Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

 Henderson Funeral Home has been honored by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) with the 2012 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Only 164 firms from around the world received this prestigious recognition, placing Henderson Funeral Home among an elite group of funeral service providers. Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities. To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a participating funeral home must meet or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and active...

Pekin Main Street and Artistic Community Theatre of Pekin will be presenting a dinner show of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 1 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th Street in Pekin. Doors open at 6:00 and dinner will be served at 6:30. The timeless message of “A Christmas Carol” that love and friendship are more important than money will certainly warm the hearts of the audience. The production will be directed by Dennis Peacock and stars several veteran ACT performers. Tickets are $25/person or $200 for a table of 8. All tickets include dinner and dessert. Tickets are available at the Pekin Main Street office, located at 111 S. Capitol Street, in Pekin City Hall, by calling 353-3100 or by emailing mainstreet@grics.net . All proceeds from the show will benefit Pekin Main Street and Artistic Community Theatre.

Pekin Hospital invites area residents to participate in a community survey designed to collect input to better understand health and wellness needs and to identify ways that overall health can be improved in Central Illinois. Central Illinois residents 18 years of age or older who live or work in Tazewell County are encouraged to participate in the survey. The online survey will be available until November 12, 2012 at www.pekinhospital.org/assessment . All survey responses are confidential and will only be used to understand and prioritize what is needed to improve community health and wellness. For participation, respondents are eligible to be entered into a drawing for an iPod Touch. In addition to the online survey, Pekin Hospital will be hosting a series of targeted focus groups with key members of the community. When the survey is complete, data will be compiled and the results of the community health needs assessment will be made available to the public.

Did you know that every year the Illinois National Guard spends about $3 00 million on goods and services in Illinois? Would you like to be a provider of some of those goods and services? The Illinois Chamber Foundation has partnered with the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for Illinois to assist businesses gain access to that purchasing power.  For more information, download the flyer:  http://www.pekinchamber.com/2012/Guard.pdf

The Hope Chest, 1106 Derby Street, celebrated their membership in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on October 26th.  David B. Craig, Executive Director, was joined at the ribbon cutting by employees, volunteers,supporters and representatives from the chamber.  Open everyday from 8:30am to 8:00pm, the Hope Chest is a Pekin, family-friendly, non-profit thrift store. They are the home of $.99 clothing. You can shop there for all your family needs. They offer quality clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, appliances, household, lawn and gardens,crafts, electronics, books, toys, and vintage merchandise. The Hope Chest in Pekin is Helping Other People Excel. More information is available at (309) 620-9043 or www.hopechestpekin.org .  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber .

The Courtyard Cafe, 17 S. Capitol, recently celebrated their grand reopening under new ownership.  Laurie Wright and Whitney Dean were joined by family, friends and representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce for the celebration.  They are open from 7:30am to  3:00pm, Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends.  The Courtyard Cafe is a small, family-run cafe serving breakfast and lunch.  They are also open for special events held in downtown Pekin.  The offer pre-made sack lunches as well as party trays upon request.  They have daily specials, homemade soups and chili, sub sandwiches, Gyros, and much more. Call ahead (353-1911) and they'll have it ready.  You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinois Chapter will present a program called “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. This is a program for anyone who would like to know more about dementia and Alzheimer’s. Participants learn about symptoms, causes and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, the benefits of early detection, stages of the disease, treatment options, and ways the Association can help. Cost is $5 for materials. Registration is required by Oct. 26 by calling the office toll free at 800.272.3900.

Now is the time to secure homes against freezing pipes, according to American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and waste water utility. Mark LeChevallier, Ph.D, director of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship for American Water, stresses that it's important to make preparations to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes before temperatures plunge. “Although the winter season can pose many challenges to a homeowner, one of the biggest and most costly is the risk of frozen pipes. When ice expands inside pipes, it can crack and burst the pipe, leaving homeowners with a costly plumber bill, and thousands of dollars in damages from water leaking inside the house,” he explained. According to Dr. LeChevallier, winterizing is just as important for homeowners in parts of the country that experience only periodic freezes as it is for those in traditional cold weather states, since home construction in southern locations will sometimes include pip...

