Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated Becky Saban, owner of BodyWealth Massage, with a ribbon cutting at her new location at 1811 Broadway. Joining her for the ribbon cutting were family members and representatives from the Pekin business community. BodyWealth is a therapeutic massage studio specializing in pain management as well as relaxation. They offer Swedish relaxation massage, as well as deep tissue, pregnancy, and myofacsial massage. BodyWealth Massage is open by appointment and can be reached at 472-1522.

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) has received the 2011 Consumers’ Choice Award for “Best Landline Telephone Service Provider for Customer Value Enhancement” from Frost & Sullivan, a business research and consulting firm. The award, based on consumers’ evaluations of their landline telephone service providers, recognizes CenturyLink’s focus on enhancing the value that its customers receive in the areas of service quality, price and customer service. According to Frost & Sullivan, CenturyLink was selected over its competitors for the variety of services the company offers its customers in addition to having reasonably-priced, value-added bundled service packages. The survey also cites CenturyLink’s efforts in making it easier to communicate with customer service representatives. “CenturyLink has shown that it is moving aggressively to enhance the value of its landline voice telephone offerings,” said Gina Villanueva, Frost & Sullivan research analyst.  The Frost & Sullivan...

Illinois American Water encourages customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement A gency ’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this weekend.  The event is Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted medications at participating sites so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal.  Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged. “This event is a great opportunity for residents to securely drop off any unused or expired medications,” said Karla Olson Teasley, Illinois American Water president.  “It’s important for us to keep these items out of our landfills and water supplies.”  Collection sites participating in this event can be located by visiting www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov Teasley added, “We encourage those who cannot participate during this DEA ev...

Savant Capital, LLC will operate 10 offices in four states (IL, WI, VA, FL) Client-centricity, economies of scale, syncing of investment approach and philosophy were key drivers New growth strategy formally launched with this announcement, indicative of changing RIA landscape Combined firm will employ over 90 individuals, promoting shared intellectual capital and best practices Savant Capital Management and The Monitor Group, two independent fee-only RIAs, today announced the strategic combination of their firms. The combined firm will be called Savant Capital, LLC, and will manage more than $2.7 Billion in assets. The firm will have 10 offices in four states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia and Florida) with the continued capabilities to service clients worldwide. Corporate headquarters will be in Rockford, IL. The board of managers will consist of Thomas Muldowney, Savant Capital Management Chairman and Principal; Glenn Kautt, President and Chairman of The Monitor Group...

Boys & Girls Club of Pekin ~ CEFCU ~ Chemtura Agrosolutions DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services ~ Elliff, Dancey & Bosich, PC First Federal Savings & Loan ~ Holiday Inn Express Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Illinois Central College ~ Jimmy Johns Kyle's Care at Home ~ Lange Animal Clinic ~ Nelson's Catering Inc. Peoria International Airport ~ PNC Bank ~ Erik Reader Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center Tebben Insurance Services, Inc. ~ The Mattress Doctor

Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in April was 2.2% greater than the April 2011 payment.   This generally represents tax collected on sales in January. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in the last 3 months are 4.7% greater than the same period in 2011. East Peoria’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 12 months is 8.1% greater than the previous 12-month period. For the 12 months ending in April, Pekin (+1.2%), Morton (3.4%), and Washington (3.0%) also saw increases over the previous year’s tax disbursements received from the state. The number of residential units sold in the 61554 zip code in the first two months of 2012 is up 6.7% over the same period in 2011.   The average sales price of a residential unit in Pekin in the first two months of 2012 is up 9.1% over the same period in 2011...

 McDaniels Marketing Communications #11 Olt Ave. May 3 rd      Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or email us at info@pekinchamber.com   Ÿ   Don't miss this opportunity to network with fellow chamber members and community leaders. You'll also enjoy refreshments, door prizes and tours or information from our hosts .   Plus you can help McDaniels Marketing toast their 45 th anniversary!

