Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Hospital has been awarded another three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently gathered for a ribbon cutting to welcome Midland Davis Corporation to the chamber. Office Manager Rikki Wallace cut the ribbon, with help from brothers Mitch & Marty Davis, 4th generation owners of this 121-year-old family business. Midland Davis Corporation's Pekin facility is a recycling center that meets a variety of needs for businesses and the community. They offer buyback services, confidential shredding, resale, and curbside recycling. They also offer local businesses a one time, on-going, or on-call business recycling and office "de-clutter" services. Midland currently processes the City of Pekin's curbside recycling program. More information is available at 353-3333 or www.midlanddavis.com .  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital recognized its volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held April 19 at the Pekin Country Club. During 2012, hospital volunteers recorded a total of 29,530.5 hours of volunteer service. Volunteers donated 9,631.5. Volunteens donated 644 hours, and Escorts donated 8,863 hours. In addition, the Pekin Hospital League members donated 10,392 hours. 34 volunteers were given special recognition for their hours of service: 100 Hours –Sharon Duthoo, Bud Grimm, Beverly Martin, Sandy Moeller, Pat Pollock, Taran Schmitt, Rick Shively, Nila Siltman, and Linda Sutton 500 Hours –Darrell Chitwood, Mike Cook, Janet Hamilton, Phil Icenogle, and Bob Witzig 1,000 Hours – Harriet Harris, Clyde Laier, Rodney Williams, and Gary Zimmerman 1,500 Hours – Marjorie Wilson 2,000 Hours –Doris Boldt and E.J. Eberle 2,500 Hours – Suzanne Hochstettler and Beulah Snyder 3,000 Hours – Phil Bearden and Bob Green 3,500 Hours – Bill Beadles, Bill Jones, Kay Jones, Nancy Lunini, and Robert...

Hair Cuttery 531 S. Parkway Dr., Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 353-9415 www.haircuttery.com Nicole Kessler , Salon Leader Hair Cuttery is the largest family owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, with nearly 900 company-owned locations on the East Coast, New England and the Midwest. A full-service, value priced salon, Hair Cuttery offers a full complement of cuts, styling, coloring, waxing and texturizing services with no appointment necessary. They also offer a full line of professional hair care products.

Advanced Energy Diagnostics was officially welcomed to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce on April 22nd.  Owner Seth Friedrich was presented with his membership plaque by chamber receptionist Diane Sego, chamber board member Becky Saban, chamber executive director Bill Fleming, and chamber event manager Renna Hadsall.  Located in Pekin, Advanced Energy Diagnostics (AED) is an independent, third-party, energy auditing service. AED specializes in Energy Star Ratings for new home construction, 2012 IECC code compliance verification, blower door testing, duct pressure testing, thermal imaging scans, combustion safety testing, and energy audits. AED can be reached at (309) 300-0026 or www.AdvancedEnergyDiagnostics.com

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on Monday, April 22nd at Pekin Country Club.  You can see a few pictures from the event on the chamber's picture page at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

Goodwill Industries International is pleased to announce that Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will lend her voice to help raise awareness about Goodwill’s mission of transforming lives through the power of work. The announcement comes just as Beyoncé gets ready to kick off The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour today in Serbia. "Goodwill helps people get back to work by providing education, job training and placement. I wanted to team up with an organization that puts people first and works every day to help them improve and re-establish their lives," said Beyoncé. Beyoncé will encourage fans to support Goodwill by promoting donation drives at her North American concerts beginning on Friday, June 28, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Goodwill will host a mobile donation center onsite at 28 tour venues in 24 North American cities, collecting clothing, electronics and small household goods. The revenue from the sale of these donations will directly benefit local Goodwill agencies in their...

The Alzheimer’s Association invites area residents for an amazing evening of good, old-fashioned Kentucky Derby fun. The Champagne and Champions: Kentucky Derby Party will be held Saturday, May 4 at WeaverRidge Golf Club, 5100 N. WeaverRidge Blvd., Peoria. Derby-style attire is suggested. The event will include Derby-style dinner and drinks, live music by JC and the Redemption, a silent auction, games and a few surprises along the way. New this year is the Party on the Infield, a lively, outdoor continuation of the festivities. Learn about the contenders in this year’s race and choose your favorite before the race begins. Pick right, and you could win a prize! Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Race time is 5:15 p.m., and from there the party really begins! Tickets are $75 per person, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter to help fund vital community programs and services. For tickets, call the Central Illinois Chapter at 681.1100 or toll-free at 800.272...

