Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Littleman Lawncare, 156 Lake Street, Pekin, IL  267-6408; Ryan DeSutter, Owner.   littlemanlawncare92@gmail.com ; www.littlemanlawncare.webs.com .  Littleman Lawncare provides lawn maintenance, landscape design and construction, and 24-hour snow and ice removal. 

April 22nd – Annual Meeting of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 4:30 – 7:00pm April 29th – CIRCLE Legislative Reception at Weaver Ridge, 5:00 – 7:00pm May 9th – CIRCLE visit to Springfield State Capitol  More information and details on these events coming next month

Thanks to the following organizations who renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois ~ Aventine Renewable Energy  Command Center ~ Dr. Anthony DeMonte, D.D.S. Edward Jones - Drew Eilts Financial Advisor ~ Dr. Robert Ehrich, D.D.S. Excalibur Seasoning Company ~ Family Quick Care Pekin ~ FCI Pekin Food Depot / Niemann Foods ~ Four Seasons Gutter Protection Company Sylvan Franklin ~ Rich Gafford ~ Greg's Garage Door Service Griffin-Rahn Insurance ~ Pekin Daily Times Pekin Moose Family Center, Lodge # 916 ~ Pekin Public Schools #108 Sam Leman Auto Stop ~ St. Paul Wonderland ~ T-Shirt House TAPS Animal Shelter ~ Tazewell Machine Works Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care ~ World Wide Travel

Learn more about the Affordable Care Act’s impact on employers and how to prepare in 2013 for the changes coming in 2014, including employer coverage requirements, the new penalty system, and the state health insurance exchange. The program will be presented by Laura Minzer, Associate Vice President, Government Affairs, and Executive Director, Healthcare Council for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Monday, March 25 Community Room at Keller Williams 2426 W Cornerstone Ct, Peoria, IL 61614 11:45 am - 1:00PM Lunch will be provided Chamber Members: $15/ Future Members: $30 Sponsored by: Proctor Hospital and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Register with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce by clicking here .

Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in February was 12.6% more than February of 2012. February disbursements typically represent sales taxes collected by merchants in November and paid to the state in December. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 16.6% 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 February. Compared to February of 2012: Morton (-1.7%), Washington (+4.0%), and East Peoria (+6.7%). For the 12-months ending in February, all four communities showed an increase in sales tax receipts from the state, compared to the same 12-months a year ago: Pekin (+9.7%), East Peoria (+6.6%), Washington (+3.2%), and Morton (+2.6%). The number of residential units sold in Pekin in January was 19% greater than the sales in January of 2012. The other large Tazewell County communities

March 6 – Pekin 1st Committee March 6 – Executive Board Meeting March 12 - Business After Hours March 13 - Member Promotions Committee March 13 – Transportation Committee March 13 – Board of Directors  March 20 – Ambassador’s Mtg March 20 – Marigold Committee March 21 – Leadership Academy Banquet March 25 – Employer Obligations & Options under the ACA March 26 – Business Advocacy Committee Visit our online calendar of events

http://www.pekinchamber.com/2013/CACtrivia.pdf

Representatives of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently met with State Senators Bill Brady and Darin LaHood to discuss the area's transportation infrastructure needs.  Rich Kriegsman, chairman of the chamber's transportation committee, Dennis Kief, the committee's vice-chairman, and chamber executive director Bill Fleming visited the legislators at the Capitol in Springfield.    

Dan Pfeifer State Farm was recently welcomed to Pekin with a ribbon cutting by representatives of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Located at 1000 Court Street,  Dan Pfeifer is an insurance and financial agent for State Farm offering a variety of products for individuals and businesses.  The office can be reached at 347-3484, or on the web at www.SFAgentDan.com .  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber .

Accelerated Rehabilitation Center, 3289 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-0090; fax 347-0098; Michael Bennington , Facility Manager; pekin@acceleratedrehab.com ; www.acceleratedrehab.com .  Business hours:  Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and by appointment. Accelerated Rehabilitation Center is a physical therapist owned and operated rehabilitation company.  They offer specialized physical therapy treatment and focus on excellent outcomes and patient care.

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Cole Pyatt and Nick Drowns as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for February. Cole, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Robin Bachelor, a Spanish teacher at PCHS.   In the nomination, Mrs. Bachelor cited his contributions to PCHS’ friends program, swim team, and student council. Nick, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Dione Gresham, a Work Seminar teacher at PCHS.   In the nomination, Mrs. Gresham cited his contributions to her work seminar class, as he is a role- model student. 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 promising future. Seth Mingus, Assistant Principal for Curriculu

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a boundary modification to include Logan County in the local Economic Development District (EDD). This week the Logan County Board of the whole accepted the modification as well. The regional Economic Development District now includes Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason and Logan Counties. An EDD is a regional economy comprised of counties with similar demographics, industries and assets that works to align strategic goals to further the economic environment of the region. An EDD is designated by the EDA, a part of the federal government. There are only 13 EDD’s in the state of Illinois and not all counties are included in a district. The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC) administers the EDD locally. EDC’s Cal MacKay says this is a very special designation. "This expansion adds strength to our district and enhances our ability to compete for more federal funding. This expansion is proof that our distr

Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company, today announced the Upware™ marketplace , a suite of cloud-based business solutions that can be purchased through one integrated web portal. The Upware marketplace contains a carefully selected list of third-party, cloud-based business applications from industry-leading companies in key categories such as data backup, data security, and collaboration. With Upware, Comcast has chosen a select group of top-tier vendors that meet a strict set of security, redundancy and customer service requirements and can provide both the best performance as well as ease of use for businesses. Organized on the online portal in “aisles” by technology, the vendors include: · Data Backup – Carbonite (data backup), DigitalSafe (data backup), and Mozy (online backup). · Data Security – Norton (security) and Websense (security). · Collaboration – Box (online storage), Microsoft (Web collaboration), Soonr (online file sharing),

Savant Capital, LLC, a national advisory firm which manages $3 billion in assets, announced today that two additional employees have purchased ownership interests in Savant and have become members of the company. The new employee-members are Dan Rezin and Dave Barton. Rezin serves a Chief Financial Officer and Barton leads the advisory team as Director of Advisory Services & Business Development. Savant remains focused on its vision for the future while maintaining its commitment to the long-term benefit of clients. The latest member additions join the ranks of a recent expansion of employee members late last year as well as a combination with The Monitor Group, a firm in the Washington DC area. “We are excited by the progress we’ve made in our efforts to build a sustainable and long-term strategy to support our team, our clients and our communities,” said Brent Brodeski, Savant CEO and Principal. “We remain committed to delivering a best-in-class service and experience to our

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new business and a new member, Just Jude's Creations, with a ribbon cutting on February 13th.  Chamber representatives, family, friends, and customers joined owner Judy Smock for the ceremony.  Just Jude's Creations is located at 812 Derby Street in Pekin.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Just Jude's Creations is a learning center run by freelance instructor, Judy Smock. She teaches machine embroidery.  There is also a shop that showcases and sells her handmade gifts. For more information:  (309) 620-9739.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

E & S Communications Inc . ,343 Ann Eliza, Pekin, IL, 61554; (309)346-0903; www.eandscomm.com ; Mike Eeten , Vice President.; Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm; E & S Communications is a two-way business and public safety, radio sales, and service company. Among their services, E & S specializes in outfitting emergency vehicles with lights and other equipment. They also do sound system instillations and radio repeater services.

River 97.3 will once again celebrate Valentine’s Day by visiting the Children’s Hospital of Illinois and delivering hundreds of teddy bears to patients. The bears have been donated by River 97.3 listeners over the past several weeks in the hopes of allowing the hospital to hand out bears to children all year long. Joining the radio station will be Mossville 7th Grader Taylor Larson, who received a bear from the drive five years ago and has made it her personal goal to collect 700 bears from her community. Taylor explained how receiving her teddy bear provided comfort while she was a patient: “When I got my bear, it meant so much because my parents couldn’t go to testing with me, but I could bring the bear. It was really exciting.” River 97.3 will meet with Child Life staff in the Children’s Hospital of Illinois lobby on Thursday, February 14th at 10:30am to unload and deliver teddy bears. Thank you for your support of River 97.3 and Children’s Hospital of Illinois. For more information

Caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease can receive education and emotional support by attending a new Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group eight-week session to begin in February. The goal is to provide education to both the person with dementia and their loved one, and to help establish a support network for them. The group will meet from 3-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Feb. 20-April 10 at Senior World, 719 N. Kump Blvd., Peoria. Individuals with the disease will meet in one group, while their caregivers will meet in another group at the same time. Participants will learn how to better cope with the disease and will receive emotional support and social interaction in a safe and supportive environment. Weekly topics include health and wellness information, research and medications, tools for maintaining independence, and changing roles and relationships. Attendees also are given ample opportunity to ask questions and share concerns specific to Alzheimer’s dise

As part of American Heart Month, an American Heart Association national campaign to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, Pekin Hospital will offer a free presentation, “PVD: Know the Facts. Know Your Risks,” on Tuesday, February 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Pekin Hospital in Park Court Conference Center. Jennifer Ash, M.D., vascular surgeon with HeartCare Midwest, will discuss Peripheral Vascular Disease, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, as well as treatment options. Peripheral Vascular Disease develops silently and affects the arteries of more than 10 million Americans. It refers to the diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and brain that cause poor circulation to the toes, feet, legs, and hands. PVD can cause an increase in your risk for heart attack or stroke. Free blood pressures will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. A light dinner will also be served. This program is open to men and women. Join Pekin Hospital to learn about this disease and what you can do to p

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. Feb. 18 . It will be held at the OSF Institute on Aging, 8600 Illinois Route 91, Suite 130, Peoria. Staff education specialist Joseph Leman, M.S., will discuss 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. Facing New Challenges is co-funded by the Heart of Illinois United Way.

Nearly 100 chamber members and guests attended the February Puttin' on Pekin breakfast at the KC Hall.  The every-other-month breakfast is coordinated by Pekin 1st, a committee of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Jason Ward earned the early prize and Matt Deverman blamed his father for winning the late prize.  Perry Martin, from the Mayor's Committee for Disabled Persons gave an update on the work they do.  Randy Price, owner of Enviro-Safe Refrigerants was presented with the Blue Ribbon Award, the Sunshine Award, was the Spotlight on Business, AND was the speaker.  His efforts to renovate several Pekin buildings, and the growth of his business, were deserving reasons for the recognition.   You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) graciously hosted the February 7th Business After Hours. Rick Zehr and the staff greeted guests, provided tours and information, and updated the audience on the organization. IPMR is a non-profit medical rehabilitation center with MD's, physical, occupational and speech therapists working in Pekin since 1968.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

April will be here before you know it! Our Family and Business Showcase is April 6. To secure a booth for yourself or your business, follow the link for more info:

American Red Cross , 405 W. John H Gwynn Jr. Drive , Peoria, IL, 61605; (309)253-5859; www.redcross.org ; Steve Tuttle , Donor Recruitment Rep.; Business hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 8:00pm; The American Red Cross is the nation's largest blood supplier. They specialize in blood products, collection, testing, and distribution.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn made his annual State of the State speech to the General Assembly yesterday, and it contained a mixed message for the business community. On the one hand, the Governor spoke of the need to fix the single biggest problem facing the citizens of Illinois - the estimated $100 billion dollar unfunded pension obligation.  He also expressed his desire to address the State's backlog of unpaid bills, announced the Illinois Manufacturing Lab to help with innovation and job training, and his desire to act on several social issue.  And, he spoke of the need for more jobs, more new small business start-ups, and the need to keep the government out of the way of small businesses. And then he proposed an increase in the State's minimum wage to at least $10 per hour. The immediate negative reaction to that proposal was far and wide, from not only pro-business organizations (Illinois Chamber, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Illinois Retai

