Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Focus Forward CI held a celebration milestone event on July 30th the Gateway Building in Peoria. Nearly 300 people attended.  Over the past year more than 1,000 people have been involved in this regional economic development effort. The event celebrated the completion of a 5-year, asset-based, community economic development plan.  The plan includes measurable goals, including: Add 13,190 new jobs in the region Increase the salary of over 19,000 existing jobs by $5,000/year Increase the number of bachelor and graduate degrees in the region by 2,300  Increase the number of 25-to-44-year-olds in the region to 30 percent of the population Increase the regional population to 386,475  More information is available at www.focusforwardci.com

Tower Loan opened their Pekin office at 1019 Derby Street on August 1st.  Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to officially welcome them to Pekin.  Chris Carrico, senior supervisor/vice president, assisted local manager Ashley Young with the ribbon cutting.  Tower Loan is a privately-owned finance company, with over 170 branch offices in Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama and Louisiana.  The company is regarded as one of the largest and most progressive independent finance companies in the nation.  They can be reached locally at 346-4013.

Gro Up 221 N. 5th St., Pekin, IL 61554 (309)349-4407 www.groupgardening.webs.com Nathan Schmidgall , Owner Gro Up is an indoor/outdoor gardening supply store. They specialize in hydroponics and organic gardening.

Savant Capital Management, a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm, announced today it has been recognized as a top RIA firm by Financial Advisor magazine. The firm ranked 49th, moving up three spots from last year’s ranking. This is Savant’s fifth consecutive year ranking on this prestigious list. Financial Advisor magazine’s top RIA list includes more than 500 RIAs from across the country. As published in the ranking results, at the end of 2012 Savant managed over $2.9 billion in assets, ranking 49th overall and 9th in Illinois. Annually, Financial Advisor ranks the top registered investment advisory firms across the United States based on a survey of the firm’s discretionary assets under management. Click here to view the entire list. “Savant has experienced favorable growth in the last few years which is due to our loyal clients and committed team,” said Brent Brodeski, CEO at Savant Capital Management. “We are honored to be named on this esteemed list for ...

Pekin Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various 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. The ACR is a national professiona...

Representatives of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce helped Godfather's Pizza celebrate their Grand Re-Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 19th. Even the "Godfather" was on hand for the event. Godfather's Pizza recently finished updating their restaurant with new furniture and fixtures and a new self-serve Coke machine that offers more flavors than you can imagine. The ribbon cutting was followed by 4 hours of celebration for customers. Godfather's Pizza is located at 2111 Court Street.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The 9th annual Pekin Main Street Super Cruise rolls back into downtown Pekin on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 . This annual event attracts thousands of motorcycle, car and truck enthusiasts to downtown Pekin to enjoy wheels of all shapes and sizes as well as live entertainment and food. Friday night (7/27) kicks off the weekend’s festivities at 5:00pm with the Phat Jax Custom Cycle Bike Rally. The event features live music by the Glory Days will rock the night away beginning at 7:00 on the Ray Dennison Chevrolet Stage. All are welcome to participate in the Bike Show – trophies will be awarded in various categories to the best bikes out there! All bikes must enter into downtown from Capitol Street from Margaret Street or from the lower 300 block of Court Street. Maps can be found on the Pekin Main Street website ( www.pekinmainstreet.com ). The festivities continue on Saturday with our annual Super Cruise, which begins at 1:00. All cars must enter into ...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin held a ribbon cutting to welcome a new business to Pekin and the chamber.  125 Salon, located at 125 N. Parkway Drive is a hair care and nail care salon. It also offers private suites to tenants that act as their own business.   JoEtta Hill is the manager, and other key owners include Chris Swingle and Eric Hill, Owner. They can be reached at (309) 620-8447.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/pekinchamber

