Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

October 14th Knights of Columbus Hall 715 N. 11th St., Pekin 6:45 – 8:00 am Additional features of the breakfast include: One minute reminders “Meet the new Chamber Member” Spotlight on Business presentation Presentation by Habitat for Humanity on their Pekin home project Door prize drawings provided by local businesses RSVP to 346-2106 or e-mail us at info@pekinchamber.com

Host your next event at the Speakeasy Art Center located on 353 Court Street in Pekin. Delight your guests as you entertain them in the historic Pekin Main Street District. They will be surrounded with the creative exhibits of the region's best artists as you celebrate that memorable occasion. For additional information email speakeasyartcenter@hotmail.com . Exhibit hours are Thursday and Friday from 3 - 5 PM, Saturday 12 - 5 PM. Visit the Speakeasy Art Center on Facebook.

Ace Hardware ~ Body Wealth Massage ~ Concorde Inn & Suites ~ Cordts Heating & Air Conditioning Covenant Heating & Air ~ Cranwill's Drive In ~ Deuce Development ~ Deverman Advertising Home Health Care Plus ~ Hopedale Medical Complex ~ John M. Evans Supportive Living Community Methodist at Pekin ~ National Rental ~ Pekin Main Street ~ Pepsi Cola ~ Personal Finance Company Rescued Heart Animal Hospital ~ Salvation Army of Pekin ~ Sign Shop ~ SJB Promotions South Side Bank and Trust ~ Speakeasy Art Center ~ Stropes Real Estate and Investments Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society ~ UAW Highrise Velde Cadillac Buick GMC ~ Zumwalt & Associates

Pekin’s unemployment rate increased each of the last three months according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.   The number of people working in Pekin decreased for the first time in six months.   While the recent employment trend is negative, these numbers are better than a year ago.   Pekin’s unemployment rate of 9.9% in August was two full points lower than August of 2010.   The number of persons employed in Pekin in August was 16,339, which is 2.9% or 460 more than August of 2010.   Tazewell County, the Peoria Metro area, and the State of Illinois all reported similar trends. Sales tax receipts continued to improve throughout Tazewell County.   Pekin’s sales tax receipts disbursed from the Illinois Department of Revenue during the past 12 months were up 2.2% over the 12-month rolling average from a year ago.   Other are communities fared better, with Morton posting a 7.6% increase and East Peoria and Washington each gaining growing by 4.3%.

Pekin Daily Times and Avanti's Dome is sponsoring The Relish Magazine Cooking Show. Come to this great community event for delicious food and fun! The event will be held on Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Avanti's Dome, 3401 Griffin Avenue in Pekin. General admission tickets are $6 and are on sale now at the Pekin Daily Times, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Come out early and see exhibits from local merchants. Goody bags filled with items from participating merchants and sponsors will be provided for all attendees. Door prizes will be given away all night including a $500 grand prize.

Your healthcare costs are escalating and will continue to do so. Learn how you can better manage those costs and the drivers that fuel them. As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unfolds, you are experiencing numerous confusing changes in your health plans, the regulatory environment, and how healthcare is provided. ACA has also raised uncertainty about an employers continued ability to provide affordable health benefits and promote the health of their employees. As an employer, your choices, your budget, and your time are limited; and as a consumer, you have concerns about quality, safety and efficiency. This conference is designed to help you address these concerns and to give you an opportunity to assess best practice programs and best-in-class partners. Being proactive and empowering employees to be responsible for their own healthcare is one of the most essential strategies to this approach. The Central Illinois Healthcare Cost Containment Conference for Employers will be held o

October 4 – Ambassador Meeting October 5 – Member Promotions Meeting October 5 – Cent Il. Healthcare Conf. October 5 – Executive Board Meeting October 6 – Pekin 1 st Committee October 6 – Business After Hours October 11 – Member Services Committee October 11 – Lunch ‘n Learn   October 12 – Transportation Committee Mtg October 12 – Board of Directors Meeting October 13 – Speed Networking October 14 – Puttin on Pekin Breakfast October 19 – Marigold Festival Committee October 20 – Business Recognition Luncheon October 25 – Business Advocacy Meeting October 28 – Chamber Challenge Trivia Night

Chamber Members are cordially invited to the 14 th Annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, October 20 th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Pekin Country Club. The cost of the luncheon is $20 per person. Tables of 8 are $160.00. Savant Capital Management is the Event Sponsor, Pekin Trophy House and Engraved Gifts is the Awards Sponsor, Pekin Hospital is the Dessert Sponsor, and the Greenhouse Flower Shoppe is the Decoration Sponsor. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Sara L. Rusch, the Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. As part of the nation’s largest public medical school, the College of Medicine at Peoria offers a unique balance of classroom education and clinical experience. Since their founding in 1970, their mission has been to improve healthcare in the community by serving as a leader in education, research and patient care. UICOMP, through their research and faculty recruitment, is also a major part of our region’s e

The Speakeasy Art Center has new openings for art studio leasing!   These studios are considered some of the nicest and most reasonably priced in the downstate area. Artists have access to gallery events, common areas, free parking, restrooms, a full kitchen, secure facilities, and separately keyed studios. In the heart of downtown and the historic district, join us in this cultural redevelopment!   For tours or information, call Nancy at (309) 346-0507 or (309) 253-4728

The next First Tuesdays will be held on Tuesday, October 4 , from 5 to 7 pm at Olio and Vino located at 4603 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights.   The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites area women to a monthly networking opportunity for Peoria-area women. Catch the spirit of Fall and celebrate the spirit of giving by meeting other dynamic women who are passionate about empowering women and girls 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.

