Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Simple Steps for Growing Your Business: Session 4: Operations When Thursday November 7, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST Add to Calendar Where Pekin Public Library Community Room 301 S. 4th Street Pekin, IL 61554 Driving Directions This workshop is the fourth and final session in the 4-part series designed for small business owners and managers wanting to reach the next level of growth and seeking targeted assistance and direction in key areas of business management. This session ...

Pekin Pediatric Center and Reginald Bowman, D.O., are relocating and joining ProHealth Pediatrics, located at 3223 Griffin Avenue in Pekin.  Starting November 11, Dr. Bowman will share the ProHealth Pediatrics office with Erika Hunter, M.D., and Buffi Oberle, APN-C.  The move will provide patients and their parents with enhanced service, including closer parking and coordinated scheduling. Dr. Bowman’s office will be closed on November 8 to accommodate his move.  His phone number will remain the same at (309) 347-2191. The new practice with two pediatricians and an advanced nurse practitioner will operate under the name ProHealth Pediatrics.  Please feel free to call Dr. Bowman’s office at (309) 347-2191 with any questions you have or visit ProHealthPediatrics.com. ProHealth Medical Group operates primary care and specialty practices in Pekin, Illinois. ProHealth is a part of Progressive Health Systems, which includes Pekin Hospital.

Allen & Associates B'Ribboned Etc. Beck's Convenience Store  Kirk W. Bode Attorney Todd Campbell   CommunityLink  Court Place Apartments Dragon Aquatics Swim Team  Harsco  Henderson Funeral Home Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation  JM Industrial Supply Professional Therapy Services  Salvation Army of Pekin   Speakeasy Art Center Suzi Davis Travel  Tazewell County Area Education  Tazwood Center for Wellness The HOPE Chest  Trouble Free Heating & Cooling  UAW Senior Citizens Center USCO Gas Stations  Zumwalt & Associates, Inc.  Leman Property Management Company

Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in October were 0.4% more than October of 2012.   October disbursements typically represent sales taxes collected by merchants in July and paid to the state in August. Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state for the last 3 months were 1.9% greater than the same three months a year ago. Two of the other three large communities on the east side of the Illinois River received more sales tax disbursements in October, compared to October of 2012:  Morton (1.7%), and Washington (4.3%).  However, East Peoria received 5.6% less sales tax disbursement in October, compared to October of 2012. For the 12 months ending in October, Pekin (+10.0%), East Peoria (+4.1%), and Washington (+2.5%) all received more sales tax disbursements than the 12 months ending in October of 2012.  Morton’s sales tax disbursements received from the state were down (-0.8%) for the same period.     ...

Bob Evans Restaurant 3440 Court St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-477-3020 Ron Richter , General Manager Bob Evans offers a variety of dining options for their guests. They offer your traditional dine-in restaurant in their newly remodeled dining room, carry-out ordering, as well as catering for your next function. Stop by and visit them today! Other Key Employees: Megan Snively, Assistant Manager

Local high school students interested in health careers are invited to attend a Medical Explorers Registration Meeting on November 19 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pekin Hospital in the Park Court Conference Center.  The Registration Meeting will introduce students to the Pekin Hospital Exploring Post and what the Explorers Post will offer in the upcoming year.  Pizza and light refreshments will be served.  Parents are welcome to attend the event as well. Pekin Hospital has again teamed up with the W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America to offer a Medical Explorers Post in Tazewell County.  The program’s goal is to provide young men and women the opportunity to receive hands-on, work-related experience and to explore health careers they may never have otherwise considered.  The program is open to young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old who are interested in learning more about health careers.  For m...

Thursday, November 14th from 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m. *By appointment only Call to schedule your appointment for a FREE custom Jane Iredale Makeover with our mineral makeup professionals, Merry and Megan. Learn how to maximize your look with simple and quick tips for skin of all ages. This is the perfect way to find a fresh new face for the holidays! Spots are limited! RSVP for your personal makeover by November 11, 2013 and receive a gift certificate for a complimentary PCA Skin® Facial valued at $85! Also enjoy a hand treatment while you are here! All PCA Skin® and Jane Iredale products will be 20% off the day of the event and receive a free gift with any purchase over $75! Call 309-620-9600 to reserve your spot today!

