Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pekin Academy of Fine Arts loacted at The Speakeasy Art Center will be hosting a book signing event for Pekin native D.R. Lunsford on May 9, 2015 from 2-4. Mr Lunsford is a Pekin native who resides in Santa Monica California. He will be visiting Pekin for the weekend promoting his book..  His first book, To Laugh Think and Feel is an Anthology of story shorts (as he likes to call them) The book is written in a colloquial, easy to read style. Written much like Mark Twain in it's folksy and yet riveting composition. Lunsford's stories have an arc, great descriptions, and often resolve with a moral payoff. Jeff Oakley will entertain during the event. 

McDaniels Healthcare Marketing , a communications firm headquartered in Pekin, Ill., recently worked with HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, Ill., to develop a first-of-its-kind letter-writing module that easily enables the community to show support of a proposed replacement hospital as part of the state’s certificate of need (CON) process. “St. Elizabeth’s needed an efficient way to inform the public about this project and enable them to show their support,” Randy McDaniels, president of the agency, said. “Our staff teamed with the hospital to develop a groundbreaking letter-writing module that was approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) staff. The microsite ( http://www.steliz.org/st-elizabeths-hospital/ ) allowed community members to submit their letters of support and even sign them electronically online.” St. Elizabeth’s Hospital submitted a request to the State of Illinois HFSRB on August 25, 2014. To more effectively provide ...

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) received the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for being a steadfast champion of local job creation and economic growth. Among other efforts, Bustos has worked to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal and its workers, to reach across the aisle to ensure Thomson prison remains on track to open, to advocate for Illinois to lead a revolution in American manufacturing with the first-of-its-kind national Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute (DMDII), and to invest in our region’s infrastructure and transportation priorities. “Since taking office I have worked hard with both Democrats and Republicans on reasonable solutions to create jobs, boost our economy and strengthen economic collaboration across our region and state,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos . “I look forward to continuing to fight for the economic well-being of all our communities as we work together to make our region an even better p...

Fiesta Buffet Before Golf! Visit our website - www.mashiespub.com

Baird Ice Co. 318 Derby Street David Baird , President Laura Baird, Secretary/Financial Officer Baird Ice is a self service ice house. They offer a healthier and ecologically responsible optionto your average ice options. Water is filtered twice and passed thru UV light. Ice House is built in the US and is completely owned by local residents. The Ice House is open 24/7 and dispenses 16 lbs bags of ice or 20 lbs of bulk ice for $2, also water for 25 cents gallon or 5 gallons for $1.00.

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Heartland Bank and Trust Company was recently honored with the Innovation in Financial Education Award presented by NASDAQ and EverFi.  The award recognizes its significant efforts to improve the financial capability of young Americans. Twenty-five financial institutions were honored with this distinction at a ceremony hosted at NASDAQ’s Marketsite headquarters in New York City. Honorees were selected based on a set of criteria that included the scale and reach of their financial education initiatives, the duration of their commitment, and unique employee volunteering activities that supplement their programs. “NASDAQ is committed to fostering innovation and economic growth, and the institutions we’re recognizing here today have led exceptional efforts to rethink how financial education is taught in our nation’s schools,” said NASDAQ Executive Vice President Nelson Griggs. “Our global competitiveness is dependent on the next generation understanding how the economy works a...

Due to the ongoing construction, Veterans Drive will be closed starting Monday, May 4 at the intersection with Commercial Drive, and will remain closed until the completion of the new alignment with Veterans Drive.  Traffic will be routed to the new Mall Road alignment that runs in front of Tractor Supply and connects to Commercial Drive, until the completion of this phase of construction.  It is anticipated that construction will take 1-2 months depending on weather for this phase.   The City of Pekin appreciates everyone's patience during construction of this roadway improvement. Please refer to the City website at www.ci.pekin.il.us for further information and project updates.

The board of directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce elected new officers at their annual meeting on April 20 at the Pekin Country Club.  The term of each office is one year. Gregg Ratliff, a private wealth advisor with Busey Wealth Management was elected President.  John Franks III, President & CEO at Peoria Yellow Checker Cab Corp was elected Vice President.  Becky Saban, owner of BodyWealth Massage was elected Treasurer. Aindrea Balagna, CPA, will join the officers and serve on the executive committee as the immediate past president.    Since 1893 the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has been an advocate for the business community.  Nearly 400 businesses, organizations, and individuals support the chamber's mission to create opportunities for Pekin area businesses to succeed.

