Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Join Mackinaw Valley Vineyard as they host the International Music, Wine and Beer Festival! The festival will be Saturday, May 25, 2013:  11:00 am-11:00 pm and Sunday, May 26,2013: 12:00 pm-6:00 pm. This year's festival will be bigger and better as Mackinaw Valley Vineyard celebrates their 10th Anniversary year at the vineyard. They will be featuring over 55 wines and 55 beers for tasting and purchase from around the world. Morton Community Bank is again the corporate glassware sponsor and the Lions Club will be providing food concessions with the proceeds going for charity. Artisan cheese sampling and sales will be by Ropp Jersey Cheese in the pavilion. Saturday and Sunday there will be music performed throughout the day. Saturday music schedule : 11-3pm tba 3-6:30pm Greg Williams 7-11pm Sister Groove and the Cross Town Jam Sunday music schedule:  12-3pm Colt 45 & Johnny Walker 3-6pm Spring Creek Station $10 pp includes souvenir glass and 5 tasting...

There is no better time than this Friday to get your tickets to the fourth annual FREE Food Night presented by Coca-Cola and Centerplate. This Friday from 10 a.m.until 2 p.m., tickets in the upper bowl (end) are available for only $10 and in the lower bowl (end) for only $15! You can pick them up by stopping by the Peoria Civic Center Box office or by calling the Rivermen office at 309-676-1040! Every fan who enters Carver Arena will receive a voucher good for a hot dog, soda and a bag of chips that can be redeemed at any concession stand in the arena. Tickets go fast for this event and more than 27,000 people have been a part of Free Food Night over the past three seasons. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Rivermen office at 309-676-1040! To unsubscribe from the latest Rivermen offers and promotions, please click here .

Ninety four Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. employees were recently honored at the 54th Annual Service Awards Dinner held at the Pekin Moose Lodge on March 20. Employees honored have more than 1,100 years total service to Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. Employees and their years of service are as follows: 45 Years: Lois Bale 35 Years: Brenda Holt, Jo Ellen Patterson, Carol Urban, Pat Vandeschraaf 30 Years: Lynn Candler, Carla Henderson, Becky Keen 25 Years: Priscilla Culp, Janet Fields, Cathy Mitchell, Holly Pogioli 20 Years: Lyb Collier, Beth Dralle, Toni Faught, Brenda Fosdick, Tobi Sondag 15 Years: Joni Barth, Cheryl Cockerham, Tami Cook, Karen Cusac, Lori Draeger, Stacy Eichorn, Rachel Haynes, Mary Ingram, Dawn Klaasen, Treena Kleinman, Brandon Klokkenga, Aaron Radcliff, Beth Seidel, Linda Turney, Tonya Uselton, Kimberly Woods 10 Years: Elaine Barnes, Randy Barth, Suzanne Behle, Susan Belsley, Mike Bingham, Cathy Blake, Tammy Buchanan, Linda Carter, An...

The Peoria chapter of SCORE is presenting a series of four FREE sessions to help you grow your business.  You do not have to attend all four, but can register for those that interest you and fit your schedule. This series of workshops will  be held Thursdays at the Morton Firehouse training room, 300 W. Courtland Street from 8:00 - 9:30 AM on the following dates: April 18 - Session 1  Goal Setting & Time Priorities  "Register" May 2 - Session 2  Marketing Plan   May 16 - Session 3  Financials  May 30 - Session 4  Sales & Business Operations These workshops are free, but you need to register at:   http://www.scorepeoria.org/workshops.html  

Pekin Hospital’s Board of Trustees has approved a $2 million plan to renovate the now vacant sixth-floor of the hospital’s patient tower. The project will ultimately add 16 new private patient rooms bringing the hospital’s complement of private rooms to 81. “When this renovation is complete, it should be a rare occasion that patients are ever admitted to a semi-private room,” said Gary L. Jepson, Pekin Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “This is a major step forward in our efforts to improve patient privacy, comfort, and to always deliver the kind of care our community expects and deserves.” Construction is scheduled to begin April 1, 2013 and conclude in approximately eight to nine months. Other planned improvements for the sixth floor include adding energy efficient windows, increasing computer access, and expanding physician work areas. Pekin Hospital is currently completing a $750,000 construction project to replace air handling units within the hospital, as well as a $277,000 mo...

The YWCA is accepting nominations for outstanding leadership and achievement awards to be presented at its 32nd Annual Women’s Recognition Day luncheon on Thursday, May 9th at the Pekin Country Club. The event will begin with a social from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by the luncheon program. Nominations to honor outstanding accomplishments and contributions of women in their careers and community service are being accepted at the YWCA office through April 19th. To qualify, nominated women must have residence or employment in Tazewell County and meet specific criteria for the nominating category. Women may be nominated as outstanding employee or for contributions to the arts, business, professions, sports, or community service. The arts award is given to a woman displaying skill in drama, dance, music, painting, literature, sculpting, the graphic arts, or other artistic endeavors. An accomplished banker, realtor, agent or other businesswoman, business owner or partner w...

The Central Illinois Regional Chamber Legislative Effort (CIRCLE) has two upcoming events for chamber members.   On Monday, April 29th , you and your guests are invited to join the Canton, East Peoria, Chillicothe, Morton, Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, and Washington Chambers for our annual CIRCLE Legislative Reception. This event gives the Central Illinois business community an opportunity to talk directly with area legislators about issues that impact their companies.  Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while visiting with legislators and identifying other business people with common interests.  You can download a registration  for more information.     On May 9th CIRCLE is going to Springfield.  You can join representatives from 16 chambers of commerce to learn about and advocate for a common agenda with the Illinois General Assembly. There is power in numbers!    We will arrange meetings with legislators an...

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the YWCA to Stand Against Racism!  Join with us on April 26th, as together we raise awareness that racism still exists in our communities.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce believes individuals should be treated with the dignity and repect they deserve.  To learn more about this event, or to sign up and host your own local event, visit  http://www.standagainstracism.org/ .

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? We've joined with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to present two opportunities to learn more about the Affordable Care Act's impact on employers and how to best prepare for the changes.  These two lunch sessions will be held on April 2nd and May 13th.  Download the flyer for more information and reservation instructions.  (If you had previously registered for the 3/25 event that was canceled due to the snow storm, please re-register.)

Chamber members are invited to join the Board of Directors for our Annual Meeting & Reception on Monday, April 22nd. Tickets are just $25.  Download the flyer  with all of the information.

The 2013 Class of the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy wrapped up their 10-week program with a graduation dinner at Pekin Country Club.  Skip Schermerhorn, President of Herget Bank, introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Michael Cross, Director of Athletics at Bradley University.  Dr. Cross spoke about his philosophy of leadership, and the challenges of leadership in his position.     Two academy participants, Fred Blanchard and Lora Jacobs, provided their impressions of the 10-week program. Chamber Events Manager Renna Hadsall, assisted by the leadership academy committee, distributed graduation certificates and gifts to each of the participants.  Chamber President Drew Leman, closed the program with a challenge to the participants to stay active and get involved. Twenty-four participated in the 2013 academy: Rev. Steve Anderson, First United Methodist Church Robert Baughman, City of Pekin Don Baxter, City of Pekin Fred ...

Welcome to our newest member of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Velde Lincoln Volvo of Peoria 2200 W. Pioneer Parkway Peoria, IL  61615 (309) 692-9880; fax 692-3738 www.veldeofpeoria.com Steve Brown , Sales Consultant, 613-0581 Offering new Lincoln's and Volvo's, with a large variety of all makes and models of per-owned vehicles.  Velde Lincoln Volvo of Peoria has a full service department for all makes and models and they are open 6 days a week, with pick up and drop off services for their Pekin customers! Dale & Tammy Hicks, owners; DJ Hicks, service manager; Steve Brown, sales consultant; Dave Bell, Sales Manager; Lisa Ziebenhorn, comptroller.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on April 15, 16, and 17. 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: the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control  how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size  the possible complications associated with diabetes  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 includes all three classes. Class ...

Seeing a healthcare provider at ProHealth Family Medicine and the Family Health Center of Pekin just became easier. Both offices are now offering same day appointments and extended hours. “This is an effort to make seeing a healthcare provider more convenient and quicker,” said Dawn Moushon, Director of Practice Management. “Illness doesn’t run by a schedule and we wanted to offer patients more flexibility, including same day appointments and availability after 5 p.m.” ProHealth Family Medicine , 600 South 13th Street, Suite I, in Pekin, is now open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The office will also be open on the third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Same day appointments are available, and new patients are welcome. Phone: (309) 346-1102. The Family Health Center , 19 Olt Avenue in Pekin, is now open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m....

