & Juanita McNeese B FLIGHT 79 - Sally Johnson & Chris Fitzanko 80 - Denise Comerford & Ann Look 82 - Linda Fletcher & Nancy Proehl 82 - Diane Steiner & Stephanie Johnson 82 - Merry S. Willock & Della Eeten C FLIGHT 83 - Bessie Parks & Jan Connell 83 - Judy Woods & Rose Poe 84 - Rhonda Sellers & Dea Sullivan 85 - Phyllis Matthews & Lois Wegener 86 - Debbie Simon & Jane Butts D FLIGHT 86 - Linda Selburg & Fran Graham 87 - Betty Kaebel & Carrie Ward 87 - Holly Brown & Joy Wojtas 92 - Mary Gensel & Kathy Stibal 107...

 98.5 KISS-FM is bringing Atlantic Records teen star Cody Simpson to Peoria for a special performance at Limestone High School, winners of the "KISS-FM Back To School Spirit contest." Cody, often compared to teen sensation Justin Bieber, will perform his single "On My Mind" as well as answer questions from students, and sign autographs for his fans. Limestone High School won this honor by accumulating the most votes in a two week online contest at www.KISSpeoria.com . All schools in Central Illinois were included in the contest. Cody Simpson grew up on Australia's Gold Coast and learned from his father to play guitar at age 7. By the time he turned 12, Cody had posted videos of himself performing cover versions of songs by his influences including Justin Timberlake, Jason Mraz and The Jacksons. His YouTube Channel has been viewed more than 41 million times and he has more than 152,000 fans worldwide who subscribe. It was through his YouTube success that Cody...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin officially welcomed the Big R Store to Pekin with a ribbon cutting on Friday, August 26th. The event marked the start of Big R's Grand Opening celebration that lasted all weekend.Representing Big R at the ribbon cutting were Ed Ensminger, Jerry Gibbs, Jerald Sherman, and store manager Mike Noren. The Big R is located at 3315 Court Street. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am to 7:00pm.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Thank you to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Ace Liquor ~ Busey Bank ~ CommunityLink ~ First Community Title Services   The Grand Victorian of Pekin ~ Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area Hamm's Furniture ~ Hospice Compassus ~ Illinois Centers for Pain and Rehab   Intouch Home Care of Lutheran Social Services ~ James Jones ~ Liberation Software Lowman & Barra Pekin Union Mission Society ~ SBSi Semonis Insurance Group St. Joseph Catholic Church ~ State Senator David Koehler 46th District Tazewell County Area Education

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting self-nominations for the 14th Annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon to be held at Pekin Country Club on Thursday, October 20th. We would like to honor your business or organization for its accomplishments during the past year. Nomination forms and more information can be downloaded at: www.pekinchamber.com/2011/BACRL.pdf

Get the facts regarding local, regional, state and federal resources including loans, grants and direct assistance.   Learn about all of the relevant programs and opportunities available to Central Illinois companies.   This free event will feature 18 agencies that can help you and your business.   This FREE event is on September 28 th from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 W. Main Street.   This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is requested to accommodate materials.   Contact Linda Krendick at PTAC, (309) 495-5907 or lkrendick@h-p.org with questions.   To register visit:   https://store.heartlandpartnership.org/catalog/edc/business-and-financial-resources-workshop .

Like the stock markets, the local economy is on a wild ride of ups and downs. The number of people employed in Pekin rose to 16, 458 in June.   According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, that’s the fourth consecutive month of job growth and the highest local employment level since December of 2008. The Illinois Department of Revenue reports Pekin’s year-to-date sales tax receipts through August are 1.7% above last year’s mark.   While it is positive growth, it lags behind the growth rate of other Tazewell County communities.   The local housing market remains stagnant.   Year-to-date residential unit sales are 4.3% lower, and the average sales price is 6.8% lower than the same period last year.   The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS reports other Tazewell County communities are experiencing similar trends.  

September 1 - Pekin 1 st Committee September 1 – Business After Hours September 6 – Ambassador Meeting September 7 – Member Promotions Mtg September 7 – Executive Board Meeting September 7 – Marigold Meeting September 8 – Marigold Carnival Bracelet   Night September 9 – Friday Night Family Fest September 10 – Marigold Festival September 11 – Marigold Festival September 13 – Member Services Committee September 14 – Transportation Committee September 14 – Board of Directors Meeting September 21 – Marigold Festival Committee September 27 – Business Advocacy Meeting

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard is looking for harvest volunteers.   If you would like to experience the harvest please give them a call to check their daily work schedule or to let them know when you will be able to help with harvesting the grapes. They have just begun and expect to be in the vineyards for the next 3-4 weeks.   Please call 309-359-9463 or email them at mackinawwinery03@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.   Paul and Diane thank you.