The members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently elected three new members to the board of directors for three year terms.   Josh Bradshaw, Baylee Gambetti, and Brigitte Harper, were introduced at the Chamber’s annual meeting on April 20 at the Pekin Country Club. Bradshaw is the Community Resource Manager for Advanced Medical Transport.   He also serves on the boards of the Tazewell Teen Initiative and Friends of the Children of Haiti.   Bradshaw lives in Pekin where he enjoys photography, music and acting.     Gambetti is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell in Pekin.   She is a 2012 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in advertising and marketing and a minor in communications.   She is a 2014 graduate of the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy.   She is on the board of directors with several organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Pekin, Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Centers Friends, an...

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Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems recently honored 224 employees and volunteers at two events that celebrate outstanding service and dedication. The 56 th Annual Service and Pillar Awards Dinner recognized 88 employees with 1,250 combined years of service. Honorees included the following Pillar Award winners: Dr. Reggie Bowman, Linda Helms, Dr. Mike Honan, Dr. Mohammed M. Khan, Dr. John Lovell, Dr. Don Mitzelfelt, Ryan Morris, Holly Pogioli, Linda Reader, Michelle Reed, Dr. Lindsay Tate, Dr. Chuck VanDyke, and Karl Zuercher. Pillar Awards are given annually to employees who contribute to the five Pillars of Excellence—People, Service, Quality, Growth, and Finance. Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems also honored 136 volunteers at the 2015 Volunteer Luncheon. Recognition was given for 18,992 combined hours donated over the last year to courier services, lobby and information desk services, pharmacy, radiology and surgical waiting. The volunteer with the m...

Over $23,000 Awarded for Water Source Protection Projects   Illinois American Water announced today that six watershed initiatives across the state will receive funding through the company’s 2015 Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling $23,515 for community projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds. This announcement is being made in conjunction with Earth Day, April 22, 2015, to remind consumers of the vital need to protect our precious resource every day for future generations.  “At Illinois American Water, Earth Day is every day.  Our team works hard to not only provide water for life, but for our communities to thrive,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water.   Illinois American Water awarded the 2015 Environmental Grants as follows: - The Stream Discovery Released in the East program received a $5,000 grant.  The program, which is administered by the National Great River Re...

Mashies Pub & Eatery recently marked their grand reopening with a ribbon cutting with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Extensive remodeling was completed prior to the celebration.  Mashie's Pub & Eatery is located at 1620 Summit on the Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin.  It's a quiet location where you can enjoy your meals or drinks in any season, but now that the weather has warmed up, the veranda is open.  Mashies can be reached at 347-7553 or www.mashiespub.com .

Creative Expressions Gift Shop & Salon recently celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Located at 122 S. 14th Street, Creative Expressions Gift Shop offers a wide variety of products for everyone.  The Salon offers hair and nails services as well as waxing.  It's owned by Diana Merritt, Sharon Camp, Ryan Merritt and Lonnie Merritt.  They can be reached at 346-4438.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on April 17 at River Valley Mechanical Services, Inc., 821 Brenkman Drive.  Owners Mike Hamilton and Rich Jordan were celebrating the opening of their new business with their employees and representatives from the chamber.  River Valley Mechanical Service Inc. specializes in residential and commercial heating, cooling and ventilation, including boilers, chillers, furnaces, a/c, exhaust fans and hoods.  They can be reached at 346-1140.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Carrie Joos Agency Inc. 1300 S. 14th St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-353-7266 Carrie Joos , President Andrea Clark, Producer Edna Wacker, Producer-In Store Christie Sneath, Customer Service Rep farmersagent.com/cjoos Carrie Joos Agency is a multi-line Insurance and Financial Agency protecting personal and business needs.

South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., held their Annual Meeting on April 13, 2015 where David F. Cochran, Chairman; David H. Bettinghaus, Kevin E. Colgan, Steven J. Fawley, David L. Golwitzer, Karen M. Jensen, Mark W. Joseph, Mark E. Matuszak, William C. Schwab, Michael J. Stone, Jeffrey W. Ward, Timothy M. Ward, and John J. Waugh were re-elected to the board of directors. South Side Trust & Savings Bank, a locally owned financial institution since 1922, has $660 million in assets and serves the tri-county area with 12 full service locations in Peoria, East Peoria, West Peoria, Bartonville, Chillicothe, Washington, and Pekin.  South Side Bank owns Mid Illinois Insurance Services, Inc. located at 1524 W. Glen Avenue in Peoria. 

Participants in the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy finally had the opportunity to attend the field trip to Springfield.  The original trip in February was postponed due to the weather.  The participants met State Senator Dave Koehler on the Senate Floor and he updated them on the big issues the General Assembly will tackle over the next two months.  The participants also met with State Representative Mike Unes on the floor of the House Chambers.  He was also able to join the group for lunch and continue his discussion with the class.  He shared several of his experiences as a legislator.  Perhaps most impressive (or intimidating?) was the fact that Rep. Unes' desk on the House Floor is directly beneath a large, priceless painting of Abraham Lincoln.  The Leadership Academy ended the day with a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber...

The City of Pekin has declared April to be Community College Month in Pekin In celebration of Community College Month and to thank the community and our school and business partners you are cordially invited to join us and invite others ICC Pekin Open House 225 Hanna Drive Riverway Business Park Wednesday, April 22, 4-6 PM Refreshments and tours of the facility will be provided

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The Sun Foundation’s 22 nd Annual Clean Water Celebration will kick off this Sunday, April 19, 2015.  Events, which are free to the public, will begin at 4:00 PM at the Gateway Building on the Peoria Riverfront.  This year’s theme is “Water Wisdom from around the World.” Sun Foundation founder Bob Ericksen said, “People who live close to the land share a deep respect for the earth and her creatures. This reverence is best expressed in their stories and songs. This year’s theme focuses on that unique experience.” On Sunday afternoon, a Native American Blessing of the River will be offered by Hayna “White Beaver” Sine, Ho Chunk leader. There will also be a Parade of Waters and the public is invited to bring water to be blessed. The kick off will be followed by a keynote dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the GAR Hall, located at 416 Hamilton Blvd.  The organic dinner and lecture is $25 and the lecture alone is $15.  For reservations, please contact the Sun Foundation onli...

       

This week! Tonight! Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Coming Next Week! Young Artists is starting a new session on April 21st. Get your student signed up now to get in on this great art program! Mason Jar Madness on April 22nd. Learn to decorate and distress Mason Jars to make creative vases and containers. These would make great Mothers Day gifts. Sign up now and bring a friend! Coming soon! Found objects on canvas on April 29th is a multi media workshop offered by Shelly Marlott. Mixed Media Drawing class with Kevin  starts May 4th.  Email him now to register! Mi   May 2nd is our Craft Supply Swap.   Keep your eye on ...

Regional Leadership Summit “Innovation in the Digital Age” to benefit Easter Seals Central Illinois Marriott Pere Marquette Peoria May 1, 2015 9:00am - 3:00pm ​ The Annual Leadership Summit brings together a diverse group of high-profile global thought leaders from business, government, healthcare, industry and education to the nation’s heartland in Peoria, Illinois. The Summit focuses on stimulating, cutting–edge presentations and interactive dialogue designed to advance high impact leadership, collaboration and innovation in the global economy. Past speakers include Caterpillar Group Presidents, Brad Halverson and Steve Wunning as well as Madan Birla; author of FedEx Delivers, Sanjay Khosla; former president of Kraft Foods International, and Vijay Govindarajan, co-author of best seller, Reverse Innovation and Professor of Business at Dartmouth College. Honorary Leadership Summit Co-Chairs:  Doug Oberhelman, Jonathan Michael, Sanjay Khosla, and Vijay Govindarajan ​ ...

Professional Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS) , which offers physical, occupational and speech therapy at several outpatient clinics in Illinois, is making the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® available as a tool for weight loss. “The AlterG is the world’s first and only treadmill that uses technology developed by NASA to unload body weight,” Jonathan Hamm, PT, DPT, site manager of the north Peoria clinic, said. “This patented technology enables increased mobility and pain-free movement through ‘unweighting,’ which allows patients to run or walk without bearing their entire weight.” He explained that in some cases – due to injury or weight gain – people find it difficult to exercise. “The AlterG can help.” Safe Conditioning, “Unweighted” Exercise The AlterG enables people of different ages and sizes (up to 400 lbs) to reduce impact on their bodies during exercise and achieve results through its Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology. DAP applies a lifting force to the body a...