Schucks Market, Inc. ,1001 Court Street, Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 347-6757; Jay Ricketts , store manager; Business hours: Open 24/7 Monday - Sunday; Schnucks is a local grocery store. They offer an assortment of items including food, liquor, and home retail needs. Schnucks also has a bakery, deli, and cafe area.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 15 th annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, October 18th at the Pekin Country Club.   The Chamber’s Member Services Committee coordinated the luncheon, which was sponsored by Ray Dennison Chevrolet, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts, The Greenhouse Flower Shoppe, and Pekin Hospital. Recognition was given to twenty-eight area businesses and organizations in the following categories:   remodeling or expansion; “green” projects or programs; new ownership or management; new business or building; additional employees; major training effort; new technology investment; major equipment investment; other improvements; and, community involvement.   Before presenting the awards, Chamber executive director Bill Fleming told the audience of 182 people representing forty-four local businesses and organizations that the large turnout and the large number of awards was a positive sign. “We’re he...

Coffee Beans and Cuisine , 540 S Parkway, Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 232-5900;       beansandcuisine@hotmail.com ; Debra Isabell, Owner;Business hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 4:30pm, Saturday 7:00am - 4:00pm, closed on Sunday; Serving coffees, espresso drinks, smoothies, and frappes. They have coffee, but also a lot more! Things like breakfast items, paninis, soups, salads, and delicious deli sandwiches. They are a small drive thru that offers a large menu. Outdoor seating offered weather permitting.

The United Workforce Development Board (aka) Career Link currently has four vacancies to fill from the private business sector on our Workforce Investment Board. Career Link serves Tazewell, Mason, Fulton, and McLean Counties. The board meets once a month or once every two months from 12-1:00 pm the third Wed of the month. Lunch is served. Prospective board members must hold senior-level management positions. If you are interested please email: smartin@careerlink16.com or call 309-347-5740 for further information.

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLC , recently received the 2012 Pursuit of Excellence Award, marking the 10th consecutive year the company received the national recognition. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) presented the award as part of its annual conference. “This year’s award is even more special than usual,” D. Neale Hanley, Sr., owner, said. “We were also honored by being inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence. It’s a recognition that further demonstrates our consistent commitment to compassionate care and service excellence. We are dedicated – as a team – to providing care that goes beyond expectations for the families and communities we serve.” The 2012 NFDA International Convention & Expo was recently held in Charlotte, NC, where Randall Earl, NFDA president, presented the honorary plaque. Hanley and his wife, Pat, and daughter, Tammie Hanley Vocatura, were there to accept the award on behalf of the entire staff at Preston-Hanley. Preston...

The community celebrated another milestone in the construction of Veteran's Drive as a ground breaking ceremony was held for the section of road between Broadway and Sheridan.  The .8 miles of new 5-lane road, plus shoulders, will be completed in the summer of 2013 at a cost of $6.3 million.  Funding for the project came from $4.8 million included in the last federal transportation bill by then-Senator Obama and then-Congressman LaHood. Rich Kriegsman, chairman of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee summarized the efforts of the committee over the past 19 years.  Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Dave Koehler, and Pekin Mayor Laurie Barra all spoke about the importance of the road.  When completed, Veteran's Drive will begin at Route 29 on the south side of Pekin and run along the eastern side of Pekin, connecting with a new interchange at I-474.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaw...

It doesn't matter whether you made it to the Season’s IS Kickoff meeting or not, it is never too late for self-development! At Infinite Success (IS) we believe that when we build the person within, success will follow. Join us as we unfold the science of success and learn practical ways to create the success that is already ours. This is your reminder for the next IS meeting. Our first meeting in October was on “Belief Systems”. We have all made statements such as “I can’t do that”, “I am horrible at math”, or “People can’t be trusted”. These statements may be beliefs that we hold and are keeping us from having the kind of life we desire. During our October meetings, we will be exploring our own belief systems and finding ways to make those beliefs more positive so that we can become more successful! We hope to see you a week from Tuesday as we continue to explore the subject of “Belief Systems” discussing practical ways to transform limiting to empowering beliefs...

The Pekin Hospital League will hold its annual Holiday Splendor Gift Show on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Pekin Hospital Lobby. The show will feature many beautiful handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, toiletries, stationery, Fannie May candy, baby items, toys, and Vera Bradley items. A large variety of baked goods, candies and many other specialty food items will be available in the Pantry that is located in the former restaurant in the Lobby. A raffle will be held with tickets selling for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Tickets may be purchased from League members before the show, at Nearly Nu, and at the Hospital Gift Shop. Raffle tickets will also be available the day of the show with the drawing being held at 2 p.m. that day. Raffle items include: $900.00 14K White Gold Diamond Earrings; an $800.00 Handmade Quilt from Peddler’s Way Quilt Co. & Lost Creek Quilters; a $450.00 Artistic Touch Salon & Spa certificate; a $200.00 Boyd’s Steakhou...

Courtyard Cafe , 17 S. Capitol, Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 267-0498; Laurie Wright , Owner; Business hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:00pm, closed on weekends; Courtyard Cafe is a small, family run cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Also open for special events held in downtown Pekin. They offer pre-made sack lunches as well as party trays available upon request. They have daily specials, homemade soups and chili, sub sandwiches, Gyros, and much more. Call ahead and they'll have it ready.

Eleven teams competed in the 2012 Chamber Challenge Trivia Nite.  The theme this year was "Super Heroes."  The event is coordinated by the Chamber Ambassadors who were on hand to help.  The Herget Heroes successfully defended their crown and everyone had a great time.  Pekin Insurance was the sponsor of the event, and Steve Brown from Velde Cadillac Buick GMC provided the music.  You can find more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently hired Ashley Hoye as the new Office Assistant. She graduated from Pekin Community High School in 2009 and has attended Illinois Central College. Her major was Substance Abuse Counseling. Ashley’s goal is to either work one on one with women facing addiction or work with the children of addicts. Growing up in Pekin, Ashley has come to know and love the area. She hopes to gain valuable communication skills from this job opportunity. With a background in customer service, Ashley is looking forward to assisting and serving Chamber members. She will also be responsible for publishing the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, Super Saver coupons, and social media sites. 

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now there’s Small Business Saturday. Did you know 98% of all businesses in our region are considered small business?  Small Business Saturday is November 24th the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a day to support those locally owned businesses that create jobs and support our regional economy. Shop small and shop local November 24th during small business Saturday. Search small business Saturday central Illinois on facebook to learn more. Visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com and click “promote your small business” to download signage for Small Business Saturday. There are signs, banners and other marketing materials to download. Put these in your business’s front window or pass them out to your contacts. This year you can personalize the posters too. There will be other tools coming soon including social media advertising opportunities and more. Also, visit the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's facebook page for a...

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. If you need information about voter registration, absentee ballots, early voting, polling locations, etc., call the Tazewell County Voter Registration department at 477-2267. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce believes it is important that Chamber members exercise their right to vote. The chamber also believes it is important that chamber members be informed voters, particularly when it comes to issues that can affect the local business environment. With that in mind, the chamber's Business Advocacy Council sent a questionnaire to candidates in the following local races: (click on their names to read their responses) State Senate - 46th District David Koehler, Incumbent, Democrat Pat Sullivan, Republican State Representative - 91st District Mike Unes, Incumbent, Republican Jennifer Allison, Democrat

About 85 chamber members and guests attended the October 12th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast. Lora Jacobs won the early prize, and Frank Shearer won the late prize.  The Spotlight on Business was presented to South Side Bank, The Blue Ribbon Award was given to Military Uniform Supply Outlet Store, and the Sunshine Award was given to Dr. Kuban for his Halloween Candy buyback program.  The October program featured "meet the candidates" with Senator Dave Koehler, Pat Sullivan, Representative Mike Unes, and Jennifer Allison. To see more pictures from this and other Chamber events go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber    

Halloween will be celebrated in downtown Pekin on Saturday, October 20th with Pekin Main Street’s Halloween Fun Fair and Downtown Trick or Treating. From 10am-12noon, children and family members are invited to trick or treat at participating downtown merchants. Participating merchants will have a sign denoting that they are welcoming trick or treaters. The courthouse square area will be bustling with activity from 10am-1pm as well. Mascots from area businesses will be on hand to interact with children. Pekin Fire Department and Pekin Police Department will have vehicles on site for children to see. There will be games to play on the courthouse lawn and on Capitol Street. Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR) will be accepting old TVs, stereos, computers and monitors and DVD players for recycling at the event. This is a free service. They will not accept microwaves or kitchen appliances. Hours for recycling are the same as the event. ...

