Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Sign up now to participate in the 1st Annual Dragons Aquatic Golf Outing fundraiser to be held on October 14th. Get all the info here .

Ace Hardware  ~  Anytime Fitness  ~  Covenant Heating & Air Girl Scouts of Central Illinois  ~  Harrington Obstetrics & Gynecology John M. Evans Supportive Living Community  ~  Lowman & Barra, Inc. Personal Finance Company  ~  South Side Bank and Trust Speakeasy Art Center  ~  Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Velde Cadillac Buick GMC  ~  Wood Floor Solutions, Inc.

Local Economy Improves    Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in September was 4.7% greater than September of 2011. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 8.2% 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 September compared to September of 2011:  Morton (+3.6%), Washington (+1.1%), and East Peoria (+1.1%).  For the 12-months ending in September, all four communities showed an increase in sales tax receipts from the state, compared to the 12-months ending in September of 2011:  East Peoria (+10.8%),  Pekin (+5.5%),  Morton (+5.3%), and Washington (+3.0%). The number of residential units sold in the 61554 zip code for the first eight months of 2012 was 3.0% less than the same period in 2011. The other large Tazewell communities are sh

RSVP by October 10th to 346-2106 or e-mail us at info@pekinchamber.com . Cost is just $10 This Month’s Program:  MEET THE CANDIDATES:  Dave Koehler, Pat Sullivan, Mike Unes and Jennifer Allison. 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, and much more!!

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 Park Court Conference Center, so enter on the 13 th Street entrance, turn right and take the elevator or stairs down one level.

October 3 – Pekin 1 st Committee         October 3 – Executive Board Meeting        October 4 – Business After Hours  October 10 – Member Promotions Comm.       October 10 – Transportation Committee October 10 – Board of Directors Meeting October 12 – Puttin’ On Pekin Breakfast          October 12 – Chamber Challenge Trivia Night October 17 – Ambassador’s Meeting         October 17 – Marigold Festival Committee  October 18 – Business & Community Luncheon October 30 – Business Advocacy Committee  

Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the 4 th 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 . In 2011, IVC High School was the contest winner with nearly 7,000 pounds of donations. The total amount of clothing donated for the entire contest was more than 22,000 pounds. Donations of items other than clothing are encouraged, but only clothing will count toward the contest. Only high schools are eligible, but others can participate including teachers, family and school supporters. Donors need to tell the Goodwill donation attendant which high school they are supporting. Donations can be made at any of Goodwill’s nine stores or three donation centers. Goodwill locations can be found at www.goodwillpeo.org. Goodwill

Illinois Centers for Pain and Rehab (ICPR) is boosting the level of care provided to patients with its newest service, ultrasound-guided injections. For years, ICPR has offered patients an alternative, non-surgical solution for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The revolutionary KNee Arthritis Program (KNAP) – which combines hyaluronan replacement therapy, a personalized physical therapy plan, and a home exercise regimen – has been proven up to 90 percent effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain and can eliminate the need for patients to undergo risky and painful knee replacement surgery. Now, ICPR is taking this a step further by offering ultrasound-guided injections. “With the help of ultrasound imaging,” Volkan Sumer, DO , said. “I am able to accurately pinpoint the area of treatment. This helps me work around nerves to deliver medicine to the precise point it is needed most. Not only am I able to treat the exact point of inflammation – rendering it mor

The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinois Chapter has a variety of education programming scheduled in October. Please 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. Beyond Bingo: Creating Meaningful Activities This program explores creative ways to maintain meaningful activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is designed to give family caregivers the tools to prevent or minimize disease-specific behaviors caused by inactivity. Cost: $5 per person material fee. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Henry Public Library, 702 Front St., Henry Facing New Challenges Participants learn the basics of Alzheimer’s disease, new communication approaches and ways to plan for the future. Cost: $5 per person material fee. Monday, Oct. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. OSF Institute on Aging, 8600 Route 91, Suite 130, Peoria Alzheimer’s 101 Alzheimer’s 101 explores the common causes of memor

