Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

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TLC Fosters 27 Wilshire Wood Drive  Mackinaw, IL 61755  309-453-9080  Crystal Coan , President Timothy Coan, Vice-President Shannon Seiss Stacie Gallagher  TLC is a foster based animal rescue.

The Pekin Hospital Foundation will host its annual Farm to Table Dinner on January 16 th at Pekin Hospital. The event will feature dinner from the Harvest Cafe, and proceeds will benefit the hospital’s Pediatric Unit.  Individual tickets for the Farm to Table Dinner are $100. To make a reservation contact Director of Fund Development Sherry Semonis at 309-353-0983 or ssemonis@pekinhospital.com . Part of Progressive Health Systems, the Pekin Hospital Foundation provides a direct channel for donors and volunteers to support Pekin Hospital’s mission of improving the health and well-being of the community with love, compassion and extraordinary care. For more information visit pekinhospital.org/foundation .

Hopedale Medical Complex is pleased to announce that HMC and its physicians were recently invited to join the NEW Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Illinois Blue Choice Preferred Plan which will be effective January 1, 2016. Hopedale Hospital and its physicians are all now in network with all Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois plans with the exception of HMO plans. We are pleased to be able to continue to serve you with their outstanding Blue Cross Blue Shield products. For more information on Hopedale Medical Complex or questions regarding insurance, please call 309.449.4937.

Pekin Hospital is offering a three-day workshop on diabetes education January 11 th -13 th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The interactive sessions will take place in the 4-South Education Classroom on the hospital’s campus at 600 South 13 th Street. Workshop topics include nutrition, medication, exercise and healthy habits. The registration fee is $75, and class sizes are limited. Each paid participant is allowed to bring a guest at no additional charge. Registration is required by calling 309-353-0719 no later than January 4 th . Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital offers the community diabetes education workshop four times each year. For more information visit pekinhospital.org . 

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Thank you to the following employers who renewed their financial investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: 1-Star MVPs Avanti's Ristorante Peoria Chiefs Community Baseball Club Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care Classic Members Automotive Machine, Inc. Baumgarten Distributors River Valley Mechanical Services Speakeasy Art Center Lloyd Orrick

For the second consecutive year a $40 million Extraordinary Dividend was recently announced by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners.  The amount each member will receive was determined by dividends earned and interest paid during the first 11 months of the year, as of November 30, 2015.  On December 10, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts.                        Over the last 16 years, CEFCU has returned $155 million in Extraordinary Dividends to members.  CEFCU Board Chairman, Joe Needham, stated, “CEFCU’s strong financial results and continued member loyalty have made another large Extraordinary Dividend available for members.”             Mark Spenny, CEFCU President/CEO, added, “CEFCU is a credit union; a member-owned financial cooperative.  Operating as such allows CEFCU to share the benefits of a strong year ...

The Pekin Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2015 Jewels & Jeans Gala raised more than $80,000 for Pekin Hospital’s Surgical Waiting Area project. More than 250 members of the community attended this year’s Gala, which took place on September 26 th at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. The annual event is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser each year. “Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Gala this year, and thank you for your continued support of the Pekin Hospital Foundation,” said Chief Executive Officer Bob Haley. “Your generosity helps Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems provide quality care and service throughout the region. The funds raised from this year’s event helped us to complete our beautiful new Surgical Waiting Area.” The new 3,500-square-foot Surgical Waiting Area is located on the second floor of Pekin Hospital to accommodate family members and visitors of surgery patients. Part of Progressive Health Systems, t...

The Hopedale Wellness Center (HWC) is launching its Wellness is YOU campaign on January 1, 2016. The new campaign will promote and educate area citizens about wellness and healthy lifestyles. Its goal is transform lives in social, mental and physical ways using the services and amenities that are offered at the Wellness Center. In addition, new membership pricing will be available beginning January, 1, 2016. These prices are designed to appeal to all different types of families and individuals. Hopedale Wellness Center will be offering special family programs, personal training opportunities, group fitness classes and aquatics classes/lessons throughout the year. Hopedale Wellness Center is committed to promoting outstanding healthcare, healthy lifestyles, health education, and wellness. Visit HopedaleWC.com to learn more about the services offered at Hopedale Wellness Center. We are located on Route 122 East, just 10 miles south of Morton, off Interstate 155 (Exit 19...