The students in the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy visited Springfield today.  They heard from area legislators including Senator Dave Koehler, Senator Darin LaHood, Representative Mike Unes and Representative Keith Sommer.  They also toured the Capitol, watched a committee hearing, and visited the Abraham Lincoln Museum.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Main Street held an open house on March 14th to celebrate the grand opening of their new office location. The event was also part of their annual volunteer appreciation party. The new office is located at 15 S. Capitol, Suite 219. Their phone number is still 353-3100. More information about the organization and their events can be found at: www.pekinmainstreet.com .  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated Mist on their 15th anniversary with a ribbon cutting on March 14. The salon, formerly known as the Hair Depot, is co-owned by Stacie Rose and Michele Lawson. Representatives of the chamber joined Stacie, Michele and the other stylists for the ribbon cutting. The celebration continued into the evening with a reception at Kouri's Pub. Located at 300 Broadway, Mist offers complete hair care and facial waxing services. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments (353-3768) are highly recommended. While maintaining personal and individual care, Mist is a busy, upbeat, and progressive salon.  More pictures from this and other chamber events can be found at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Focus Forward CI is a regional economic development planning initiative that aims to improve the quality and quantity of jobs in Central Illinois. This survey is geared toward Generation Y or 20 - 40 year old individuals within the region, to gain their valuable insights on quality of life and the economic opportunities in the Central Illinois Region. Thank you for taking 5 - 10 minutes to answer these questions found at the link below. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GenYFFCI  

In his State of the State address last month, Governor Pat Quinn proposed increasing the Illinois minimum wage from $8.25 to at least $10.50.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce asked its members their opinion on this proposal, and what the impact might be to the regional business community. Of the 135 responses received by the chamber, 77% were opposed to the increase while 18% were  in favor of it, and 5% had no opinion.  Based on the overwhelming opposition to the proposal, the Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution of opposition.  The resolution will be sent to Governor Quinn and the Pekin area legislators. Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Fleming said beyond support or opposition, he also wanted to know what unintended consequences might result if the proposal is passed.  “Businesses said they would be forced to increase their prices, which would be passed on to consumers," said Fleming...

A “Botox with your Besties” party can be scheduled with two or more people. It is preferred for parties to be scheduled on late afternoon or evenings. (However the schedule can be flexible). Available days for scheduling a party are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays. Tuesdays are not available. Botox at Sumer Wellness is sold at $12/unit. The average number of units required for treatment will vary by individual. Each party guest must purchase a minimum of 20 units. Botox Cosmetic can last up to six months. Sumer Wellness will provide light snacks for the party (cheese, crackers, etc.). Discounts for “Botox Party” are as follows: 2 patients- $30 off of total discount ($20 deducted from treatment cost and a $10 SW gift certificate with 3 month expiration). 3 patients- $40 off total discount ($30 deducted from treatment cost and a $10 SW gift certificate with 3 month expiration). 4 patients- $50 off total discount ($40 deducted from treatment cost and a $10 SW gift certifica...

Pekin Hospital will offer a free diabetic foot screening on March 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Pekin Orthopedic Center located at 2351 Broadway in Pekin. Podiatrist Dr. Kurt Glesne will perform the screenings to identify patients at risk for diabetic foot complications. The foot screening will include assessment of nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and structural foot deformities, ultimately reducing the risk of future complications including lower extremity amputations. In addition to the foot exam, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, and blood pressures will also be performed. Foot health is very important for people with type 2 diabetes because the condition is often linked to poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy (disease of the nerves). When people with diabetes don’t take proper care of their feet, they can get skin ulcers (sores). Foot sores take a long time to heal and can lead to complications, like amputation or death. According to the American Diabetes Association, as man...

The 19th Annual Partners In Peace Awards Luncheon will be held Tuesday,March 19 at noon at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Individuals and groups in the community who further the vision of The Center for Prevention of Abuse, to build a safe and peaceful community, will be honored. The luncheon also recognizes volunteers from The Center for their dedication of time, talent and energy. Keynote speaker, Dr. Sara Rusch, is the Regional Dean for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP). She is recognized as an educator and mentor of young physicians, an academic leader and a skilled clinician.  UICOMP and the CENTER for PREVENTION of ABUSE are involved in a special initiative through a grant from the Illinois Dept of Public Health and the Illinois Violence Prevention. This initiative involves the development of new training modules to educate residents, nurses and other healthcare providers to better respond to issues of abuse.  This year, t...

To raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, Pekin Hospital will offer a free presentation, “PVD: Know the Facts. Know Your Risks,” on Thursday, March 28 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 PVD and what you can do to prevent it. Registration is required and can be made by calling (309) 353-0662. Pekin...

St. Patty's Party Saturday, March 16 Corn Beef & Cabbage $8.95 Reuben & our famous Home-Made Chips  $7.95 ~ Green Beer & Whiskey Specials ~ Karaoke with guest D.J. Angi Flanagan (with a name like Flanagan...need we say more?) Can't make it Saturday night?  Don't worry!  Join them Sunday, St. Patrick's Day for the same menu!

Many people have asked what’s happening with the Focus Forward CI effort in Tazewell County.  Bill Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Tazewell County team provided this update.  (You can learn more about the entire Focus Forward CI initiative at:  www.focusforwardci.com.) I would characterize Tazewell County as early adopters of Focus Forward CI.  Last September Tazewell County Administrator Michael Freilinger appointed a diverse group of economic development professionals and business leaders from throughout the county to our committee.  We’ve lost a couple members but added some new members, too.  Below is a list of the people that have been involved on our committee. John Anderson, County Engineer, Tazewell County Kathie Brown, Leadership in Local Government Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension  Leslie Cameron, Branch Manager, Heartland Bank - Delavan Kristal Deininger, Commun...

The Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter will host an open house on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at its headquarters, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria. The event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests will have a chance to meet staff members and learn about our education programs, information services, advocacy efforts, research support and special events. Refreshments will be served, and there will be door prizes. For more information, call the Central Illinois Chapter toll free at 800.272.3900 or 681.1100. The Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter is a donor-supported, not-for-profit health organization serving 20 counties in Illinois. For additional information or for help, please visit the website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or call 800.272.3900.

Goodwill of Central Illinois and Bergner’s will hold their semi-annual donation drive from Wednesday, March 13 through Saturday, March 30. During the promotion, every item donated to Goodwill will earn the donor a 25% off coupon from Bergner’s. Donations can be made at any Goodwill or Bergner’s location. On the opening day of the sale, March 13, 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. Discount coupons can be used on items not normally on sale, such as fragrances, cosmetics and electronics. The sale of these donated items provides the funding Goodwill needs to provide free programs and services to the people of Central Illinois. Goodwill of Central Illinois is a non-profit organization that provides job training, career and vocational services to veterans, individuals and families who are working...

Local economic development leaders are working with a potential new employer to evaluate the labor availability in the Peoria area. If the employer chooses to locate in Peoria, they would open a Contact Center facility and plan to employ up to 200 individuals at full capacity. Approximately 50 Contact Center positions would be immediately available. These employees would serve clients in a variety of industries by providing customer service and sales support to their customers. Positions would pay $9.00-$10.00 per hour, plus bonus and benefits. Qualified candidates must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable using a computer while assisting customers. Must be 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. You can express interest in working for this potential new employer by completing a brief questionnaire at ( www.workforcenetwork.com/survey ). Completed questionnaires will be shared with the employer and you may be contacted regarding an available po...

PAL Health Technologies , 1805 Riverway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-8785; www.palhealth.com ; Kimberly Chaney , accounting manager; Business hours: Monday - Thursday 6:00am - 5:30pm; PAL Health Tech is a national leader of corrective footwear. They manufacture custom, prescription orthoses, ankle braces, and diabetic inserts.

The R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy has been busy the past couple weeks. They've learned about the Tazewell County government, efforts of the Coalition for Equality, the issues and challenges of the local school districts, and they've toured Tazewell Machine Works and the Illinois Air National Guard.  You can see more pictures at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Mist , 300 Broadway, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 353-3768; Stacie Rose and Michele Lawson , co-owners; Mist offers complete haircare and facial waxing services. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are highly recommended. While maintaining personal and individual care, Mist is a busy, upbeat, and progressive salon.

Several weeks ago, the Illinois Office of Tourism 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. In an Academy Awards themed event held on February 27, 2013 at the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, TCRC won a “Best Supporting Actor” award in the category “Cooperative Partnerships”.  Libby Holbrook, the TCRC Vice-President of Clinical and Business Services, and Lori Durdel, Director of Business Services, were on hand to accept the award. “We were so honored to have been nominated … and now, humbled to have won,” commented Ms. Holbrook.  She went on to say, “It’s a very special feeling when our developmentally disabled service recipients get recognized for all of their effort and hard work.” 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 ...

When the best treatment for a person's substance abuse or drug addiction isn't close to home, it makes it difficult for family members to participate in the treatment of a loved one. Recognizing family involvement is an integral aspect that provides both immediate and long-term benefits to individuals in recovery, Gateway Foundation Lake Villa has added a valuable feature to its Family Program to assist families that live at a distance through online Family Video Counseling. How Does Family Video Counseling Work? An experienced Family Therapist or Counselor facilitates individual family sessions via video teleconference to address concerns related to substance abuse in an open and respectful manner. We use a secure video conferencing software application that is fully compliant with federal health regulations to ensure privacy. Video family counseling is available to families with loved ones in Residential Treatment. What Families Will Gain Improved communication skills Cop...

The Rotary Club of Pekin will again award grants to not-for-profit organizations serving the good of our community. The grants are the distribution of profits earned from the annual Marigold Festival pork chop sales. Organizations requesting grant funding must submit their request in writing. The application must contain a cover letter, a one page proposal including budget details, and tax exempt number. Please submit your application (up to $500) to Rotary Club of Pekin, P.O. Box 694, Pekin, IL 61555. Applications must be postmarked by March 20, 2013. Any requests received after this date will not be considered. Awards will be distributed in May.