Doug M. Parsons, of Peoria, was recently appointed to Pekin Hospital’s Board of Trustees to serve a three-year term.  He will fill a position vacated by Ron Miller.  Parsons is President/CEO of Excel Foundry and Machine, Inc. in Pekin.  He earned a BBA from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.  He also completed postgraduate studies at Harvard University- Kennedy School of Government, and Bradley University in International Business. He currently serves as Director of RMH Foods in Morton.  He also serves on the Advisory Board of Pekin Community Bank. Pekin Hospital is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of civic and business leaders.  The Board is responsible for the quality of patient care along with the property, funds, and affairs of the hospital.  Board members include:  Curtis A. Eeten, Kathryn O. Kramer, M.D., A. Richard Kriegsman, Janet M. Lange, Jason W. Proehl, Eric V. Reinertson, M.D., Edward D. Sirotak, James Smalley, M.D., Ph.D., Andrew J. Sparks, and Micha

Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation- Pekin , 2359 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: (309) 353-4767; fax: (309) 353-4771; email: quality@ipmr.org ; website: www.ipmr.org ; M. Barbara Campbell, Director of Marketing; Kathy Bright, Site Coordinator; Ryan Fairchild, Balance and Post Concussion Program; Katie Pena, Early Childhood Intervention Program. Business hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm.  IMPR is a non-profit medical rehabilitation center with MD’s, physical, occupational and speech therapists working in Pekin since 1968. In 2002, IMPR opened its outpatient clinic, IPMR-Pekin Broadway, to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain, neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. IMPR belongs to all major health insurance networks. IMPR is the 1 st in Pekin to offer specialty programs including pain management, balance and vestibular rehabilitation and lymphedema management. IMPR Pekin-Broadway also has wellness programs including acupuncture and exercise. 

Nick Fleming, owner of Enviro-Dry Clean Carpets, recently earned a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of completion of the HOST School Training & Certification Program for Carpet Cleaning Professionals. Founded in 1978 and located in Racine, Wisconsin, the HOST School is a 5,800 square foot, state-of-the-art training facility that offers one of the leading courses on carpet care in the industry. Over 22,500 industry professionals from all around the world have attended.   The HOST School instructor, Geoffrey R. Greeley, developed and designed the HOST School curriculum. He is also the author of the comprehensive Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance for the Professional .   Enviro-Dry Clean Carpets is a dry extraction carpet cleaning system that leaves carpets clean, dry and ready for immediate use. It lifts and revives matted carpet pile, cleans and improves the look of high traffic areas, leaves a fresh clean scent, and deep cleans to remove spots a

Liberty Village of Pekin is hosting the Classic Car and Motorcycle Show & Family Festival Friday, September 21. The event will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Corner  of 14th & El Camino Drive in Pekin. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 100 participants. There will be a 50/ 50 drawing, trophies/ raffle, door prizes, refreshments, and music by DJ Jeff Magee. Tour of the facility will be available. All cars and motorcycles are welcome. Proceeds benefit the resident Christmas Fund. 

Dragon Aquatic Swim Team , 1816 Meadow Lane, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: (309) 369-0364; email: billing@dragonaquatics.org ; website:  www.dragonaquatics.org ; Amy Whiting, Treasurer; Mitch Richards, Head Coach; Dave Justi, Coach; Chris Dunn, Coach; Dylan Broombaugh, Coach. Dragon Aquatics is a year round competitive swimming club founded with the specific objective of promoting swimming programs for the benefit of swimmers of all ages and abilities. Dragon Aquatics is a charitable, educational, not-for-profit organization.