May 1 – Ambassador Meeting         May 2 – Women’s Marigold Golf Comm. May 2 – Executive Board Meeting         May 3 – Pekin 1 st Committee         May 3 – Business After Hours May 8 - Member Services Committee May 9 - Transportation Committee May 9 – Board of Directors Meeting May 16 - Marigold Festival Committee May 29 – Business Advocacy Committee

The Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter will present, “Beyond Bingo: Creating Meaningful Activities,” a program for caregivers on Wednesday, May 2, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., at the Chapter Office, 606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria. Beyond Bingo is designed to provide family caregivers with creative ways to maintain meaningful activities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and prevent or minimize specific behaviors caused by inactivity.   Information on making a Life Story book and a diversion kit will be available. Co-funded by Central Illinois Agency on Aging, the program is open to the public and registration is required. Materials fee is $5 per person or $10 per family. For more information or to register, call the Chapter office at 309.681.1100 or 800.272.3900. The Alzheimer’s Association - Central Illinois Chapter is a donor supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in central and west central Illinois. Its three office l...

The Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter is looking for individuals in their 40’s and older and healthy seniors to participate in a popular healthy aging program, “Train Your Brain,” to begin in May. The six-week program will meet Tuesdays, May 1 – June 5, from 10:30 a.m. – Noon at the Central Illinois Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria. The program was developed as part of the Association’s mission to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Each week will feature a brain related topic and a guest speaker. They are: May 1st: Now What Was I Saying? A public health and education program that teaches participants steps they can take now to make brain health one of the overall goals of the healthy aging process. Presented by Aubrie McShane, Education Specialist, Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter May 8th: Socialization , presented by Edna Ng, LCSW, Manager, Mental Health Services, Proctor Hospital ...

The 2012 Pekin Police Ball Benefit for Special Olympics will be held Saturday, May 26 from 6 - 11pm at the Pekin Moose Lodge. There will be dinner, music, raffles, and a silent auction. The cost is $20/ ticket, and all proceeds go to Special Olympics. For more information please contact Don Jolly, Pekin Police Department, at 309-478-5312.

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and our 365 days of the year effort to prevent child abuse, The Center for Prevention of Abuse and Luthy Botanical Garden are joining Ms. Winternitz’s 1 st grade class from Harrison Learning Center to learn about preventing abuse through caring for ourselves, each other and the environment. Activities will take place between 9:30 am – 11:30 am and include how to be safe from abuse, enjoying a story, planting vegetables and flowers, making crafts and participating in "Natures Kitchen", an educational session offered by Luthy Botanical Garden that teaches children where food comes from. "Our hope is by exposing children to nature and showing them The Center offers curricula in safe touch, violence prevention, behavioral skills training, sexual assault/abuse prevention and healthy relationships to students pre-k through college touching the lives of 15,000 students per/year. Presentations and trainings are also offered ...

Over 220 people attended the Annual Meeting of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held on April 16 2012 at the Pekin Country Club. Retiring members from the board of directors were recognized, new members were introduced, and new officers were elected. Entertainment was provided by Pekin Civic Chorus.  You can see over 100 pictures from this event at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Spruce Up Pekin will be held May 5 from 8am to 4pm. The event will take place at three different locations: Mineral Springs Park at the parking lot North of the Miniature Golf and Diamond 1 (antifreeze, oil, batteries and electronics will only be accepted at this location), Southside Park at Knapp St. & Sapp St., and Street Department on 1208 Koch St (tires will only be accepted at this location for $2.00 for cars or trucks on/off rims). Will NOT except propane tanks, paint, or yardwaste. Pekin residents only - ID will be checked.

Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning, 113 N. Parkway Drive in Pekin recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting.  Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed and congratulated the owner, Otera Brinson.  She was joined by her family and friends at the ribbon cutting.  Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and by appointment, Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning offers people, who find it difficult or are unable to visit, the peace of mind that their loved ones' grave site is being cared for and maintained in the dignified manner that their memories deserve. Their maintenance programs range from a one-time cleaning, edging and polishing to a yearly program. The yearly program includes three complete cleanings and artificial flower placement in spring, summer, and fall. All of their work is photo documented with a before and after picture!  They can be reached at 349-1128...

