Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Pekin Daily Times will soon publish a special section on the upcoming Pekin Super Cruise.  If you'd like to promote your business in this special section, you can get more information by downloading the flyer:  http://www.pekinchamber.com/2016/PekinSuperCruise2016pdt.pdf

YWCA Adult Literacy needs volunteer tutors to help Tazewell County adults improve their basic reading, writing, math and English language skills. Volunteers are paired with compatible adult learners for twice-weekly tutoring sessions at locations, days and times convenient to them. No prior teaching experience is required. Tutor training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 19, 21, 26 & 28 from 9:00 a.m. – noon or 5:30 – 8:30 p.m at the YWCA of Pekin.  There is a $20 materials fee. For more information contact Pam Ritter , Director of the YWCA Adult Literacy program or call 347-2104.

There will be a new group in charge of this year’s Pekin Marigold Festival’s Friday night downtown event.  Liz Curtin-Rogers will coordinate this family event in association with her non-profit organization, Pekin Performing Arts Center. Friday Family Fun Fest will be held Friday, September 9 from 5pm-9pm in downtown Pekin.  This event will bring back an old crowd favorite as well as provide some new offerings. The Lip Sync Contest is back!  This event is open to individuals and groups and will have child and adult categories.  The entry fee is $20, and there will be cash prizes.  An entry form can be obtained by emailing pekinpac@yahoo.com .  You can also pick up forms at the Pekin Chamber office located at 402 Court St.  Entertainment between categories will be provided by Classical Dance Academy. There will also be many food vendors.  Any food vendors, for profit or non-profit, wanting to participate can email info@speakeasyartcenter.com...

The Pekin Park District Water Dragons swim team competed in their first meet on Saturday, June 11 th at the Eureka Invitational held at Eureka College. Despite having few swimmers swim in this meet, since it was so early in the season, one swimmer made a name for himself for the Water Dragons. Jackson Campbell, age 10, received 1 st place overall in every one of his individual events against 7 local area swim teams. Swimming a 30.27 in the 50 freestyle, a 15.13 in the 25 butterfly, and 1:16.58 in his 100 IM. This is an incredible accomplishment, and a great way to start out the Water Dragons’ summer season! For more information regarding registration or Pekin Park District programs, call us at (309) 347-PARK (7275) or visit us online at www.pekinparkdistrict.org .  Find us on Facebook!   www.facebook.com/ppdrecreation

This weeks Chamber Connection is now available here !

ProHealth Medical Group, Pekin Hospital and Progressive Health Systems are pleased to welcome Dr. Ashley Fischer to ProHealth Pediatrics in Pekin, Illinois. Dr. Fischer received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, where she also completed the Pediatrics residency program. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and in 2014, she was honored by Children’s Hospital of Illinois with the Community Advocacy Award. “We are very excited to have Dr. Fischer as part of the ProHealth family,” said Dawn Moushon, Vice President of Practice Management for ProHealth Medical Group. “In addition to her medical credentials, Dr. Fischer brings outstanding energy and a passion for the community to our team.” Part of Progressive Health Systems, ProHealth Medical Group was established in 1986 as a sister organization of Pekin Hospital. ProHealth offers seven practices throughout the Pekinarea. For more information visit pekinprohealth.com...

Midas Auto Service Experts 1804 Court St  Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-5991 Nathan Proctor , Manager Walt Bratcher, Owner Bob Bratcher, Owner  Midas specializes in automotive service and repair.

Illinois Central College will offer two Hazardous Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) courses designed to prepare participants with the health and safety procedures required at hazardous-material sites. The 24-hour HAZWOPER course provides the 24-hour training mandated by OSHA and includes topics such as: OSHA regulations, general safety hazards, hazard communication for HAZWOPER, chemical hazard identification, respiratory protection and chemical personal-protective equipment (PPE), just to name a few. The 24-hour training will be July 7, 14, and 21, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hickory Hall 105, on the ICC North Campus, located at 5407 N. University St., Peoria. Cost for the 24-hour training course is $495 per person. ICC also will offer an 8-hour HAZWOPER course on July 19 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for participants needing a refresher only. Course topics will include: OSHA regulation, hazardous waste, hazardous communication and handling hazardous materials. Cost of th...

– Representatives from Pekin Hospital and Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) will host a free community event to discuss the proposed AMT facility on the hospital’s campus. The event is open to the public and will take place July 6 th at 5 p.m. in the hospital’s Park Court Conference Center at 600 South 13 th Street.  The project between Pekin Hospital and AMT is pending approval by the City of Pekin. If approved, the proposed facility would help to improve emergency response times and ensure the fastest possible treatment for area patients. Questions about the July 6 th event may be directed to 309-353-0559. P art of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Central Illinois since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org . 

Illinois Central College will offer “Express Enrollment” Monday through Wednesday, July 11, 12 and 13 from 8 am to 4 pm, on the East Peoria Campus. Those interested in enrolling at ICC can complete the process of applying and enrolling in just one day. No appointment is necessary, and free parking is available in Lots A and B and in the Visitors Lot. Classes begin on Monday, August 15. “Express Enrollment” can be completed in just a few hours’ time. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 1 pm in order to complete all of the steps leading to enrollment in one day. For advising or testing completion only, participants must arrive by 2 pm.                 The process includes: Completing and processing an ICC application, completing placement testing, meeting with an advisor to develop a class schedule, filling out financial aid paperwork and setting up a payment plan, and getting an official ICC identificati...

Illinois Central College is encouraging potential students to stop, drop everything, and come to the college for its “Stop. Drop. Enroll.” event, where potential students can enroll in just a few hours. This free event takes place on Wed., July 27, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Arbor Hall on the ICC North Campus, located at 5407 N. University St., Peoria and provides extended business hours for class registration. No appointment is necessary, and parking is free. Classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 15. At “Stop. Drop. Enroll.” ICC staff will help prospective students complete all the steps required for enrolling. The process includes: Completing and processing an ICC application, completing placement testing, meeting with an advisor to develop a class schedule, filling out financial aid paperwork and setting up a payment plan, and getting an official ICC identification card. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 6 p.m. in order to complete all of the steps leading to enr...

Aerial Athletics LLC 215 Court St Pekin ,  IL   61554 (309) 620-6862 https://www.facebook.com/aerialathleticspekin/ Aerial Athletics is a tumbling, gymnastics, and cheer facility that provides recreational coaching to local athletes.

Representatives from Pekin Hospital and Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) will host a free community event to discuss the proposed AMT facility on the hospital’s campus. The event is open to the public and will take place July 6 th at 5 p.m. in the hospital’s Park Court Conference Center at 600 South 13 th Street.  The project between Pekin Hospital and AMT is pending approval by the City of Pekin. If approved, the proposed facility would help to improve emergency response times and ensure the fastest possible treatment for area patients. Questions about the July 6 th event may be directed to 309-353-0559. P art of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Central Illinois since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org . 

MJ Eberle, owner of Allegra Print, Design, Signs in Pekin, Macomb and Galesburg was recently honored with the 2015 Operational Excellence Award from leading marketing, print and graphic communications franchise network, Alliance Franchise Brands. He was recognized for excellence in managing his business to achieve exceptional levels of productivity, profitability and growth while remaining focused on helping local businesses achieve marketing and outreach success. “We work hard to be a true partner to our customers,” said Eberle. “We understand the challenges they face when looking for new ways to meet their business and marketing goals and we focus on delivering positive, measurable results that are on time and within budget. Their success drives our success.” Allegra, located at 1107 N. Eighth Street in Pekin, 1120 East Jackson Street in Macomb and 439 N. Henderson in Galesburg, is a full-service marketing communications provider offering marketing consultation, copywriting and graph...

State Representative Mike Unes PRESS ADVISORY and RELEASE Details For Immediate Release                                                                        Contact: Rep. Mike Unes June 20, 2016                                                                          ...

 

Check out this week's Chamber Connection here !

Join us for this fantastic opportunity to view the beautiful paintings of Vin Luong in the main gallery at The Speakeasy Art Center, 353 Court St. Pekin Il! Opening reception is July 1, 2016 from 5-7. Music to follow at 7pm by friends of Vin's-Willie Kuhn, The Spoon River Cowboy and Rudy Urban, Pianist.  Vin Luong was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1966. The son of Chinese painter Siu-Hong Luong, Vin learned traditional Chinese painting techniques at a young age, which he later built upon with an education in Western art as a teenager. Vin immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s and settled in Peoria, IL, where he lived and painted for more than twenty years. He passed away on March 7, 2013, at the age of 46, and he lives on in the many beautiful paintings and murals he left behind. Since his death his paintings have been housed at The Speakeasy Art Center in Pekin Il in a gallery on the 2nd floor. Vin’s work incorporates both Eastern and Western ele...

Illinois Central College will hold several informational sessions for its Highway Construction Careers Training Program, with program applications and TABE testing available at each session. Classes for the next training program will begin Mon., Aug. 8, 2016. The intensive 12-week program prepares participants for careers in the highway construction trades industry through classroom learning, skills labs, and real-world jobsite experience. Training includes, but is not limited to, math for trades, job readiness skills, and technical skills coursework, as well as OSHA 10-hour certification and First Aid/CPR certification. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the skills necessary to seek careers as laborers, cement masons, operating engineers, electricians, ironworkers, sheet metal workers, carpenters, bricklayers, and other union trades. To qualify for the program a candidate must be 18 years old, have a valid Illinois driver’s license, have a high...

Illinois Central College Educational Foundation will offer a few new scholarships to students beginning this fall, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Creve Coeur American Legion Post #1234. The post recently dissolved after more than 60 years of service to veterans and their families and chose to release the funds to nonprofits in the area, including the ICC Educational Foundation. The Foundation will use the funds to establish at least two new endowed scholarships in perpetuity. According to Commander Les Turner, the gift is the largest amount the Creve Coeur American Legion has ever awarded to a nonprofit.  “Our members were sad to see their Post close,” Turner said. “But they are very proud that their service to the community will continue in perpetuity because of the scholarship established at ICC.” “The Foundation is honored to be chosen to carry out the legacy of the Creve Coeur American Legion,” said ICC Educational Foundation Interim Executive Director Stephanie H...

Illinois Central College still has several classes available for the July session of its popular College for Kids program, which features an assortment of creative and educational classes for students entering fourth through ninth grades. The July session runs Monday ─ Thursday, July 11– 21.  Additional off-site Friday Fun Trips are offered from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm on each Friday of College for Kids.                 Openings are still available for Math Scene Investigation, Beads for Life, Super Heroes as American Mythology, CFK’s The Voice, Tae Kwon Do, Dude Foods, Computer Aided Design, Mathletes and From Cryptids to Creepy Pasta: Urban Legends, just to name a few. For a complete list of open classes, visit http://www.icc.edu/cfk Club CFK extends the day and accommodates working parents by offering activities for student participants following the final class session of the day until 5 pm. Club CFK fea...

Pekin Hospital Home Health invites the public to a free Open House at 2934 Court Street in Pekin, Illinois. The event will take place June 23rd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include refreshments, tours and a medical equipment demonstration. Established in 1960, Pekin Hospital Home Health offers compassionate home-based care to residents throughout Central Illinois. Additional services include patient assessments, patient and family education, rehabilitation assistance and Alzheimer’s support groups. To learn more about the June 23rd Open House or the services offered by Pekin Hospital Home Health, call 309-353-0371. Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Central Illinois since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org .

Hallmark House Nursing Center is pleased to welcome Krista Riggs Thomas as their new Marketing and Admissions Director. Mrs. Thomas brings with her nine years of post-graduate marketing experience, with six of the years in the senior healthcare industry. Krista looks forward to offering rehabilitation and long-term options to the surrounding communities, especially at Pekin’s only 4-star rated nursing facility.

Illinois American Water received the J.D. Power award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction among water utilities in the Midwest according to J.D. Power’s 2016 Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. The utility also achieved the highest score in the region for price and communications. This first-time, national study was based on more than 20,000 responses, representing more than 83 million residential customers of the 84 largest water utilities across the United States. Residential customers were surveyed in March 2016 and had experiences with their utility within the past six months. The Overall Water Utility Satisfaction Index measures key performance indicators in six areas: delivery (including quality), price, billing and payment, conservation, communications, and customer service. "We are honored to receive this award from J.D. Power because it’s a direct reflection of what Illinois American Water’s customers experience with us,” said Illinois America...

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Captain Alex Grieves, owner of the Spirit of Peoria, was the featured speaker at the June 10th Puttin' on Pekin breakfast at the Avanti's Dome. He spoke about his experiences running a unique businesses. Dave Osborne from Trouble Free Heating & Cooling won the early prize, while Ken Coulter from Midwest Engineering Associates took home the late prize. Greg Ranney presented the Spotlight on Business Award to Earl Riley at First Pekin Savings Bank. Debbie Fornoff presented the Blue Ribbon Award to Jim Ruth for the work he's doing on a Park Avenue home.  Laurie Gruse gave the Sunshine Award to Nancy & Dale Atkinson for her Little Free Library.  You can see more pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois is proud to announce that Susan Mullen, a mentor in their GoodGuides® Youth Mentoring Program, has been named Volunteer Leader of the Year. This award was presented by Goodwill Industries International. Sue is former grade school teacher with 20 years of experience working with young people. "They need someone they trust to talk with or ask questions," said Mullen. "I get to treat each student as an individual, help them express themselves, and encourage them to ask whatever questions they have for me." "Sue helps young people in her community build brighter futures," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Caring mentors are important people in the lives of young people and we’re proud to honor Sue for her commitment to youth." "We are thrilled that out of the 164 Goodwills across the country, that one of our mentors was chosen for this honor," said Samant...

This weeks Chamber Connection is available here !

Thanks to the following employers who recently renewed their investment in the mission of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. 2-Star Members Commerce Bank Kroger Limited Partnership, LLC 1-Star Members Big R of Pekin Cumulus Media Kouri's Pub   Classic MVP Members American Motor Trends Atlas Supply Company Bremer Jewelry Cosmetic Skin Center of Central Illinois First Christian Church Henrickson & Co., Inc. JPG Commercial Real Estate LLC Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts   Individual Members Glover, Lynn

Porter Electric  1504 N. 8th St.  Pekin, IL 61554 309-241-5306  Website Greg Porter , Owner Porter Electric specializes in residential and commercial electrical needs. 

Attend this free workshop, sponsored by The Unland Companies and Hometown Community Banks, and find out how to protect yourself. June 22 |  10 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Fondulac Bank Building, Levee District  201 Clock Tower Drive | East Peoria REGISTER NOW    or call Shannon Jones at 800.747.3241  or email SJones@Unland.com  by June 20. ...