Goodwill Industries International (GII) has been named one of America’s Top 25 Most Inspiring Companies by Forbes Magazine. A study performed by Atlanta consulting firm, Performance Inspired, Inc., asked more than two thousand consumers to name five inspirational companies, GII ranked number twenty three. Terry Barber, chief inspiration officer for Performance Inspired said, “Consumers are really appreciative of the Goodwill retail stores and the perceived feel-good value they are bringing to local communities.” “This is a tremendous honor for Goodwill Industries,” said Patty Fuchs, Goodwill of Central Illinois President & CEO. “The business model that Goodwill Industries has established over the years allows us to offer our customers a quality product at very reasonable prices. Locally, we have branded our stores with a bright, appealing look that is fun and easy to maneuver. The sale of donated items allows us to provide free services to veterans, area youth and those who ar...

At the October meeting of the Pekin Registered Nurses Club, the Pekin Hospital Foundation presented Janelle Wamsley of Pekin, with the Frances Tollensdorf Nursing Scholarship. Wamsley is currently a nursing student at Illinois Central College. The Frances Tollensdorf Nursing Scholarship fund was established through the Pekin Hospital Foundation in Memory of Frances "Tolly" Tollensdorf, a dedicated nurse who worked at Pekin Hospital for more than 30 years. The Frances Tollensdorf Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to one student based upon financial need, scholarship achievements, experience/extra-curricular involvement, letters of recommendation and general qualifications and goals. The Pekin Registered Nurses Club supports the Scholarship fund each year and Club members assist in the selection of Scholarship recipients. The Pekin Registered Nurses Club was organized in May 1944 by registered professional nurses in the Pekin area. The initial purpose of the organizat...

The Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter is offering a session called “Alzheimer’s 101” on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at Lillie M. Evans Library, 207 N. Walnut St., Princeville. The program is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s 101 explores the common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, the stages and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, the importance of a good medical examination, current research and treatments. The program is open to the public and reservations are required at least a day in advance. There will be a $5 per person materials fee. For more information or to register, call the Chapter office toll free at 800.272.3900. This session of Alzheimer’s 101 is co-funded by the Central Illinois Agency on Aging. The Alzheimer's Association - Central Illinois Chapter is a donor supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties. The Chapter is committed to providing educational and supportive ser...

The Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter will present Facing New Challenges, a program that provides information on caring for someone with memory loss and teaches new communication techniques for caregivers, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday. Oct. 15. It will be held at the OSF Institute on Aging, 8600 Illinois Route 91, Suite 130, Peoria. Staff will explain normal aging versus aging with dementia; safety concerns, including driving and wandering; community resources; planning for the future; and agency services. Time also will be allotted for specific questions about memory loss. Materials fee is $5 per person or $10 per family. Individuals should register at least a day in advance by calling the office at 800.272.3900. The Alzheimer’s Association – Central Illinois Chapter is a donor-supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in central Illinois. Its three office locations – Quincy, Peoria, and Dixon – serve the needs of those affected by Alzheimer...

The Hope Chest , 1106 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 620-9043;  hopechestpekin.org ;  David B. Craig , Executive Director; Business hours: Monday- Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm Oct. 1 - March 31, Monday - Sunday 8:30am - 8:00pm April 1 - Sept. 30; 9 full time employees, 20 volunteers; The Hope Chest is a Pekin, family-friendly, non-profit thrift store. We are the home of $.99 clothing. Shop here for all your family needs. Offering quality clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, appliances, household, lawn and gardens,crafts, electronics, books, toys, and vintage merchandise. The Hope Chest in Pekin is  H elping  O ther  P eople  E xcel.