Join the team from ICPR Family Practice for FREE seminar and learn the basics of diabetes management. This seminar will focus on portion sizes, tips for dining out and holiday eating, as well as alternate options for eating healthy while living with diabetes. When: Wed, Nov 6th from 3:30p.m.-5:00p.m. Where: Pekin Library Call 309-347-4277 to reserve your seat! *You do not have to be a patient of ICPR to attend

Are you a small business owner? Make Nov 30 one of the biggest days of the year for your business by taking part in Small Business Saturday®. Check out resources that can help you stand out on the big day at ShopSmall.com. SPREAD THE WORD: Download marketing materials that can help you attract new customers on the day   PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: Apply for free personalized online ads. Eligibility restrictions apply; see Terms of Participation for full details. Registration for free ads closes on 11/4/13 or while supplies last.  GET INSPIRED: Visit ShopSmall.com to see what others have done in past years to make the day a success  This is a day no small business would want to miss. Make sure you’re a part of Small Business Saturday 2013.  

Gold’s Gym , the world’s leading authority on health and fitness, is celebrating  the opening of its newest Gold’s Gym Express facility in Pekin, IL, conveniently located at 3455 Court Street, next to Dunham’s Sporting goods, just off of Route 9. Gold’s Gym Express Pekin will open at 5am on Monday, November 4th. Drawing inspiration from the company’s storied history of delivering the ultimate fitness experience; the new concept gym has been built to help individuals of all fitness levels achieve their health and fitness goals at a great price. “Our new Gold’s Gym Express is the perfect addition to the Pekin area,” said John Morgan, owner for Gold’s Gym Express. “Members can look forward to all of the latest strength training and cardio equipment, free group fitness classes, our signature Cardio Cinema® and a host of other amenities normally found at gyms that charge three times the price.  No matter your fitness level, Gold’s Gym Express can help you achieve your goals. ...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce the launch of its new and improved website at PekinHospital.org .  The site is aimed at providing the most up-to-date information to patients, their families, and members of the general public. The site not only has a new look, but also includes drop-down and sliding menus that allow users to quickly select what kind of information they’re seeking. Other features include: • Find a provider • Pay my bill • Share a comment • Apply for employment • Learn of current news and events • Become a volunteer The site also integrates with ProHealth Medical Group’s newly-created website, PekinProHealth.com . ProHealth operates primary and specialty practices in Pekin, Illinois and is part of Progressive Health Systems, which includes Pekin Hospital. Pekin Hospital, which is celebrating its 100th year of service to the community, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a past recipient of the Lincoln Foundation for Excellence Silver ...

Small businesses who previously did not have access to quality and affordable health care now have new coverage options available through Get Covered Illinois - the Official Health Marketplace. The process of finding the right health plan for a business can be confusing. Get Covered Illinois can provide information about the health insurance Marketplace, financial assistance available to small businesses and what steps people can take to finding the right health plan in Illinois. Visit http://getcoveredillinois.gov/#smallbusiness  to learn more about the options that are available to you and your small business, and to make informed choices about their health coverage.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 16th annual Business and Community Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, October 24th at the Zeller Banquet Center in the Avanti’s Dome.  The Chamber’s Member Promotions Committee coordinated the luncheon, which was sponsored by Savant Capital Management, Pekin Insurance, Herget Bank, South Side Bank, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts, The Greenhouse Flower Shoppe, and Pekin Hospital. Recognition was given to thirty-two area businesses and organizations in the following categories:  remodeling or expansion; “green” projects or programs; new ownership or management; new business or building; additional employees; major training effort; new technology investment or major equipment investment; other business improvements; and, community involvement. Additionally, two businesses were recognized for 100 years of operations. The speaker at the luncheon was Debbie Simon, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health Methodist.  Sh...

Pekin Main Street recently received the Lt. Governor's Award for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization in Design.  The award was presented at the Illinois Main Street Conference fall conference. "We proudly share this award with Pastor Dave Carrington and the members of Driven Church for their time, talent and treasure in the successful and beautiful renovation of this building," said Pekin Main Street Executive Director Melida Heien. A reception was held on October 24th at the Fusion Building to celebrate the award and recognize the work the Driven Church has done revitalizing the former Elks Lodge. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recognized and congratulated both groups on their award with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

HOME SAFETY-Lower Your Risk of Accidents Wednesday, November 13 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM IPMR Senior World, 730 West Jefferson St., Morton, IL 61550 Learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe at home.  This is a free program with time for questions. Donuts and coffee will be served. Walk-ins are welcome, or reserve your space by calling 309.263.1157 Overcome the Eating Challenges Encountered during Cancer Treatment and Cancer Recovery Monday November 4, 12:00 PM Thursday November 14, 10:00 AM Thursday November 21 at 3:00 PM IPMR, 6501 N Sheridan Rd. Peoria, IL Please join our nutritional consultant, Marilyn Priddy, for an informational meeting about easy ways to improve your nutritional intake.  Reserve your space with an email to star.navigator@ipmr.org.  Be sure to tell us your name, any guests, your phone and your specific nutrition questions and concerns.  A fee of $15 will be collected at the event.  Light refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin came together to congratulate Bob Evans on their grand re-opening.  The restaurant was closed five days for the makeover, which included new carpet, booths, restrooms, and a fresh coat of paint on the outside.  Manager Ron Richter and assistant manager Megan Snively were assisted at the ribbon cutting by Chamber President Tom Hornstein and Pekin Mayor Laurie Barra.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will again support Small Business Saturday with advertising and promotions.  Small Business Saturday is November 30 - a day to join with other small, independently owned businesses in our community and encourage people to shop small and shop local this holiday season. Click HERE to download free logos, banners, and signage and order welcome mats and shopping bags.

The Pekin Hospital League will hold its annual Holiday Magic Gift Show on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Pekin Hospital Lobby.  The show will feature many beautiful handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, toiletries, stationery, candy, baby items, toys, and Vera Bradley items.  A large variety of baked goods, candies, and other specialty food items will be available in the Pantry that will be located near the former restaurant in the Lobby. A raffle will be held with tickets selling for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.  Tickets may be purchased from League members before the show, at Nearly Nu, and at the Pekin Hospital Gift Shop.  Raffle tickets will also be available the day of the show with the drawing being held at 2 p.m. that day. Raffle items include:  a $1,300.00 14K two-tone .25 ct bezel set pendant, an $800.00 handmade quilt from Peddler’s Way Quilt Co. & Lost Creek Quilters, a $300.00 sports memorabilia basket from Pekin Hos...

"Preparing for the Changing Landscape" Join us for our first annual educational seminar at the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, on the campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Designed to help your organization prepare for the changing landscape of employee health & wellness, this seminar will cover a broad range of wellness topics vital to today's workplace. Seminar topics include: How New Legislation Affects Your Workplace: Medical Marijuana, ADA, DOT An Introduction to Health Management Identifying Signs of Substance Abuse Healthy Employees are Happy Employees And More... Tuesday, November 12, 2013 7:30am - 11:30am - a light breakfast will be served Cost: FREE OSF Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center  1306 N Berkeley Ave, Peoria, IL 61603 (Parking is FREE in the Adjacent Parking Deck) Map of Jump Space is limited - register today: 2013 Occupational Health & Wellness Seminar

MSI 3210 Court St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-353-LOAN (5626) msiloans.biz Victoria (Vikki) Price , Senior Loan Officer Mortgage Services III, LLC is one of the fastest growing lenders in the country realizing a total production of over 18,000 loans totaling 3.2 billion in 2009. MSI exceeded expectations again in 2010 funding nearly 20,000 home loans. Mortgage Services III, LLC specializes in Wholesale and Correspondent Lending. Our expertise in government lending (FHA, VA, USDA Rural Development) and conventional mortgage products allows a one stop shop for all your lending needs! Other key employees: Kimberlee (Kim) Watson Loan Officer Assistant

Easter Seals - Central Illinois 507 Armstrong Avenue Peoria, IL 61603 309-686-1177 www.ci.easterseals.com Brittany Moldenhauer , Development Assistant Easter Seals - Central Illinois provides exceptional services to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Pekin Hospital is pleased to announce the launch of a newly-created website for ProHealth Medical Group at Pekinprohealth.com. ProHealth’s new site is designed to assist patients and visitors in finding information on each of the ProHealth Medical Group practices and all ProHealth providers. Patients and visitors will find maps and photos of each of the practices, biographies and photos of each ProHealth provider, as well as current news items and events. ProHealth operates primary and specialty practices in Pekin, Illinois and is part of Progressive Health Systems, which includes Pekin Hospital.

Is your way of living way out of control?  How many friends are coming to mind?  Bring them, too, and learn practical, no-nonsense ways to balance the vivendi!  This one-hour session on the morning of December 3rd is presented by AAIM Employers' Association and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.  Members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce can also attend at the "member" rate. Who should attend? Anyone! Business owners, employees, individuals, retired, college students, etc.  This is not just for business professionals.  Get more information and register online at:  http://business.peoriachamber.org/events/details/the-loop-work-life-balance-3881

AAIM Employers' Association will hold a 3 day training session,  Supervisor Essentials Series on October 24, 31, and November 7.  This series is designed to provide critical management skills to perform duties and responsibilities required of a management member. Participants will be able to develop a clear understanding of their job responsibilities as a supervisor, gain insight into their leadership style and understand the basic skills needed to be an effective supervisor.  More information and online registration is available at the link above.  Members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce can register at the AAIM/EA member rate. 

Representatives of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce gathered to welcome one of their newest members, go2girl, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.   Owner Danell Brooks is the go2girl.  She provides a wide variety of personal assistant and errand services for busy families and seniors. Go2girl can help your senior relatives in their homes with companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, shopping, light housekeeping, or even just a regular "check-ins". Go2girl can also walk your dog, taxi your pet to the groomer, or pet sit for your next vacation. Need a house sitter or errands run? She can take care of that too. With go2girl on the job, you will have peace of mind and more free time. You can contact go2girl at (309) 613-6758 or www.go2girlerrands.com or find her on Facebook at Go 2 Girl.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Congratulations to former Chamber Board President Peggy Collins.  On October 14th she was named the recipient of the Salvation Army Others Award for her work in the community helping others. 

The City of Pekin held a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction for the southern section of Veteran's Drive. The 2-year project is funded by the State of Illinois. When completed, this section of Veterans Drive will become Route 9. Mr. William R. Frey, Illinois Department of Transportation's Deputy Director, Assistant Chief Engineer, Division of Highways spoke at the ceremony, as did Pekin Mayor Laurie Barra, State Senator Dave Koehler, State Representative Mike Unes, and Rich Kriegsman, the chairman of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee. Also participating in the groundbreaking ceremony were Nate Hurn (representing Congressman Aaron Schock), Andy Cogan (representing Congresswoman Cheri Bustos), Tony Rolando (Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) and Pekin City Councilmen Tim Golden and Cody Hendricks. More pictures and a video can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Halloween will be celebrated in downtown Pekin on Saturday, October 19th with Pekin Main Street’s Halloween Fun Fair and Downtown Trick or Treating. From 10:00am to 12noon, children and family members are invited to trick or treat at participating downtown merchants. Participating merchants will have a sign denoting that they are welcoming trick or treaters. The courthouse square will be bustling with activity from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm as well.  A&W’s Rooty the Root Beer Bear and other mascots from area businesses will be on hand to interact with children.  Pekin Fire Department and Pekin Police Department will have vehicles on site for children to see.  There will be games to play on the courthouse lawn and on Capitol Street. The Speakeasy Art Center will be hosting pumpkin decorating and there will also be cookie decorating, the Unique Twist Balloon Artist and an inflatable slide. The Halloween Fun Fair and Downtown Trick or Treating is sponso...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on November 11, 12, and 13.   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 are designed to help diabetics learn and develop the skills of self-management of diabetes therapy.   Topics covered in the sessions will include:      v   the importance of diabetes control and the factors that influence this control v   how to plan meals according to food selections and serving size v   the possible complications associated with diabetes v   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 accom...

 Pekin Main Street will co-host an open house with the Driven Church at the Fusion Building on Thursday, October 24, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The event will celebrate the Lt. Governor's Excellence Award in Downtown Revitalization and Design.  Pekin Main Street was presented the award at the recent Illinois Main Street Conference.  Pekin Main Street proudly shares this award with Pastor Dave Carrington and the members of Driven Church for their time, talent and treasure in the successful and beautiful renovation of this building. The public is invited to celebrate this preservation success story at an open house on Thursday, October 24 from 4:00-6:00 pm.  You can tour the building and see the great things done in this building.  Not only was history preserved, but the church is moving forward creating their own story. Light refreshments will be served.  Please RSVP to Melida Heien, Pekin Man Street at 353-3100 or email mheien@ci.pekin.il.u...

Chief Gomo of the Potawatamie's historical marker dedication service at Shore Acres Park in  Chillicothe will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th, 2013.  This marker is being sponsored by the Illinois State Historical Society and the French Heritage Corridor.   The event is open to the public.  Bring a lawn chair.  If you have questions contact  Christal Dagit at 309-840-0177. 

Facebook and other social media sites are KEY to effective business marketing - if you aren't using them correctly or aren't using them at all - you are missing out on a very easy and effective marketing tool!!! With the holidays coming up, you don't want to miss any opportunities. Whether you are a retail establishment or a service oriented business, Facebook is a great tool. Pekin Main Street will offer one more Facebook 101 training on Wednesday, October 16 at 5:00pm in the Pekin Main Street Office.  They will go over the difference between setting up a personal account versus a business account (which is what you want) and practical tips and how tos as to using Facebook for your business. If you are well versed in Facebook or are ready to step it up a notch, Pekin Main Street will offer Facebook 201 on Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 in the Pekin Main Street office.  They will go over advanced topics and how to work with Facebook analytics to make your posts ad socia...

The October Puttin' On Pekin breakfast was held this morning at the Knights of Columbus Hall. About 80 chamber members and guests attended. The early prize was won by Pastor Lloyd Brock, while Jesse Funk collected the late prize. The Spotlight on Business award was accepted by Brian and John Dennison on behalf of Ray Dennison Chevrolet. The Blue Ribbon award was presented to the Bridgeway Church, and the Sunshine award was presented to The HOPE Chest. Leigh Ann Matthews, the Economic Development Director for the City of Pekin was the speaker. She provided an update on the many projects that are under way in the Pekin.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber  

Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold its annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans and its inaugural Forward March & Run on Saturday, October 12. The Stand Down for Homeless Veterans will take place at Dozer Park and Forward March & Run will start and end at Dozer Park. Stand Down for Homeless Veterans is a community based intervention program designed to provide area homeless veterans with much needed resources. Goodwill, along with other social service agencies, local businesses, and veterans’ services organizations, will provide homeless veterans with food, winter clothing, personal hygiene products, and an opportunity for a hot shower and a haircut. Veterans will also have opportunities to attend classes relating to maintaining sobriety, managing depression, veterans’ benefits, money management, legal matters, women’s resources and PTSD. Forward March & Run gives people of all fitness levels a chance to run or walk alongside veterans, active military members and t...

The holiday season is approaching...remember that The Speakeasy Art Center is available to rent for your holiday parties. You can contact Shannon Cox at 309-267-2058 to reserve your date.

The October Business After Hours was hosted by John M. Evans Supportive Living Community.  Chamber members and guests were treated to delicious food and beverage choices, door prizes and information about the facility.  Afterwards everyone enjoyed a beautiful rainbow.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Tazwood Center for Wellness will be holding a Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 6 at its Pekin Office, 3248 Vandever Avenue. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the ribbon cutting scheduled at noon. Tazwood Board Chair, Tom Quinn, along with Tazwood CEO, Dave Mingus, and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be joined by several community representatives to dedicate Tazwood's new Supervised Visitation Rooms in Pekin and East Peoria. The community representatives will include the Forgotten Initiative, Pekin Rotary Club, Pekin Sunset Kiwanis Club and First Mennonite Church of Morton whose donations made the rooms possible. The Supervised Visitation Rooms provide safe and healthy visiting environments for children and non-custodial parents. They offer a comfortable family visiting area, which is staffed by a Visitation Supervisor to facilitate drop off and pick up of the children and to encourage appropriate communication and interaction...

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Karley Lay and Maryanna Kowalski as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for September. Karley, a senior, was nominated by Ms. Alyson Brucker and Mr. Joel Steger, both Career and Technical Education teachers at PCHS. In the nomination, Ms. Brucker and Mr. Steger cited Karley’s contributions to the school’s yearbook and publications programs. Maryanna, a senior, was nominated by Lt. Colonel Larry Hallstrom, a JROTC teacher at PCHS. In the nomination, Lt. Colonel cited Maryanna’s contributions to the school’s JROTC Program, TAPS, and Special Olympics. 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 prep...

Congratulations to Pekin Main Street on their 2013 Lt. Governor's Excellence Award for Downtown Revitalization in Design.  The award was presented at the annual Illinois Main Street Conference in Pontiac.  The award was given for the public/private partnership that made the renovation of the Fusion Building possible. 

From a press release from the city of Pekin this afternoon:             The City is pleased to announce that ongoing negotiations between the City and West Campus Development Corporation have resulted in a tentative agreement, whereby West Campus Development Corporation shall continue the ongoing cleanup process with its hired contractor.   Assurances have been given that the non-concrete debris pile shall be removed within seven days.             The costs for such cleanup shall be borne by West Campus Development Corporation, and not the City.   Additionally, the City has been contacted by a development group interested in redeveloping the West Campus site.             The City is discussing an agreement with that group, at this time, to facilitate the transfer of the site to it, after donation to the Ci...