Pekin Daily Times and Avanti's Dome is sponsoring The Relish Magazine Cooking Show. Come to this great community event for delicious food and fun! The event will be held on Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Avanti's Dome 3401 Griffin Avenue in Pekin. General admission tickets are $6 and are on sale now at the Pekin Daily Times Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Doors open at 5p.m.  Come out early and see exhibits from local merchants. Goody bags filled with items from participating merchants and sponsors will be provided for all attendees. Door prizes will be given away all night including a $500 grand prize.

Illinois Central College presents Golden Dragon Acrobats on Saturday, October 8, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The event will be held on the Performing Arts Center Main Stage at the ICC campus, 1 College Drive in East Peoria. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time - honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The Golden Dragon Acrobats are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Cost for admission is $24 for the general population, $19 for students and seniors. For more information please call (309) 694-5136 or visit www.ArtsAtICC.com

Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the 3 rd Annual Recycle Your Style Contest. High school students within Goodwill’s territory are encouraged to donate their used clothing. The high school that donates the most pounds of clothing will win a SMART Board donated by Bradfield’s Computer Supply. The contest runs from October 1 st through October 31 st . “We are excited to once again give a local high school the chance to win a SMART Board, compliments of Bradfield’s,” said Jim Lynch, Goodwill’s Director of Development. “We want these young people to see that recycling can take many forms and that by donating, they are helping us continue our mission of supporting individuals and families who are working to better their lives.” In 2010, Eureka High School was the contest winner with over 3,000 pounds of donations. The total amount of clothing donated for the entire contest was nearly 15,000 pounds. Donations of items other than clothing are encouraged, but only clothi

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on October 17, 18, and 19.   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 $60 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost)

Pekin Hospital is hosting a fun-filled, fabulous Spirit Girls’ Night Out SM to inspire women to find “Their Best Health in The Bag” on Thursday, October 13 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge located at 2605 Broadway in Pekin.   The event is free to attend.   This event will educate women on breast health, spine health, and the risk of exposure to radiation.   This fun and informative event is designed to move women towards better overall health and vibrant living.   In addition to valuable and relevant education, women will also enjoy mini spa sessions, health screenings, giveaways, bra fittings, massages, jewelry, purses, hairstyling, pizza samples, and lots of other fun activities.   Please call (309) 353-0662 to register. The following roundtable sessions will all be offered at 5:00, 5:45, and 6:30 p.m. Spine Health Tracey DeLucia, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon Breast Health Nani Moazzam, M.D., General Surgeon* *Licens

MPact is holding auditions on October 8th at 1pm at Yesterday's (corner of 4th & Court) for their production of "A Christmas Carol."  It will be performed during Christmas on Court on Friday, December 9th in downtown Pekin.

Best Western Ashland House will be holding an open house on Tuesday, September 27th, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Best Western Ashland House is located on 201 E Ashland Street in Morton, Illinois.   Stop by to see the remodeled guest rooms, lobby, ball room, and more! Cocktails and Hors d oeuvres in the ALL New Hotel Lobby! For more information please call 309-266-8200

Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society presents: The Ninth Annual "Harvest Time for Genealogists" Workshop - October 8, 2011   from 9AM to 3PM at our library, 719 N 11 th St., Pekin. Join us again for a full day of genealogy (including lunch).  This year's speaker is Carol Whitton, CG SM (Certified Genealogist) from St. Louis, Missouri.  Carol will be making presentations on the newly redesigned Family History Library website (still free), migration from Virginia to the Midwest, German research resources, and a step-by-step process for researching your immigrant ancestors overseas─including finding their village of origin.  Carol's extensive background includes the following: Writes and speaks on various genealogical topics with specialization in German research, U.S. immigration & migration (specializing in Virginia migration to the Midwest), handwriting (paleography), and genealogical computing. Other specialti

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Laurie Barra assisted with a ribbon cutting at Artistic Flowers on September 13th.  Owner Cathy Homerin was celebrating the grand opening of their new location at 1712 Court Street.  Artistic Flowers is a full service florist and gift shop.  They also offer memory beads and dove releases.  They can be reached at 347-0022 or online at www.ArtisticFlowersOfPekin.com

