Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Galesburg, IL (April 28, 2017) – Earlier this year, Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Linder unveiled plans for tourism at the Galesburg Chamber’s Annual Dinner. Their plan of work included strategic planning along with other highlights, such as a new website, community calendar and update of the Welcome Center of East Main Street. Earlier this month, the Galesburg Chamber Board moved forward on promises to develop such a plan by approving the hire of McDaniels Marketing , a marketing and strategy firm based in Pekin, IL. The firm has been selected to carry out strategic planning and brand development for the Galesburg Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (GACVB) over the next six to nine months.  McDaniels Marketing will provide high-level research and analysis that leads to brand development including a new logo, slogan and look for the CVB. Work will begin with the firm next week. “McDaniels Marketing is an industry leader in tourism researc...

CHiPs  star Erik Estrada coming to the 2017 Pekin Marigold Festival! The Pekin Marigold Festival proudly welcomes Erik Estrada as our 2017 Guest Celebrity to help us celebrate the festival theme: “ Marigolds on Patrol ”.  Erik will be joining us on Saturday and Sunday of the festival, September 9 th and 10 th and his schedule will be announced as the festival draws near.  The Marigold Festival committee members are pleased to honor the local police departments and the service that they provide with the “ Marigolds on Patrol ” theme. Erik Estrada captured the hearts of millions of fans world-wide as a result of his six year run starring as highway patrol officer Frank Poncherello in the highly successful television series, CHiPs . Also appearing in numerous other television and motion picture roles, the role he most prefers and enjoys is that of a role model to millions of children throughout the world.  Erik was raised in New York City’s Spanish Harlem b...

Sorrento Italian Cuisine   901 Chateau Drive  North Pekin, IL 61554 309-583-0545  Sam Tairi ,  Owner We only serve the freshest authentic Italian dishes, that come from long established family recipes.

PCHS Dragon Athletic Booster Club   320 Stadium Drive  Pekin, IL 61554 Website Bill Cash ,  President Bill Link, Vice President  Amy Whiting-McCoy, Secretary Glen Cascia, Treasurer The PCHS Dragon Athletic Booster Club was developed to support, encourage, promote and raise funds for all athletic programs at PCHS for the benefit of all athletics, the school and the community. 

We are so glad to have you as an active member of our community. We’re currently looking for volunteers for the upcoming George Jacob Gut Buster 5k. To make this a success, we need your help at the drink and food stops, directing/cheering on runners or  being a sign holder.  Anyone wanting to volunteer call Bryna at  309-674-1131 x 230  or email her .   

The Keystart live pitch competition is coming up! It will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 7pm - 9pm at Metamora Fields. Registration is free, and there will be food and drink for purchase.

Over $20,000 Awarded for Water Source Protection Projects Illinois American Water announced today that seven watershed initiatives across the state will receive funding through the company's 2017 Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grand funds totaling $20,300 for community projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds. This announcement is being made in conjunction with Earth Day, April 22, 2017, 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 is awarding the 2017 Environmental Grants as follows: - Foundation for Ohio River Education will receive their requested $2,500 grant in full to fund the Ohio River Sweep. The funds will supply gloves and trash...

We are in a time of unbelievable change. From politics to the economy to society to technology, old ways of thinking and acting are giving way to entirely new modes of thought and behavior. Disruption is now expected, and turmoil, unrest, and instability are the new standards. As a strategic advisor to executives in numerous organizations, Dr. Aaron Buchko will frame the magnitude of the transformations that are occurring around us, noting similarities to historical times of seeming disorder while providing some structure to understanding the magnitude and speed of the shifts that are occurring in the environments of organizations and executives. Dr. Buchko is professor of management in the Foster College of Business, Badley University, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Planning and Strategy and graduate courses in Executive Development and Business Ethics. His 90-minute presentation is a "must-attend" event for all business and community leaders. Coffee ...

Join the Tazewell County Relay for Life on April 29th, from 1pm - 9pm. The group will be meeting at the East Peoria Civic Plaza at the Levee District. Their schedule is as follows: 1:00pm: Opening Ceremony 2:00pm - 3:00pm: Steve Hargis Performance - Country Musician 3:00pm - 4:00pm: Dan Basfield Performance - R & B Musician 1:00pm - 7:00pm: Silent Auction Open 2:00pm - 6:00pm: Vendor Craft Show Open 2:00pm - 6:00pm: Youth Activities                                      - Bounce House's by Peoria Rentals                                      - The Zoo Lady Face Painting (2:30-5:30)                                      - Unique Twist Balloon Animals 5:00pm: Make Your Voice Heard! American Canc...

