Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin welcomed a new business to the community with a ribbon cutting on November 28th.  Comfort Plus Hospice, 2400 N. 8th Street, is a new private hospice agency that provides palliative and holistic care of patients and families who have terminal illnesses. Teri Rhoades is the Administrator and she was joined by other staff members for the ribbon cutting, including Candice Wright, Social Services, and Areceli Lear, Owner.  Comfort Plus Hospice can be reached at (309) 620-9821

Thank you to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Acorn Properties and Investments ~ Animal Communicator Carol Schultz ~ Artistic Flowers Automotive Machine ~ Kirk W. Bode, Attorney ~ Camp of Champions USA ~ Todd Campbell Dr. Michael Danner D.D.S., ~ Girl Scouts of Central Illinois ~ The Harvest Café ~ Illinois Corn Processing Leman Property Management Co. ~ Lewis Industries ~ Morton Villa / Morton Terrace ~ Lloyd Orrick   Pekin Glass & Mirror ~ ReMax Home Realtors ~ Rogy's Child Care Center ~ San Juan Pools & Spas   Schwartz Electric ~ Sun Valley Subdivision ~ Suzi Davis Travel ~ Tazwood Mental Health Center Trouble Free Heating & Cooling ~ Wal-Mart

December 9th Knights of Columbus Hall 715 N. 11th St., Pekin 6:45 – 8:00 am Don’t Miss The Big Year End Door Prize Drawings Special Holiday Music Program! RSVP to 346-2106 or e-mail us at info@pekinchamber.com Additional features of the breakfast include: ·          Door prize drawings provided by local businesses One minute reminders “Meet the new Chamber Member” Spotlight on Business presentation 50/25/25 Raffle

The Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Trivia Night on Thursday, December 8 th starting at 6:30pm at EP’s Timeout (1011 E. Washington St.) in East Peoria to collect toys and raise funds for Toys for Tots. 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.  Anyone who brings in a toy for Toys for Tots will receive $5.00 off their admission.  Individuals are welcome to attend with or without a team.  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.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed The Unique Twist with a ribbon cutting at the opening ceremonies of Pekin's Winter Wonderland.  Owner Doug Smith and his Professional Balloon Twisting Crew are unlike any other Balloon Artists that you may have encountered.  If you are looking for just swords and dogs, then don't look here...because at The Unique Twist "Balloon Animals are not just dogs anymore"!  Find more information on their website at www.theuniquetwist.com .

You can see a few pictures from the Winter Wonderland Parade at www.picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber .  For information on Pekin's Winter Wonderland, including a schedule of events, visit their website at: www.pekinwinterwonderland.com

Reserve your booth space now for the Pekin Area Business Expo '12. It will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Avanti's Dome Events & Sports Center of Pekin. The Pekin Area Business Expo is a great opportunity to showcase your products or services to the public. Last year 65 businesses and organizations participated. This year's attractions will include entertainment, kids' activities, and Martin Luther King, Jr. activities by the Pekin Coalition for Equality. Reserve your booth space now! Call the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at 346-2106 or download the application at http://www.pekinchamber.com/2012/EXPO.pdf  

December 1st Liberty Village 1540 El Camino Dr. Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or email us at info@pekinchamber.com     Join us for networking, refreshments, door prizes, and more.  

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 December 15 from 12 – 4 p.m. 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) 353-0701 or email jwagner@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. 

Dozens of small businesses, community leaders and elected officials gathered on the square in Washington today to show their support for Small Business Saturday. According to Vickie Clark, President of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, November 26th is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate the Shop Small movement and drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. This is a national initiative, started by American Express last year. Clark said there is an effort underway to support the initiative and it is truly a regional partnership that reaches from Canton to Ottawa, from McLean County to Peoria County and all points in between. “We have more than two dozen partner organizations and communities throughout the area involved because we know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities.” She shared some statistics highlighting the importance of small businesses to the region: · 98% of all business in Greater Peoria are considered small bus...

December 1 – Pekin 1 st Committee December 1 – Business After Hours December 6 – Ambassador Meeting December 7 – Member Promotion Meeting December 7 – Executive Board Meeting December 7 – Board Christmas Party December 9 – Puttin on Pekin Breakfast December 9 – Christmas on Court December 13 – Member Services Committee December 13 – Lunch ‘n Learn December 24-26 – Chamber office closed Dec 30 - Jan 2 – Chamber office closed

Pekin Life Insurance Company has been providing benefit administration services to their group health insureds for nearly half a century. Recognizing their long history of expertise in employee benefit administration and commitment to providing service that goes Beyond the expected, ® a third party administration unit has been created to extend their professional support to businesses that prefer to self-fund their benefits. Group Plan Solutions (GPS) Benefit Administration, a division of Pekin Life Insurance Company, was established to help guide employers through the maze of health care reform while providing direction to finding the optimal solution to employee benefit needs. Peggy Collins, Vice President - Group and Claim Services, remarks, “Many TPAs focus on how quickly your claims are processed. We focus on making sure that your claims have been examined for ways to save you money, while still making sure your employees are paid the benefits you have promised them. You can t...

  Joanne and Bob Falkingham, owners of One More Time, celebrated their grand opening at 521 Court Street with a ribbon cutting on November 18th. Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., One More Time is a consignment furniture store, also selling antiques, collectibles, and household goods. They also coordinate estate sales and downsizing sales. Contact them at 346-5211 or onemoretime521@yahoo.com .  You can see more pictures from the event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

PEORIA:  Tuesday, December 6, 2011                 Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Time:  8:30am – 4:30pm Cost:  $165 per person Presented By:  Joe Romolo, CPA, Romolo & Associates AAIM Employers' Association, in cooperation with the Central Illinois Chapter, American Payroll Association, is pleased to sponsor this update. Joe Romolo, manager and owner of Romolo & Associates in Peoria, has been presenting this annual seminar on payroll tax and benefit changes for over 20 years.   Important highlights include: >  New developments for 2012  >  Review of payroll taxes and forms >  What's subject to withholding and what's not >  Employment related topics To accommodate the large number of attendees, this popular seminar is held on two different days.  Early registration is encouraged. Staff accountants, book...

Jake's Place, 407 Radio City Drive in North Pekin, held a grand opening on November 16th and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce was there to help.  Licensed Master Barber/Owner Jacob Ista was joined by his family and customers, and representatives from the Village of North Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Jake's Place is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Jake's Place is a full service barbershop offering a range of services from haircuts to hot shaves and straight razor shaves. They can be reached at 382-1115 and more information is on their website at www.jakesplacebarbers.com .  More pictures from this event can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

You are invited to the Peoria Area Convention and Visitor Bureau Open House Reception at Kightlinger Antiques & Collectibles, 8320 N. Jackson St, Kickapoo, on Thursday, November 17, from 5-7pm. Wine, refreshments and appetizers will be served! Come and see the best kept secret and the largest selection of Christmas ornaments in Central Illinois. With over 65,000 ornaments you will surely be amazed! Hope to see you for the kickoff to the Holiday Season! Kightlingers is located 5 minutes west of the Grand Prairie Mall on Route 150 in Kickapoo. (Or take the Kickapoo exit off I-74 then go right to RT 150. At stop sign turn right, destination will be on your right.) Please RSVP to Jim at 363- 9906.

Paul Scherer has joined Associated Bank as vice president, residential loan manager. In his new capacity he works with customers to determine their best mortgage solution, while also supervising a team of loan officers. Scherer brings 14 years of lending experience to the position, and is very active in the community serving as a board member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Pekin Rotary Club. His office is at 300 S. 4 th St. in Pekin.

Satur days: December 10 & 17 5 :45 to 9pm, $45pp includes show, dinner & dessert             Stars of Radio and TV, George Burns and Gracie Allen portrayed by Timeless Presentations actors invite you to be a part of our re-creation of the old-fashion Christmas specials from the golden years of television! You will laugh - sing - and maybe play a part as one of your favorite television stars from TV land's Holidays past. Wine tasting is available during the first part of the event at the tasting bar with cash bar for wine, beer, sodas, bottled tea and bottled water open throughout the evening. Guests are welcome to dress up in festive old time attire to add to the fun!  Call Diane at 309-645-5054 to reserve a spot or if you have questions you can also email - mackinawwinery03@gmail.com , seating is limited to 52 people and cost is $45 per person for the interactive Christmas Variety Show with a buff...

November 21, 22 and 23 from 11am to 6pm right on time for Thanksgiving and your Holiday Dinner Shopping we are having a holiday Wine and Beer sale on our Mackinaw Valley  Wines, Non- Mackinaw Wines and Specialty and Craft beers. The Non-Mackinaw Valley Red Wines will be $14 these three days only (original price $22) and the Non- Mackinaw White Wines will all be $9 these three days only (original price $15). Certain selected wines will be discounted even more and there will be specials throughout the three days! Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Wines will be discounted at 5% for 6-11 bottles and 10% for one case (12 bottles) and 20% for two cases(24 bottles) or more. All Specialty and Craft Beers will be $1 a bottle these three days only. These prices on wines and beers are for take home purchases only.    We will have complimentary desserts and some holiday punches and wine mixers to sample during our special  3 day shopping event and please bring in the coupon at the b...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce joined the students and staff of Tomorrow's Hope Christian Academy as they celebrated their membership in the Chamber with a ribbon cutting on November 4th.  Located at 246 Derby, Tomorrow's Hope Christian Academy is a 501c3 not for profit organization.  Their mission is to equip their students academically and to prepare them to lead Christ-like lives with a Biblical world view, excelling in old-fashioned principles and Christian values.  They are registered with the Illinois State Board of Education.  Donna Hall is their administrator.  More information can be found on their website at www.thca.webs.com

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on November 28, 29, and 30.   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 accom...

The November Business After Hours was hosted by Camp of Champions USA. They are a non-denominational Christian Summer Day Camp for 5 - 12 year olds. In addition to the Pekin facility, they have summer camp locations in Peoria, East Peoria, Eureka, and Morton. For the After Hours they served chili and hot apple cider, which was perfect for the cold, damp November evening.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber  

Goodwill's Learning Center is accepting applications for three new computer courses starting on November 14th. The courses are FREE and open to anyone in our community. There is no income or other restrictions on who may attend. The six week courses offered this term include: Computer Basics (Monday and Wednesday either 1:00 to 3:00 or 5:30 to 7:30) Designed for the first time computer user or adult lacking confidence in their computer abilities, the course covers basic terminology, skills like "copy and paste", secure internet surfing, popular software programs and advanced email techniques. Computer Job Search (Tuesday and Thursday afternoon 1:00 to 3:00) Job search has dramatically changed. Now resumes are sent and applications are completed online. The want ads in the paper have been replaced with online job postings - some good, some not so much. Learn how to find a job using today's job search strategies. Advanced Computers (Tuesday and Thursday evening ...

On January 14th, 95.5 GLO’s very own Bob & Tom will be stopping by the Avanti’s Dome in Pekin for the first ever Bob & Tom Beach Bash.  Not only will Bob & Tom be there, but co-host Christy Lee will be there too.  Plus you get special guest comedians Tim Bedore and Pat Dixon, and live music from Peoria’s very own WGLO Houseband Coco Loco! VIP tickets will be available for $40 and can only be purchased through our website: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1575711 !  General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show.  You can get tickets at our studios 120 Eaton Street, Peoria 61602, or http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1575709 The Avanti’s Dome will open its doors at 6pm on January 14th for the Bob & Tom Beach Bash with the show kicking off at 7pm.  Must be 21 or older. Keep listening to 95.5 GLO for your chance to win tickets, and be ...

During the week of November 12-18, 2011, The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will join more than 700 community foundations across America for 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. During the week, CFCI will celebrate by receiving a proclamation from Mayor Jim Ardis on Tuesday, November 8 and visiting Bradley University’s Service on Saturday program funded by a CFCI grant from the Thomas and Ellen Foster Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, at Crittenton Center’s Stocking Stuffer Store at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on November 12.  In addition, CFCI is participating in and supporting the Association of Fundraising Professional’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, November 9, where outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, founda...

Saturday's forecast is sunny and 60....   Tom and Julie Lerczak are giving an interpretative hike in McNaughton for an autumn look at trees, chat about forest succession, conservation management techniques and how to identify trees.  Please call the Pekin Park District at 347-7275 today to let us know you'll be attending so we can have enough materials. Fee is $5, and can be paid tomorrow at Soldwedel.

Central Illinois Business Publishers and InterBusiness Issues magazine announced the 2011 class of 40 Leaders Under Forty. This dynamic group of community leaders was recognized by a spirited crowd of more than 500 at the 18th annual 40 Leaders Under Forty Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 3rd, at the Hotel Père Marquette. Congratulations to all the winners, especially those with Pekin ties...Drew Leman, Leigh Ann Matthews and Mark Matthews. The entire class of 40 Leaders Under Forty includes: * Kelly Anderson - OSF Saint Francis Medical Center * Tommy L. Arbuckle III - Caterpillar Inc. * Kenneth C. Baker - Miller, Hall & Triggs LLC * Abby J. Clark - Davis & Campbell LLC * Dr. Cheryl Colbenson - OSF Saint Francis Medical Center * Anthony Corso - Illinois Central College * Matthew G. Dawson - Hanson Professional Services, Inc. * Lisa Gates - RLI Corporation * Robert C. Gates -...

One More Time., 521 Court Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-346-5211; email: Onemoretime521@yahoo.com ; Joanne Falkingham, Owner; Robert Falkingham, Co-owner . Business Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. One More Time is a consignment furniture store, also selling antiques, collectibles, and household goods. They also coordinate estate sales and downsizing sales.

ICC Music Program Hard Bop Jazz Band Tuesday, November 8/ 7:30pm/  free Lecture/ Recital Hall, Room 127F ICC Theatre Program U.S. Drag (Rated R - explicit language) Friday, November 11 -Sunday, November 20 Tuesdays - Saturdays 7:30pm Sundays 2:30pm Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre Admission: $7, $5 ICC Music Program ICC Concert Choir/ Chamber Singers Monday, November 14/ 7:30pm/ free Lecture/ Recital Hall, Room 127F 5th Annual Scholarship Art Auction Invitational Exhibit November 14 - December 8/ free Performing Arts Center Gallery Painting Exhibit by Michelle Lindblom November 14 - December 8/ free Art Gallery 305A ICC Music Program Vocal Jazz Ensemble Friday, November 18/ 7:30pm/ free Lecture/ Recital Hall, Room 127F ICC Music Program Music Student Recital Tuesday, November 29/ 7:30pm/ free Lecture/ Recital Hall, Room 127F For more information or tickets call Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center Box Office (309) 694-5136. Email...

Join Best Western Ashland House for their Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner and Wine Tasting on Saturday, December 10, 2011, in Morton inside the Ballroom. "North Pole Naughtiness" will involve a 6:00 cocktail hour and a 7:00 dinner. The cost is $40 per person plus tax and gratuity. Dinner To Consist of the Following: Appetizer- Shrimp and Gorgonzola Quesadilla Salad- Oriental Cabbage Salad Entrée- Beef Bourguignonne with Carmalized carrots and Dutches Potato's   Dessert- Granny Smith Apple Pie   Speciality wine served with each Course For more information or to make your reservations, call: 309-263-5116

The Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Trivia Night on Thursday, November 10 th starting at 6:30pm at EP’s Timeout (1011 E. Washington St.) in East Peoria to raise funds for Nothing But Nets , a global campaign to combat malaria, one of the largest killers of children in Africa. Nothing But Nets is a global grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by ESPN columnist Rick Reilly, thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006.  Malaria is preventable, but infects nearly 500 million people each year and kills more than 1 million of those who become infected. Ninety percent of deaths caused by malaria occur in Africa, where the disease is a leading killer of children. Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria. Children who are able to survive the disease are faced with physical and mental impairments, such as poor growth and development.  For more in...

Jake's Place., 407 Radio City Drive, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-382-1115; website: www.jakesplacebarbers.com ; Jacob Ista, Licensed Master Barber/ Owner. Business hours: Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 3pm. Jake's Place is a full service barbershop offering a range of services from haircuts to hot shaves and straight razor shaves.

AAIM Employers’ Association Education Center is pleased to offer the following educational opportunities in November.  Detailed information on these and other events is available on AAIM EA’s website at www.eaconnect.com .  AAIM Employers’ Association is an HRCI SM   Approved Provider.  Registrations can be made at 800.948.5700 or online at www.eaconnect.com . “Organization Development” Date:  Thursday, November 3, 2011 Time: 8:00am-4:30pm Location:   AAIM Employers’ Association, 401 NE Jefferson, Peoria Cost:  $395 AAIM EA Member; $565 Non-member  This session will help you master the capabilities demanded in today's tough business environment. Registration fee includes all handout materials, morning refreshments, and lunch.  The session qualifies for 7.0 Strategic HRCI recertification credits.  “ Supervisor 2 Series *” Date:  Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 2011 Time: 8:00am-4:30pm each day Location: ...