EMEX Power , 5325 West Janet Court, Bartonville, IL 61554; phone: (309) 807-7198; email: rivermen1@comcast.net ; website: www.centralillinoissave.emexpower.com ; Brent Bacon, Independent Broker. Business hours: 24 hours.  Ready to start paying less on your commercial energy bill? EMEX simplifies the process with a cutting-edge online platform that lets you quickly compare rates and easily switch to a lower-cost energy provider. No obligations, no hassles, no risk, and best of all — there’s absolutely no cost to find the lowest rates. EMEX Power is the only company with live reverse auction for your energy use. 20% - 40% savings are on supply.

The local Chambers of Commerce, along with the Central Illinois Regional Chamber Legislative Effort (CIRCLE) host a legislative reception on April 9th.  You can view a video recap of the reception at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJBsuIgrU1g&feature=youtu.be   

The Annual Report of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce was distributed at the April 16th annual meeting.  You can download/view a copy of the annual report online. 

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual membership meeting on April 26th at the Pekin Country Club. Over 220 attendees representing nearly 60 businesses and organizations enjoyed the reception and short business meeting, followed by entertainment by the Pekin Civic Chorus.  Four members of the Board of Directors completed their terms and were recognized for their service. The retiring members were: Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital; Dr. Denise Comerford, Sound Choice Hearing Clinic; John Franks, Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab Company; and Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance. Also recognized was Althea Geiser, B’Ribboned Etc., who completed her service on the board as Past President. Newly elected board members were introduced. They are Amy Darling, Pekin Insurance; Andrew Lockwood, Pekin Community Bank; Tee Rynerson, Jim Maloof Realtors; Becky Saban, Body Wealth Massage; and, Mark VanderLinden, Pekin Hospital. The chamber membership elected these new directors in Ma...

National Nurse’s Appreciation Week is May 6th- May 12th… Make it a habit to tell your Nurse, “Thank You”. Truly appreciate all that they do for you and your loved ones. All of us at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy appreciate all the help the nurse’s give us when transitioning a patient over to our office. To show our appreciation we will be visiting some of you wonderful nurses with a little gift: Which is our way of saying, “Thank You”.

The Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society is planning a pictorial history of “Good Old Pekin High School.”  When our old school was suddenly in the news again a few weeks ago, several of our members were reminiscing about their days at Pekin High School. For some it was where they spent all their high school years and for others West Campus was just the beginning.  As we shared we realized there were likely hundreds of stories out there that needed to be captured and saved. Many families had four generations attend school in the same building. It was not uncommon for parent and child to have some of the same teachers! One of the families in the discussion had four generations of sports history, including the good-lookin’ guy in the back of this photograph of the 1932 football team. His nephew would later be a member of the 1951 baseball team that won state! We want to celebrate the lives that passed through the halls of West Campus. If you climbed t...

Tazewell County and Pekin Main Street, with help from the Tazewell County Regional Office of Education, present the 2nd annual “Create, Cultivate, Educate” Fine Arts Showcase beginning Thursday, April 19th at 11:15am on the Tazewell County Courthouse lawn. This event will showcase the talent of Tazewell County K-12 students every Thursday and Friday from April 19th to May 18th. Performances and art displays will occur on the lawn of the Tazewell County Courthouse in downtown Pekin. Performances will be from 11:15-1:30, with each participating school taking either a 1 or 2 hour block. Participating Schools include: Good Shepherd School, Wilson Intermediate School, Parkview, Edison Junior High, Willow Primary School, Rankin School, Pekin Community High School, L.E. Starke Primary School, Washington Intermediate School, Washington Middle School (Washington, IL), Broadmoor Jr. High School, Delavan Elementary School, District 108 Suzuki Strings and Georgetowne Middle School. A complete ...

Military Uniform Supply Outlet Store, 3212 Veterans Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 620-8276; Alan McLouth, President. www.militaryuniformsupply.com ; sales@militaryclothing.com ; Business hours: Monday - Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday. Military Uniform Supply Outlet Store sells military clothing & tactical gear for military, law enforcement, JROTC, public service, EMT, hunting, paintball/airsoft, casual wear, women/kids, and more!

Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning, 113 N. Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 349-1128. Otera Brinson , owner. www.beautifulmemories.us . Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and by appointment, Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning offers people, who find it difficult or are unable to visit, the peace of mind that their loved ones' grave site is being cared for and maintained in the dignified manner that their memories deserve. Their maintenance programs range from a one-time cleaning, edging and polishing to a yearly program. The yearly program includes three complete cleanings and artificial flower placement in spring, summer, and fall. All of their work is photo documented with a before and after picture!

Our 2012 Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Community Profile is now available.  You can see the  online version of this community profile, or you can stop in our office and pick up the magazine sized publication.  Its a free publication from our chamber member sponsors.  You can also find our most recent Pekin city map online , or you can pick one up a free one in the office.           

Be a part of the most exciting two minutes in sports at the annual Alzheimer's Association Kentucky Derby Party to be held May 5 at the Country Club of Peoria. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with Kentucky style hors d’oeuvres and mint juleps. The race is set to begin at 5:15 p.m. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a photo shoot with a horse in the Winner’s Circle. Kentucky style cuisine and beverages will be a main attraction as attendees watch the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs. Attendees will have the opportunity to place charity wagers on their favorite horse to win prizes out of the “Winner’s Feedbag.”  Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter.  “This is a very fun event and it raises funds for a cause that is very dear to my heart,” says Kim Sanders, Kentucky Derby Chairperson and Central Illinois Chapter board member. “My father suffers from the disease and I don’t want my daughter to have to be af...

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., held its Annual Meeting on April 9, 2012 where its Board of Directors elected David F. Cochran to Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mark W. Joseph to President, and Gregory C. Rice to Executive Vice President. Other promotions include Clint A. Naugle to Vice President Retail Branch Administration and Marilyn J. Strickfaden to Assistant Vice President Commercial Lending. David F. Cochran, David L. Golwitzer, William C. Schwab, David H. Bettinghaus, Timothy M. Ward, Joyce M. Eagleton, Steven J. Fawley, Kevin E. Colgan, Mark E. Matuszak, Michael J. Stone, Jeffrey W. Ward, Karen M. Jensen, Mark W. Joseph, and Charles D. Karpowicz were elected to the Board of Directors. South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a locally owned financial institution since 1922, has $678 million in assets and serves the tri-county area with 13 full service locations in Peoria, East Peoria, West Peoria, Bartonvill...

McDaniels Marketing , a full-service agency in Pekin, Ill., is celebrating 45 years in the industry. To celebrate the milestone, the company recently launched a yearlong campaign.  “Our 45th anniversary is a significant achievement,” Randall McDaniels , the agency’s president and CEO, said. “We are the oldest firm in the area under the same family ownership and management, and we take pride in all we have accomplished. At the same time, we recognize the role our community has played in our success and want to show our appreciation by giving back as often as we can. That’s why we are in the process of planning a special week to donate free creative development to a qualifying nonprofit organization.” He added that more details will be announced soon. As part of the celebration, McDaniels has produced a series of ads that offer area organizations the opportunity to win marketing services. McDaniels also will host a Business After Hours at their newly renovated offices in May. ...

Faith Baptist Christian School, 1501 Howard Court, Pekin, IL  61554; (309) 347-6178; fax 347-8716.   www.faithchristianofpekin.org ; Mr. Ken Seest , Principal; Pastor Tim Collard , Superintendent.  Faith Baptist Christian School, a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, has been committed to providing a quality Christ-centered education for over 35 years.  The school equips students with an excellent academic foundation, strong social skills, and with the spiritual and moral skills necessary to "grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man."  (Luke 2:52)