Bailey Haynes provided holiday music entertainment to over 80 chamber members and guests who attended the December 11th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Rich Jordan was the first to arrive and won the Early Prize, while Deb Mahoney earned the Late Prize. Both of these prizes were sponsored by Malinda Grafelman and Pet Supplies Plus. The Blue Ribbon Award was presented to Jeff Brooks from the Pekin Public Library for their remodeling project. The Sunshine Award was presented to Lynn Johnson from the Pekin Outreach Initiative. Nine people won prize packages valued at over $300 as part of the big year end door prize drawing: Dennis Short, Greg Ranney, Mike Hamilton, Rich Jordan, Mickey Shemansky, Melanie Riley, Nancy Morris, Linda Reader and Rhonda Hodges.  You can see pictures of all the winners and more at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

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– Illinois American Water is advising homeowners to make sure their homes are prepared for winter weather. The Company is providing tips to prevent frozen pipes and meters as well as to ensure access to fire hydrants for public safety.  “Following recent harsh winters, we want to remind customers that sub-freezing temperatures for an extended period can cause pipes in vulnerable areas to freeze and burst and result in costly damage,” said Illinois American Water President Bruce Hauk. “By taking the proper preventive steps, customers can avoid worrying about frozen pipes and making expensive repairs to damaged plumbing inside and outside of the home.” Property owners are responsible for maintenance of the water service line from the curb to the house, as well as any in-home piping. Illinois American Water encourages residents to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting pipes.    Before frigid weather sets in:      ...

This October, Illinois American Water invited 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th grade classrooms within the Company’s service area to participate in an “Imagine a Day Without Water” art contest.  The contest was held in conjunction with the Value of Water Coalition’s national event to raise awareness about the value of water service. “It’s hard to imagine even just one day without water. We need water to make a cup of coffee, grow fruits and vegetables, and manufacture nearly every product we use in our daily lives. While essential, few people understand the fundamental value of water and the systems that bring water to and from homes and businesses all day, every day,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water. Artwork was received from across the state and winners include: -  " With no water houses will burn down" by Ruby Pruitt, 5 th grader at St. Ambrose Grade School in Godfrey - "This is what happens with and without water" by Savindi Devmal, 4 th ...

Congratulations to Julie Nash and Charlotte Smith who won the drawing for the Small Business Saturday promotion sponsored by the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pekin Daily Times.  They each received $250 in gift certificates that can be spent at the 18 participating businesses.  Shoppers were encouraged to register at the participating businesses and then all of the entries went into a random drawing for the two grand prizes.  Participating businesses included: Biggs New & Used Furniture Classical Dance Academy Cornerstone Services Debbie Fornoff Interior Design & Draperies Fancy Paws Grooming Flashmugz Photo Booth Rentals Hamm's Furniture Kountry Nook Gift & Craft Mall Kouri's La Gondola Spaghetti House Maurie's Fine Candies Neil's Nonnie's Attic Fabric Shop The Parlour Pekin Glass & Mirror Riviera Tan & Salon Springleaf Financial Services Vonderheide Floor Coverings 

Member of the Artistic Community Theater of Pekin gathered for a ribbon cutting to celebrate their recent membership in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  The ribbon cutting was held at the Speakeasy Art Center where the group will perform their production of Every Christ Story Ever Told (and then some!) as a dinner show on Friday, December 11th.  There will also be a matinee on December 12th at 2pm at the Pekin Public Library.

Wolf Tesar and Company celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 1415 Valle Vista with a ribbon cutting on December 3.  Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce joined the owners and employees of Wolf Tesar for the ribbon cutting picture.  Afterwards, Wolf Tesar employees hosted the chamber's December Business After Hours and received congratulations from many of their clients and members of the Pekin business community.  You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com./PekinChamber

Over 60 chamber members and guests attended the December 3rd Lunch 'n Learn held at the Avanti's Dome.  Kimberly A. Sarff, an attorney with Quinn Johnston presented an employment law update, focusing on several changes that will take affect in 2016.   You can see a few more pictures on the chamber page at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

The new Jimmy Johns building located at 2925 Court St. is now open and ready for business!!! The Jimmy Johns located at 1631 Broadway is currently closed for remodeling. Deliveries are available through the Court St. location. You can reach them at 309-353-4900.