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that Ahsan Usman, M.D., is now providing nephrology services at Pekin Hospital.   He will diagnose and treat patients with kidney diseases, kidney stones as well as those requiring kidney transplantation or dialysis therapy.   Dr. Usman is now accepting new patients at Kidney HealthCare located at 19 Olt Avenue in Pekin.   Dr. Usman r ecently completed his fellowship training in nephrology at Washington University in St. Louis, Barnes-Jewish Hospital.   Board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in nephrology, Dr. Usman has served as CEO/President of Intensive Health Care, INC and medical director of the hospitalist program at Pekin Hospital since 2008. Dr. Usman’s areas of interest include:   a cute kidney disease, chronic kidney diseases, anemia management, hypertension, dialysis modalities, electrolyte abnormalities, acid-base disturbances, kidney transplant, kidney stones and hemodynamic management. He is a member of the

Pekin Hospital today was named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.   Pekin Hospital was recognized by The Joint Commission based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. Pekin Hospital is one of only 405 U.S. hospitals earning the distinction of top performer on key quality measures for achieving and maintaining excellence in accountability measure performance.   Inclusion on the list is based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the previous calendar year.   This first recognition program is based on data reported for 2010. To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures an organization must meet two 95 percent performance baselines.   First they must achieve a composite performance of 95 percent or above after the results of all the a

Goodwill of Central Illinois and Bergner’s will hold their semi-annual donation drive from Wednesday, September 14 th through Wednesday, September 28 th . During the promotion, every item donated to Goodwill will earn the donor a 20% off coupon from Bergner’s. On opening day, September 14 th , donors will receive double coupons. For every one item donated, the donor will receive two coupons. On that day, Goodwill will have a truck at the Bergner’s at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The goal is to “Stuff the Truck” with donations. “This continues to be a great event for Bergner’s shoppers and Goodwill donors,” says Jodi Sullivan, Director of Merchandise Development. “This sale provides donors an opportunity to receive coupons for items that aren’t typically on sale, like perfumes, cosmetics and designer apparel.” According the Jim Lynch, Director of Development, “Through the sale of these donated items, Goodwill is able to continue funding programs for the people of central Illi

Customer Service Excellence is presented by the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Member Services Committee and AAIM Employer's Association. The speaker will be Lisa Plantamura. Lisa has worked in the training industry for the past 20 years, specializing in customer service training and consulting with an extensive background in leadership and personal development topics, quality management and team development. Customer service needs to be a part of an organization's strategies and goals. During our time together we will discuss characteristics of service excellence including the most important rule of customer service, developing "service" people and the importance of internal service excellence in the process. The event will be held Tuesday, October 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Clubs at Sunset Hill 1620 Summit Drive. The cost is $20 for the 1st employee and $10 for each additional employee. RSVP to: Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce (309) 346-2106 or info@peki

New Life Fellowship, 246 Derby Street, was welcomed into the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 8th.  Pastor Mark Utech cut the ribbon and was assisted by family, friends, and Chamber Board Member John Dennison.  New Life Fellowship is a church that promotes New Life to the entire Pekin area.  The ribbon cutting ceremony was in front of their Tara Beeney Blessing Room at 252 Derby.   You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Savant Capital Management is excited to announce that it has again been recognized by two of the leading financial trade publications as one of the top investment firms in the country. Barron’s and Financial Advisor have ranked Savant among the leading wealth management firms.

Tazewell County Jaycees monthly Trivia Night will be held Thursday, September 8, at EP's Timeout (1011 Washington St. in East Peoria). R eg istration begins at 6pm / Playing starts at 6:30pm. Teams may consist of 2-10 members. The cost is $10 per player/ $5 per player for Jaceeys. A 50/50 will be held and door prizes will be handed out. Proceeds from this months Trivia Night will benefit The Dax Locke Foundation.   We will also be collecting school supplies for area schools. The winning team will receive the chance to decorate the traveling trophy, 2 free pizza's from EP's Timeout at the next Trivia Night, and free admission at the next Trivia Night.  R es erve your team's table today by emailing us at TazCoJaycees@yahoo.com

Immigration as a Moral Issue :    Overview of the complex issues of immigration.                 Thursdays starting September 15-October 20 from 7-9PM.                 Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL   61604.                 Reading materials provided.                 Pre-registration preferred.   Free child care provided upon request. Further information is available from the church office at 688-5608. DEEKSHA :   Meditation and blessing course which focuses on brief, hands-on technique that begins to enable the heart to flow and the brain and body to balance in order to create a state of Oneness with All That Is.                    Every third Sunday starting September 18 from 2-3PM.                 Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL   61604                 Drop-in participation welcome at any week.      Further information is available from the church office at 688-5608. Buddhism Stu

Over the next two months the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy ® program will be offering four  FREE on-line training courses 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. September On-Line Training Events Topic: The Profits of Energy Management Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The free, one-hour training events will cover the following topics: Justifying the Costs of an energy-efficiency project Using Resources Effectively Developing an Energy Management Program Efficiency Result Companies that are “justifying the costs” To register, click here . Topic : Saving Energy in Process Steam Systems Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The free, one