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, American Water, the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility, is reminding consumers about the importance of water infrastructure for fire protection, and providing tips for  helping to maintain hydrants.   According to FEMA, fire-related deaths have dropped significantly, from about 12,000 in 1974 to 3,245 in 2006, and the number continues to decrease. Water infrastructure plays a critical role, for example, the increasing nationwide availability of highly pressurized hydrants allows emergency workers to extinguish blazes with increasing speed and effectiveness. “Illinois American Water makes proactive and prudent infrastructure improvements that benefit its customers, including needed upgrades to hydrants, booster stations and other systems that are critical to fire protection,” said Karla Olson Teasley, Illinois American Water’s president. “Making investments into well-maintained w...

The October Business After Hours was hosted by Pekin Hospital. CEO Gary Jepson made a few remarks about the hospitals great ratings and told the audience to watch for some more good news later this month. A good turnout of chamber members enjoyed the food and networking opportunities.

Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold its fourth annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans at O’Brien Field on Saturday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Stand Down for Homeless Veterans is a community based intervention program designed to provide area homeless veterans with much needed resources. Goodwill, along with other social service agencies, local businesses, and veterans’ services organizations, will provide homeless veterans with food, winter clothing, personal hygiene products, and an opportunity for a hot shower and a haircut. Veterans will also have opportunities to attend classes relating to maintaining sobriety, managing depression, veterans’ benefits, money management, legal matters, women’s resources and PTSD. Goodwill offers many free programs for veterans, ranging from computer classes and assistance finding a job to forklift operation certification. “We want our veterans to know that we appreciate them and that many free programs and services are avail...

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Trey Scotti and Aubri Bacon as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for August. Trey, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Suzy Shepard, a counselor at PCHS. In the nomination, Mrs. Shepard cited Trey’s contributions to PCHS’ extracurricular activities and commitment to excellence. Aubri, a senior, was nominated by Mr. Joel Steger, a career and technical education teacher at PCHS. In the nomination, Mr. Steger cited Aubri’s involvement in yearbook, as she is the Editor in Chief and spends countless hours ensuring the yearbook is perfect. Each month two PCHS students who excel in moral character, positive attitude, volunteerism, demonstrate ideal role-model behavior, and who contribute to the classroom are nominated by teachers, counselors, and high school personnel. The students must be a senior and show remarkable qualities which help them prepare for a prom...

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the driving (right) lane of northbound IL 29 in North Pekin will be closed near the ramp to eastbound I-474 from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16 th and Wednesday, October 17 th . T he lane closure is necessary for patching work to be completed. Signs will direct motorists to the eastbound I-474 ramp.  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

Harsco , 13090 E. Manito Road, Pekin, IL  61554;  (309) 347-1962; fax 347-4127; inquiries-m@harsco.com, www.blackbeautyabrasives.com or www.harsco-m.com .  Terry Marcordes , Plant Supervisor.  Green from the Start:  Harsco (Reed Minerals division) is an industry pioneer in the processing of mineral products for environmentally beneficial uses.  Minimizing the environmental impact and capturing value from coal combustion by-products has been a core service and technology focus since the 1930’s, making Harsco one of America’s first green companies.  Our value added service to utility producers, provides a solution to site waste removal, material handling, and cost reduction by engineering “green” uses for the abrasives and roofing marketplaces, both of which are sold under the well-known BLACK BEAUTY® brand name. Harsco’s coal aggregate is also used for commercial structural fill, waste water filtration, anti-skid, and mine grout.  (NY...

CenturyLink, Inc. not only provides customers with high-speed Internet service for their computers, but can also protect and support those computers, including the information on them. CenturyLink @Ease™ provides customers with 24/7 computer security and support services, but it doesn’t stop there. For customers wanting additional protection, CenturyLink@Ease™ also offers roadside assistance and identity theft protection. CenturyLink @Ease™ replaces the company’s previous computer support services called Computer Support Packs. The new service provides CenturyLink ® High-Speed Internet (HSI) customers with the same variety of computer services as before, including computer virus and spamware protection, backup and storage, phone and web support and computer repair. Desktop Security A computer virus can corrupt or delete data on computers, use email programs to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on the hard disk. To help avoid computer viruses, it's ...

