Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Hospital will offer a free presentation on smoking cessation on Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pekin Hospital’s Park Court Conference Center. Family practitioner Mohammed M. Khan, M.D., of the Family Health Center of Pekin, a part of ProHealth Medical Group, will present “No Butts About It: Smoking Cessation – How You Can Quit.” Dr. Khan will discuss the effects of smoking on health, as well as resources and options for quitting. According to the American Lung Association, every year in the U.S., over 392,000 people die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke. Tragically, each day thousands of children still pick up a cigarette for the first time. Quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his or her life. Stopping smoking can be tough, but smokers don’t have to quit alone. Join Dr. Khan’s presentation on J...

Construction for the Flanagan South Pipeline Project is slated to begin later this summer and activities are underway to ensure the communities along the route benefit from the project. As part of that effort, Minnesota-headquartered Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is working to recruit local staff and businesses to help support the firm’s portion of the project. The company works to support land and energy development by providing surveying and engineering solutions on projects nationwide. Westwood has committed to finding opportunities to support local economies along the Flanagan South Pipeline Project. This includes recruiting and hiring locally to fill surveying and administrative positions, and partnering with local workforce development centers and technical schools to train and orient staff that will perform construction support activities in cities along the route. Additionally, Westwood will be contacting local businesses for specific products and services to support th...

ICPR Family Practice is excited to announce the building of a new office. This 12,000 square foot office will be located on the corner of Barney and Griffin Street in Pekin(behind Big R). Groundbreaking is expected to begin the first week in July with completion expected in spring of 2014. Construction will be done by CORE Construction. The new building will allow the staff at ICPR to continue to provide patients with excellent care while also allowing for more growth and additional services in the future. Keep up with the progress of the new building on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/icpronline. ICPR specializes in pain management and treating arthritis and carpal tunnel syndromes as well as providing at home sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnea, personalized diabetic care, Physical Therapy, and family medical care for all ages. ICPR also provides on site x-rays, diagnostic services, weight loss programs, wellness center and lab services to get you the best care possib...

Ameren Illinois is doing its part to help the young people in central Illinois recognize, respond to and report bullying. Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Craig Nelson, will present a check for $22,000 to The Center for Prevention of Abuse in order to expand its work in local schools and day care settings. Mr. Nelson states, “The Center has been very effective in helping nearly 20,000 students learn to keep their bodies safe, solve problems in a positive way and build healthy relationships. If Ameren can play any part in stopping the bullying or abuse of children, we will know that we’ve made a difference in our community. ” The check presentation will be Tuesday, June 25, 2pm at The Center for Prevention of Abuse, 420 Joan Court, Peoria, IL. Executive Director of The Center, Martha Herm, says, “I hope Ameren’s leadership will be an inspiration to other organizations to step forward to prevent abuse. Our homes, schools, neighborhoods and workplaces can become safer...

Ming's of Pekin 2129 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 660-7416 www.mingsofpekin.com Tao Wang , Owner Ming's is an Asian/American buffet offering a variety of items such as sushi, hibachi grill and steak. There will also be popular chineses dishes available. Opens July 1, 2013

Pekin Hospital Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. The Laboratory’s director, Kathryn O. Kramer, M.D., was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Pekin Hospital Laboratory is one of the more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide. The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall manage...

Savant Capital Management, a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm with nine offices in three states, announced today it has been recognized by two leading financial trade publications as one of the top Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) in the country. Savant has been named one of the top 100 RIAs in the country by REP., formerly known as Registered Rep magazine. The leading financial publication ranked Savant #22 out of 100 companies and third highest in total assets under management for Illinois-based firms. This is Savant’s first time being recognized on the list. According to REP., firms had to have at least 10 percent individual clients and at least 10 percent high-net worth clients for whom they do financial planning , and no more than 50 percent institutional clients. Savant currently has more than $3 billion in assets under management and manages over 3,000 client relationships. To view the complete list of rankings, click here. Additionally, Savant wa...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer a Healthcare Provider CPR course for nursing students and others who are entering a health occupation field in the August 2013 semester. A full professional CPR class is scheduled for July 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the 4 South Education Classroom at Pekin Hospital. The cost of the class is $35 and will include the course manual. Registration is required and class size is limited. To register, please call (309) 353-0351 or email Pgreen@pekinhospital.com no later than July 1. The CPR class is offered through the American Heart Association, and participants will receive a two-year card upon completion. If you or someone you know is entering nursing school or any other health occupation course this summer/fall, this is a CPR class that is accepted by all colleges of nursing in the Central Illinois area.

Gastroenterologist Qazi E. Khusro, M.D., has joined ProHealth Medical Group and is accepting patients at his new practice, ProHealth Gastroenterology located at 600 S. 13th Street, Suite J in Pekin. Board certified in Gastroenterology, Dr. Khusro utilizes the latest medical advances including the PillCam video capsule and the Bravo pH Monitoring System. These advances help with the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Khusro completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Loyola University Medical Center and a Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound fellowship at Indiana Medical Center. Before joining ProHealth Medical Group, Dr. Khusro previously cared for patients in the Bloomington-Normal area of Illinois. Dr. Khusro is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call (309) 353-0607. ProHealth Medical Group operates primary care and specialty practices in Pekin, Illinois. ProHealth is part of Progressive Health Systems, which inclu...

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students A.J. Pool and Alissa Wertz as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for May. A.J., a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Suzy Shepard, a guidance counselor at PCHS. In the nomination, Mrs. Shepard cited A.J’s contributions to the Math Assistance Center Lab, as well as his hard work as a student. Alissa, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Marcene Farley, a Latin teacher at PCHS. In the nomination, Mrs. Farley cited Alissa’s contributions to Student Council, Latin Club, and the Tazewell County Youth Board. 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 Pri...

The Pekin Police Department is receiving calls from business owners about whether or not they have to allow employees or patrons to carry firearms in their business.  These calls are a result of last week's announcement by Tazewell County States Attorney's Office regarding concealed carry.   According to Pekin Police Chief Greg Nelson (received via email):  Business owners are able to set workplace policies and post requirements for admittance into their businesses.  Very similar to “No Smoking”, “No Pets” or “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs, businesses that wish to bar people from bringing firearms into their businesses should post “No Firearms” signs.  If officers are called to a place of business that has someone on their property that is carrying a firearm and will not leave, officers should instruct the person to leave.  If the person refuses, they would be arrested for Trespass, NOT for a firearms violation. If an employer has an e...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin welcomed Bednar Chiropractic to Pekin with a ribbon cutting on June 14th.  Located at 1113 Court Street, Bednar Chiropractic is a full service chiropractor featuring vitamins and supplements, corrective exercises, and life-style coaching.  Amongst their therapeutic options are spinal decompression, massage, and traditional chiropractic therapies.  Terri Bednar, D.C P.C.P, is the owner and Chiropractor.  She has invested a considerable amount of resources in the remodeling of their new office, which they showcased at a June 15th grand opening.  Dr. Bednar can be reached at:  (309) 349-3746, or www.bednarchiropractic.com .

The June Puttin' On Pekin breakfast was held on Friday the 14th. Quinn Barra won the "early" prize, while Mitch O'Shaugnessey won the "late" prize. The Spotlight on Business was given to Tazewell Machine Works represented by MacK Cakora and Dan Rose. Glen Smith, from SJ Smith, from was presented with the a Blue Ribbon Award, and Kevin Cone accepted the Sunshine Award on behalf of Pekin Township. Bob Blackwell, the director of the Pekin Park District, spoke to the audience of 83 chamber members about the new athletic fields at 5th and Koch Streets.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Doug Parsons and the entire crew of Excel Foundry & Machine were the host of the June 6th Business After Hours.  Excel also took the opportunity to make the event a public open house to show-off the improved road ways, new corporate offices, a huge processing center, foundry facility growth, and the installation of some of the most sophisticated machining equipment in the world.  Tours and refreshments were available.  Check out more pictures from this and other chamber events at  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber  

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Bill Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, recently completed his second year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Institute participants are recognized across the country as leaders in their communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and b...

    If you are using Twitter, Facebook or some other form of social media as part of your business but really aren't sure you are getting the most of it, come to a session hosted by the Speakeasy Art Center and Tammy Finch, owner of Web Tech Services, Inc and learn more about why social media is a great business tool and how to better utilize it to make your business grow. JUNE 19 -6:30-8:00 at the Speakeasy Art Center, 353 Court Street. Free seminar and all are welcome. Questions? Email Shannon at speakeasyartcenter@hotmail.com .

Pekin Main Street’s annual Farmer’s Market begins on Thursday June 20th, in historic downtown Pekin next to the Tazewell County Courthouse on Capitol Street. The market will be opening with our traditional Watermelon slicing at 3:45pm. This year, Senator Dave Koehler will be our honorary Watermelon slicer. Pekin Main Street will be presenting Senator Koehler with the 2012 Pekin Main Street Partner of the Year award for his role as chief sponsor of the Cottage Food Law and for his commitment to food related issues and Main Street. This weekly open-air market will be held on Thursday evenings, June 20-September 19, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, plants, fresh cut flowers, herbs, bakery items, canned items, crafts and more. Free entertainment will be held on selected weeks on the Courthouse lawn. The Pekin Main Street Farmer’s market was a recipient of a LINK UP Illinois Grant. LINK Up Illinois is a program of Experimental Station in part...

You know your business. Take that knowledge to new heights and avoid mistakes. Get the information you need and answers to your questions during this FREE one-hour webinar … Topic : Avoiding the Top Tax Mistakes that Small Businesses Make Date :   Thursday, June 20, 2013 Time :   11:00 a.m. (Pacific); Noon (Mountain); 1:00 p.m. (Central); 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) What's Covered : ·          Tips to avoid common mistakes with your business taxes ·          Good recordkeeping strategies ·          What is reportable income ·          How to carefully choose a tax preparer ·          Helpful Tax Information Resources ·          Broadcast will include a live Q&A session CPE :   CE Credit is NOT being ...

Get answers to these questions and more during this FREE one-hour webinar … Topic : Small Business Owners: Get All the Tax Benefits You Deserve Date :   Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Time :   11:00 a.m. (Pacific); Noon (Mountain); 1:00 p.m. (Central); 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) What's Covered : ·          Learn about business expenses and deductions ·          What is a business depreciation deduction? ·          Find out which business tax credits are available for your business ·          Get the latest facts about the American Taxpayer Relief Act ·          What are the qualifications for the Earned Income Tax Credit? ·          Broadcast will include a live Q&A session CPE :   CE Credit is NOT being offere...

The Tazewell County will be hosting their monthly Trivia night on Thursday, June 13 th 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 s...

The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinois Chapter needs volunteers at its Peoria office, 606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria, to staff the reception desk, assist with mailings and work health fairs. Volunteers will help with mailings and health fairs at agreed upon times on an as-needed basis. The in-office volunteer hours are flexible, and help is currently needed: Mondays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays: 1-5 p.m. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, call Office Manager Chris Nauman at 309.681.1100.

The severe weather season is here, and CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) is encouraging Illinois businesses of all sizes to prepare by updating their business continuity and disaster recovery plans with resources that will help minimize and even eliminate risks. Even minimal downtime during a storm can result in lost revenue and customers, which is why CenturyLink makes careful preparations to keep its network operating for business customers when severe weather impacts the area. A few extra resources from CenturyLink may help business customers weather a storm.    CenturyLink Resources for Illinois Businesses CenturyLink business customers with voice services can take advantage of Emergency Call Forwarding (ECF) for up to 90 days at no charge when CenturyLink determines that an area has been impacted by a natural disaster.   ECF helps businesses stay in contact with their customers by forwarding calls to an alternate local phone number, i...

Bard Optical Pekin office will celebrate 28 years in business in July. Opened by Dr. A. Arthur Bard in 1941 in downtown Peoria, Diana Hall purchased the practice in 1981 and has grown Bard Optical to 20 locations in Central and Southern Illinois. Please join us in celebrating the Anniversary of Bard’s Pekin office by stopping in and congratulating Dr. Shelley, Alicia, Office Manager and the Pekin staff.

Violence and abuse are impacting our healthcare system in a big way. Emergency departments are stretched to handle the daily appearance of patients involved in domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse situations. The long term effects of physical, sexual and emotional trauma can last years and severely complicate a person’s health and therefore greatly add to healthcare costs. Illinois Health Cares and The Center for Prevention of Abuse are hosting the first in a series of presentations and trainings focusing on abuse and the medical community. The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare’s response to abuse by establishing a system-wide understanding of abuse as a major health concern. Who: Holly Ramsely-Klawsnik, Ph.D What: Presentation: Elder Abuse Stats and Stories: The Health Providers Role When: Thursday, June 6 9am – 11am Where: Illinois Central College North - Auditorium 5407 N. University Peoria, Illinois 61614 Speaker Bio Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, PhD is a sociologist and...

The 6th Annual Marigold Women's Golf Outing will be on Saturday, August 24th at Parkview Golf Course.  The entry fee for the 2-woman scramble is just $90/team and includes a continental breakfast, hole contests, door prizes, goody bags, flight prizes, greens fees and cart.    Download the flyer for more information and a registration.  Contact Renna Hadsall at the chamber (346-2106) with questions or to donate prizes.