Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

To help an individual overcome mild to moderate physical dependency from alcohol, opiates and benzodiazepines, Gateway Foundation recognizes the benefits of medication assisted treatment to address withdrawal symptoms, cravings and detoxification. Medication assisted treatment is offered at Gateway Foundation centers as part of their comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs. Along with counseling and therapy, medication assisted treatment may help individuals modify their behavior to make better lifestyle changes for long-term success. Treatment for dependency on opiates, alcohol or other substances can include the use of a few medications. Gateway works closely with individuals to help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment: Offered in both Outpatient and Residential Treatment Reduces or eliminates cravings  Decreases withdrawal symptoms  Reduces the risk of relapse  Hospitalization is generally no...

Goodwill of Central Illinois will offer free informational workshops to veterans and their families beginning in February. The workshops will cover a variety of topics and run throughout the year. The first workshop will be held on February 13, 2013. They will be held at Goodwill’s temporary administrative offices, 8400 N. Allen Road in Peoria. The free workshops include Understanding Your Veterans Benefits, Living with PTSD, Creating a Resume and Preparing for an Interview. CEFCU will present financial workshops including The Basics of Personal Finance, Checking 101, Building a Better Budget and more. “This is a great way for us to assist our veterans and their families with topics that affect their everyday lives,” said Bill Bontemps, Goodwill’s Director of Vocational Services. “These workshops are an example of how your donations change lives.” Complete workshop descriptions and dates are listed at www.goodwillpeo.org . To reserve a space contact Vicki Hightower at (309) 369-887...

Allegra ~ Ameren Illinois Utilities ~ Aramark ~ Art's Ads ~ Boy Scouts of America/W.D. Boyce Council ~ Brookmeadow Apartments ~ Carney's Insurance Store ~ CenturyLink ~ Comfort Plus Hospice ~ DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services ~ East Court Village ~ Edward Jones - Chris Petersen ~ Elks Lodge ~ Excel Foundry & Machine ~ Facet Technologies ~ First United Methodist Church ~ Goodwill Industries ~ Graphic Packaging International ~ Greenhouse Flower Shoppe ~ Hallmark House Nursing Center ~ Heartland Bank & Trust Company ~ Hometown Title ~ Illinois American Water ~ JMP Radio Group ~ Dr. Robert J. Johnson, DMD ~ Knights of Columbus ~ Kriegsman Warehouses ~ Kuhfuss & Proehl, P.C. ~ Laborer's Local #231 ~ Linde Group ~ McDonald's ~ Morton Villa / Morton Terrace ~ Pekin Community Bank ~ Pekin Community High School ~ Pekin Hospital ~ Pekin Insurance ~ Pekin Manor ~ Pekin Public Library ~ Pekin Township Supervisor ~ Pekin Veterinary ...

February 6 – Pekin 1st Committee February 6 – Executive Board Meeting February 7- Business After Hours February 8 – Puttin’ on Pekin – Make Reservations Now! Call 346-2106 or email info@pekinchamber.com February 13 – Member Promotions Committee Meeting February 13 –Transportation Committee February 13 – Board of Directors Meeting February 20 –Ambassadors Meeting February 26 – Business Advocacy Committee Mark Your Calendars Family and Business Showcase: 4/6/13 Chamber Annual Meeting: 4/22/13

Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or email us at info@pekinchamber.com IPMR will provide food from Hacienda Fuentes, Free wine and beer, as well as a non-alcohol beverage choice; a chocolate gift for each guest, & tours of our facility. We will have two golf-theme door prizes. 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.

Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in January was 18.4% more than January of 2012.  January disbursements typically represent sales taxes collected by merchants in November. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 17.5% greater than the same three months a year ago. The other three large communities on the east side of the Illinois River showed mixed results in sales tax disbursements received in January, compared to January of 2012:  Morton (-5.1%), East Peoria (+3.6%), and Washington (+4.3%) For the 12-months ending in January, all four communities showed an increase in sales tax receipts from the state, compared to the same 12-months a year ago:   Pekin (+8.8%), East Peoria (+6.3%), Morton (+3.0%), and Washington (+3.1%) The number of residential units sold in the 61554 zip code in 2012 was 8.7% greater than 2011. The other large Tazewell County communities are showing large increases in residential...

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is probably one of the most complicated and far-reaching laws in our country's history. It will impact virtually every part of our economy and introduce a significant number of changes to the operations of businesses and organizations. How are you preparing your organization for this tidal wave of change? I found a great article on the steps employers should be taking in 2013 to prepare. It was written by Laura Minzer, the Executive Director of the Illinois Chamber's Healthcare Council. As always, use this information as part of your overall strategy to understand and implement the changes. You should also be consulting with professionals, including benefit advisors, your insurance providers, and tax and legal professionals. You can read Laura's article here: http://bit.ly/11ayUtg

Just Jude's Creations , 812 Derby , Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 620-9739; Judy Smock , owner; Business hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 4:00pm; Just Jude's Creation is a learning center run by freelance instructor, Judy Smock. She teaches machine embroidery. Also, there is shop which showcases and sells her handmade gifts.

On Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Goodwill will hold a press conference to announce details of its newest program, Beyond Jobs. The Beyond Jobs program, under a grant from the Walmart Foundation, will focus on unemployed and underemployed women in Central Illinois. Women who participate in the program will be matched with respected area employers and receive continued support from Goodwill as they grow in their new careers. WHAT: Goodwill Press Conference WHEN: Wednesday, February 6, 2013                 10:00 a.m.  WHERE: Goodwill Administrative Offices                   8400 N. Allen Road, Peoria 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...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce that Dwayne A. McQuitty, M.D., has recently joined ProHealth Medical Group. Dr. McQuitty will continue to see his current patients and is accepting new patients at both office locations in Pekin (600 S. 13th Street, Suite C) and Peoria (900 Main Street, Suite 530B). Dr. McQuitty completed his Urology training at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Fellowship training in Renal Transplantation at The University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McQuitty is a Diplomat of The American Board of Urology and a Member of The American Urological Association. He provides general Urology care to patients and specializes in urinary tract cancers and has extensive experience with prostate brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Dr. McQuitty is Director of the Comprehensive Stone Center at Pekin Hospital that focuses on the care and treatment of patients with kidney stones. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McQuitty, please call (309) 353-750...

The Tazewell County will be hosting their monthly Trivia night on Thursday, February 14th at E.P’s Time Out in East Peoria. Registration begins at 6 pm and game play will begin at 6:30 pm. Admission is $10.00 for the General Public and $5.00 for Jaycee Members. Proceeds from this night will help the Tazewell County Jaycees give back to community. There are 8 rounds of competition (Six regular rounds and 2 Speed Rounds). You can bring a team, or come and join a team. Winners get in free the next month and a Gift card donated by E.P’s TimeOut. There is also a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. For more information about Happy Hour Trivia Night, please contact Tazewell County Jaycees at tazcojaycees@yahoo.com . You can also like us on Facebook for information on upcoming events. The Tazewell County Jaycees is a leadership training organization for individuals age 18-40. Jaycees programs stress the development of leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that ...

The Peoria Rivermen have announced the Winter Freeze Pack for the 2012-13 season! This year's package includes 10 undated vouchers good for any game in the 2012-13 regular season, 4 additional tickets for the March 17th game and 2 Blues tickets (game to be mutually agreed upon)! With premium games on the schedule, the Winter Freeze Pack provides you with the freedom to choose which games you would like to attend, while providing you the best savings on Rivermen tickets. Premium dates include: January 26th, Ryan Reaves Bobblefist  February 16th, PNC Kids Jersey Night  February 23rd, Peoria Air National Guard Team Poster  March 17th, St. Patrick's Day with the Rivermen (St. Patrick's themed jerseys with a jersey auction after)  March 23rd, Hy-Vee Kids Hockey Stick  March 30th, Free Food Night  April 20th, Fan appreciation Night  The Holiday Pack can be purchased in either the lower or upper bowl for $240 (seating excludes Glass/First Row). P...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on February 18, 19, and 20. 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 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, and Registered Medical Technician. Class fees are $70 per person (one guest may accompany the registrant at no extra cost). The $70 incl...

The R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy was in the Tazewell County Courthouse today learning about the court system. To enhance their learning experience, they participated in a mock trail.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pyramid Printing Inc. ,4701 Edgewater Drive, Groveland, IL, 61535; (309) 387-2068;  www.pyramidprintinginc.com ;  Shelly Hranka , president; Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm; Pyramid Printing Inc. is a promotional marketing company. They specialize in ad specialties, commercial print and corporate apparel to promote your business.

The 2013 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy learned about the operations of the City of Pekin today. Assistant City Manager Darin Gridler, and Economic Development Director Leigh Ann Matthews provided information and answered questions. Pastor Lloyd Brock, a member of the Chamber's Leadership Academy Committee, served as the facilitator. Rev. Steve Anderson introduced Lora Jacobs, Justin Nelson introduced Joe Howe, Phil Gelato and Dawn Shipman gave a report on the Miller Senior Center, Mike Dentin introduced Debby Hoehn, and Zak Ehrmantraut and Jenny Gray reported on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber.

Sabella Street Station , 335 Sabella., Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 613-0276; Rev. Dave Carrington; Business hours: May Vary; Isabella Street Station is a multifaceted space. It is a church, bible college and youth center. Also, it has a cafe called Driven Cafe. Inside is also a Christian bookstore called Burean Bookstore. Coming soon is also a banquet center. Check out all the possibilities Sabella Street Station has to offer.