The Pekin Hospital Foundation is now accepting applications for the Frances Tollensdorf Nursing Scholarship, the Bud Velde Health Care Scholarship, and the Pekin Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship. The Frances Tollensdorf and Bud Velde Scholarships are each $1,000 awards presented annually to one student for each respective scholarship based upon financial need, scholarship achievements, experience/extra-curricular involvement, letters of recommendation and general qualifications and goals. All completed applications, transcripts of grades, letters of recommendation, and other pertinent information must be submitted to the Pekin Hospital Marketing Department by May 24, 2013. 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. Through a generous endowment provided by Bud Velde, a former Pekinite, the Pekin Hospital...

Your lunch plans next Friday just got easier – have the Alzheimer’s Association deliver hot, delicious brats, pork chop and chicken sandwiches right to your workplace. The Central Illinois Chapter is hosting a Chops and Chips Cookout from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the chapter office in Glen Plaza Shopping Center, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria . For a $6 donation, you get a brat or sandwich of your choosing and chips. Drinks also will be available for purchase. Board members and staff will man the grills and prepare orders. As an added bonus, the chapter will make deliveries between 10:30 a.m. and noon to locations within the Peoria area that order five or more meals. Whether pickup or carryout, please order ahead by calling the office at 681.1100 (toll free at 800.272.3900), or faxing your order to 309.681.1101. Proceeds will benefit the Peoria Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at Liberty Park on the Riverfront. The Walk is the nation’s largest event to...

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual membership meeting on April 22nd at the Pekin Country Club.  Over 200 attendees representing 52 businesses and organizations enjoyed the reception and short business meeting, followed by entertainment by the PCHS Noteables.  Four members of the Board of Directors completed their terms and were recognized for their service.  The retiring members were:  Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management; Paula Davis, Pekin Community High School District 303; and, Paul Scherer, Heartland Bank & Trust.  Also recognized was Skip Schermerhorn, Herget Bank, who completed his service on the board as Past President.   Newly elected board members were introduced.  They are Tracy Blanchard, Kroger;Larry Crouch, Monge Crouch & Mahoney; Chad Gambetti, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts; Gary Jepson, Pekin Hospital; and, Frank Shearer, Covenant Heating & Air Conditioning.  The chamber membership ...

The training sessions listed below will be held at the Federal Correctional Institution located in Pekin, Illinois, for anyone wishing to train in the following areas: AWR 232 -- Mass Fatalities Planning - April 24, 2013 MGT 405 -- Mobilizing Faith Based Community Organizations in Preparing for Disasters - May 9, 2013 Click on the links to download the registration forms and more information.

Pekin native Anna (Freidinger) Palmer is making a big noise in the Start-up E-Commerce sector with her business Fashion Project .  Read how she raised $1.8 million in seed funding from angel investors on TechCrunch .

Ray Dennison Chevrolet hosted the April Business After Hours for chamber members and their guests. Ray, John and Brian greeted their guests and showed them the recently remodeled showroom.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation , announced today that Bill Fleming, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Regent Scholarship. Awarded to professionals from across the country, the Regent Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement in industry professional organizations, community service, and professional background. “Regent scholarships offer executives the opportunity to attend Institute and learn about emerging industry trends, expand their organizations’ influence, and grow their peer network,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are pleased to help these talented professionals advance their careers and organizations.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has educated tens of thousands of association, chamber, and ot...

125 Salon 125 Parkway Dr., Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 620-8447 JoEtta Hill, Manager 125 Salon is a hair care and nail care salon. It also offers private suites to tenants that act as their own business. Other key employees: Chris Swingle, President. Eric Hill, Owner.

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and their 365 days of the year effort to prevent child abuse, The Center for Prevention of Abuse and Luthy Botanical Garden are joining Mrs. Bushong’s 2nd grade class from Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Thursday, April 25th to learn about preventing abuse through caring for ourselves, each other and the environment. Activities will take place between 9:30 am – 11:30 am and will include how to be safe from abuse, enjoying a story, planting vegetables and flowers, making crafts and participating in “Natures Kitchen”, an educational session offered by Luthy Botanical Garden that teaches children where food comes from. “Our hope is by exposing children to nature and showing them the love and care that goes into a garden, it will foster a greater sense of caring and peace not only for nature but for each other as well,” said Jeanne Anders, Supervisor of Prevention and Community Based Prevention Services. “Reaching children at a young age and te...