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The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee hosted a legislative bus tour this morning.  The committee provided updates on several projects including Veterans Drive, Court Street, Front Street, Wagonseller Road, and the Pekin Municipal Airport. Elected officials in attendance included State Senators Bill Brady and Dave Koehler, State Representatives Tim Butler, Keith Sommer, and Mike Unes, Tazewell County Board Chairman Dave Zimmerman and Pekin Mayor John McCabe. Also in attendance were representatives from Senator Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos' offices.  City of Pekin Engineer Mike Guerra provided much of the information on the bus tour.  Tazewell County Engineer Craig Fink spoke on the Wagonseller Road project.  Clayton Stambaugh, the manager of the Pekin Municipal Airport, and Leigh Ann Brown, the City of Pekin's Economic Development Director, also provided updates on current projects and future plans. The bus was provided by...

Thank you to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: 2-Star MVPs Hopedale Medical Complex Illinois Corn Processing 1-Star MVPs John M. Evans Supportive Living Community OX Paperboard Illinois Classic Members Robert J. Johnson, DMD, PC J & J Consulting Firm Jim Maloof Realtor Jost/Becker/Jost-Architects KZBEME FINGERPRINTING R & B Productions Security Finance Trouble Free Heating & Cooling Glen Rittenhouse

Do you go to Open Skate, bu do not really skate? Are you able to skate but would like to learn more? Pekin Park District will have a Learn to Skate Instructor available to help you on Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. at Open Skate at the Memorial Arena in Pekin. Kindergarten to adult can participate. For more information regarding Pekin Park District programs, call us at (309) 347-PARK (7275) or visit us online at www.pekinparkdistrict.org.

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Announcing ACT winter production directed by Tara and Joshua Williams. "EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD AND THEN SOME!" DECEMBER 11TH: Speakeasy Art Center Dinner Show:  -Lasagna with all the trimmings and dessert.  Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! $30 each-$50/couple Tickets may be purchased on Wednesdays from 11-1 at The Speakeasy or online here   http:// speakeasyartcenter.com/ christmas-story/ Pre-show performances by vocalist extraordinaire: Bailey Haynes 2014 Pekin's Got Talent Winner. Don't miss this hilarious comedic romp through the holiday season!!

The Speakeasy Art Center houses many resident Artists and Instructors. Its seated in the heart of Pekin's downtown revitalization that is dedicated to fostering the arts.We have several creative spaces available for rent at variable price ranges depending on size and need. We offer our resident artists 24 hour access to their studios. We also offer Studio 353 a set photography studio with lighting, backdrops and props for photographers to rent by the hour. If you are interested in joining the Speakeasy artist family or touring our available spaces, please contact us at info@speakeasyartcenter.com Amenities include: -Artist Opportunities through First Fridays -Wi-Fi -Full shared kitchen -Full shared bathroom including shower -Secured studios -24 hour access to your space -Additional storage if needed -Collaborative environment.

Quinn, Johnston, Henderson, Pretorius, and Cerulo 227 N. E. Jefferson Peoria, IL 61602  309-674-1133  QuinnJohnston.com Sarah Davis , Office Administrator Megan Johnson , Paralegal John Kamin , Managing Partner Kim Sarff , Partner Quinn Johnston has a team of lawyers with experience and extensive knowledge to comprehensively address almost any legal issue, including labor and employment issues, worker's compensation defense, business and commercial transactions, and municipal matters.

Pekin Glass & Mirror 332 Derby Street  Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-6158 www.pekinglassandmirror.com Dan Sullivan , Owner Brigette Sullivan Holly Payne Pekin Glass & Mirror specializes in the installation of shower doors, tub enclosures, new and replacement windows, mirrors, screens, stained glass, glass shelves, patio doors, glass repair for residential and commercial.