Several local dignitaries were present as Shady Lane was renamed Excel Way.  The recently upgraded road made it possible for Excel Foundry to expand their operations and create 100 new jobs.  The project involved several local units of government, including Cincinnati Township, Tazewell County, City of Pekin, the State of Illinois and the Economic Development Administration.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee was also involved in the early discussions, bringing together several of the entitities for the initial meeting. Speakers at the ceremony included David Zimmerman, Chairman of the Tazewell County Board; Ron Hawkins, Road Commissioner for Cincinnati Township; State Representative Mike Unes; Congressman Aaron Schock, and Excel's CEO, Doug Parsons. The improvements to Shady Lane, now called Excel Way, were the first phase of the project.  Improvements to Wagonseller Road and the intersections with Manito Blacktop and To...

IPMR, the Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, recently celebrated their expansion and remodeling of their facility at 2359 Broadway in Pekin. John Sahn, President of the IPMR board was joined by chamber members, IPMR employees and Rick Zehr, the CEO. IPMR is a non-profit medical rehabilitation center with MD's, physical, occupational and speech therapists working in Pekin since 1968. In 2002, IPMR opened its outpatient clinic, IPMR-Pekin, to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain, neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. IPMR belongs to all major health insurance networks. IPMR is the 1st in Pekin to offer specialty programs including pain management, balance and vestibular rehabilitation and lymphedema management. IPMR Pekin also has wellness programs including acupuncture and exercise.  Visit them online at www.ipmr.org .   You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber .

Carol House of Hope at The Center for Prevention of Abuse, a local women’s shelter in Tazewell County, received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation.  In observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation awards $20,000 grants to more than 150 domestic violence shelters across the country for a total of $3 million. Carol House of Hope will use the grant to provide critical support services and safe shelter to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse.  According to Martha Herm, Executive Director at The Center for Prevention of Abuse, “Last year, 126 women and children stayed at Carol House of Hope for over 20 days each. We could not provide the food, the counseling, the children’s programming, let alone turn on the lights, without the generous help of the Mary Kay Foundation. We never want to turn anyone away and put them in harm’s way just because...

Kurt Bialobreski, P.E., PTOE, a traffic engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Peoria, Ill., office, recently was named the Young Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Central Illinois Section. Bialobreski was recognized for his engineering achievements, including his participation in Peoria’s Warehouse District and Washington Street revitalization projects; serving on the design team for the first dual roundabout on an Illinois highway; and designing the first high-intensity activated crosswalk signal in the greater Peoria area. Bialobreski is a member of ASCE, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the city of Pekin’s Chamber of Commerce - Transportation Committee. He also is an active public speaker, delivering engineering presentations for the American Public Works Association’s Illinois Chapter Conference, the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers, and the ASCE – Peoria Area Branch.   He has a bachelor’s degree...

Professional Therapy Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that Brooke Wagner, MS, SLP, has attained the status of Senior Clinician. This designation was gained through the successful completion of advanced training and education; acquiring a minimum of four years of clinical experience; demonstrated expertise and knowledge in her profession as a Speech Language Pathologist; functioning as a preceptor for therapy students and a mentor for fellow clinicians; as well as peer and supervisor recognition of her accomplishments.

Pekin Hospital is hosting a fashion-forward, fabulous, and dazzling Spirit Girls’ Night Out to inspire women to love the person they are every day. On October 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge, Pekin Hospital will welcome women to this FREE event that will teach them how to get their groove back, hug their curves and face the woman in the mirror. This fun and informative event is designed to move women towards better overall health and vibrant living by providing education on weight management strategies, plastic surgery, bone and joint health, and more. Women will also enjoy mini spa sessions, health screenings, giveaways, massages, jewelry, purses, hairstyling, pizza samples, and lots of other fun activities. Please call (309) 353-0662 or visit www.pekinhospital.org to register. The following roundtable sessions will all be offered at 5:00, 5:45, and 6:30 p.m. “Hug Your Curves” Rhodora Lee Ho, M.D. “Woman in the Mirror” Erika Hunter, M.D. ...