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., at its April 2013 Annual Shareholders Meeting, announced the promotions of Todd Lawson to Senior Vice President Loans, Brett Moehring to Vice President Finance, Tami Smith to Assistant Auditor, and Kristin Dahl to Electronic Banking Officer. Lawson has worked in the banking industry for 27 years, serving in the Loan Department at South Side Bank for the past 22 years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Illinois State University. Lawson is a current board member for Camp Big Sky and Community Workshop Housing Corporations. Moehring began his banking career in 1998, and has been at South Side Bank since 2006. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. Moehring is a member of the Southside Business Association. Smith has been with South Side Bank for 12 years. She has an Associate’s Degree in General Education and a Banking & Financ...

Pekin Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement. “Our goal is...

www.pekinchamber.com/2013/ValuingDiversity.pdf

The Pekin Hospital League’s 22nd Annual Golf Classic will be held Monday, May 6, 2013, at the Pekin Country Club. The entry fee is $125 per person and includes green fees, cart, box lunch, beverages, and a buffet dinner. Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shot-gun start. The format will be a four person scramble. The right hole-in-one could net the winner $5,000 along with chances to win other bonus prizes. Proceeds from the Golf Classic will go to the Pekin Hospital League’s special projects. Entry deadline is April 26, 2013. For more information, call (309) 353-0803.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on May 13, 14, and 15. 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 a...

Haddad's Downtown 319 Main St., Peoria, IL 61602 (309) 495-4700 www.haddadsdowntown.com Andrew Speck , Owner Haddad's is a locally owned restaurnat that has a wide variety of American and Lebanese cuisine. There is a large selection of beer and wine available, as well. Haddad's specializes in catering including outdoor and picnic style. Other key contacts: Rita Speck, co-owner

Beyond Jobs is a free program that helps Central Illinois women improve their job skills and find employment (or better-paying jobs). Funded by a grant from the Walmart Foundation and administered by Goodwill of Central Illinois, it connects qualified women and respected employers—building brighter futures for both. How does Beyond Jobs work? The program starts with a thorough assessment of each participant that includes work history, job skills, computer aptitude, personality profile and more. Then, women in the program work with Goodwill’s employment experts to identify the tools and training they need to achieve their educational, career and financial goals. Each participant receives a complete career assessment, including: : Job skills & computer training : Resume preparation : Individualized career planning : Financial education : Access to clothing from Dress for Success (on a need basis) : Job connection & retention services Plus, our assistance d...

Members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new chamber member:  American Red Cross.  Steve Tuttle, Donor Recruitment Representative, accepted their membership plaque from Mack Cakora, Tazewell Machine Works; Jay Hall, Excalibur Seasoning Company; Gregg Ratliff, Herget Bank; and, Christie Perry, Pekin Hospital.  The American Red Cross is the nation's largest blood supplier. They specialize in blood products, collection, testing, and distribution.  They are located at 405 W. John H Gwynn Jr. Drive in Peoria.  They can be reached at (309) 253-5859 or www.redcross.org.

Members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently gathered to welcome a new member:  Velde Lincoln Volvo of Peoria.  Steve Brown, Sales Consultant with Velde Lincoln Volvo accepted their membership plaque.  Congratulating him were Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management; Dave Vaupel, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory; Dave Osborn, Trouble Free Heating and Cooling; and, Paul Scherer, Heartland Bank & Trust.  Located at 2200 W. Pioneer Parkway in Peoria, Velde Lincoln Volvo of Peoria offers new Lincoln's and Volvo's, with a large variety of all makes and models of pre-owned vehicles. They also have a service department for all makes and models, open 6 days a week, with pick up and drop off services for their Pekin customers!   You can reach them at (309) 692-9880 and www.veldeofpeoria.com.

Nearly 100 chamber members attended the April 12th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast held at the Knights of Columbus Hall.  The every-other-month breakfast is coordinated by Pekin 1st, a committee of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Committee member Rose Hasler presented the Spotlight on Business Award to Bridget Rumler of John M. Evans Supportive Living Community. Emcee Rob Hancock presented the early prize to John Abel, and the late prize to Mitch O'Shaughnessy.  Committee member Debbie Fornoff presented the Sunshine Award to Georgia Gschwend, Marilyn Bottin, and Carol Guenther of from the Pekin Hospital League. Gary Jepson, CEO of Pekin Hospital, gave a presentation on the 100th anniversary of the hospital and the status and changes in healthcare in Pekin and United States today. You can see all the pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

Discounted tickets and merchandise highlight April 20-21 Fan Appreciation Night will be extended into Fan Appreciation Weekend this year as the Rivermen mark down prices on everything from tickets to merchandise for their final two games.  The team will also host a jersey auction and invite all fans down onto the ice for an autograph session with the team. Tickets will be available for just $5 in the upper bowl and $10 in the lower bowl for their games on April 20 against Charlotte and April 21 against Milwaukee. All merchandise in the team store, and sold on the concourse, during those two games will be marked down to 50 percent off. Following the game on April 20, the team's home white jerseys will be auctioned off in a live auction on the ice. Fans who place the winning bid will be able to come onto the ice to have their jersey signed and take a picture with their player. After the finale on April 21, all fans in attendance will be invited down onto the ice for an autog...

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Ciara Beyer and Taylor Cascia as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for March. Ciara, a senior, was nominated by Rachel Haynes a personal assistant at PCHS. In the nomination, Mrs. Haynes cited Ciara’s contributions to the Suzuki program. Taylor, a senior, was nominated by Ann Gallinger a guidance counselor at PCHS. In the nomination, Mrs. Gallinger cited Taylor’s contributions to Notables, Intuition, and other school activities. 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 Curriculum at PCHS said, “PCHS is grateful to have the opport...

Focus Forward CI Broadband Initiative The Goals of the Broadband Initiative: Develop and deliver customized broadband awareness sessions Engage network providers to improve broadband awareness in the region Develop a five-year broadband connectivity strategy for the region We Need to Hear from You!! 1.  Do you have access issues? 2.  What are you using broadband and the Internet for? 3.  What would you like to know about Broadband? Please take a few moments to complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ffcibroadband

Accelerated Rehabilitation Center was officially welcomed to the Pekin community at an April 9th ribbon cutting.  Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce joined with the staff for the  celebration, which was followed by an open house. Accelerated Rehabilitation Center recently opened next to McDonald’s at 3289 Court Street.  They are a physical therapist owned and operated rehabilitation company, offering specialized physical therapy treatment and focus on excellent outcomes and patient care.  With a network of over 225 outpatient rehabilitation centers located throughout the Midwest and Arizona, Accelerated offers a wide range of programs and specialized services to help their patients restore and maintain physical strength, performance skills, and levels of function. Michael Bennington, PT, is the facility manager in the Pekin office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and by appointment.  Other staff include Eric...

Make plans to attend Dragon Pride on May 1st from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Hawkins Gym in Pekin Community High School.  Dragon Pride is the annual exhibition for PCHS students to display their class projects from all academic areas.  The event is open to the public and is is an open house format so visitors are free to explore the exhibits at their own pace. Dragon Pride is a way for students to show their skills that they have learned over the year in a particular class. Dragon Pride features different types of exhibits from the Career and Technical Education department to the Math department. Students will be present at many of the exhibits to explain their project and what their class is about.

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., held their Annual Meeting on April 8, 2013 where David F. Cochran, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer. Cochran was re-elected Chairman of the Board. Mark W. Joseph was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. Joseph is a graduate of Illinois Central College and Sangamon State University. He began his banking career in 1978, moving to South Side Bank in 1990. Joseph is the President of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the First Vice President of Neighborhood House. Re-elected to the board of directors were: David F. Cochran, Chairman; David H. Bettinghaus, Kevin E. Colgan, Steven J. Fawley, David L. Golwitzer, Karen M. Jensen, Mark W. Joseph, Charles D. Karpowicz, Mark E. Matuszak, William C. Schwab, Michael J. Stone, Jeffrey W. Ward, and Timothy M. Ward. Also elected to the board was John J. Waugh. Waugh is a gradu...