Firestone Complete Auto Care , 3502 E Court St., Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 353-2932; www.firestone.com ;  Jon Chemers , store manager; Business hours: Sunday 8:00am - 4:00am, Monday - Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 7:00am - 7:00pm; Firestone offers complete auto care. From oil changes and tire repair to advanced diagnostitstics, Firestone offers a variety of services.

Earlier today the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway announced that its organizational headquarters has moved upstream. Since 2006 the Byway program has been housed within the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC) located in Peoria, but due to changes and restructuring of the EDC, the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway has found a new home with the North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG) in Ottawa. NCICG and the Illinois River Road organization hosted the open house event where the official announcement was made. The program will continue its current responsibilities of marketing the regional destination, developing and enhancing small business growth, and business outreach along the byway corridor which encompasses 10 counties from Ottawa at the north to Havana at the south. Anaise Berry will remain the Byway's Executive Director and current programming will stay intact. The main differences are the change in the physical location ...

The second class of the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy met today and learned the valuable lesson of the Helium Hula Hoop.

Firestone Complete Auto Care , 3502 E Court St., Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 353-2932; www.firestone.com ; Jon Chemers , store manager; Business hours: Sunday 8:00am - 4:00am, Monday - Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 7:00am - 7:00pm; Firestone offers complete auto care. From oil changes and tire repair to advanced diagnostitstics, Firestone offers a variety of services.

Turn your business resolution into reality by joining a panel of experts as they discuss how to SUCCEED and PROSPER in the coming year. We've invited leaders from area businesses to reflect on their best practices of 2012 and share how they will implement NEW IDEAS in 2013. DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 31ST, 2013 TIME: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (lunch will be served) LOCATION: INDEPENDENCE SQUARE 2020 W. WAR MEMORIAL DR, STE. 302 RSVP to kboyer@cullprop.com or 309.999.1700

The 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Legislative Priorities Event is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the Central Illinois Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. Every year, the Chapter brings together area leaders to provide updates on legislation, research and community projects related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Planned topics and speakers include: 2013 federal and state legislative priorities  Legislative update by Judy Buchanan of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter Network  Alzheimer’s research updates by Drs. Ken Fukuchi and Julia Biernot of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria  Update on the Peoria County Search and Rescue team by Lt. Mark Molleck  Updates from area legislators  Please reserve a seat by calling the Central Illinois Chapter office at 800.272.3900 or 309.681.1100 by Jan. 22.

Dr. Jerry L. Marshall , individual member; Pekin, IL, 61554;  Jerry Marshall

Dan Pfeifer State Farm, 1000 Court St., Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 347-3484; www.SFAgentDan.com ; Dan Pfeifer , agent; Business hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm; Dan Pfeifer is an insurance and financial agent for State Farm, serving Pekin and the surrounding area.

The Progressive Business Group (PBG) will host the 11th Annual Valentine’s Ball to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse, Saturday, February 9th. The black tie optional affair will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria, beginning with a champagne reception and hot hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes a gourmet four-course meal, open bar, and live music by JammSammich, all setting the tone for a romantic Valentine’s celebration. In addition, there will be a silent auction as well as a raffle with the winner choosing from one of three great trips - Golf/Spa at Bay Hill; Stay at the Ritz or a Live Music Concert! The PBG is a non-profit organization made up of business men and women in central Illinois who combine fostering leadership and building long lasting relationships while helping local charities. “It is our goal to have a wonderful evening to celebrate Valentine’s Day and support a community pillar in The Center for Prevention of Abuse,” explains Wendy...

The Tazewell County will be holding their monthly Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 24th at E.P’s Time Out in East Peoria. Board Meeting begins at 6 pm and General Membership will begin at 6:30 pm. The General Membership Meeting is open to the public. They are looking for new members. Come out and get to know them! For more information about the Tazewell County Jaycees, please contact Tazewell County Jaycees at tazcojaycees@yahoo.com . You can also like them on Facebook for information on upcoming events. The Tazewell County Jaycees is a leadership training organization for individuals age 18-40. Jaycees programs stress the development of leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that benefit the community.

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. Jan. 21. 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. The fee for materials is $5 per person or $10 per family. Individuals should register at least a day in advance by calling the office toll free at 800.272.3900.

Last year, River 97.3 listeners donated over 2,000 teddy bears to Children’s Hospital of Illinois that were delivered on Valentine’s Day. River 97.3 hopes to beat last year’s total and continue to supply Children’s Hospital of Illinois with teddy bears for patients throughout 2013. River 97.3 will begin collecting teddy bears on Tuesday, January 15th with the deadline for donations on Tuesday, February 12th. Donations may be dropped off at River 97.3/Radio Peoria, 120 Eaton Street in Peoria, during regular business hours: Tuesday – Friday from noon to 5pm. All teddy bears must be new. Morning show host Jenn Smith explained what motivates the station to continue the drive every year: “It’s scary enough for an adult to be in the hospital. It’s even worse for a child. Being sick, in a strange place with people you don’t know coming in and out of your room. We want to give those children a little comfort when they’re feeling scared. Something that will hopefully bring them smiles durin...

With burgers, bratwursts, and beer, chamber members gathered at Embassy Suites in East Peoria for this month's Business After Hours. This was a special Business After Hours because it was the annual county-wide gathering. The event was hosted by Morton Community Bank. Members of the Pekin, Washington, Morton, and Peoria chambers were present. It was in true tailgating style. Among the snacks and conversation, a high school cheer leading team came to get everyone in the football spirit. There were also door prizes and a complimentary one-night stay at Embassy Suites given away to a few lucky winners. You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Twenty-four participants were on hand for the opening session of the 2013 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy. This is the 15th year the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has held a leadership academy. Over the next 10 weeks the participants will learn about local leadership challenges and opportunities, as they hear from community leaders and tour businesses and organizations.  The first session provided an orientation to the program and the participants got to know each other through a "speed networking" ice-breaker event.  You can see more pictures and a video from the first session at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber .

Read Karen McDonald's article "Building an Economy with an Army of Ambassadors" in the January issue of Inter Business Issues.  It's a great update on the regional economic development effort, Focus Forward CI.  http://bit.ly/U8yH3c

McDaniels Marketing is seeking applicants for a full-time position of WEB/SEO PROJECT MANAGER.  You can see the job description on the chamber's website at:  http://bit.ly/WvlpvS Or follow the QR Code to their Monster.com posting. Did you know you chamber members can post job openings on the chamber's website?  Give us a call and we'll help you.

The 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Legislative Priorities Event is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the Central Illinois Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. Every year, the Chapter brings together area leaders to provide updates on legislation, research and community projects related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Planned topics and speakers include  2013 federal and state legislative priorities  Legislative update by Judy Buchanan of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter Network   Alzheimer’s research updates by Drs. Ken Fukuchi and Julia Biernot of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria   Update on the Peoria County Search and Rescue team by Lt. Mark Molleck   Updates from area legislators  Please reserve a seat by calling the Central Illinois Chapter office at 800.272.3900 or 309.681.1100 by Jan. 22.

Please note there's been a change to our January Business After Hours. We'll be joining with the other chambers of commerce in Tazewell County for an After Hours sponsored by Morton Community Bank and held at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Start the new year off right and join us for what has always been a great event! Thursday, January 10th, 2013 Embassy Suites 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cindy Loos, the regional vice president with Hanson Professional Services in Peoria, recently received the 2012 Outstanding Engineer Award from the central Illinois chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.  The award is presented annually to a woman who has made significant contributions in engineering or technical management.

Casey's General Stores , 1800 N. 8th, Pekin, IL, 61554; (309) 346-2431; www.caseys.com ; Diane Walters, office manager; Business hours: Open 24 hours Monday through Friday; Casey's is a convenience store that offers a one stop shopping experience for customers. It offers a wide variety of accommodations and a self pump gas station. Casey's also has a menu which includes fresh pizza, burritos, burgers, and more.

The Tazewell County will be hosting their monthly Trivia night on Thursday, January 10th at E.P’s Time Out in East Peoria. Registration begins at 6 pm and game play will begin at 6:30 pm. Admission is $10.00 for the General Public and $5.00 for Jaycee Members. Proceeds from this night will help the Tazewell County Jaycees give back to community. There are 8 rounds of competition (Six regular rounds and 2 Speed Rounds). You can bring a team, or come and join a team. Winners get in free the next month and a Gift card donated by E.P’s TimeOut. There is also a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. For more information about Happy Hour Trivia Night, please contact Tazewell County Jaycees at tazcojaycees@yahoo.com . You can also like us on Facebook for information on upcoming events. The Tazewell County Jaycees is a leadership training organization for individuals age 18-40. Jaycees programs stress the development of leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that b...

Shelley Kiesewetter, Wealth Management Coordinator, achieved Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) recognition at MEMBERS Trust Company, made available through CEFCU Financial Services®, Inc. To achieve this status, Kiesewetter needed three years of experience in personal trust, completion of a specialized trust training program through the ICB (Institute of Certified Bankers), and successfully passing a detailed trust certification examination. Dianna Hunter, CEFCU Vice President stated, “This is a great accomplishment for Shelley, and truly reflects her commitment to credit union members. We are thrilled that she is helping CEFCU members build a strong financial future through MEMBERS Trust Company.” Shelley is available to help CEFCU members with their investment management, estate and financial planning, retirement planning, living trust management, and much more. To schedule an appointment with Shelley at CEFCU’s Financial Services office, c...