Becky Mcintyre, Children’s Ministries Director, will be retiring on May 17 th .  Becky began working as our Children’s Ministries Director in 2004.  Prior to that, she had served as a volunteer in the nursery, in children’s Sunday School and AWANA.  She also facilitated women’s Bible studies and co-lead adult Sunday school classes with her husband Brian.  Becky loves teaching children about God and helping them grow spiritually.  Whether she’s bustling in and out of rooms on Sunday Morning or pushing a cart through Walmart, hearing “There’s Miss Becky!” from an excited child’s mouth, is reassurance that all the work she and the Children’s Ministries Team put in on Sunday and Wednesday nights is changing young lives. In Becky’s free time (what little there is), she is busy supporting her three daughter.  She also enjoys cooking, gardening, the occasional costume job and is an avid fan of “Mystery” and British TV in general. We are going to mi...

http://www.pekinchamber.com/2017/InstituteApplicaiton.pdf

TAZWOOD CENTER FOR WELLNESS Presents 2 FREE CEU’s! Bold New World Navigating the Road to Recovery, Part 3 WHEN: Friday, May 19, 2017, 1:00pm – 3:00pm WHERE: Fondulac Bank, 201 Clock Tower Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 FOLEPI Room, 2nd Floor WHAT: 1) Understand Steps 10-12 of the 12-Step program as a guide for a recovery lifestyle, as opposed to a “cure.” 2) Identify practical applications of key terms and principles in Steps 10-12. 3) Learn, share and discuss activities and metaphors that illustrate the meaning of the final steps for any individual or group of clients, regardless of their background. 4) Approved by IAODAPCA for 2 CEU’s! Presented by Ed Betzelberger, LCSW, CRADC, PCGC Register for CEUs (by 5/17/17): Contact Brenda Franklin at (309) 477-5526/ bfranklin@tazwoodmhc.org or Ed at (309) 477-5548/ ebetzelberger@tazwoodmhc.org!

About 60 chamber members attended the April 21st Puttin' On Pekin breakfast held at the Avanti's Dome.  Dave Osborn (Trouble Free Heating & Cooling) won the Early Prize, while Deb Rathmel (KZBEME Fingerprinting) won the Late Prize.  Both prizes were presented by Manda Brown (Perfectly Planned Events) who served as the emcee.  Col. William P. Robertson from the Air National Guard based in Peoria was the program.  Of particular interest to the audience was the economic impact the ANG has on the Peoria region.  You can see a few more pictures from this event at:  https://goo.gl/photos/SyTifQUpMTck2gHZA

13th Annual ICC International Fair --- Sat., April 22, 2017 Noon to 3 pm --- Cafeteria East Peoria Campus This is the 13th year for the International Fair at ICC. The event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for the community, especially families, to discover and appreciate world cultures while having fun together. Some of the event’s highlights: · Celebration of diverse cultures through music, entertainment, food samples and dancing · Fashion show by international students featuring traditional costumes · Martial arts demonstration · Informational booths and food samples from Tanzania, China, Jordan and Egypt (food samples available at a modest cost) · Global Village of Peoria Heights will offer a selection of coffees, chocolates, clothing and gifts from developing countries for purchase There is an admission donation of $3, and children under 10 are admitted free. Proceeds will go toward an International F-1 student scholarship fu...

The 46th annual public auction will be on Friday, May 5th in the Veterans Memorial Arena in Mineral Springs Park. Auction will start promptly at 5 p.m.  As in past years a dozen or more local auctioneers are donating their time to auction off new items and gift certificates donated by local merchants, used items from an automobile to dishes, celebrity items from the sports and entertainment world, and lots of great food like butterfly pork chop and ribeye sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, pies and more.  Chairman Barron's goal this year is to raise $40,000 for more than two dozen local charities and non-profit organizations.  Free parking and free admission.  Come for the fun and leave with the bargains.  Go to pekinambucs.org for a complete list of auction items updated daily.