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a non-profit comprehensive medical rehabilitation center, is pleased to announce Deb Adlington as the new Director of Marketing and Business Development. In this role, Adlington will lead execution of strategic marketing initiatives and champion the company’s social media experience. Adlington received a dual Bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration from Illinois State University. She has 15 years of experience in healthcare including positions with OSF St. Francis Hospital, HeartCare Midwest and IPMR. She most recently served as Supervisor of Patient Accounts and Collections at IPMR and was formerly the Director of Promotion and Market Research at MultiAd in Peoria, IL. “We are excited to combine Deb’s years of experience in business administration, promotion and market research with her unique knowledge of IPMR in order to expand our market of comprehensive rehabilitation programs and services” stated Rick Zehr,...

Savant Capital Management, a fee-only wealth management firm, has launched Savant Social, a dedicated section of its website that allows clients, partners and interested parties to view all of the ways to engage digitally with the brand. Savant is officially launching a Facebook page, YouTube channel and expanding its efforts on Twitter and LinkedIn. Savant’s Social page includes links to each of its social media sites and highlights the type of content they will find on each one. Visitors to Savant’s social media sites can expect to see a wide array of video, market commentary, investment and financial planning tips, links to suggested reading, lifestyle and non-financial features as well as Savant’s involvement with the community. “As we continue to expand our reach, social media is the perfect way for us to engage new audiences and stay in touch with our current clients,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO and Principal at Savant. “Savant’s social media sites will be educational and i...

Goodwill of Central Illinois has named Dean Turnquist as the manager of the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans. Turnquist has been a United States Army reservist since 1985 and is currently an acting first sergeant and acting company commander. His duties include commanding 29 drill sergeants, and supply staff, as well as being a certified instructor. In civilian life, Turnquist began his career as an operations supervisor for United Parcel Service. He continued his career at General Electric for the next 16 years. During his tenure at GE, Turnquist held several positions, including customer liaison specialist, program administrator and project manager. “We are thrilled to find such an accomplished individual,” said Patty Fuchs, Goodwill President and CEO. “Dean brings with him not only a solid background in management, but also an understanding of the military culture and the support our veterans need to reintegrate into the community.” Turnquist’s duties include working with ...

Goodwill of Central Illinois has announced Julie O’Donnell as its new director of human resources. A graduate of George Williams College, O’Donnell’s career has spanned 34 years. The Delavan native has managed human resources departments in the healthcare setting in Chicago, Florida and Peoria. O’Donnell served as human resources manager at Proctor Hospital for eight years, before her 11 year tenure with the Peoria Journal Star. “We are thrilled to have Julie join us,” said Patty Fuchs, Goodwill President and CEO. “She has extensive human resources experience and we look forward to utilizing her expertise in building upon Goodwill’s employee-oriented culture. Julie genuinely enjoys working with people and that passion will serve Goodwill well as we continue to modernize and mission-ize our workforce services.” Goodwill employs more than 300 individuals throughout 21 counties in Central Illinois. The director of human resources manages the needs all employees through Goodwill’s adminis...

Tazewell County and Pekin Main Street present “Create, Cultivate, Educate” Fine Arts Showcase Tazewell County and Pekin Main Street, with help from the Tazewell County Regional Office of Education, present the 3rd annual “Create, Cultivate, Educate” Fine Arts Showcase beginning Thursday, April 25 at 11:15am on the Tazewell County Courthouse lawn. This event will showcase the talent of Tazewell County K-12 students every Thursday and Friday from April 25 to May 17. Performances and art displays will occur on the lawn of the Tazewell County Courthouse in downtown Pekin. Performances will be from 11:15-1:30, with each participating school taking either a 1 or 2 hour block. Participating Schools include: Wilson Intermediate School, Edison Junior High, Rankin School, Pekin Community High School, Wilson Intermediate School, Washington Intermediate School, Washington Middle School (Washington, IL), Broadmoor Jr. High School, Delavan Elementary School, District 108 Suzuki Strings, St. Joseph S...

Vendor applications are now available for the 2013 Pekin Main Street Farmer’s Market. The market is every Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm, June 20th-September 19th on Capitol Street between Court and Elizabeth Streets in downtown Pekin. Pekin Main Street is looking for vendors who will be willing to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, organic foods, meats, prepared meals & seasonings and crafts. Priority is given to vendors who commit and pay for the entire season on a first come, first serve basis. Cost for the entire season is $100.00. Vendors may participate by the week at a cost of $10.00/week. Application packets are available on the Pekin Main Street website, www.pekinmainstreet.com or by calling the Pekin Main Street office at 353-3100.