Expectant parents can now see their arrival in vivid, thrilling detail with 3D/4D ultrasound photos and videos available at Premier Obstetrics & Gynecology located at 2401 Broadway, Lower Level, in Pekin. Traditional ultrasound offers two-dimensional (2D) outlines and flat-looking images, whereas the new three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound features more detailed, realistic images that are meaningful to physicians and parents alike. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound takes it one step farther by enabling you to watch your unborn baby in motion. Rather than a flat black-and-white picture, state-of-the-art technology is used to create a sophisticated image of the surface of the baby, including every detail of his or her face. “That’s what makes it 3D,” explains Pekin Obstetrician Eric V. Reinertson, M.D. “The technology also includes real-time scanning, so you can see the baby moving in real time on screen. That non-static image is what makes it 4D.” Dr. Reinertson advises that the ...

The Alzheimer’s Association-Central Illinois Chapter will host a program entitled “Perspectives on Caregiver Stress” from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, July 22 at Encore! UnityPoint North at Allen Road, 2338 W. Van Winkle Way, Peoria. The program addresses coping with stress related to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s. The group will examine the symptoms of caregiver stress and learn tips and strategies for assisting with routine personal care activities, as well as simple steps to make the home safe and supportive. Registration is required by Friday, July 19 by calling the office at 800.272.3900 or 309.681.1100. Low enrollment numbers may result in the program being canceled or rescheduled. For more information on this program or other scheduled programs, please call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/illinoiscentral.

The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinois Chapter will present a program entitled “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Washington District Library, 380 N. Wilmore Road, Washington. This is a program for anyone who would like to know more about dementia and Alzheimer’s. Participants learn about symptoms, causes and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, the benefits of early detection, stages of the disease, treatment options, and ways the Association can help. Cost is $5 per person for materials. Registration is required by Tuesday, July 16 by calling the office toll free at 800.272.3900.

Central Illinoisans and their friends are invited to enjoy the vineyards, delight in wine tasting and relax to the beat of local musicians at an afternoon Summer Concert at the Winery, with proceeds benefitting families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Summer Concert at the Winery will be held from noon - 5 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at Kickapoo Creek Winery, 6605 N. Smith Road, Edwards. The $10 admission fee includes an afternoon of wine tasting and entertainment, with proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association - Central Illinois Chapter, Peoria. Popular local musical acts Boogie Shooze, Jazz Slayer and Greg Williams will perform. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Chapter office, 606 W. Glen Ave., and at Kickapoo Creek Winery. They also will be sold at the door the day of the event. The Alzheimer's Association-Central Illinois Chapter offers programs and support services to help improve the quality of life of area residents dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Its missio...

An estimated 4.4 million Americans are living with a chronic disease that sometimes can be life-threatening, and most of them don't even know they have it. Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. The disease can prevent this powerhouse organ from doing the vital work of processing nutrients, metabolizing medication and clearing the body of toxic waste. Hepatitis also is a leading cause of liver cancer and a primary reason people have liver transplants. "The most common forms of viral hepatitis are identified as hepatitis A, B and C," says Qazi Khusro, M.D., of ProHealth Gastroenterology at Pekin Hospital. ProHealth operates primary and specialty practices in Pekin and is part of Progressive Health Systems, which includes Pekin Hospital. "Hepatitis A rarely is life-threatening and usually goes away on its own as the liver heals itself, although symptoms may last a few months. Hepatitis B can cause severe illness and even de...

The Concorde Inn & Suites hosted the July 8th Business After Hours. Owner Bill Griffin talked about some of the latest improvements, while chamber members enjoyed food, beverages and door prizes. State Representative Mike Unes was presented with the Illinois Chamber's Champion of Free Enterprise Award.  You can see more pictures from this event at picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, chamber member JP Morgan Chase, and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce today presented the Champion of Free Enterprise Award to State Representative Mike Unes.   The award was presented by Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Fleming at the chamber’s Business After Hours hosted by the Concorde Inn and Suites. The award recognizes legislators in the Illinois General Assembly who have made special contributions in the defense of free enterprise and support pro-business legislative policies to further economic opportunities for Illinois businesses and their employees.   “With unemployment in Illinois consistently higher than the national average, state fiscal uncertainty, a crumbling transportation infrastructure, and one of the highest corporate tax rates in the nation; no state has a greater need for pro-business legislators than does Illinois.   Every business manager and owner should embrace and recognize electe...

Tower Loan 1019 Derby St., Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 346-4013 www.towerloan.com Ashley Young , Manager Tower Loan, a privately-owned finance company, operates more than 170 branch offices in Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama and Louisiana. The company is regarded as one of the largest and most progressive independent finance companies in the nation.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is developing the first ever statewide bicycle transportation plan, and your input is needed. Share ideas on how to improve bicycling in Illinois during a public meeting at the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, 211 Fulton St. in Peoria, on Tuesday, July 16th, from 6:30 to 8pm. Can’t make the meeting? Register for the webinar instead, which takes place Thursday, July 12th, from noon to 1pm.  RSVP for either event at surveymonkey.com/s/ILBikePlanRSVP .  For more information on the Illinois Bike Transport Plan and additional meeting times and locations, visit illinoisbikeplan.com

ICPR Family Practice broke ground this morning on their new office.  The 12,000 square foot office will be located on the corner of Barney and Griffin Street in Pekin behind Big R.  Construction will begin in this month, with completion expected in the spring of 2014.  CORE Construction will be leading the project. 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.  ICPR will post the progress of their new building on their 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. ICPR is always accepting ne...

New Petco™ Helps Shelter Pets Find Homes During Grand Opening Celebration July 13-14, 2013 Petco™ is happy to announce the grand opening of its new store in Pekin, IL at 3434 Court St., in the East Court Village, the weekend of July 13-14, 2013. The festivities feature pet adoptions, giveaways and discounted services, and a variety of activities to introduce the new store and its team to the community. The new Pekin Petco will offer local pet parents everyday necessities and a wide-variety of high quality food options, including natural, organic and raw food selections. In addition, the store will proudly host numerous pet adoption events throughout the year to help local rescues and shelters find homes for the many animals in need. They will also host monthly Meet the Critters events, which are complimentary interactive educational forums for families such as the annual hit, Reptile Rally. Saturday, July 13, 2013 8:55 a.m. – Ribbon cutting ceremony. 9:00 a.m. – The first 100 Pals...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on August 19, 20, and 21. 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...

Haddad's Downtown was welcomed into the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on July 4th.  Haddad's was grilling and selling sandwiches at the July 4th Honor America Fireworks Celebration in Pekin's Memorial Stadium.  They are located at 319 Main Street in downtown Peoria and owned by Andrew & Rita Speck, who cut the ribbon along with their family, employees, and representatives of the chamber.   Haddad's is a locally owned restaurant with a wide variety of American and Lebanese cuisine. There is a large selection of beer and wine available, and they specialize in catering, including outdoor and picnic style. They can be reached at (309) 495-4700 or www.haddadsdowntown.com

This year's event is on August 31st.  To date over $220,000 proceeds have been donated.  See the flyer for more information or visit:  www.bradcampbellmemorial.org

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar 3540 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 (309)353-3988 www.bloominapple.com Steve Hogue, Jr. , General Manager Applebee's is the largest casual dining chain in the world. They take pride in having a friendly, welcoming neighborhood environment for our staff and guests. Applebee's offers a fun, family restaurant with a kid-friendly children's menu. They also have a variety of grilled food, American food, Mexican food, and healthy meals.

