Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Join us on Thursday, September 10 for our Makeup, Marigolds, & Margaritas Party!!! Pop in and see us between 5:30 and 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2015 to enjoy makeup consultations, an inventory reduction sale, drawings for products and services, a cool refreshing beverage and more! It will be an open house type format. We invite you to stop in before or after your other Marigold Festival activities and head out to your next event ready to look and feel your best!   RSVP by e-mailing clientcare@csccil.com or calling 309-347-2714.   RSVPs are requested for counting purposes, but not required.

Pekin Hospital and Pekin Pain Management Center are hosting a free seminar entitled “The ABCs of Pain” on September 17 th at 12 p.m. in the hospital’s Park Court Conference Room, 600 South 13 th Street. The interactive seminar will be presented by John Bookmyer, CEO of Pain Management Group. Dr. Arek Grochowski, a board-certified pain management specialist, will be in attendance to help lead the discussion and answer questions. Seminar topics will include types of pain, treatment options and specialty care. RSVPs are required to attend the seminar, and lunch will be provided. To register for “The ABCs of Pain,” call 309-353-0410 by 4 p.m. on September 15 th . Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital offers educational programs as part of its ongoing commitment to community health and wellness. For more information visit pekinhospital.org .

We have a 260 Square foot studio/office space coming available on the second floor of The Speakeasy September 1st. This is a prime studio space with internet access and 24 hr access. We also have some smaller areas available. Email us at info@speakeasyartcenter.com for information.

The 27th Annual Duck Race, to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse,  took place this afternoon in a way never seen before in previous races. Nearly 27,000 (26,855) ducks came racing down the street leading to Eastside Centre in East Peoria. This year's race broke the previous record of 25,000 ducks in the race. The first ten ducks won their owners some great prizes. The first duck to reach the finish line belonged to Cindy Greene of Chillicothe.  She is the winner of the $5,000 grand prize. Here is a full list of this year’s winners.  Grand Prize $5,000 Sponsored by Associated Bank  Cindy Greene, Chillicothe IL  $1,500 Sherman's Gift Card Sponsored by Sherman's  LaRae Muselman Pekin IL $1,000 Macy’s Gift Card Sponsored by Macy’s Kathy LaHood, Peoria IL $500 Shoppes at Grand Prairie Gift Card Sponsored by the Shoppes at Grand Prairie Marie Berner, Oak Forest IL $500 Casey’s General Store Gift Card Sponsored by Casey’s General Store...

Simple Steps for Growing Your Business: Part 1 When Wednesday September 9, 2015 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM CDT Add to Calendar Where Fondulac District Library 400 Richland St. East Peoria, IL 61611 Driving Directions As a business grows, there is increased need for organization and knowledgeable management; and the role of the business owner changes as well. This four-part series of workshops is designed for small business owners and managers who want to reach the next level of growth and who are seeking assistance and direction in key areas of business management.   In Part 1, Lee Maki will discuss Busin...

Thanks to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the chamber. 1-Star MVP Walgreens Classic Members Classical Dance Academy First Community Title Services, Inc. First State Bank of Illinois Rescued Hearts Animal Hospital U.S. Cellular

Hiller Automotive kicked-off their grand opening weekend with a ribbon cutting.  John & Therese Hiller were joined for the ribbon cutting by their Pekin manager, Paul Roccia, their staff, and representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin.  Commitment to customer satisfaction makes Hiller Automotive a local leader in tire and automotive services. They've served customers from throughout central Illinois in Springfield for over 40 years and in Peoria for more than 20 years. Hiller Automotive is located at 3420 Court Street in Pekin and is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. They can be reached at 309-282-2202 or www.hillerwinn.com .

Leaders from Progressive Health Systems and Pekin Hospital officially announced the new Board of Trustees for 2015-2016. Board members were recognized at a reception on August 25th. The Board is responsible for governing all organizations within Progressive Health Systems, including Pekin Hospital, the Pekin Hospital Foundation and ProHealth Medical Group. Board membership for 2015-2016 is as follows: Ronald H. Miller, Chairman Dr. James R. Smalley, Vice Chairman Delores M. Eagleson, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Gordon L. Cross, Medical Staff President Rusty L. Dunn Curtis A. Eeten Ross J. Gould Maria C. Hornstein Dr. F. Nani Moazzam\ Jason W. Proehl Dirk W. Roecker In addition to announcing the new Board, Progressive Health Systems and Pekin Hospital recognized departing Board members Michael J. Tibbs (Immediate Past Chairman), Andrew J. Sparks (Past Chairman), Edward D. Sirotak and Dr. Eric V. Reinertson for their years of service.   “It is an honor to welcome o...

After three-and-a-half months the newly-built McDonald's opened today at 1013 Court Street. The old building was closed and torn down in early May. Local franchise owners Scott & Kristi Bandy were joined by representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin for a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new store. The new store includes updated landscaping and the latest ordering systems and digital menu boards.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber 

Sport Clips  3562 Court st.  Pekin, IL 61554  309-353-1111  Matt Wrenn , Owner Amanda Piscaglia , Manager  www.sportclips.com Sport Clips! Where it is good to be a guy! Their goal is to create a championship haircut experience for men and boys in an exciting sports environment. They are the home of the MVP with their legendary steam towel, pressure point shampoo & neck/shoulder massage.

Join us in a funfilled evening, with lots great door prizes. We are showcasing styles from local designer JL Productions, Miche Purses, and others.  Tickets are just $10 each and 100% of tickets sales are given to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life! 

Liberty Mutual Insurance 7714 N. Grand Prairie Dr.  Peoria, IL 61615 309-692-4009 Dale Bailey , Branch Manager www.libertymutual.com/insurance-office-peoria-IL Liberty Mutual offers quality and affordable auto, home, and life insurance as well as annuities. Call Dale and get a free quote today!

The 27 th Annual Duck Race to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse is almost here, but there is still work to be done to get the little racers ready for competition. Volunteers will be tagging all of the ducks with individual numbers this Wednesday night from 6-8pm at Eastside Centre in East Peoria. Each duck’s number will correlate with someone’s name who bought it for the race. After each duck is tagged, they will all be placed into the back of a Caterpillar dump truck.  On race day, the ducks will be dumped onto a giant slip-n-slide and they will race down the street leading to Eastside Centre. During the duck tagging event, other volunteers will be filling sandbags for the slip-n-slide. 500 sandbags are needed to hold the race track in place on race day. The bags will be filled and placed on pallets for use. The 27 th annual Duck Race is this Saturday, August 29. Activities begin at noon and the duck race kicks off at 2pm. Thanks to our sponsors, all of the...

The 17 teams who participated in the 2015 Women’s Marigold Golf Outing enjoyed a beautiful day on Saturday, August 22.  Pictures of the teams can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber   The Hole Contests Winners… Hole 3 – Long Putt – Donna Deverman  (Waterford Crystal donated by Pekin Insurance) Hole 5 – Long Putt – Jane Seiler (Red Lobster Gift Card & gift bag donated by UniQue Personnel Consultants) Hole 10 – Closest To The Pin – Lynn Decker (dozen golf balls donated by Dr. Timm Schwartz) Hole 12 – Long Drive – Angie LaMere (golf for 4 @ Parkview Golf Course) Hole 17 – Closest to the Pin – Merry Willock (dozen golf balls donated by Pekin Insurance)   1st Flight Pairing   Score $$   Donna Peterson Jane Seiler 70 $90.00   Kristen D'Alfonso Lynn Decker 75 $45.00 ...