Congratulations to Hallmark House Nursing Center on their recent 5-Star Rating, and welcome to their new medical directors, Dr. Ishani Ali and Dr. Michael Honan.  Click the poster below to read all the details.

Please join us in welcoming our newest chamber member: Sun Loan Company 509 S. Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61555 (309) 346-2057 www.SunLoan.com Tania Walker , Manager Sun Loan Company speciallizes in tax preparation and installment loans ranging from $153 to $3,023. Other key employees: Kayla Boyle, Assistant Manager; Debbie Rodriguez, Assistant Manager.

This is a reminder for next Tuesday's (April 9) IS meeting. The meetings in April are " Collaborating is the New Way to Compete " What we are seeing is non-traditional partners coming together to break through the complex and interconnected issues, determined to create success collectively. Please invite your friends, colleagues, and business associates to come, too! Tuesday Morning Pekin IS Group The next IS meeting will be Tuesday, April 9 and will be at Avanti's Dome in Pekin, IL. Avanti's Dome is located off of Court St. behind Big R. We will begin at 7:30 A.M. and will conclude by 9:00 A.M. Remember, the meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month (meaning the next meeting in April will be on the 23rd).

Many of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act affect small businesses differently depending on their size.  For self-employed individuals in particular, there are new options for health coverage and other changes under the health care law that will directly affect you in the coming months.  Read more at: http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/health-care-business-pulse/self-employed-learn-what-affordable-care-

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a new employment eligibility verification form (Form I-9), now available for immediate use by employers.  Previous versions of Form I-9 may be used until May 7, 2013.  After this date, all employers must use the revised Form I-9 for each new employee hired in the United States. The revised form I-9 includes new fields and a new format to reduce errors.  The instructions also more clearly describe the information employees and employers must provide in each section. English and Spanish versions are available.  To order forms, call USCIS toll free at (800) 870-3673.  For downloadable forms and information on immigration laws as well as USCIS programs, regulations and procedures, please visit www.uscis.gov/I-9central .

Accelerated Rehabilitation Center will be officially welcomed to the Pekin community at an April 9th ribbon cutting.  Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin will participate in the 5:00 pm event that is open to the public.  The ribbon cutting will be followed by a reception and open house. Accelerated Rehabilitation Center recently opened next to McDonald’s at 3289 Court Street.  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.  With a network of over 225 outpatient rehabilitation centers located throughout the Midwest and Arizona, Accelerated offers a wide range of programs and specialized services to help their patients restore and maintain physical strength, performance skills, and levels of function. Michael Bennington is the facility manager in the Pekin office, wh...

Please join us in welcoming a new member to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Advanced Energy Diagnostics PO Box 484, Pekin, IL  61555 (309) 300-0026 AdvancedEnergyDiagnostics@gmail.com   www.AdvancedEnergyDiagnostics.com Seth Friedrich , Owner Alex Moessner, Energy Star HERS Rater, BPI Certified Professional Advanced Energy Diagnostics (AED) is an independent, third-party, energy auditing service.  AED specializes in Energy Star Ratings for new home construction, 2012 IECC code compliance verification, blower door testing, duct pressure testing, thermal imaging scans, combustion safety testing, and energy audits.

Please join us in welcoming our newest chamber member... TitleMax, 2800 Court Street, Pekin, IL  61554 Phone:  347-4006; Fax:  347-4014 www.titlemax.biz Pam Burress, General Manager Open 9am to 7pm Monday through Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday TitleMax is one of the nation’s largest and most reputable title lending companies. They offer title lending, loans and speciality financing. Other key employees include Stefanie Drain, Store, Manager; Jamie Richardson, Assistant Store Manager; and Bobby Ross, District Manager.

A major road reconstruction project could cause traffic delays in Tazewell County, and the project begins today.  The $86.6 million dollar project will involve the reconstruction of the Interstate 74 and Interstate 155 interchange and the reconfiguration of the Interstate 74 and Morton Avenue interchange. The work will occur from west of Pleasant Hill Road to just west of Main Street, and on Interstate 155 north of the Birchwood interchange. The project begins today and should be complete in late summer 2015. The initial work starting on April 1st will consist of pothole patching and installation of temporary traffic controls and road construction signs.  The project will feature construction of additional through lanes on I-74; reconstruction of the I-74/I-155 interchange into a new configuration; ramp improvements at the I-74/Morton Avenue interchange; removal of eight existing structures on I-74 with replacement of six of those structures; pavement removal and replac...