Pekin Hospital will offer a 5K walk/run and kids fun run on Friday, July 19 starting with a one-mile kids fun run at 6:30 p.m. and a 5K run/walk starting at 7 p.m. The Dash at Dusk 5K race will start and finish on Park Avenue by the Hospital and promises to be flat and fast. The 5K route will start at Pekin Hospital on Park Avenue and will include the following streets: Park Avenue to 6th Street, 6th Street to Washington, Washington to 10th Street, and 10th Street to Park Avenue. This is a two-loop course. The one-mile kids fun run will also start on Park Avenue near Pekin Hospital. Participants will run down to 8th Street, turn around, and run back up Park Avenue to the finish line. Registration fees are as follows: 5K run: $30 per person 5K walk: $25 per person Kids fun run: $10 per person The top three winners in age group categories and the top finisher in the 0 – 14 age group will receive a custom cast glow-in-the-dark medal. The first place overall male and female winners...

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, IPMR, has been serving the Washington community with physical, occupation and speech therapy for 16 years. IPMR is pleased to announce the relocation of their Washington, IL office to 209 N Cummings Lane. Enjoy tours, live music, ice cream and prizes at the open house event on July 16 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A ribbon cutting will take place at 4:30 PM. Free health screenings will be available. The Chief’s mascot Homer will be on hand to greet you. “IPMR is focused on patient centered care. The new office provides easier access and a more convenient location for patients”, said Rick Zehr, President of IPMR. Additional services will be available at the new location including office hours with Dr. Lisa Snyder, a physiatrist and the medical director of IPMR. Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect movement. IPMR’s new STAR Program for cancer rehabilita...

The Institute of Physical Medicine (IPMR) is excited to announce expansion of their adult day service. IPMR has been operating IPMR Senior World at 719 Kumpf Blvd. in downtown Peoria for over 32 years. Now their adult day service will be provided at an additional location in Morton. Visit our open house at IPMR Senior World, 730 W Jefferson St, next to Brandon Wood Retirement Center in Morton. Enjoy live music, refreshments and prizes at the following open house events: Tuesday, July 16- 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 17- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thursday, July 18- 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Jackie Bowers has been the Director of IPMR Senior World since 2007. She will also direct the Morton location. Jackie has over 30 years experience providing care, education, and administration for the geriatric population. The Morton site supervisor is April McIntyre. April is a certified occupational therapy assistant. “The service provided at IPMR Senior World is truly unique. IPMR’s healthcare profes...

A large group of community and chamber volunteers showed up at the chamber office this morning to help assemble 500 welcome packs for employees and contractors who will be arriving in the area to work on the Enbridge pipeline project.  The volunteers made quick work assembling information from about 50 Pekin area businesses.  The welcome packets will be distributed by Enbridge beginning next week.   You can find more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Celebrating their First Anniversary in Newton, Champion Fitness Physical Therapy will be hosting a "1st Anniversary Customer Appreciation Day" on Friday, June 28 at the clinic located at 100 Sycamore. The general public is invited. A complimentary lunch will be served prepared by Hartrich Meats including pork burgers and pulled pork sandwiches from 11-1 as well. Besides enjoying complimentary pork burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, drinks, and desserts for lunch, visitors will have a chance to register for door prizes (including a Flat-screen TV), pick up a few giveaway items, check out the facility, and, most importantly, visit with the staff of the Newton clinic, PT Cory Hanley, PTA Daniel Weiler, and AA Kim Kapper, along with members of the Champion Fitness Corporate team. Champion Fitness Owner and PT Jeff Schade has been very pleased with growth of the clinic in Newton. "We're very happy with the way we've been received in Newton and Jasper County. ...

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin congratulated  Ming's of Pekin with a ribbon cutting on their grand opening.  Owner Tao Wang cut the ribbon on the restaurant located at 2129 Court Street, which is in the Crossroads Center near to Riviera Tan, First Community Title, and Anytime Fitness.  Ming's is an Asian/American buffet offering a variety of items such as sushi, hibachi grill and steak. There will also be popular Chinese dishes available.  You can find lunch and dinner hours and their menu at www.mingsofpekin.com or call (309) 660-7416.