There are many great events coming up at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. Check out their full list of events at http://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/mvv/default.asp

The Pekin Hospital Foundation will host the 2015 Jewels & Jeans Gala on September 26 th at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria starting at 6 p.m. The annual event is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser each year. The Jewels & Jeans Gala will include live music from New Odyssey, silent auction items, a wine pull, a photo booth and a caricature artist. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit Pekin Hospital’s surgical waiting area construction project. The approximately 3,500-square-foot surgical waiting area will be located on the second floor of Pekin Hospital to accommodate family members and visitors of surgery patients. Project completion is scheduled for October of 2015. Individual tickets for the Jewels & Jeans Gala are $150, and tables of 10 are $1,500. To make a reservation contact Director of 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 d...

You can check out this weeks Chamber Connection here!!!

Emma Vandeveer, Vice President Marketing and Sales at South Side Trust and Savings Bank in Peoria, IL, was reappointed to the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) 2015-2016 Communications and Marketing Committee by IBA President and CEO Linda Koch. As a member of the Committee, Vandeveer will review IBA communication vehicles such as the Illinois Banker magazine, e-newsletters and the website; and makes recommendations for the enhancements and improvements, while providing feedback on IBA communications practices.  The Committee also reviews the IBA’s public relations efforts and suggests ways for the IBA to better sever as a resource to its members. The Illinois Bankers Association, the voice of Illinois’ banking industry, is a full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities they serve.  Founded in 1891, the IBA brings together state and national banks that together employ w...

Peoria Yellow Checker Cab and Peoria Limousine are pleased to announce the addition of Justin Emery as VP of Operations and Business Development. Justin brings a background in financial services and management to the team, as they continue to grow their operations and improve the customer experience. Justin is a graduate of the University of Illinois and a native of Pekin. 

Starting September 1st, the traffic signals at the intersection of Capitol Street and Court Street and the intersection of North 4th Street and Court Street will be switched to flashing red for all directions.  This will make each intersection an all-way stop.  This change will be in effect for a 90-day study period.  After the 90-day study period the City of Pekin will determine if the traffic signals should be permanently removed.  Comments and concerns will be accepted in writing at:  Pekin Public Works, Pekin City Hall, 111 S. Capitol.  Click here to download a printable version of this map and document.

Thanks to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Classic Members Ferguson Plumbing LLC Gailey Eye Clinic, Pekin Peoria Area Association of Realtors Tazewell County Area Education WMBD TV / WYZZ TV Individual Member James Jones

Budgets are tight, there is a war for talent, and experiential learning opportunities are rare . That’s why our friends at AAIM have responded by designing The Learning Workshop , where you’ll engage in four condensed offerings from a robust menu of nine elite presenters. To strengthen the businesses in our region, please support The Learning Workshop by learning about it, spreading the word through social media, and ultimately attending with coworkers. Registration is a cinch online, and by using our promo code “pekinchamber” you’ll get a rate of $199. That saves you $100. See you there!

Seventy-Four chamber members and guests attended the August 14th Puttin' On Pekin breakfast held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Jay Hall (Excalibur Seasoning) gladly accepted the early prize, while Jon Rogers (The Federal Companies) reluctantly accepted the late prize. John Franks accepted the Spotlight on Business Award on behalf of Peoria Limousine, Ron & Melanie Matthews accepted the Blue Ribbon Award for cleaning up a property on South Second Street, and Greg Ranney accepted the Sunshine Award on behalf of the United Way of Pekin. Wendy Ferrill, the Tazewell County Administrator, gave an update on the activities of the Tazewell County government offices. The next Puttin' on Pekin breakfast will be October 9th at the Speakeasy Art Center in downtown Pekin.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Representatives of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Unique Personnel Consultants to the chamber.  Donna Clancy accepted the chamber membership plaque on behalf of Unique Personnel Consultants.  With an office in Peoria, 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.  You can find more information on their website:  www.uniquepers.com

Thanks to the employees at Liberty Village in Pekin (Pekin Manor, Pekin Estates, Bounce Back) who hosted a great Business After Hours on August 6th. Chamber members and their guests enjoyed food and drink from Kouri's and a chance to win door prizes.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at:   http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber