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Showing posts from June, 2015

Welcome to Our Newest Member

Buffalo Wild Wings 3333 Court St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-201-4159  Alyssa Wielgopolan , Marketing Director Brett Nelson , Director of Operations www.buffalowildwings.com WINGS. BEER. SPORTS. Go in to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch your favorite team and try one of their 16 signature sauces. Featuring Boneless Mondays and Thursday with specially priced boneless wings and Wing Tuesday with specially priced traditional wings.

Weekly Chamber Connection

Check out your weekly Chamber Connection HERE !!!

Courting the Millennial Customer

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    © Can Stock Photo Inc. / EpicStockMedia If you are in a traditionally “cool” business, like a coffee shop, indy bookstore, or juice bar, it’s likely you have scads of skinny jean-wearing hipsters hanging around your store. But if you’re reading this article, most likely you don’t but you know you need them. There are roughly 75.3 million Millennials in the United States. This number outranks the 74.9 million Baby Boomers. For a successful future, your business needs the younger generation. Here’s how you can get their attention and keep it.    Be About More Than Just You In today’s business climate it is also essential you stand for something outside of your own business interests. Millennials appreciate companies that give back like TOMS Shoes that provides a pair of shoes to someone in need in one of over 70 disadvantaged countries each time a pair is purchased here. If there’s a cause you’re a part of, talk about it. Make it part of your business and don

Kristopher Pendl Obtains Top Industry Designation

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Kristopher Pendl, vice president Community Markets Private Banking for Associated Bank, is among an elite group of financial professionals who have obtained the Certified Wealth Strategist designation administered by Cannon Financial Institute. The designation is awarded to those individuals completing a comprehensive program of study surrounding wealth management issues facing clients today. The program provides financial services professionals with the technical knowledge and communications skills to work as an effective partner with clients having uniquely complex wealth management issues. Pendl joined Associated in 2010. He has over 14 years of financial services management experience. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois.

Pekin B-Dubs Set to Open

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Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin held a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 26 at the new Buffalo Wild Wings. The long anticipated first day of service to the public is Sunday, June 28.  You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Enjoy Pekin

Don't forget to check out enjoypekin.com to see what is going on in the city!! This website has a lot of great information that is sure to steer you in the right direction when you are looking for something to do for the weekend. It is also a great way to show your out of town family and friends what our fabulous community has to offer!

Simple Steps for Growing Your Business

As a business grows, there is increased need for organization and knowledgeable management; and, the role of the business owner changes as well.  This 4-part series of workshops is designed for small business owners and managers who want to reach the next level of growth and who are looking for targeted assistance and direction in key areas of business management.  Participants will - ·         Gain the knowledge and tools needed to analyze and assess your business ·         Discover potential growth areas ·         Develop customized strategies to implement growth When?    Wednesday evenings, September 9, September 16, September 23, and                  September 30, 6:30 - 8:30 PM Where?  Fondulac District Library                  400 Richland St.                  East Peoria, IL  61611 Overview:   This SCORE program, will be presented by experienced SCORE                             Mentors  Lee Maki, Fran McKay, and Jim Peugh and includes 4, two-      

Youth Mentoring Program Opportunities

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Petersen Health Care Job Fair

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GOOD TO GREAT

Published in 2001 and based on 9 years of research and analysis, in Good to Great, author Jim Collins enumerates the principles for building a great company in unpredictable and rapidly changing times.  He asks and explains, "How can a good, even mediocre company achieve greatness?"  According to author Collins, "Greatness is not a function of circumstance.  Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.  Whether you prevail or fail depends more on what you do to yourself than on what the world does to you." Join us as ICC Professor and SCORE Mentor Joe Gunther leads a review and discussion of this best-selling business management and strategy book.  Whether your business is small or larger, just starting or experienced, this will be an excellent opportunity for discussion of ideas leading to growth and improvement. This will be a four part series of workshops held on  October 7, 2015  6:30 - 8:30 PM                                    

Pekin Hospital Foundation Pizza Fundraiser

Papa John’s Pizza is donating 10 percent of sales to support the Pekin Hospital Foundation and help enhance the quality of patient care throughout the region. Customers  will save 40 percent off their entire online order at menu price simply by ordering at  papajohns.com  and entering the code PHF40. Papa John’s will donate 10 percent back to the Foundation for every order placed using the online code PHF40. “We’re excited to work with the Pekin Hospital Foundation for this unique fundraising program,” said Tabatha Hart, Director of Regional Marketing at Papa John’s. “Pekin Hospital does so much for the health and well-being of our communities , and this program is a fun way we can all give back. It’s an ongoing online fundraiser, so there are many opportunities for everyone to take advantage of this great offer and show their support for a worthwhile organization.”  Part of Progressive Health Systems, the Pekin Hospital Foundation provides a direct channel for donors and volun

Weekly Chamber Connection

Don't forget to check out your weekly Chamber Connection !!!

City Approves Hospital Financing Deal

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Pekin Hospital and the City of Pekin are collaborating on a project to build a new $12 million medical office building for ProHealth Primary Care Services. T he project was unanimously approved by the Pekin City Council at their June 22 nd   meeting. The new three-story facility will  include multiple providers in Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. “This is an exciting project for Pekin Hospital, the City of Pekin and the entire community,” said Bob Haley, Chief Executive Officer of Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems. “The proposed medical facility will allow us to improve efficiency and better address the growing health care needs of the people we serve.” T he new 52,000-square-foot building would house approximately 20 providers, with capacity for 20 more. Basic lab and digital x-ray services would be included in the new facility.   “This is a great example of local government and business partnering together to help the community,” said Mayor Jo

June Biz Barometer

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Welcome To Our Newest Member

Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois 2355 Broadway Road Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-2700  Dr. Bill Fisher, President Chris Fisher , Administrative Assistant Lenora Fisher , Director of Services Marketing cosmeticskincenterofcentralillinois.com Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois offers full service family heathcare, plus skincare health and wellness. This includes anti-aging and restorative skin treatments and products, as well as spa services for skincare and relaxation.

Welcome To Our Newest Member

UniQue Personnel Consultants 606 West Glen Peoria, IL 61614  309-839-2718  Donna Clancy , Consultant  Elyce Rehmke , Area Manager Melinda McFadden , Regional Manager www.uniquepers.com Unique Personnel Consultants is a full service staffing agency dedicated to helping people find the job they are looking for.  They have a variety of employment opportunities, including temporary, temp to perm and permanent positions.

I-155 Ramps at Hopedale Closed This WEek

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the northbound I-155 on-ramp and off-ramp at Exit 19 near Hopedale will be closed from Tuesday, June 23 through Thursday, June 25. The ramp closures are necessary for resurfacing work to be completed. Detour routes will be posted. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones. For IDOT District 4 updates on Twitter, follow us at https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict4 . For updated traffic information and views from dozens of traffic cameras in Peoria and surrounding areas, visit http://www.gettingaroundpeoria.com/ .

Hopedale Medical Complex is Hiring

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Pekin Hospital and the City of Pekin Plan $12 Million Medical Office Building

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Pekin Hospital and the City of Pekin are collaborating on a project to build a new $12 million medical office building for ProHealth Primary Care Services. T he project proposal will be included as an agenda item for the June 22 nd City Council meeting. If approved, the new three-story facility would include multiple providers in Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. “This is an exciting project for Pekin Hospital, the City of Pekin and the entire community,” said Bob Haley, Chief Executive Officer of Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems. “The proposed medical facility would allow us to improve efficiency and better address the growing health care needs of the people we serve.” T he proposed 52,000-square-foot building would house approximately 20 providers, with capacity for 20 more. Basic lab and digital x-ray services would be included in the new facility. “This is a great example of local government and business partnering together to help the comm

Ameren Illinois Selected a Winner in the 36th Annual Telly Awards

The Telly Awards has named Ameren Illinois as a five-time bronze winner in the 36th Annual Telly Awards. With nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, only about 25 percent of entries are recognized with awards. Other award winners include CNBC, CNN, Dell, Discovery, Disney, Huffpost, Coca ‐ Cola, Time Warner and Warner Brothers. Ameren Illinois won five bronze awards for video. The titles and categories include: ·          Natural Gas Upgrades – Employee Communications ·          Natural Gas Upgrades – Public Relations ·          Energy Efficiency Case Study / Olin Brass – Public Relations ·          Energy Efficiency Case Study / Olin Brass – Social Responsibility ·          Actions Matter Q2 2015 – Employee Communications   Ameren Illinois co-workers from the Community and Public Relations team partnered with Jeff Oesch, Advanced Video Productions in Pekin, IL to write, direct, produce and edit the videos.   The Telly Awards was founded

Membership Renewals

Thanks to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: 2-STAR MVP Kroger Limited Partnership, LLC 1-STAR MVP Advanced Medical Transport Fort Toyota Sears Hometown & Outlet   CLASSIC MEMBERS Aindrea Balagna CPA American Milling Company Artistic Community Theatre Atlas Supply Company Bremer Jewelry Davison-Fulton-Woolsey Funeral Home - Pekin First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Fred Lawrence and Sons Fire Equipment Hamm's Furniture Inc. ICPR Family Practice Johnson, Dr. Brendon J., OD PC JPG Commercial Real Estate LLC Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Ming's of Pekin Pekin First Church of the Nazarene Sam's Club The Club at Sunset Hills

How to Create Search Engine Optimized Content

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© Can Stock Photo Inc. / redrockerz Google has ushered in the era of big content by assigning increasing importance to it from a search perspective. But it placed one large stipulation on content creation. It has to be “good” to be worthwhile. What is “Good” Content? Google depends on your audience for this answer. If they are sharing your content, clicking on it, interacting with it, and showing you appreciation for it across the social spheres, Google is taking notice and factoring that into its ranking. Here are a few tips to making your content more SEO-friendly. How Do I Create Good Content?  Know Your Audience You cannot expect your audience to connect to your content, nor can you produce quality content from Google’s perspective, without knowing who your audience is. “My ideal customer” is not specific enough of a definition. Drill down to things like age, gender, income, schooling, preferences, etc. Only when you know your target connection, can you beg