Thousands of Ducks to Race in Illinois River this Sunday, Aug. 28 th at 3pm Who:       Title Sponsor Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino will present their sponsorship check to The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Friends and fans of the Duck Race, volunteers and staff will be there to cheer on the winning ducks.   What:     DUCKS!!   Thousands of Yellow Rubber Ducks Grand Prize is $5000.00 sponsored by South Side Bank                                 When:     Sunday August 28, 2011 ·          Fun starts @ noon ·          Check presentation @ 2:45 ·          Race @ 3:00 pm ·          Win...

·         Qualifying will take place the entire month of August.  Each player competing must play 18 holes from the white tees playing the ball down with a fellow club member and turn their scorecard into the golf shop.   ·        Each flight will contain 16 players based on their qualifying scores. ·        Format will be match play from the blue tees for Championship flight and white tees for all other flights. ·        The following is a range of dates when each match may be completed. o    Round1 = September 1 st -11 th o    Round 2=September 12 th -22 nd o    Round 3=September 23 rd -October 4 th o    Finals=October 5 th -16 th ·        Once field is set players are responsible for setting up their own tee times.   ·      ...

Who:      Volunteers and staff from The Center for Prevention of Abuse will tag    thousands of yellow rubber ducks with numbers so that the winning ducks can be identified and winners notified on Race Day What:     DUCKS!! fresh from races throughout the country   will be re-tagged and dumped in the marina in front of Retro American Tap on August 28 th to race for prizes. When:     Thursday, August 25 th ; 5:00 – 7:00 pm Where:   The Center for Prevention of Abuse                 720 Joan Court                 Peoria, Illinois 61614 Why:       To raise funds to help fill the gaps of needed services in our communities including: ·          Additional Prevention Educators to meet the great de...

Springlake Upholstery was welcomed to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on August 18th.  Owner Joy Knollenberg was joined in the ceremony by representatives from the Chamber's Board of Directors and Ambassadors:  Brittany Dorf, Skip Schermerhorn, Paul Scherer, and Amber Bernshausen.  Located at 6180 Sky Ranch Road, Springlake Upholstery focuses on repairing and/or re-upholstering furniture modern or antique. Antiques are recovered using the traditional method of horsehair and woodwool.  The business is open by appointment.  Call 309-545-3117 or visit their webpage at www.springlakeupholstery.com

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) is currently accepting grant proposals for three different grant programs from non-profit organizations within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, excluding McLean County. The following grant programs have opened up their application processes.  For more information on these programs please go to the Community Foundation of Central Illinois website: www.communityfoundationci.org The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is currently accepting applications until September 1 for the Success Grant program.  Grants may be used to initiate new programs or support existing programs from October 2011 through September 2012 .  Primary participants or beneficiaries must be women and/or girls in central Illinois.  The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is currently accepting proposals until September 1 for the Community Grant program.  Newly r...

The Pekin Main Street presents Downtown Drive-In! This event will be held Friday, August 19th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. The movie will be "Happy Feet". Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy great fun for all ages. We're closing down Court St. to watch a movie!

Radio Peoria/Townsquare Media has announced the unveiling of comprehensive High School football coverage with the Arby’s River Red Zone on River 97.3 First kickoff is Friday August 26 where River  97.3 will provide play-by-play coverage of a “Game of the Week” and additional Arby’s River Red Zone coverage from 3 to 5 additional games every Friday night.   Teaming with Townsquare Media stations in Bloomington, River 97.3 will connect Central Illinois with the most complete high school game night coverage in the state.   The games will be available not only on River 97.3 but IPhone and Droid users can listen to the action anywhere by simply downloading the Radio Pup app.  “The opportunity to do something of community wide interest is a goal of our radio stations. We will provide multiple game coverage with the opportunity for more people throughout the region to get involved. No matter what team you root for, you’ll see the Arby’s River Red Zone team at your ...

Congratulations to Maddi Carr, the 2011 Miss Marigold Queen. She was selected from 9 contestants on Saturday at the Subway Miss Marigold Pageant. Maddi is the 36th Miss Marigold Queen. Also, congratulations to 1st Runner-Up Falynn Lannert, 2nd Runner-up Tori Hunt and to all of the Marigold Court members: Brooke Agunod, Katelyn Neel, Sydney Nelson, Lindzey Wheeler, Brittany Bozarth, and Sara Bergstrand. Everyone did an amazing job at Saturday Night's pageant and our community is very proud of all of you! All of the contestants received scholarships, including a $2,000 scholarship for Miss Marigold. You can see pictures from the pageant and rehearsal at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy ® program is offering a free one-hour webinar on “Energy-Efficient Lighting Options.” The webinar is open to all Ameren Illinois business and non-profit customers who would like to learn how to reduce costs by upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting options. Topic:    Energy-Efficient Lighting Options Date:     Wednesday, August 24, 2011 Time:     11:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time The one-hour webinar will cover the following topics: Best practices in lighting equipment and application Lighting incentives available through ActOnEnergy How to get started on your energy-efficient lighting project The ActOnEnergy On-line Store To register, click here .

The August Puttin' On Pekin breakfast was attended by 80 chamber members and their guests. The event was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th. Tim Booth received the Early Prize, and Nick Hill received the Late Prize. Committee member Nichole Bozarth presented the Spotlight on Business Award to Tracy Naylor of Total Dental Care. Rose Hasler presented a Blue Ribbon Award to Steve Bresnahan for his efforts to clean-up the corner lot at 13th and Broadway. Renna Hadsall presented a Sunshine Award to the committee that organized the Pekin to Peoria St. Jude Run. The program was a city update with Mayor Laurie Barra and City Manager Joe Wuellner.  You can find more pictures from this and other events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Although Illinois Centers for Pain and Rehab (ICPR) Family Practice has been treating diabetic patients for years, Dr. Volkan Sumer and his staff are strengthening their diabetes program with the new iPro™ Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) , which offers patients a more effective, comfortable way of monitoring glucose levels. Easy to wear and use, the iPro CGM is a tiny glucose sensor that is easily inserted under the skin in a virtually painless process. The sensor captures glucose levels whether working, playing or sleeping and is fully immersible, so patients can wear it even while bathing or swimming. The continuous monitoring helps provide more accurate assessments which ultimately affect therapy and blood sugar control. “The sensor gives us an even better picture of patients’ glycemic patterns by testing glucose levels continuously for three days,” Dr. Sumer said. “It’s about the size of a quarter and lies flat against the body so that patients can go about their days norm...

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces intermittent lane closures along eastbound and westbound I-474 just south of where it meets I-74 in Peoria County on Thursday, August 11 th . Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones.

Fireworks and Charity Softball Game Set for Saturday August 13     The Chiefs return home on Saturday August 13 to host the Clinton LumberKings at 6:30 p.m. with a post-game Fireworks show presented by CEFCU. Saturday is Salute to Firefighters Night at O'Brien Field. There will be a Charity Softball Game at 4:30 p.m. as Peoria Firefighters take on Springfield Firefighters to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association . Fans who are attending the Chiefs/LumberKings game can also watch the one hour Softball Game for a $5 donation to the MDA. Also post-game there is a Pitch-In for Charity Tennis Ball Toss presented by Humana to raise money for the Olympia Country Swimmers . Fans can win numerous prizes including a chance at a 60" TV from American. BUY TICKETS Backpack Giveaway, Bark in the Park and Homer's Birthday Sunday August 14 The homestand continues Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with Homer's Birthday as the first 1000 Kids 12 & Under get a Peoria Chie...

Speakeasy would like to invite you to the opening of their newest exhibit. Please come visit Speakeasy THIS FRIDAY, August 12th from 6:30-8pm! to see the work of Wes Frantz!   The artwork of Wes Frantz is their current art exhibit. He resides and creates in Pekin IL.  Frantz creates incredible textured, abstract portals into his imagination and  yours too. His paintings are primarily acrylics with interesting additions of heavy texture. Wes describes his work as "the translation of my visceral reaction to the world around me. I find comfort in symbols, metaphors, and mysteries; it is a comfort unavailable to me in straight-forwardness. My personal struggle as an artist has been finding a way to translate these symbols and metaphors into an approachable and understandable language on the canvas." Don't miss this inspiring exhibit! Please also keep in mind that Speakeasy Art Center is a lovely backdrop for any event/occasion. It's unique and artistic fla...

Glass Specialty Co. Inc., 1000 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria IL 61605; phone: 309-676-6181; fax: 309-676-6192; email: glass@glassspecialty.com ; website: www.glassspecialty.com ; Mike Arnold, Sales. Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Glass Specialty is an auto glass replacement and repair shop. Their services also include rhino linings and ignition interlock.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security has launched a new website.  The website is designed with the goal of making it easier to find the information you need.Whether you're an individual seeking a job or unemployment benefits, an employer, or a workforce partner, the IDES has services and programs to assist you. The website has many features including: Pathways to easily find information for Individuals, Employers, and Workforce Partners Keyword searches Tools to organize, search for and display FAQs, publications, office locations, and events Subscriptions to receive emails about current news and events Videos about programs and services You can find the new site at:  www.ides.illinois.gov