A contingent of staff and volunteers from area Chambers met on February 5th with Secretary Schneider to discuss the long standing regional road priorities list. Brent Eichelberger, Commerce Bank; Rich Kriegsman, KMI; Bob Gates, Federal Companies; and Tom Lucek, CityLink joined Bill Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber and Roberta Parks, President of the Peoria Area Chamber in this meeting. The delegation was speaking on behalf of the Chillicothe, East Peoria, Morton, Pekin, Peoria and Washington Chambers concerning the “regional road priorities list” developed and endorsed by all the Chambers. Secretary Schneider was complimentary of the unified voice the region puts forward when this type of collaborative work is done. Significant discussion took place about the need for continued funding in this year’s capital plan for the Eastern Bypass. This project is currently in the Phase One study which focuses on corridor selection and alignment. The current funding

Goodwill of Central Illinois announces Beyond Jobs, its newest free program designed to assist area women in finding employment. 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. Nearly 15 million U.S. households are headed by women and despite being the sole providers, more than 29 percent of women live below the poverty level. Female-headed families have the lowest earnings among all family types. Women who participate in Beyond Jobs will work with a Goodwill Employment Specialist to determine their strengths and identify the tools and training they need to achieve their career goals. They are then matched with area businesses where their skill sets apply. After employment is found, ongoing support for both employees and employers will be provided by Goodwill. “This program reflects Goodwill’s culture through its o

The R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy learned about the media today. Rusty Dunn, a spokesperson for CAT, shared with the class his strategies for working with the media. There were also two class introductions and two reports on not-for-profit organizations. Alissa Williams, the assistant director at the Pekin Public Library, gave a quick tour of the library's facilities.  You can find more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber   

While we take the time during Black History Month to reflect on the achievements of African-Americans, it is also an ideal time to consider the future health of the aging population. African-Americans are twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, and many of the affected dismiss the early warning signs as a normal result of aging. This is simply not true. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in thinking and other brain functions. There is no prevention, no treatment and no cure. Early diagnosis is of vital importance when treating Alzheimer’s disease. Despite their increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s, research shows African-Americans are less likely to seek treatment for their symptoms. In fact, though they are twice as susceptible to the disease, African-Americans are only 38 percent more likely

The Pekin Hospital League held their annual meeting February 4 and presented a check to Pekin Hospital CEO Gary L. Jepson for $137,500. The contribution will be used to support the Critical Care Unit monitoring system at Pekin Hospital. The following new officers for 2013 were also announced. President: Georgia Gschwend Vice President: Carol Guenther Recording Secretary: Claudia Bill Treasurer: Kathie Sayles Corresponding Secretary: Connie Kilhoffer Shirley Williams was recognized as the League member with the most volunteer hours for 2012. Founded in 1958, the Hospital League was comprised of 38 women. Over the years, the League has contributed over $4.5 million towards patient care. Today, the League has 85 active members, 6 provisional, 56 sustaining, 32 sustaining life members, and 21 non-resident members. In the past year, the League has contributed 10,392 hours, and manages the Pekin Hospital Gift Shop located in the Hospital Lobby and the Nearly-Nu Shop located on Derby

The Illinois Office of Tourism has nominated Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. as a possible award recipient for its work in helping to share the opportunities and benefits of Illinois tourism with the general public. Winners in various categories will be announced at an Awards Dinner held on February 27, 2013, which is a part of the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. The Conference honors innovative tourism marketing initiatives that promote the destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois – website, social media marketing, visitor’s publications, and cooperative partnerships (the category in which TCRC has been nominated). For a number of years now, TCRC has had a contract with the Office of Tourism to provide mailing, and other, services for Illinois. “If someone contacts the state asking for brochures, maps, or other tourism information, we’re the ones who fulfill that request, said Libby Holbrook, Vice-President of Clinical and Business Services for

ServPro , 113 Sapp Street , Pekin, IL, 61554; (309)346-5600; www.servpropeoria.com ; Jason Fletcher , president; Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, service hours - 24/7; ServPro are leaders in fire and water cleanup, restoration, and mold mitigation and remediation. ServPro has the training and experience to make your damage, "like it never happened". They also specialize in smoke, soot, and water restoration, catastrophic storm response, documents drying, carpet cleaning, and air ducts and HVAC cleaings. ServPro of Peoria and North Central Tazewell County provide fast, reliable cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.