Infinite Success (IS), a revolutionary success-building group, is expanding by establishing a new meeting group in Pekin. The kick-off meeting was held at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 18 at the Avanti's Dome at 3401 Griffin Avenue in Pekin. IS draws on the science of success by using principles from quantum physics and universal laws to empower members to achieve their goals and realize their personal definition of success. This foundational understanding helps members of IS to understand how their emotions create their world each and every day. IS teaches that it is collaboration, not competition that will help members grow their business, build more positive relationships and achieve what they want out of life. "We are very excited to establish an IS group in Pekin," said Cynthia Fleming, founder of Infinite Success. "Our goal is to help individuals achieve success in their endeavors by expanding relationships, exploring professions and expressing possibilitie

The annual Tazewell County Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, Sept. 22 at Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Pekin. The walk starts at 9 a.m.; registration begins at 8. Last year, more than 170 people participated and raised $18,400 for the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter. This money is vital to funding programs and services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their families. It also supports crucial Alzheimer’s research efforts and clinical trials. Judy Davis of Pekin has participated in the Walk since it began in 2004. “I got involved because I have seen what the disease does to people and how it affects families,” said Davis, who lost her beloved aunt to the disease. “I want awareness to grow and people to get interested and raise the funds to make research possible.” 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

Please join us Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Central Illinois Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Ave., for a town hall-style meeting about the need for safety services for those with Alzheimer’s disease, children with autism, and other individuals who wander from home. The program starts at 1 p.m. and is being held in conjunction with World Alzheimer’s Month. Area legislators and members of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department’s search and rescue team will be among those in attendance. Sixty percent of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander. Preparing communities for the mounting Alzheimer's crisis is one of the 10 key challenges the National Alzheimer's Plan must address, according to a nationwide survey. Chief among the topics to be discussed Thursday is the need for families to have more information on, and access to, safety tracking devices. “The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to working with lawmakers, law enforcement and first responders to ensure they

Small Business Saturday is November 24th. This initiative is aimed at getting consumers to shop locally on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Last year Small Business Saturday resulted in more than 2.6 million "Likes" on Facebook and more than 195,000 supportive tweets.  National Reports show more than 100 million shoppers turned out to support Small Business Saturday 2011. That was significantly more than the 83 million that organizers had expected. Small Business Saturday Central Illinois (the local initiative) was a big part of that success with dozens of organizations helping promote the special day and hundreds of shoppers showing their support by shopping locally on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.      Mark your calendars now and let's make the 2012 effort even bigger and more successful than before. Be sure to visit and LIKE us on Facebook!!

The Tazewell County Board and The Economic Development Council of Central Illinois invite you to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Wagonseller Road Improvement Project and a presentation of the 2012 Growth & Innovation Award to Excel Foundry.   This event will be held on October 3, 2012 at 10:00am at Excel Fondry 14463 Wagonseller Road Pekin, IL  61554 ( click here to download a map )   It is our hope that you can join us to celebrate this success and growth in Tazewell County.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking qualified applicants for the position of OFFICE ASSISTANT. This is a part time position with a flexible schedule. After reviewing the job description at http://bit.ly/RYIhH3 , qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Bill Fleming, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court, Pekin, IL 61554, or email to  Bill Fleming

The business community’s voice needs to be heard in this upcoming election, but you can’t vote if you’re not registered! As an added value to your chamber membership we would like to help you register to vote by using our EZVote System on our website at www.illinoisprosperity.org to register online.   Using the EZVote System, located under the Featured Tools, you will be able to fill out and download all the forms necessary to register to vote.          The business community has much at stake in this election and your voice needs to be heard!   On Nov. 6, voters will elect not only a new president, but a new Illinois General Assembly in Springfield which will determine the course Illinois takes in regards to matters important to the business community.      Issues such as public pension reform, repealing the income tax hike, and real reform to the Illinois’ workers’ compensation system are all issues that are contributing to businesses moving out of the state and need to be

Champion Fitness Physical Therapy offers an exclusive Fall free screen! The offer stands in effect from now until October 31. For more details, please visit   http://bit.ly/NZpWcA

As students head back to school, CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) is spearheading efforts to help get more families online by offering its Internet Basics program to economically disadvantaged families in Illinois and throughout the nation. “CenturyLink believes that in order to succeed at school and in life, students need to be able to go online at home. Having home Internet access is an important part of a child’s education outside the classroom and helps parents stay in touch with their child’s progress at school,” said Michael D. Brill, vice president and general manager for CenturyLink in Illinois. “CenturyLink’s Internet Basics program is designed to bridge the digital divide by bringing economically challenged families online.” CenturyLink’s Internet Basics program supports the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s National Broadband Plan to expand broadband adoption and use by low-income families. In addition to discounted high-speed Internet service, an affordable Internet-

Savant Capital Management, a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford with offices in Peoria, announced today it has been ranked 64 out of 100 in Barron’s list of top Independent Wealth Advisors in 2012. This is the sixth consecutive year Savant has been recognized in this prominent trade magazine. Barron’s, published by Dow Jones & Company, reports weekly on current American financial information, market developments and relevant statistics. Annually, Barron’s publishes the top financial advisors list consisting of assets overseen by the advisors and their teams, revenues generated for the firms and the quality of the advisors’ practice. Savant was the sixth highest-ranked company in Illinois. Click here to view the entire list. “Barron’s is a big name in the financial industry and it is very rewarding to see Savant’s name on the top financial advisors list for the sixth consecutive year,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant. “As one of the to

Sunday, October 14th, 2012 starting at 2 pm. Chocolatier John Shank from  Bloomington will present five of his gourmet chocolates, and pair them with award-wining wines from Mackinaw Valley Vineyard which will be presented by Paul Hahn, winemaker. Diabetic Chocolates are available upon request. Door Prizes, live music, and a light supper follows, and you are invited to enjoy the picturesque rural scenery and explore the winery and vineyards.  Additional wines and chocolates may be purchased.This event is open to the public and seating will be limited so make your reservations soon. Tickets are $20 per person.  This is a fund-raising event.  Proceeds will go to  the "Intouch for Seniors" a program of  Lutheran Social Services of  Illinois.  Matching funds have been applied for from Thrivent Financial.309-697-5762 Contact one of the following persons to reserve your seat: Pepper Bauer, (309) 697-5762 or Email to:  pepperbauer@att.net Marian Johanson, 

TAPS is a non-profit no-kill animal shelter dedicated to rehoming homeless dogs and cats.  As a non-profit organization, we rely 100% on community support to provide for the animals in our care.  Please review the wish list below and consider donating one or more of the items listed to allow us to better provide for the animals. Priority Needs *    Cash donations to provide for the special needs of animals at TAPS *    Gift Cards from the following merchants to purchase pet supplies:  pre-paid gas cards, Petsmart, Walmart, Staples, and Menards *    Postage Stamps     Animal Supplies Dry dog and puppy food. To avoid GI upset, we have limited the brands we feed the dogs to the following: Nutro, Science Diet, Purina One & Pedigree Dry cat and kitten food. To avoid GI upset, we have limited the brands we feed the cats to the following: Natural Balance, Nutro, Science Diet & Purina One KMR - both puppy and

In business, you’re faced with challenges every day – how to find, keep and grow customers and increase your revenue. WMBD-31, WYZZ Fox-43 and NRS Media can help you to rise to these challenges. Research shows consumers are up to 20 times more likely to do business with companies that they know. WMBD-31, WYZZ Fox-43 and international media experts NRS Media can show you how you can save thousands of dollars and earn a few thousand more by enhancing your annual advertising strategy. We’ll show you how you can raise your profile and reach your customers - without spending a fortune. This presentation is also an excellent opportunity to discuss the best way to grow your business in the year ahead. This conference is the week of September 17th, with sessions in Bloomington and Peoria.  Contact Debbie Bart at 688-3131 to make your reservations.

The Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter co-hosted the September Business After Hours with Sunset Lanes. Both organizations gave an update about their activities and served some delicious food and gave away some great door prizes.  Also stopping by was Miss Marigold, Hannah Finley and her mom.  You can find more pictures on our Facebook page or at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) is pleased to announce the addition of Karyn Anderson as its new Membership/Advertising Sales Manager. Karyn comes to us with twenty five years of local commercial real estate sales experience with an emphasis on superior customer service and strong inter-personal skills. Our mission at the PACVB is to continue to promote the Peoria Area as a destination for visitors and contribute to the economic growth of the members and communities we represent. Karyn will be happy to discuss your membership benefits and advantages offered to you through the Peoria Area Visitors Guide, and can be reached via e-mail at kanderson@peoria.org or (309) 282-3279 Office (309) 696-4615 Cell.   

Goodwill of Central Illinois and Bergner’s will hold their semi-annual donation drive from Wednesday, September 12 through Saturday, September 29. During the promotion, every item donated to Goodwill will earn the donor a 20% off coupon from Bergner’s. Donations can be made at any Goodwill or Bergner’s location. On opening day of the sale, September 12, donors will receive double coupons. For every one item donated, they 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. “Over the years the partnership for this sale has become an anticipated event by Goodwill donors and Bergner’s shoppers,” says Patty Fuchs, Goodwill President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to Bergner’s for their continued commitment to Goodwill through this wonderful event.” Discount coupons can be used on items not normally on sale, such as fragrances, cosmetics and electronics. The sale o

Infinite Success (IS), a revolutionary success-building group, is expanding by establishing a new meeting group in Pekin.   The kick-off meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 18 at the Avanti’s Dome at 3401 Griffin Avenue in Pekin. IS draws on the science of success by using principles from quantum physics and universal laws to empower members to achieve their goals and realize their personal definition of success.   IS teaches that it is collaboration, not competition that will help members grow their business, build more positive relationships and achieve what they want out of life.  “We are very excited to establish an IS group in Pekin,” said Cynthia Fleming, founder of Infinite Success.   “Our goal is to help individuals achieve success in their endeavors by expanding relationships, exploring professions and expressing possibilities.” A complimentary breakfast will be served and reservations are requested.   To reserve a seat at the kick-off meeting, please

ICPR Family Practice continues to treat the whole person with the introduction of Sumer Wellness. Specializing in total body health - inside and out, Sumer Wellness is Pekin’s newest medically based cosmetic wellness center that focuses on skin health. A Variety of Products and Services Offering a variety of products and services for the face and body such as chemical peel treatments, microdermabrasion , Botox® cosmetic, Juvederm® dermal filler , PCA Skin® Care and Jane Iredale® Cosmetics , Sumer Wellness is a place for women and men to learn more about products that are good for their skin, improve problematic skin, and find treatments for conditions caused by acne or even chemotherapy.  Sumer Wellness also hopes to increase skin cancer awareness with its complexion analysis scanner. "My goal in creating Sumer Wellness is to offer services that would be complementary to the family practice," Merry Sumer, PA-C , the main provider of Sumer Wellness services, said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that one lane of IL 9 (Margaret Street) at the railroad crossing near 3rd Street in Pekin will be closed Tuesday, September 5th and Wednesday, September 6th. The lane closure is necessary for crossing surface repair. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones. For updated traffic information and views from dozens of traffic cameras in the Peoria area, click here: http://www.gettingaroundpeoria.com/   For a look at other IDOT District 4 projects, click here:  http://www.dot.il.gov/districtreleases.htm#District_4

The Pekin Public Library is starting a new forum called, ' Conversation  Cafe,' with the first session to be held Thursday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the library's Community Room. Join us for our new public policy forum, ‘ Conversation  Cafe,’ where Library Director Jeff Brooks will set the theme for discussion each month on a variety of newsworthy topics.  September's topic is Energy Geopolitics.  October's session, on October 11, will be on Cybersecurity.  Reading materials on the topic will be provided in advance. Space is limited; please register at the library’s Adult Services Desk to pick up topic reading materials prior to the forum.  For more information, please call the library at 347-7111, ext. 2.