A timeless story of star-crossed lovers comes to the stage when Central Illinois Ballet (CIB), in residence at Illinois Central College, presents its world premiere performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet April 29 and 30 in the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. Shows take place April 29 at 7 pm and April 30 at 2 pm. The April 30 performance also will recognize the careers of CIB artistic director Rebekah von Rathonyi and dancer Joshua Gullet, who are married and will play the principle roles. “Joshua and I always knew we wanted to retire with Romeo and Juliet,” von Rathonyi said. “Our first attempt at dancing the roles together felt fantastic, but looking back, I am not sure we fully comprehended the emotional complexity of the characters. As older dancers, maturity gives us more depth and being married allows us to not just play the young lovers, but experience in the moment every sensation as they may have felt. “Performing Romeo and J...

The Illinois Central College Music Program presents a classical music recital by guest performers, The Estampes Trio, on April 24 at 10 am in Lecture/Recital Hall Room 127F, located in the Academic Building on the East Peoria Campus. The event is free and open to the public. Performers include violinist Chukyung Park, cellist Yeonnoo Seo, and pianist Mickey Chien. Chien is a piano instructor and a collaborative pianist for both students and faculty at Bradley University. A Taiwanese-born pianist, he has won piano competition prizes both in the United States and in his native country of Taiwan. Park is a violinist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A native of South Korea, he received a fellowship from the Nohyup Cultural Foundation and appeared in master classes by Glenn Dicterow and Gil Shaham. Seo plays for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Meliora Trio, which won second prize in the Misbin Chamber Competition in Washington, D.C. She is working on her doctoral degr...

For the first time in Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s history, an external advisory member has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the firm’s holding company.  Thomas Lamont, who was assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs from 2009 to 2013, was announced as the new board member for Hanson Group Inc. during Hanson’s annual shareholder meeting April 10. Lamont served as vice chair of the congressionally mandated National Commission on the Future of the U.S. Army and is a retired Illinois Army National Guard colonel and longtime Springfield attorney. He also was a special counsel at the University of Illinois; executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education; partner with Springfield law firm Brown, Hay & Stephens; executive director of the Office of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor; and director of civil litigation for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. He served the Illinois National Guard’s offic...

Children embrace physical fitness at Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon  To encourage the health and well-being of children in our communities, Busey is proud to support the Busey Illinois Youth Run, brought to you by the Ninth Annual Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Memorial Stadium at 1402 S. 1 st St. in Champaign. Children 10 and younger will run or walk the 1K in separate races, according to age, inside Memorial Stadium with an exciting finish at the 50-yard line. From 1-3 p.m. before the race, children can visit the Youth Run Fun Zone—featuring balloon artists, temporary tattoos, coloring pages, games and more. The Busey Illinois Youth Run entry fee is $12 through Friday, April 21 or $15 on race day. You can register online, by mail or in person the day of the event. Children will receive a t-shirt, drawstring backpack and a medal. Noodles & Company will serve their signature Wisconsin Mac ...

Mashie's Pub & Eatery has a new Loyalty Program! We love our many loyal patrons here at Mashie's Pub & Eatery and wanted to give them something back. We would like to introduce our new Loyalty Program!! How it works... Log into our free WiFi at " @MashiesSunset Free Wifi " . Everytime you come in for a meal = 1 visit  Visits = $$$ For every 10 visits we will send you a Surprise Coupon to redeem on your next visit! It's that easy! Sign up is free so ask your server or bartender if you have any questions. ...

The Illinois Central College Music Program will hold tuition waiver auditions for ICC Vocal Jazz for the fall 2017 semester on May 9 and 15 on the East Peoria Campus. Reservations are required.                ICC Vocal Jazz is one of three vocal performance ensembles at the College, and it offers up to 10 tuition waivers to members. These waivers, available to both incoming and returning students, give participants in ICC Vocal Jazz the opportunity to receive fully paid tuition at ICC as long as they meet and maintain participation, academic requirements eligibility requirements and conduct expectations.                Those auditioning for the waivers must be enrolled or intending to enroll as a full-time student at ICC for the fall 2017 semester. Waiver awards are based on talent and interest rather than financial need, and students do not have to b...

Advanced Medical Transport held a ceremonial groundbreaking today for their new Pekin facility.  It is located on the southwest corner of 13th and Park Avenue in a UnityPoint Health - Pekin parking lot.  Andrew Rand, Executive Director of AMT, Bob Haley, CEO of Progressive Health Systems, and Bill Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce all made remarks.  The facility is expected to be completed in August.  You can see more pictures from this event at: https://goo.gl/photos/aGdhU4moL17x7vC46

The Philharmonic Chorale, in residence at Illinois Central College, presents its spring concert on Sun., May 7 at 3 pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. Music will include “The Last Words of David” by Randall Thompson, “Honor and Glory” by Johann Sebastian Bach, “J’entends les Moulin” arranged by Donald Patriquin and “If Love Should Count You Worthy” by James Mulholland, featuring accompaniment by French Horn Catherine Reem and pianist Carol Spayer. Selections by Illinois composer Paul Carey, Jack Halloran, John Rutter, and Stephen Paulus will be featured. In addition, Richard Schumann’s “Zigeunerleben” (Gypsy Life) will be performed in a world music set, featuring soloists Melissa Friedlund, Kelly Gibson, Jim Rimington and Walter Wilkins. Now in its 92nd season, the Philharmonic Chorale is one of the oldest choral groups in the area, with singers from a wide range of ages and all over Central Illinois. Its purpose is to perform, promote, and en...

This week's Chamber Connection is now available here !

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with R & B Productions for the Pekin Business Showcase at the 2017 Pekin Kids' Festival on April 1st. Twenty-three chamber business and organizations exhibited their services and products and even competed for blue ribbons! Awards were presented to: Sport Clips for Most Welcoming; CEFCU for Best Visitor Experience; First Pekin Savings Bank for Most Original; and Kings Kids for Best Presentation. Plans are already underway for the Pekin Business Showcase at the 2018 Pekin Kids Festival.   

John M. Evans Supportive Living Community hosted the April 6 Business After Hours.  Chamber members were treated to a Spring-themed party with delicious snacks, drinks and desserts.  Besides the creative theme, Laurie Hill and the staff also gave tours and spoke about the facility and plans for the future.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  https://goo.gl/photos/Ymoi2JRNBLt89oHN9

The chamber of commerce is often seen as a Better Business Bureau of sorts. People have confidence in using businesses that are members of the chamber. Chamber membership equates to business respectability in many customers’  minds, which often means greater sales for business members. Many people see chamber membership as a ringing endorsement of good business. While we don’t advertise that chamber members have better business practices than non-members businesses, a chamber membership does show interest in the local business community and for many, that equals a business endorsement. But we’re not the only ones who think chamber membership makes for good business. The Schapiro Group Study and Why It Should Make a Difference to You A national study of over 2,000 adults conducted by the Schapiro Group showed that being active in a local chamber of commerce pays off if your goal is more customers. That's because two-thirds of those surveyed believed that chambe...

Photographed with me, in the picture below, are Linda Rose Ten Haken & Julie Antonini , are my fellow Crushing Coaches Teammates and close Friends, and I am bursting with pride over their accomplishments! Back in August the three of us went and got certified in the Beachbody program, "Country Heat". These two Coaches took that certification and ran with it! Since December, they have been teaching Country Heat classes at Parkside Athletics, in Pekin, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If you enjoy Country Line Dancing, then this is the class for you! Country Heat is a a Country Line Dancing inspired workout! :) The Tuesday class is at 7:30 p.m. and the Thursday class is at 6:30 p.m. If you are a member of Parkside, classes are included in your membership, so it will cost you nothing extra to go! Otherwise, cost is $6 per class, but your first class is FREE!!! Come on out and join the FUN!!!

The ICC Theatre Program presents eight performances of the R-rated dramatic play Suburbia from April 14 through April 23 in the ICC Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre, located on the East Peoria Campus. The Sun., April 23 performance takes place at 2:30 pm. All other shows begin at 7:30 pm. There are no performances Sun., April 16 or Mon., April 17. Written by Eric Bogosian, Suburbia chronicles a tragic night in the life of a group of 20-somethings still living in their hometown. In the parking lot of a convenience store in the suburban town of Burnfield, the group gets together to welcome an old pal, now a star returning from a successful national tour with his rock band. His arrival in a limousine, replete with entourage, precipitates an all-night whirlwind of drinking, sex and violence. As the sun rises over the convenience store parking lot, tragedy and comedy have laced through these nine young lives and changed them forever, with some of the group finding their way out ...