The Chambers of Commerce in the area (Pekin, Peoria, Morton, Washington, Chillicothe, Canton, and East Peoria) hosted the annual CIRCLE Legislative Reception on April 9th. Legislators in attendance included Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senators Dave Koehler and Darin LaHood, and State Representatives Keith Sommer, Mike Unes, and Dave Leitch. About 75 local business leaders were in attendance. Information about CIRCLE's upcoming trip to Springfield, including the issues to be presented, was available.  You can see more pictures from this event on the chamber's picture page at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Daily non-stop flights from Peoria to Atlanta start April 9th on Delta.  For more information, visit www.flypia.com

The Pekin Hospital League’s 21 st Annual Golf Classic will be held Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Pekin Country Club. The entry fee is $125.00 per person and includes green fees, cart, box lunch, beverages and a buffet dinner.   Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.   The format will be a four person scramble.   The right hole-in-one could net the winner $5,000.00 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 www.pekinhospital.org or by calling (309) 353-0803.

Goodwill of Central Illinois will be holding a donation drive on Saturday April 14, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Alpha Park Library in Bartonville. The library is located at 3527 S. Airport Road.   “Goodwill depends on donations from the people of central Illinois to help us fund our FREE programs,” says Jim Lynch, Director of Community Development. “The generosity of our donors is truly amazing, they make what we do possible. At this time of the year we are in need of house wares, kitchen wares, linens and furniture.” Goodwill of Central Illinois is a non-profit organization that provides job training, career and vocational services to veterans, individuals and families who are working to better their lives. Goodwill also operates a youth mentoring program for at-risk youth ages 12 to 17. Revenues from the sale of donated or recycled items support the Vocational Services programs of Goodwill.   For more information on retail stores, donation centers and vocational s...

The Illinois Senate's Special Committee on Enterprise Zone Extensions will hold a hearing on Monday, April 9th at 10:30 AM at: Red Cross of Central Illinois Caterpillar Room 311 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Avenue, Peoria      Anyone who wishes to attend and or testify may simply show up at the hearing, no registration needed.  State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has been appointed to this special Senate committee that will work to extend and streamline one of Illinois government’s most successful job-creation tools: Enterprise Zones. Enterprise Zones are specially designated areas where employers—particularly large manufacturers—receive targeted tax relief, fast-tracked reviews of some state and local permit applications, and improved government service.  The state’s Enterprise Zone Program has become a priority because eight Enterprise Zones are set to expire next year, including one in Peoria and another in Canton/Fulton County.  Dozens more wil...

Les Rosiere , Pekin IL 61554; Individual Member

Sharp's Electronic Measurements, Inc., 2103 N. Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-347-2864; fax: 309-347-5864; email: sem-inc@comcast.net ; Rich Sharp, President. Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12pm. Sharp's Electronic Measurements specializes in computer sales, support, repair, network, and software installation.

Pekin Main Street is seeking vendors for the 2012 Farmer’s Market. The market is every Thursday from 3:30-6pm, June 21st-September 20th on Capitol Street between Court and Elizabeth Streets in downtown Pekin. Pekin Main Street is looking for vendors who will be willing to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, organic foods, meats, prepared meals & seasonings and crafts. Priority is given to vendors who commit and pay for the entire season on a first come, first serve basis.   Application packets are available on the Pekin Main Street website, www.pekinmainstreet.com or by calling the Pekin Main Street office at 353-3100.

Annual Music and International Wine and Beer Festival is hosted May, 26th 11am to 11pm and May, 27th 12 to 6pm in the pavilion at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw with bands perfo rming at the lake gazebo and in the pavilion.   There will be an abundance of unique wines and beers from six continents featured for tasting to stimulate even the most discerning palates and all wines and beers can be purchased at the event.    Throughout both days Mackinaw Valley Vineyard will feature music from some of the best area bands.    They have Matt Curry and the Fury, Sister Groove and the Cross Town Jam, The Lions Club will run the food concessions with the proceeds going to charity.   Ropp Jersey Cheese, local artisan cheese maker, will have their tasting booth of handcrafted fresh cheeses to add to the wine and beer tasting experience.   Admission is $10 per person and includes a souvenir glass and 5 tasting tickets; additional tickets are availabl...