Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pekin Lions Club will be celebrating Family and Friends Month in April by joining the Lions World Lunch Relay on  April 4th . It's a 24-hour international event that brings families and friends of Lions together in their local communities with families and friends of Lions around the world. Don't miss this special day of food, family and fun! Pekin Lions will be having their lunch at Trinity Lutheran Church, 700 South 4 th St. from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  Please come join us for chili and sandwiches and learn more about Lions Clubs International and the Pekin Lions Club.

Facet Technologies and Nerds on Call would like to congratulate Michael Pile on his new position here at Facet and Nerds. Michael is joining our team as a Business Sales Representative. Michael has been a part of the Bloomington/Normal area for 5 years and will be leading our sales efforts in that region. Michael had the following to say about joining the Facet team; “I’m excited and looking forward to the opportunity to provide a great service to the businesses of McLean County. Facet Technologies has a great reputation of providing the best service and support for their clients and it’s going to be fun to watch the company’s presence grow.” Facet and Nerds welcome Mike and are happy to have such a great individual join our team!

Facet Technologies and Nerds on Call would like to offer a warm welcome to our newest team member, Don Bollis. Don has joined the Facet and Nerds team as a Business Sales Representative. Don has been a part of the Peru area for 23 years and will be leading our sales efforts in the Peru area. Don had a few words to say about joining the Facet team: "I'm proud to be joining Facet Technologies. They are a proven leader in the industry and provide a valuable service to its customers". Facet and Nerds are happy to have an individual like Don on our team and look forward to a successful future. 

Pekin Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in stereotactic breast biopsy as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). A breast biopsy is performed to remove cells — either surgically or through a less invasive procedure involving a hollow needle — from an area in the breast suspected to be cancerous. These cells are examined under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. In stereotactic breast biopsy, a special mammography machine helps guide the radiologist’s instruments to the site of an abnormal growth. 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 assuranc...

Aldi's celebrated the grand opening of their new Pekin store this morning with a ribbon cutting. Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce were on hand to congratulate the employees and wish them luck.

Comcast Business Launches Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs Contest Comcast Business, with Inc. Magazine, is holding an “Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs” Contest aimed at entrepreneurs that are resourcefully leveraging technology to enhance customer and employee experiences.  The Contest entry period is from now through April 30, 2014 and is open to business owners at least 18 years of age or older that are located within the Comcast Business service area and own an independent, non-franchised business with 50 employees or less. Based on an essay submission, entries will be judged and two winners will be selected in each of the 16 Comcast Business Regions: one best use of technology to enhance the customer experience and one best use of technology to enhance the employee experience. Each winner will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize plus Comcast Business Internet and TV services for two years plus up to $2,500 Comcast Business Account Credit services, along with services from Comcast’s...

On April 3, 2014 , Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory will begin hosting a grief support group at Miller Senior Citizens Center (551 S. 14 th St.) as part of its aftercare program . The new group, “ Learning to Live Again ,” will be held the first and third Thursdays every other month from 1 to 3 p.m. and addresses four topics to help participants process grief in a healthy manner, while experiencing their emotions. “The grief support group will be led by our Aftercare Coordinator, John Plunkett,” D. Neale Hanley, Sr., owner and funeral director, said. “As a retired pastor, John has more than 46 years of experience helping families through their times of grieving.” About “Learning to Live Again” Utilizing counseling and education therapy to help people through their grief, Plunkett will address four topics in the support group every other month . The first two topics will be addressed on the first Thursday, while the second two topics are covered on the third Th...

Sears Hometown & Outlet 3247 Court St. Suite A Pekin, IL 61554 Adam White , SGM 309-210-7800 Sear Hometown & Outlet store is a company owned location. Appliances, lawn & garden, tools, mattresses, outdoor living & fitness products will all be available in the store. There is also a vast assortment of products available via the online warehouse.  We look forward to the store opening soon! 

Thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who have renewed their investment in the chamber… 4-Star MVPs :  UnityPoint Health Methodist 3-Star MVPs :  Ameren Illinois 2-Star MVPs :  Aventine Renewable Energy 1-Star MVPs :  Bond Eye ~ Kouri’s Pub ~ PAL Health Technologies ~ Savant Capital Management Classic :  Artistic Community Theatre ~ Command Center ~ Edward Jones - Chris Petersen ~ Family Quick Care Pekin ~ First United Methodist Church ~ Grace United Methodist Church of Pekin ~ Greg's Garage Door Service ~ Knights of Columbus ~ P/L/R Insurance Services, Inc. ~ Pekin Area Network ~ Pekin National Bank ~ Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts ~ Sabella Street Station ~ Sam Leman Auto Stop ~ Sonic America's Drive-In ~ Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep ~ World Wide Travel

L The number of homes sold in Pekin in the first two months of 2014 is down 22.8% compared to the previous year.  The trend is the same in the other large Tazewell County communities:  Morton –13.8%, Washington –20.0%, and East Peoria 28.2%. L The average sales price of Pekin home sales in the first two months of 2014 was $97,854.  That is down 8.8% from the same period last year.  J The average sales price of residential units in the other large Tazewell Communities was up for the first two months of 2014, compared to the previous year:  East Peoria +3.5%, Morton +35.8%, and Washington 64.8%. J The unemployment rate in Pekin was 10.8% in January, down from 10.9% in December and 11.4% last January. L Only 14,953 people were employed in Pekin.  That is the smallest number since January of 2010. L The unemployment rate in Illinois was 10.2% in January, up from 8.6% in December and 10.1% last January. K Total U.S. nonfarm payroll employment inc...

Tazewell County and Beyond! Hear information from David Zimmerman, Tazewell County Board Chairman, as he presents "Tazewell County in 2014 and Beyond!" And then hear from Ameren regarding how the area is working together to deal with power outages and storms. Speakers also include Tim Lee (Supervisor Electric Operations) and Steve Berguist (Superintendent Electric Operations). Friday, April 4 from 7 - 9 am Par-A-Dice Hotel 21 Blackjack Boulevard Register on our website!

Local high school students interested in health careers are invited to attend a Medical Explorers Meeting on April 16 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Pekin Hospital in the Park Court Conference Centers.  Angie Martis, RT(R), will discuss imaging careers at Pekin Hospital.  Pekin Hospital is partnering 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.  The cost to join is only $10 per person.  For more information on the Medical Explorers Program, please call (309) 353-0763 or visit pekinhospital.org.

Marilyn Burrell, Joni Hootman, and Kim O’Donohue, all Financial Advisors at CEFCU, registered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. have received 2013 Women of Distinction awards in recognition of their superior performance, value, and overall contribution to the financial services industry. Women of Distinction is an award presented by CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. recognizing the top female financial advisors throughout the nation within their broker/dealer operation. Candidates are nominated by industry peers, and selections are based on the nominee’s annual performance and outlined contribution to their clientele, the credit unions they service, as well as the financial services industry as a whole. Through their roles as a Woman of Distinction, Burrell, Hootman, and O’Donohue will participate in a national mentoring program sponsored by CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. where they will have the opportunity to work with, and foster, female advisors who are new to the industry...

"Serving with the Greatest Care and Love" Upcoming Events: Easter Sunday: 4/20   Is your Company Prepared? With warmer temperatures headed our way (hopefully!), Severe Weather will not be too far behind and now is a great time to ensure your business is ready when it strikes. Things to keep in mind: Keep a Weather Radio ...

Identity theft continues to be a serious problem.  If you're online, you've exponentially multiplied your exposure.  Here's 5 good tips to help protect yourself:   http://bit.ly/QbyiQt

The 18th Annual John M. Evans Scholarship Golf Tournament has been scheduled at Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin, IL on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. This tournament is specifically designed to raise money to perpetuate this scholarship fund so Laborers' Local 231can continue to give financial assistance to qualified recipients. Last year's tourney netted approximately $12,000.00 from which Laborers' Local 231 was able to award 10 scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year. To receive more information on participating or donating to this outing please contact Kate Beckman at Laborers' Local 231 (309-347-7106).

Ameren Illinois is doing its part to help the young people in central Illinois recognize, respond and report bullying. Vice President of Customer Service & Metering Operations, Stan Ogden, will present a check for $25,000 to The Center for Prevention of Abuse in order to expand its work in local schools and day care settings. Mr. Ogden 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 Illinois 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 Wednesday, March 19 at 10:30 AM at Peoria Heights Grade School, 500 E. Glen Ave. Officials from Peoria Heights District 325 will be on hand to talk about how the programs presented by Center staff have impacted their grade school and high school students. Those attending will be Eric Heath, Superinten...

The Board of Trustees of Progressive Health Systems (PHS - which includes Pekin Hospital and the ProHealth Medical Group) has announced the resignation of President and CEO Gary Jepson, who has accepted a new position with the Mercy System in Oklahoma. Board Chair Andy Sparks expressed appreciation for Jepson’s contributions, saying: “Gary has done a great job leading our organization and is responsible for implementing significant change and improvement.  We wish him and his family the best in their move to Oklahoma.” Jepson joined PHS as CEO in June 2012.  “We’ve made tremendous strides in a very short period of time,” said Jepson. “PHS is on a positive path and much better prepared for the future.”  He led the development of a new mission, vision and five year strategic plan and helped craft and implement a $5M financial improvement plan. Jepson also helped recruit new Gastroenterology and Urology providers, drove numerous facility improvements and increased physic...

ICPR Family Practice will be closed on Thursday, March 27th and Friday, March 28th as they move into the new facility at 3400 Griffin Ave.  ICPR will open to see patients at the new facility beginning on Monday, March 31st at 8am. An open house will take place in the future.  Thank you to everyone for your patience during this time and for your continued support! ​

Are you in a hurry and want to charge your phone as quickly as possible?  Here's 8 great tips to help you charge your phone faster.    http://bit.ly/1fVWdwI

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2014 Pekin Marigold Festival. This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has given freely to the betterment of our community. For more information click here .

Pekin Hospital and Lite Rock 107 are proud to recognize Pekin Community High School students Charlene Caudill and Carlos Felix as recipients of the Pekin Community High School (PCHS) Student Award for February. Charlene, a senior, was nominated by Mr. Joel Steger, a Career and Technical Education teacher at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mr. Steger cited Charlene’s contributions to PCHS’ band program and PCHS’ speech team. Carlos, a senior, was nominated by Mrs. Connie Wall, an English teacher at PCHS.  In the nomination, Mrs. Wall cited Carlos’ contributions to PCHS’ soccer team, as well as his positive attitude in class. 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 seniors and show remarkable qualities which help them prepare for a promising future. Seth Ming...

Dynegy Edwards Power Station 7800 South Cilco Ln. Bartonville, IL 61607 888-451-3911 www.dynegy.com Ted Lindenbusch , Plant Managing Director Dynegy operates the Edwards power station in Bartonville. Dynegy Inc. owns Homefield Energy, but Homefield and Edwards function independently.

With so much confusion over the Affordable Care Act, Pekin Hospital is assisting uninsured area residents with signing up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS has designated Pekin Hospital as a certified application counselor (CAC) organization.  We have several certified counselors on-site who can help you understand, apply online, and enroll for health coverage through the Marketplace.  Those interested in receiving one-on-one assistance can call (309) 353-0802 to set up an appointment.  Saturday and evening appointments are available. Under the new Health Insurance Marketplace, Tazewell County residents may choose from many plans.  The plans are divided into three levels of coverage – bronze, silver, and gold – based on how much the plan will pay for your health care and what services are covered.  Many residents who are applying have little to no out-of-pocket monthly premiums.  Approximately 10,875 Tazewell Count...

The Pekin to Peoria St. Jude Run will have a meeting and fundraising dinner on Sunday, March 16th at 6pm at the Avanti's Dome.  If you're a runner you can pick-up or turn in your registration information.  If you can't run, but want to help, you'll learn how to you can get involved.  If you want to just eat - join them - it's a "pay-as-much-as-you-want" fundraising dinner.

Goodwill of Central Illinois and Bergner’s will hold their semi-annual donation drive beginning Thursday, March 13 through Saturday, March 29. During the drive, every item donated to Goodwill will earn the donor a 25% off coupon from Bergner’s. Donors can earn additional coupons during Triple Coupon Days. Beginning on the opening day of the sale, March 13, donors will receive triple coupons. For every one item donated, they will receive three coupons. On that day, Goodwill will have a truck at the Bergner’s at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The goal is to “Stuff the Truck” with donations. Triple Coupon Days will take place March 13 through March 18 and again March 27 through March 29. Donations can be made at any Goodwill or Bergner’s location. Discount coupons can be used on items not normally on sale, such as fragrances, cosmetics and electronics. The sale of these donated items provides the funding Goodwill needs to provide free programs and services to the people of Central ...

Maria Rodriguez, running mate to Republican candidate for governor Bill Brady, will be stopping to visit the recently opened Eli's Coffee Shop, 105 West Pearl, in Tremont at 2:30pm. Come meet Maria Rodriguez and listen to their campaign's vision for the future of Illinois. She will be talking with members of the Pekin Chamber of Commerce, members of the National Association of Women Business Owners Central Illinois Chapter, and the citizens of Tazewell County about making a clean break for Illinois and bringing jobs to the state. As Lieutenant Governor, Rodriguez will be responsible for shaping policies that encourage small business growth and community redevelopment in a retooled state economic development department in his administration. Rodriguez and her husband Ray are small-business entrepreneurs with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, real estate and financial services. She served as mayor of Long Grove for eight years before deciding not to seek re-election...

Homefield Energy 1500 Eastport Plaza Dr. Collinsville, IL 62234 (888) 451-3911 www.homefieldenergy.com Tonya Powell , Account Manager Homefield Energy is a retail electric supplier. We supply business and residential customers with electricity. We can serve any customer from the largest industrial to the smallest residential customer and everything in between. 

Johnson Food Service Equipment hosted the March 6th Business After Hours at their facility on Riverway Drive.  Jim and Rilla Johnson put on a great event, with tours, vendor displays, door prizes, and great food and drinks.  An improving day of nice weather delivered a good turnout of chamber members and their guests. See more pictures from this and other chamber events at   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

Recently ICPR was featured in an article in Healthy Cells Magazine. To read more about ICPR's new facility and the care they offer click here .

Contact Pekin Main Street for more information on these upcoming events: Wednesday, March 5 - Open Stage at the Speakeasy Art Center , 7:00, 353 Court Street Wednesday, March 5- Family Craft Night at the Speakeasy Art Center , 6:00, 353 Court Street Thursday, March 13 - Pizza Night Fundraiser for Pekin Main Street , Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza in Pekin - 20% off all regularly priced food sales will be donated to Pekin Main Street - just mention the fundraiser at the register! Friday, March 14 - Opening Reception for Bob Cassidy - Gallery Exhibit Speakeasy Art Center , 7:00, 353 Court Street Saturday, March 15 - Spring Dinner Theatre at Fusion Building - Call Pekin Main Street TODAY to reserve your tickets! 353-3100 or email mheien@ci.pekin.il.us  for reservations. Tuesday, March 18, Three Ways to Grow your Business Seminar - hosted by Pekin Main Street, 5:30pm at Pekin City Hall, 111 S.Capitol Street Wednesday, March 19, Family Craft Night at t...

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