This October, Illinois American Water invited 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th grade classrooms within the Company’s service area to participate in an “Imagine a Day Without Water” art contest.  The contest was held in conjunction with the Value of Water Coalition’s national event to raise awareness about the value of water service. “It’s hard to imagine even just one day without water. We need water to make a cup of coffee, grow fruits and vegetables, and manufacture nearly every product we use in our daily lives. While essential, few people understand the fundamental value of water and the systems that bring water to and from homes and businesses all day, every day,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water. Artwork was received from across the state and winners include: -  " With no water houses will burn down" by Ruby Pruitt, 5 th grader at St. Ambrose Grade School in Godfrey - "This is what happens with and without water" by Savindi Devmal, 4 th G...

Our staff will guide you through a mock interview asking common interview questions and providing feedback to ensure you're prepared for the real deal. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (309) 682-1113 ext. 2121. Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614.  Held most Thursday mornings by appointment (free!)

Are you interested in learning more about VA health, compensation, and pension benefits eligibility? Schedule an appointment to meet with an accredited VA Claims Agent. To schedule an appointment, contact (309) 682-1113 ext. 2149 or ext. 2121. Held at Goodwill Commons, 2319 E. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614. Weekdays by appointment (free!)

Amy Psinas, local artist and art teacher at Pekin Community High School, will teach you to create unique pieces of art with fused glass.  Participants make up to 10 small projects which can include jewelry, nail files, and hair pins as well as other unusual pieces.  These classes, for ages 10 and up, are about creativity, making new friends, and having fun while making one of a kind creations that you can keep for yourself or give as gifts.  You will make the pieces in class and they will then be fired at the studio and will be ready to pick up a few days later. The class is at Pekin High School Art room (enter through the Tech Ed Center doors)  from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 9, 2015.  Cost is $44 per class (add $3 if non-resident; add $10 if registering less than 7 days prior to start date).  Fees include all supplies. To register, please either visit the Recreation Office located in the Memorial Arena at...

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We are proud to announce that we've been selected to receive the 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award TM , part of Schwab's annual IMPACT Awards ® program which recognizes excellence in the business of independent financial advice. The award includes a $15,000 donation to a charity of our choice. In honor of our thirty years in business as of January 2016, we will match the donation, dollar-for-dollar, for a total of $30,000 to be contributed back to designated non-profits. In conjunction with Savant's 30th anniversary, we'll donate $2,500 each month to 12 pre-selected non-profits.   To read the full press release and find out the first non-profit to receive $2,500, v...

Bruce Helling is retiring at the end of 2015.  Bruce is a consummate professional in every sense of the word. A long-time employee at our agency (12 years)… h is skills as a marketer truly blossomed here, where he worked not only as an account executive but as a highly valued media director. From media buys to strategic planning, Bruce did it… and lived to regale us with his many adventures in print, broadcast and business development sales. We will miss his colorful stories and wonderful humor! In addition, the stooges will miss this Curly (and his cat posters). We wish you all the best in your retirement, Bruce! Introducing Brie Getz!  Media Buyer/Project Coordinator  Brie is already aboard and making a big impa...

Sprint Wireless Express 3506 Court Street  Pekin, IL 61554 309-353-2555  Jon Boehs , Store Manager John Andreesen , District Manager Sprint Wireless Express specializes in servicing and selling Sprint Mobile products.

Wednesdays are Wine Days at the Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois Do your holiday gift ordering AND sample wines curated by CSCCI’s own director and sommelier in training, Lenora Fisher When:  Wednesdays November 18, December 2, and December 9 Where:  CSCCI at Pekin Family Practice, 2355 Broadway St.; Pekin, IL 61554 Time:  Drop in between 4:30 and 6:30 PM “Give us an hour and we’ll give you back years!” Dr. Bill Fisher

Mike Smyth has been promoted to Vice President of Operations for Illinois American Water, effective Nov. 9, 2015. Smyth has served as sr. operations manager of field service and production for Illinois American Water’s Chicago Metro District since 2009.  Previously he held roles at Insituform Technologies USA, Inc., a provider of cured-in place pipe (CIPP) and other technologies for the rehabilitation of pipeline systems, and MPC Products Corporation. Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water President, said, “Michael has a proven track record of working successfully with employees, businesses and city officials and community organizations. In his new role, he will lead our efforts in safety, operational efficiencies and growth.” Smyth earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Xavier University Graduate School.