Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Goodbye expensive lines.  Hello family time . Sign up for any new family plan and add up to 4 additional lines at no additional charge through the end of 2012.  That’s up to $80 per month in savings. U.S. Cellular® believes in keeping you connected with those important personal or business contacts.  That’s why they built an award winning national network that delivers the highest call quality and customer satisfaction of any national carrier.  With their plans you get the minutes, messaging and data you need- at a price that fits your budget. Stop in or call today for a complimentary bill analysis.  U.S. Cellular,  3552 Court Street, Pekin , IL  309-353-7964

Hallmark House Nursing Center has a Nortel Phone System with 20 phones plus 2 cordless phones to give away to any not-for-profit organization that can use it.  They also have two Hewlett Packard LaserJet 4050 printers to give away.  Email Lynn Brady or give her a call at 347-3121.   

Area residents can take the first step in uniting in a movement to end Alzheimer’s disease by picking up a Walk Booklet, including a registration form, for the upcoming Tazewell Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Mineral Springs Lagoon in Pekin, and the Peoria Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 at Liberty Park on the Peoria Riverfront. Last year, more than 950 people total participated in the two walks, raising more than $100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter. This money is vital to funding the chapter’s programs and services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their families. It also supports crucial Alzheimer’s research efforts and clinical trials. More than 5.4 Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one that cannot be prevented, treated or cured. By midcentury, that number is expected to triple to 16 million if no treat...

A To Z Rental ~ Ace Liquor ~ Busey Bank ~ Classical Dance Academy Concorde Inn & Suites ~ Country Financial / Kris Goergen ~ Cranwill's Drive In, Inc. First United Presbyterian Church of Pekin ~ The Grand Victorian of Pekin ~ Hospice Compassus Methodist at Pekin ~ Midwest Eye Care, P.C. ~ Newman & Ullman, Inc. Pekin Union Mission Society, Inc. ~ Pepsi Cola ~ Rescued Heart Animal Hospital Salvation Army of Pekin ~ SBSi Semonis Insurance Group ~ SJB Promotions Tazewell County Historic Places & Tazewell County Museum

Local Economy Mixed Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in August was 13.4% greater than August of 2011. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 8.6% greater than the same three months in 2011. The other three large communities on the east side of the Illinois River also showed increases in August compared to August of 2011:  Morton (+18.1%), Washington (+6.8%), and East Peoria (+5.1%).  For the 12-month period ending in August, all four communities showed an increase in sales tax receipts from the state, compared to the 12-months ending in August of 2011:  East Peoria (+11.4%),  Pekin (+5.0%),  Morton (+4.9%), and Washington (+4.1%). The number of residential units sold in the 61554 zip code for the first seven months of 2012 was 6.8% less than the same period in 2011. The other large Tazewell communitie...

Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or email us at info@pekinchamber.com   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.  We’ll be in the cafeteria at Pekin Insurance, so enter through the doors in the back corner of the building.

Dear Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Business Owners:   My name is Megan Condis and I am a new member of the Chamber representing CrossFit Trilogy.  I met a few of you at the last “Puttin’ On Pekin” breakfast, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the rest of you and to present you with an advertising opportunity at an event that will be held this October at the East Peoria Event Center.   On Saturday, October 6th, the Central Illinois Combat Club will be hosting Throwdown XII , an amateur mixed martial arts show that has previously been held at either the Event Center and on the Riverfront in downtown Peoria.  This event typically attracts between 1,000 and 2,000 spectators to watch the fights, eat and drink some great food, and purchase souvenirs like t-shirts and fighting gear.  CrossFit Trilogy will be one of the sponsors for the event, and we have several members who will be fighting at the show, including myself. ...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that family practitioner Mohammed M. Khan, M.D., recently joined its medical staff and is now accepting new patients at Family Health Center of Pekin located at 19 Olt Avenue in Pekin.  Dr. Khan completed his Family Medicine residency at Synergy Medical Education Alliance in Saginaw, Michigan.  He has conducted research on contraception awareness and family planning among undergraduate students, as well as using BMI as screening criteria for diabetes mellitus in patients with a BMI of 30 or greater.  Additional areas of interest include obesity management, smoking cessation. According to Dr. Khan, “I believe in a preventive approach to caring for my patients. Routine exams & preventive measures can prevent many illnesses as well as discover diseases early, thereby leading to early treatment & better overall health.” Dr. Khan is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Khan is a car enthu...

Pekin Main Street’s annual Friday Night Family Fest will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Pekin.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this family event to kick-off the Marigold Festival Weekend. Pre-show entertainment will begin on the Pekin Insurance Main Stage at Elizabeth and Capitol Streets at 5:00pm with the band Flying Crazy Monkeyz. The Pekin’s Got Talent competition will kick off at 7:00 with popular DJ “Dr” Chris Michaels from 104.9 The Wolf hosting. After 2 prior rounds of auditions, the field of contestants has been narrowed down to the top 11. These ten contestants will be competing for cash prizes generously donated by Herget Bank. Contestants are: Libby Green, Bailey Haynes, Emory Milot, Amber Autrey, Donnie Engelbrecht,  Bryonna Blanch, Cody Salem and Seth Johnson, Breanne Carroll and Courtney Richmond, Allison Lowman, Jessie Long and Kyle Leveque.  The judges for the competition are Tom Edwa...

Thousands of rubber ducks competed in the 24th Annual Duck Race to benefit. The Center for Prevention of Abuse presented by Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. The first ducks to cross the finish line won exciting prizes for the winners.

Infinite Success , P.O. Box 73, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: (309) 642-2561; fax: (309) 642-6425; email: mjlong.55@gmail.com ; website: www.infinitesuccess4you.com ; Melanie Long, Chapter President. Infinite Success (IS) was born out of a call for something more than the normal networking group that provides an opportunity to deliver business cards and elevator speeches. IS goes beyond offering personal growth and development, which in turn brings professional and individual success. At IS, we expand relationships, explore professions, and express possibilities. 

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The State of Illinois has a Small Business Set-Aside program which focuses on helping Illinois' small businesses.  Below are some frequently asked questions about the Set-Aside program. Why should I do business with the State of Illinois?   The State of Illinois spends billions of dollars purchasing thousands of different products and services each year. The State’s demand is consistent and the State has a number of incentives to help Illinois’ small businesses grow and prosper. The Small Business Contracts Act (Public Act 97-307) recognizes the economic impact of small business and sets an annual goal that at least 10% of the State’s contracts are awarded to small business. How will I compete against a very large company for State contracts? You won’t have to! To promote contracting with small business, the Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP) designates 64 product and service categories that the State will procure from small business. You’ll only bid against oth...

Beltone Hearing Center , 2508 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: (309) 346-5323; fax: (309) 346-5410; David Bryant, Office Manager. Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. Beltone Hearing Center is a hearing aid service center. 

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 will be launched into the Illinois River on August 26th, 3pm, to race for prizes. Grand Prize is $5000.00 sponsored by South Side Bank WHEN:  Sunday August 26, 2012 • Fun starts @ noon / o Live Music by Corn Wolves (spin off of JammSammich) o Food for purchase from Haddad’s Restaurant Food Cart o Fruit Smoothies for purchase from Maui Wowi o The Unique Twist o Kid’s Games and The Glitter Fairies Tattoos • Check presentation @ 2:45 • Race @ 3:00 pm • Winners announced before 3:30 pm WHERE:  Peoria Riverfront Marina in front of Joe’s Crab Shack. WHY:  To raise funds to help fill the gaps of needed services in our communities including: • Additional Prevention Educ...

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy has announced that Danielle Edens has been named as the new Compliance and Ethics Officer for the company. Eden's duties will be to design, develop and lead the company-wide compliance and standards of conduct programs. She will also monitor and report results of the compliance/ethics efforts of the company and provide guidance for the Corporate team on matters relating to compliance. For more on this story as well as others, please visit Champion Fitness' monthly newsletter at  http://www.champfit.com/wp-content/uploads/billboards/Aug2012-screen.pdf

In the park, at the mall, dressed in Army fatigues -- breastfeeding moms can create a stir and provoke spirited discussions as Americans wrestle with whether breastfeeding a baby should be a private or public activity. Regardless of differing opinions about where breastfeeding is appropriate, medical evidence proves that breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both babies and mothers.  In addition to health benefits, breastfeeding presents financial benefits as well; the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that breastfeeding saves families an average of $800 per year on formula costs. "Almost 75 percent of babies in America begin their lives as a breastfed baby," says Darlene Hammond, Director of The Baby Place at Pekin Hospital.  "However, by the time they're six months old, only about 15 percent are still receiving nourishment exclusively from their mothers.  Pekin Hospital is currently one of two Baby-Friendly birth facilities in the s...

As summer begins to fade, and everyone moves into fall and gets into the back to school mode, Advanced Media Partners has announced several changes in responsibilities for some of the folks at our radio group. They will begin with the afternoon show on 96.5 ESPN Radio .  The Jim Mattson Show with Nick Siefken debuted on Central Illinois’ only all sports station a couple of weeks ago. The show is heard weekdays from 3pm to 5pm and will feature 96.5 ESPN program director, Nick Siefken in a prominent role. The show will focus on the local sports scene as well as the host’s take on national events. Jim has hosted the popular Saturday Morning Kickoff on the station for the past 5 years. He continues his duties as Sports Director at WHOI-TV. Advanced Media also announced the promotion of Stacey Kaye to Promotion Director of our four radio stations in the Peoria market. Additionally, Aaron Tyler has been named Director of Creative Services and Music Director for 98.5 KISS FM , and J...

Faith Baptist School, located at 1501 Howard Court in Pekin, held an open house on Friday, August 17th.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce was there for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Faith Baptist for the new school year.  Mr. Ken Seest, Principal, was assisted by Pastor Tim Collard, the Superintendent, and teachers, staff, students and their families.  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).  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Velde Ford and Pekin High School are partnering on Friday, September 7 th at Pekin High School’s first home football game, for Ford’s Drive 4 UR School e vent. At this important event, members of the local community can support Pekin Community High School simply by taking a test drive in a brand new Ford vehicle!  For every test drive taken, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to Pekin High School.   In total, the community can help raise up to $6,000 for the school; an amount that will be beneficial to the students! This fundraising event is a unique way to fill some of the schools funding gaps. Date: Friday, September 7th 10am - 2pm at Velde Ford, 2200 N. Eighth Street Starting at 4pm at Pekin High School’s Pillar Entrance/Circle Drive Continuing during the Freshmen & Varsity football games

Leman Property Management recently moved their offices to 2807 Broadway, Suite B, in Pekin. On August 16th they held an open house for their employees, family, and friends. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce was there to congratulate them with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dave Leman and Drew Leman, along with their key employees, assisted Bill Leman with the ribbon cutting. Leman Property Management can be reached at 347-5984.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Patrick E. Oberle recently relocated his law offices to 2807 Broadway, Suite B. He's pictured here with Dave, Bill and Drew Leman of Leman Property Management. He can be reached at: 347-5984 ext. 8.

Your lunch plans next Friday just got easier – have the Alzheimer’s Association deliver hot, delicious pork chop or chicken sandwiches right to your workplace.  The Central Illinois Chapter is hosting a Chops and Chips Cookout from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 at the chapter office in Glen Plaza, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. For a $6 donation, you get a sandwich and chips. Drinks also will be available for purchase. Board members and staff will man the grills and prepare orders. As an added bonus, the chapter will make deliveries between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to locations within the Peoria area that order five or more meals. Whether pickup or carryout, please order ahead by calling the office at 681.1100 (toll free at 800.272.3900), or faxing your order to 309.681.1101. Proceeds will benefit the Peoria Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 at Liberty Park on the Riverfront. The Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and fund...

On Sunday, August 26th, from noon to 6pm, the Prairie Traveling Vintage Show members will be selling vintage chic furnishings and all sorts of "shabby chic" to "rustic vintage" items that they have re-purposed with a fresh flair. 20+ exhibitors will showcase their wares.  Live music by the band Something with Trees, one of the vineyard favorites. What's not to like- wine tasting, a fun shopping experience in a beautiful setting and live entertainment. $5per person entry and kids 12 and under free.   

The Alzheimer’s Association - Central Illinois Chapter is offering a program that addresses the need for families to adequately prepare for the future entitled “Exploring Care Options.” Designed to help individuals recognize warning signs that it is time to seek outside help through community resources, the program will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Tremont District Library, 215 S. Sampson St., Tremont. Included in the training are the seven warning signs that a family needs outside help and useful information about community resources such as in-home care, respite care, adult day care, assisted living and long-term care. The program also will feature a list of the top questions families should ask a residential care facility and an explanation of the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. The program is open to the public and is co-funded by Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Materials fee is $5 per person or $10 per family. Reservations can...

The Alzheimer’s Association - Central Illinois Chapter will host a program entitled Facing New Challenges from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20 at the OSF Institute on Aging, 8600 N. Illinois Route 91, Suite 130, Peoria. The program provides information on caring for someone with memory loss and teaches new communication techniques for caregivers. Among the topics addressed are normal aging vs. aging with dementia, safety concerns including driving and wandering, community resources, planning for the future and agency services. Time will also be allotted for specific questions about memory loss.  The program is open to the public. Individuals must register by Aug. 17 by calling the Chapter office toll free at 800.272.3900. There is a fee of $5 per person for materials. The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinos Chapter provides programs and services to caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss problems, including family education programs, a 24-ho...

The Peoria Area Food Bank operates under the umbrella of Peoria Citizen’s Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc., a community action agency, and is a member of Feeding America {formerly America’s Second Harvest} the nations largest hunger relief organization and Feeding Illinois, a state organization serving Central Illinois. The Food Bank was formed in 1984 to supplement the dietary and nutritional needs of low-income families living in the eight surrounding counties we serve, which are Tazewell, Peoria, Fulton, Woodford, McLean, DeWitt, Mason, and Livingston. We provide over 112 active food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, rehabilitation centers, senior housing, youth detention centers and low income day care centers with large quantities of food from name brand manufacturers. We rely heavily on corporate manufacturers, some government funding, individual gifting, and local food drives throughout the year for food donations. The Food Bank also participates ...

About 70 chamber members were up early to enjoy a beautiful August morning and the Puttin' On Pekin breakfast. Emcee Rob Hancock presented Sue from Jake's Place with the early prize, while Stephanie Stoneking won the late prize. Committee Member Otera Brinson presented the Spotlight on Business Award to Alissa Williams from the Pekin Public Library.  The Blue Ribbon Award was presented by Rose Hasler to Liz Curtain from Classical Dance Academy and developer Todd Thompson.  Laura Gossmeyer presented the Sunshine Award to Sharon Brandon of the Miller Senior Center.  Gary Gillis and Doug Godke were the featured speakers, and talked about 40  years of Marigold Festivals.

Work on the new 100,000 square foot processing center at Excel Foundry & Machine continues.  The additional space will serve as the distribution area where all of Excel's parts and products will flow though for packaging, paint, and shipping.  The first phase of improvements to the area roads is completed.  Wagonseller Road, from Manito Road to Garman Road has been improved and repaved.  Shady Lane has also been improved and paved.  The second and third phases will be completed next year and include improvements and new pavement on Wagonseller Road from Garman to Townline, and turn lanes and intersection improvements at Wagonseller/Townline and Wagonseller/Manito Roads.

A “repurposed” headquarters building on War Memorial Drive in Peoria will enable Goodwill of Central Illinois to expand its services to veterans, youth and others in need across a 21-county territory. Together with U.S. Representative Aaron Schock, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis and Illinois Central College President John Erwin, Goodwill President and CEO Patty Fuchs revealed plans for the nonprofit organization’s reinvestment in its 61-year-old building at 2319 E. War Memorial Drive—which will go by the name Goodwill Commons. “Our community has been so generous to Goodwill over the years with donations of clothing and wares—donations that enable us to offer our services to those in need at no cost,” Fuchs said. “This expansion is our way of paying back the community, because it will allow us to reach even more individuals and families who are working to better their lives. Goodwill Commons will belong to the people of Central Illinois because it was built by the people of Central Illino...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that Kurt L. Glesne, DPM, recently joined its medical staff and is now accepting new patients at Pekin Orthopedic Center located at 2351 Broadway in Pekin.  Originally from Pekin, Dr. Glesne graduated from Pekin Community High School and then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Illinois in Champaign.  He began his medical career when he graduated from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery.  He then completed a three year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. His areas of interest include sports medicine, foot and ankle trauma, post traumatic reconstruction, diabetic foot care and limb salvage, as well as traditional care and treatment of the foot and ankle. Dr. Glesne is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Illinois Podiatric ...

The Alzheimer's Association has a variety of valuable programming scheduled in August for the central Illinois area. Register by calling the Peoria office toll free at 800.272.3900. Registrations must be made at least a day in advance of the event. Mondays, Aug. 6-Sept. 10, 3:30-5 p.m. No class on Labor Day. Slices of the Pie The program provides a supportive atmosphere where people with mild cognitive decline or early stage Alzheimer’s can engage in social and stimulating activities. Sessions are 90 minutes a week for six weeks. Participants must be registered and screened by Aug. 1 to participate. Co-sponsored by IPMR. Cost: $30 for the six-week session. Central Illinois Chapter 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria Tues., Aug. 14 1:30-2:30 p.m. Know the 10 Signs Early detection can help with dementia while science directs us toward treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure. Come learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and why early detection is crucial. Cost: $5...

In a July 20, 2012 press release Goodwill of Central Illinois announced that they were no longer accepting televisions as donations or for recycling. The announcement included a list of recyclers licensed by the State of Illinois. However, two of the businesses listed no longer accept televisions for recycling. Dr. Know Systems at 8214 N. University in Peoria and Clover Technologies Group at 4200 Columbus Street in Ottawa DO NOT ACCEPT TELEVISIONS FOR RECYCLYING. Goodwill apologizes for any inconvenience this miscommunication has caused. Goodwill Industries 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. Revenues from the sale of donated or recycled items support the Vocational Services programs of Goodwill.  For more information visit www.goodwillpeo.org or call the Administrative Offices at (309) 682-1113.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on August 20, 21, and 22.  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 $70 per person (one guest may accompany th...