Adams Outdoor Adds Account Exec

Adams Outdoor Advertising is excited to announce the addition of Krista Riggs Thomas as an Account Executive. Krista’s extensive marketing knowledge will benefit clients to enhance their media and marketing plans through the outdoor advertising medium.  Adams Outdoor Advertising can be reached at 309.431.4075 or www.adamsoutdoor.com

Goodwill Needs Race Volunteers

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Goodwill is looking for volunteers to help with the race on Saturday, September 12, 2015.  Please email volunteerforvets@goodwillpeo.org

CEFCU Offering Consolidation Student Loans

CEFCU is proud to announce a new option for borrowers to consolidate or refinance students loans. Credit Union members can take advantage of a Consolidation Student Loan (CSL), which allows them to consolidate all existing federal or private student loans into one loan, or refinance a single loan. With the CSL, student loan holders can begin the easy online application process at www.cefcu.com/one . Benefits include no origination fees, 0.5% interest rate reduction for automatic payments, up to 12 years to repay, and more. There is a minimum loan amount of $5,000 with a maximum of $80,000. Katie Mueller, CEFCU Private Student Loan Manager, stated, “I am excited that CEFCU can offer this loan product to graduates. It provides the benefit of consolidating student loans into one easy payment, which is not only more convenient, but could save borrowers money over the course of the loan.” With assets over $5 billion, CEFCU serves over 300,000 members through 20 central Illinois

Fleming Graduates from Institute of Organization Management

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Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that William T. Fleming, IOM, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM.  Fleming has led the chamber for 14 years. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educati

June Puttin' On Pekin

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Chamber members and their guests enjoyed a great breakfast this morning at the June Puttin' On Pekin breakfast at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Dave Osborn won the early prize and Ken Coulter won the late prize. Sheri Verando accepted the Spotlight on Business award for the Avanti's Dome, Grace United Methodist received the Blue Ribbon Award, and A.J. Salmon received the Sunshine Award for his "I Hate Cancer" project. Lelonie Luft and Kim LaHew from Cullinan Properties spoke to the group about their efforts to recruit businesses to East Court Village and other central Illinois properties.  You can see more pictures from chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Pekin Hospital to Host Dash at Dusk Run/Walk

  Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems will host the third annual Dash at Dusk 5K on July 10, 2015. The event promotes community wellness and raises funds for the hospital’s yearly mission trip to provide medical assistance to underserved countries. Held on the hospital’s campus at 600 South 13 th Street in Pekin, Dash at Dusk includes a 5K run, a one-mile walk and a kids’ fun run. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with a family friendly after-party. Prices are $30 for the 5K run, $30 for the one-mile walk and $10 for the kids’ fun run. All proceeds benefit this year’s mission trip to the Philippines, where team members hope to treat and serve more than 2,000 patients. The annual mission trip is part of Pekin Hospital’s Seasons of Sharing campaign. “This isn’t just about running a race,” said Dash at Dusk Co-Coordinator Marcy Becker. “It’s about promoting health and wellness in our communities while supporting a great cause. It’s a family event that feature

BARD OPTICAL PEKIN OFFICE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Bard Optical Pekin office will celebrate 30 years in business on July 30, 3-6 p.m. Opened by Dr. A. Arthur Bard in 1941 in downtown Peoria, Diana Hall purchased the practice in 1981 and has grown Bard Optical to 20 locations in Central and Southern Illinois. Please join us in celebrating the Anniversary of Bard’s Pekin office by stopping in and congratulating Dr. Shelley, Alicia, Office Manager and the Pekin staff. See new frames from various designers and enjoy a 25% Savings on frames and lenses purchased at the event. The Pekin Chamber will perform a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., refreshments will be served and prizes will be available.

8th Annual Marigold Festival Women's Golf Outing

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Welcome To Our Newest Member

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The Federal Companies 200 National Road East Peoria, IL 61611 309-694-4500 ext. 2268 Jeff Bogdan , VP of Business Development/Owner Jon Rogers , Sales Perry Johnson , Sales  Kevin Mclaren , Director of IT Kody Kanaga , Sales Rick Clayton , Sales  www.federalcos.com The Federal Companies are the Peoria movers chosen by many of the 114,000 residents of this city for quality relocation and storage services. Whether they are moving your home or business, storing your data or records or transporting your high-value products, this Peoria moving company approaches every move with an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality service. They offer a vast range of household and commercial moving services for local, long distance and international moves to ensure that they can accommodate every need. When you need the best of Peoria moving companies, you need Federal Companies.

South Side Bank After Hours

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South Side Bank hosted the June 4th Business After Hours at their Veterans Drive facility in Pekin.  Over 50 chamber members and their guests joined representatives from the bank for a great evening of refreshments and networking.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber