Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Beginning this spring, Illinois Central College will offer five programs which students can complete in a year or less. The “Job Ready” programs can prepare students to enter the workforce in a fast growing career field. Enrollment is now open, and classes for the Spring 2017 semester begin Tues., January 17. Students can choose from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Computer Networking (CISCO), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Pharmacy Technician, and Truck Driver Training. These certificate programs act as a credential for entry-level employment in a particular industry or as a benchmark on the way to an advanced degree. Students interested in enrolling for one of the programs should first apply to ICC by going online to   http://icc.edu/admissions/enrollment/steps-to-enrollment/ ICC again is offering its popular Express Enrollment event at the East Peoria Campus Dec. 12-14, where students may complete all the necessary steps leading to enrollment in just a few hours. F...

The Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, with support from the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, has partnered with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) to establish a Canton Disaster Recovery Fund (CDRF) in response to the explosion that impacted Canton, Illinois on November 16, 2016. The Canton Disaster Recovery Fund will accept tax-deductible donations that will be used to provide grant support to businesses and/or non-profit organizations engaged in meeting the long-term recovery and rebuilding needs of those who have been impacted by this disaster. The Canton Disaster Recovery Fund committee, through its case-management activities will make recommendations to the CFCI Board of Directors about where unmet needs and funding gaps exist. Grants will then be made from the fund to address those needs. Jeff Strode, committee chair of the CDRF, stated that, “We are pleased to partner with CFCI to establish the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund. We believe that i...

You might not get the same holiday days off work that the children get from school, so we are here to make sure that your child has a safe, fun way to occupy their energetic minds. Our Holiday Break Camps are a great place for your children to come and play while out of school!  They will get to spend their days out of doors enjoying the best that nature has to offer.  They will enjoy crafts, field trips, nature hikes, playing outdoors (weather permitting) and seasonal activities when available like ice skating and sledding. We provide field trips, breakfast and snacks in the fee, but do ask that you bring a sack lunch.  Register now by calling 347-7275. WINTER BREAK CAMP Dates:                   December 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, January 2 and 3. Ages:                   ...

Illinois Central College will offer “Express Enrollment” Monday through Wednesday, December 12, 13 and 14 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 for the spring 2017 semester begin on Tues., January 17. “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 get...

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Two Men and a Truck 2201 W. Townline Rd. Peoria, IL 61615 309-689-1600 Email Website Charles Rice , Owner TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the fastest-growing franchised moving company in the country and offers comprehensive home and business relocation and packing services. Our goal is to exceed customers expectations by customizing our moving services to specific needs. We move apartments, condominiums, homes, businesses, and everything in between – from very small to very large. Whether moving down the street, across the country, or to a new home or business building, we’re here to help with managing relocation stress.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois has announced Mike Nauth as the organization's new Director of Retail. Mike started his career with Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois in 2012 as the Pekin store manager. He was later promoted to one of the organization's district managers. Nauth attended Palm Beach State College and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 through 1977. Prior to management roles with numerous major organizations, he served as a police officer in Palm Beach, Florida. "Mike's strength is his ability to manage people," said Don Johnson, Goodwill President and CEO. "He honed this skill with large organizations such as Nissan, where he worked prior to joining Goodwill. Mike understands both our shoppers and the individuals we serve." "Goodwill is an amazing organization supported by amazing people," said Nauth. "Selling the items which have been donated and thus funding our free programs is something that I ta...

Pekin Winter Wonderland Festivities begin Sunday, November 27. Festivities begin at 1pm with a Candy Cane Hunt on Ball diamond #1 in Mineral Springs Park. Other activities the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Mineral Springs Park include; Face painting, pony rides, balloon creations, refreshments by the Lions Club, hay rack rides, and visits with Santa.  The Holiday Parade begins at 3:30pm at Tenth and Broadways Streets and travels east on Broadway through Mineral Springs Park. Announcing of the parade takes place at the Pavilion porch. Following the parade, in and around the Pavilion on the lagoon, the band Corn Wolves will perform and fireworks over the lagoon. For additional information check out www.pekinwinterwonderland.info

Illinois Central College Board of Trustees, in action during closed session at last night’s meeting, determined the process it will follow to fill the seat formerly held by James K. Polk. Polk, who died on Nov. 8 at age 77, was appointed to the Board in 1997 and was elected in his own right to the position in 1999. He continued in this role until his death. His current term would have expired in April 2017. Those interested in applying for the position must be a U.S. citizen aged 18 years of age or older and must be a resident of Illinois and of Illinois Community College District #514 for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment. Applicants must apply by noon on December 8, 2016, in order to be considered. The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires the Board to make a decision to fill the vacancy within 60 days. If the Board fails to select a candidate, the chairman of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) reserves the right to appoint an individual to fulfill...

Congratulations to the Busey Baccalaureates who won the 2016 Chamber Challenge Trivia competition.  The theme this year was "College Days."  Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.  You can see more pictures from the event at:   https://goo.gl/photos/iSAnkpr7kvznuCEP9

Beginning this spring, Illinois Central College will offer five programs which students can complete in a year or less. The “Job Ready” programs can prepare students to enter the workforce in a fast growing career field. Enrollment is now open, and classes for the Spring 2017 semester begin Tues., January 17. Students can choose from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Computer Networking (CISCO), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Pharmacy Technician, and Truck Driver Training. These certificate programs act as a credential for entry-level employment in a particular industry or as a benchmark on the way to an advanced degree. Students interested in enrolling for one of the programs should first apply to ICC by going online to   http://icc.edu/admissions/enrollment/steps-to-enrollment/ ICC again is offering its popular Express Enrollment event at the East Peoria Campus Nov. 14-16, where students may complete all the necessary steps leading to enrollment in just a few hours. F...

Travelers from the Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport will soon be able to fly larger jets nonstop to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) via American Airlines. American Airlines, with its regional partners, will begin flying CRJ900 jets twice daily to DFW beginning Feb. 16. The larger jets feature nine first class seats and 67 coach seats, Wi-Fi and slightly more legroom overall. “We are very pleased to have American Airlines invest in larger aircraft, including jets with first class seating, to one of our top destinations,” said Director of Airports Gene Olson. “This is something our business travelers and frequent flyers will very much appreciate, and it comes on the heels of American adding a new nonstop route to Charlotte, North Carolina. Both actions show American is very invested in supporting Central Illinois.” DFW is American Airlines’ largest hub, and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the airline’s second-largest hub. Twic...

This fall, Illinois American Water invited 3rd, 4th and 5th 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 Coalitions annual event to raise value of water service awareness. "It's hard to imagine even just one day without water. We need water to make our morning coffee, to cook family dinners, to fight fires, for public health and more. Even though water service is essential, the public often takes its value for granted." said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water. He continued, "We want to thank our local educators for taking time to talk to their students about the value of water service. Our team was impressed with the quality of art contest entries received from across Illinois." The art contest winners listed below earned a $100 donation for their classroom: Hayden Meis, 4th grader at St. Mary's...

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Community-based sudden cardiac arrest response initiative recognizes as one of the best practices for EMS providers in the United States.  The American Ambulance Association (AAA) presented Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) with the 2016 AMBY Award, a prestigious national honor that recognizes the best practices in the ambulance industry. AMT CEO Andrew Rand was presented the award during a ceremony at the American Ambulance Association's National Conference in Las Vegas, NV, November 7-9, 2016. The AMBY's highlight excellence in EMS and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize AAA members. The mission of the awards is to showcase creativity and innovation in the ambulance industry by fostering a culture of collaboration, cooperation and a passion for excellence in patient care. AMT was presented the award in Beset Clinical Outcome for their Race to the Top program - an initiative developed in conjunction with physician experts, medical centers and biomedic...

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Pekin Hospital hosted the November Business After Hours on the 10th.  About 40 chamber members and their guests enjoyed the refreshments and an update on the hospital's new building under construction on Veterans Drive.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  https://goo.gl/photos/FBDMkccxcMVpCdLX8

Matt Williams, Interim Director of Home Health for Pekin Hospital, has earned the credential of Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). CPHQ members demonstrate proficiency in leadership, performance measurement and improvement, information management, communication and safety. The CPHQ program is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. Williams joined Pekin Hospital Home Health in July of 2016 and has nine years of healthcare leadership experience. He received a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Hawaii and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii School of Nursing. Part 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 Culinary Arts Program will host an Open House for high school students on Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Thursday, Nov. 17, 9 am to noon. Students will receive a food passport to sample 10 different tasting stations staffed by current Culinary Arts students. There will be tours of the kitchens and a presentation on how the ICC Culinary Arts Institute prepares students for a rewarding career in the hospitality industry. There are a record number of students from several local high schools scheduled to attend the Open House each day, including: ·          Tues., Nov. 15 - Elmwood, Washington, Dunlap, East Peoria, Pekin, Midland and Eureka ·          Wed., Nov. 16 – Metamora, IVC, Farmington, Bloomington Area Career Center, Galesburg ·          Thurs., Nov. 17 – Manito, Illini Bluffs, East Peoria, Woodruff Career and Technical Center, Peoria H...

Illinois Central College mourns the death of Board of Trustees member James K. Polk, 77, who passed away on Tues., Nov. 8. Polk was appointed to the Board in 1997 and was elected in his own right to the position in 1999. He continued in this role until his death. “The ICC family is deeply saddened at the passing of our Mr. Polk, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” said ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. “His passing is not only a loss for the College but for the community as a whole. He lived his life as an offering of service through the very active role he played in the betterment of educational, community, and diversity initiatives throughout central Illinois.” During his service to the constituents of ICC Dist. #514, Polk was instrumental in the development of the College’s Diversity Department and many related initiatives. He supported the development and focus on quality improvement programming, which led to ICC receiving the Silver Linc...

E & S Communications Inc.  343 Ann Eliza  Pekin, IL 61554  309-346-0903  Email Website Michael Sanders , President Matthew Pentecost , Vice President E and S Communications offers Emergency Vehicle Upfitting; sales, design, service and maintenance of two-way communications systems; sound and lighting systems for a variety of venues; and service installation and removal of Smart Start Ignition Interlock Devices.

Local technology leader Facet Technologies announces the addition of Joe Lahart to their business solutions team. Joe looks to assist in bringing new clients peace of mind with technology solutions custom fit to each company’s needs. He brings with him ten years of experience in the insurance industry as well as a professional background in marketing, and is enthusiastic to bring his knowledge to the table with Facet’s proven solutions. Joe is a native of Little Rock Arkansas and a graduate of Illini Bluffs High School. He attended Purdue University and Illinois Central College. He is passionate about the community and is highly active with coaching sports and scouting. He looks to expand his community involvement with Facet. “We’re excited to have Joe on board with our team,” says Brian Ford, President of Facet Technologies. “He’s bringing years of experience tailoring solutions to meet his customer’s complex needs. His enthusiasm is a perfect fit for Facet.” Facet has ex...

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Join YWCA Adult Literacy's 3rd annual "Spread the Word!" Scrabble fundraiser on Thursday, November 17 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students, and under 12 free, with 100% of the proceeds going to help the more than 150 adults who seek our help each year. Register by Friday, November 11 and get a free entry for a Kindle Fire raffle. For more information, call Pam at 347-2104 ext. 23.

Fall is here and the time of year when motorists need to be especially vigilant watching for deer on roads throughout the state, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The reason: Autumn coincides with the mating season and increased deer movement, especially at dusk and dawn.    "Deer have other things on their minds at this time of year. They aren't looking out for motorists, so motorists need to be looking out for them," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. "If you are in areas where you know deer to be active, please pay special attention to avoid putting yourself and other drivers at risk."    Approximately 40 to 45 percent of crashes in Illinois involving deer in 2015 occurred in October, November, and December - with November being the highest-risk month. Almost 80 percent happened in rural environments, with nearly 75 percent of all crashes taking pl...

Firm meets global standard of excellence for the ninth straight year – Savant Capital Management , a nationally-recognized fee-only wealth management firm, has once again been recognized with two certifications by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence ® (CEFEX ® ). This is the ninth consecutive year Savant has had its certifications renewed. This comes after Savant’s recognition of the Service Provider Certification for Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) 3(16) Plan Administrators earlier this year. Savant has received an Investment Steward certification for adhering to global standards of fiduciary excellence. As defined by CEFEX ® , an Investment Steward is a person or organization which has the legal responsibility for managing investment decisions. The Investment Steward decides on the asset allocation, defines the details of the strategy, implements the strategy with appropriate Investment Managers, and monitors the strategy on an ongoing basis. In 2007, Savant ...

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