Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Hospital recognized its volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held April 24 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Pekin.  During 2013, hospital volunteers recorded a total of 36,567 hours of volunteer service.  Volunteers donated 9,762.5 hours.  Volunteens donated 663 hours, and Escorts donated 8,487.5 hours.  In addition, the Pekin Hospital League members donated 17,654 hours. 42 volunteers were given special recognition for their hours of service: 100 Hours – Cynthia Kelly, Ron Monge, Heather Vehling and Anita Wainscot 500 Hours – Vera Bozdeck, Janet Lawson and Joyce Pratt 1,000 Hours – Ruth Allen, Don Benassi, Debbie Burt, Bob Ganson, Pam Ganson, Janet Hamilton, Dennis Stoller and Mabel Urish 1,500 Hours – Ken England, Gene Smith and Rodney Williams 2,000 Hours – Charles Benda, Dale Cook, Sharon Cook, Judy Herrman, Jerry Hill, Lou Ann Mathews, Joanne Oltman and Nancy Phillips 2,500 Hours – E.J. Eberle, Marcella Har...

SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION  DERBY DAYS 2014 THURSDAY MAY 8 THRU SUNDAY MAY 11 Carnival and Vendors at Koch and 11th Street Pekin Il. Cruise-In 251 Derby Street Pekin Thursday,  May 8th - Carnival opens with armband night from 6pm-10pm. $20 armbands for                                                  unlimited rides. Friday, May 9th - Carnival open from 6pm-10pm and Cruise-In at Twisted Spoke Saloon 251 Derby St.                             Pekin 6pm-9pm. (Cruise-In bring your classic car to show off) Saturday, May 10th - Vendors open 9am-6pm and Carnival open 12pm-10pm Sunday, May 11th - MOTHERS DAY - Vendors open 12pm-5pm and Carnival                                 open 12pm-5pm (a...

Spring has FINALLY sprung! It’s time to get our flowers in the ground and help bring color into our community! The Chamber would like to help you do that by offering FREE Jedi Orange Marigold Seeds on a first come first serve basis.  There are 500 packets available and you can pick them up at the Pekin Chamber office at 402 Court St., or at the Pekin Daily Times 306 Court St. A special thanks to AMERISEED for the generous donation of seeds.

            The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Meeting and Reception on Monday, April 21 st at the Pekin Country Club.  Introduced at the meeting were three people elected by the membership in March to the Board of Directors.    Lynzie Gruden, the Sales Business Development Center Manager at Velde Ford, holds a Bachelors Degree from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL.  Lynzie and her husband Luke are Pekin residents with their three children, Brady (9), Owen (7) and Gibby (3). She enjoys traveling, and watching her boys play hockey and baseball.   The Gruden’s are members of Northwoods Community Church.                Cathy Kemp is the manager of Pekin Country Club Manager and attended ISU. She is involved with the Club Manager’s Association.   She and and her husband Geoffrey are Tremont residents, and parents of three grown ch...

Welcome to our new member: Farmer's Insurance - Tatlock Agency 2301 Court St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-2133 Noele Tatlock , Agent Farmer's Insurance - Tatlock Agency is a full service Insurance Agency.

Check out all thre great programs and classes being offered in May at PDI! 

Don't forget to check out this weeks edition of the Chamber Connection by clicking here !

Local high school students interested in health careers are invited to attend a Medical Explorers Meeting on May 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Pekin Hospital in the Park Court Conference Centers.  Darlene Hammond, RN, will discuss obstetrics 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.

Alzheimer’s Association’s 23rd Annual Education Conference to be held in East Peoria on Tuesday, April 29 Legislative Update and Family Caregiver Night set for Monday, April 28 PEORIA -- Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the general public are invited to attend the 23 rd Annual Alzheimer’s Association Professional Education Conference on Tuesday, April 29 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Blvd. The conference runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features a variety of presenters, workshops and exhibits. Scheduled speakers include: Dr. Dean Hartley PhD, Director of Science Initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association National Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois, who will give an update on research into Alzheimer’s disease; Jolene Brackey, Founder and CEO, Enhanced Moments, Poison, MT, who will talk about understanding the losses that people with dementia experience as the brain dies and how we can assist in compensating for these losses; practi...

Char Richardson Coaching & Consulting 5909 SW Adams Bartonville, IL 61607 877-586-9888 309-633-1030 www.charrichardsoncoaching.com Char Richardson , Clinical Director Char Richardson is a personal and professional developement company.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on April 21 at the Pekin Country Club.   Nearly 200 attendees representing 56 businesses and organizations enjoyed the reception and short business meeting, followed a brief discussion of leadership by Bill Mayo. You can see pictures of the event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber    Four members of the Board of Directors completed their terms and were recognized for their service.   The retiring members were:   John Dennison, Ray Dennison Chevrolet; Greg Henderson, Henderson Funeral Home; Scott Kriegsman, Elliff, Dancy & Bosich; and Courtney Moessner, Tazewell County.   Also recognized was Drew Leman, Leman Property Management, who completed his service on the board as Past President.    Newly elected board members were introduced:   Lynzie Gruden, Velde Ford; Cathy Kemp, Pekin Country Club; and, Dave Vaupel, Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory. ...

The Pekin area economy continues to limp along according to measurements of the local housing market and sales tax receipts.  Employment numbers showed a slight improvement locally. L   The number of homes sold in Pekin in the first quarter of 2014 was down 28.9% compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The trend was the same in the other large Tazewell County communities:  Morton  -36.2%, Washington -29.4%, and East Peoria -30.9%. L   The average sales price of Pekin home sales in the first quarter of 2014 was $94,455.  That was down 13.2% from the first quarter of 2013.  J  The average sales price of residential units in the other large Tazewell Communities was up for the first quarter of 2014, compared to the first quarter of 2013:  East Peoria +0.2%, Morton +51.3%, and Washington 30.7%. J   The unemployment rate in Pekin was 10.9% in February, up slightly from 10.8% in January but down from 11.8% in February of last year. ...

Thanks to the following businesses, organizations, and individuals who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:   2-Star MVP:  Kroger ~ Winpak Heat Seal   1-Star MVP:  Aramark   Classic MVP:  125 Salon ~ Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois ~ American Motor Trends ~ Artistic Community Theatre ~ CDS Office Technologies ~ Edward Jones / Drew Eilts ~ Holiday Inn Express ~ Otto Baum Co. ~ Professional Towing & Recovery Operators ~ State Representative Mike Unes ~ Sun Loan Company ~ Super 8    Individual/Retired Members:  Les Rosiere 

Check out the newest edition of the Chamber Connection for all your up to date Chamber News! Find out what events are coming up for you to be a part of, as well as, what's going on with your fellow Chamber Members!

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Vendor applications are now available for the 2014 Pekin Main Street Farmer’s Market. The market is every Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm, June 19th-September 18th 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. 

One hundred nineteen Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. employees were recently honored at the 55th  Annual Service Awards Dinner held at the Pekin Moose Lodge on April 10.  Employees honored have more than 1,440 years total service to Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. Employees and their years of service are as follows: 40 Years:  Sharrol Brisbin, Patti Green, Mary Ann Mayer, and Teresa West. 35 Years:  Pat Cooley, Deb Hasty, Teri Kreiling, Sue Kromphardt, Kathy Merrick, and Mike Seidell. 30 Years:  Teresa Barr 25 Years:  Steve Arkless, Scott Haynes, Rick Staker, and Kathy Vetter.   20 Years:   Carol Crum, Lynn Guengerich, Bobbi Mullis, Bonnie Peak, Robin Struben, and Sally Wilson. 15 Years:  Patrice Case, Tiffany Chasco, Kellie Eduvas, April Etter, Sue Grimm, Mary Haynes, Ken Klaasen, Susette Litwiller, Christie Mercer, Kitty Parr, Carol Rigney, Lori Roling, Michelle Shelby, Vicki Smith, Beth Snider, and Jenni...

Jake Ista, owner of Jake's Place, cut the ribbon during his grand opening celebration on April 11, 2014.  Jake recently relocated to 217 Court Street and completed extensive remodeling to accommodate his store-front barbershop. Joining him for the ceremony were family, friends, stylist Sue Nolan, and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  You can see a few more pictures from this event at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The April Puttin on Pekin breakfast was held this morning at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Henderson Funeral Home was recognized with the Spotlight on Business. Jake's Place was given a Blue Ribbon Award for their renewal efforts in the 200 block of Court Street, and Jennifer Newcomb from the Rescued Hearts Animal Hospital received the Sunshine Award.  Amy Fox from the Tazewell County Health Department was the speaker.  You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber.

The 2014 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy held their graduation banquet at the Pekin Country Club.  Renna Hadsall served as emcee, and and Brad Swearingen and Sherril West spoke about the leadership effort to build 5 Points in Washington.  Class speakers were Dan Pfeiffer and Baylee Gambetti and Chamber President Tom Hornstein made closing remarks.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy visited the State Capital today.  Stops included the Abraham Lincoln Museum, the Old State Capitol, and the State Capitol.  The class heard from Guy Fraker, an Abraham Lincoln  scholar, author and attorney from Bloomington.  The class also had the opportunity to visit with State Representatives Mike Unes and Rich Brauer and ask them questions about the legislative session.  The leadership academy class from the Washington Chamber of Commerce also was part of the day in Springfield.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Presentations & Meetings Workshop at PDI >>View details Presentations & Meetings    Limited space left for this Inspiring Leadership workshop.  When:  April 17, 2014  8:00am-12:00pm   Improve your presentation skills with regard to meetings and the message you need to convey. Recognize how to plan for the different ...

The YWCA is accepting nominations for outstanding leadership and achievement awards to be presented at its 33 rd Annual Women’s Recognition Day luncheon on Thursday, May 8 th at the Pekin Country Club.  The event will begin with a social from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by the luncheon program. Nominations to honor outstanding accomplishments and contributions of women in their careers and community service are being accepted at the YWCA office through April 23 rd .   To qualify, nominated women must have residence or employment in Tazewell County and meet specific criteria for the nominating category.  Women may be nominated as outstanding employee or for contributions to the arts, business, professions, sports, or community service. The arts award is given to a woman displaying skill in drama, dance, music, painting, literature, sculpting, the graphic arts, or other artistic endeavors.  An accomplished banker, realtor, agent or other busi...

Pekin Hospital is pleased to offer an adult diabetes education workshop on May 12, 13, and 14.  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 accompany the registrant at n...

April Newsletter ...