Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recently recognized Hopedale Medical Complex for its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality of care, during a ceremony held November 14th at the I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL. As part of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP), Hopedale Medical Complex and other critical access hospitals were asked to voluntarily participate in four defined domains of quality outcomes. These four domains include: Patient Safety/Inpatient; Patient Engagement; Care Transitions; and Outpatient Measures. “Often, in rural hospitals, having a devoted staff member to abstract and submit this data can be both time-consuming and burdensome,” said Angie Charlet, ICAHN Director of Quality, Educational Services, and Compliance. “Hopedale Hospital realizes how important quality of care and an engaged staff is for its patients…From its top leadership on throughout the facility, each

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network recently awarded Mark Rossi, President and COO of Hopedale Medical Complex, its highest honor, the President’s Award for his longstanding and dedicated service to the statewide hospital organization. Mr. Rossi has been actively involved with ICAHN since Hopedale Hospital became a member in 2003. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 and then later elected President-Elect in 2015. He assumed the President’s role in the summer of 2015, when Tom Hudgins retired. Mr. Rossi served as President through December, 2016 and now serves as Past President. Pat Schou, Executive Director of ICAHN said, "Mark is an exceptional leader and a visionary, and he was at the helm in accomplishing some major growth for us these past two years, including the forward motion of the Illinois Rural Community Care Organization, a statewide rural Accountable Care Organization. We cannot thank him enough for his commitment and support. This honor is

Rocket Wood Products 1520 N. 8th Street Pekin, IL 61554 1-309-361-5502 Website Steven Laatsch, Owner Caroline Laatsch, Co-Owner Rocket Wood Products specializes in re-purposing the forest and bringing it in to your home for generations. They are a full service woodworking shop with cnc wood carver, lumber and live edge slab sales. Custom furniture and unique design statement work for your home or business.

Jimbo's Jumbo, Inc. 1007 N. 8th Street Pekin, IL 61554 1-309-353-9757 Website Danny Lohman, President Tracy Lohman, Vice President Great Italian food including a variety of Italian sandwiches, pizza, pasta, wings, fresh salads, and appetizers including our legendary Italian Steak n Cheese and fresh home made salads. Take out, delivery, and limited dining in available. Call ahead for friendly no wait service and quick delivery. They have a 10% Student, Senior, and Military discount. Give Mom a break and bring home some JIMBOS 2 GO. 

Rocket Wood Products 1520 N. 8th Street Pekin, IL 61554 309-361-5502 Website:  rocketwoodproducts.com Email: rocketwoodproducts@gmail.com Rocket Wood Products specializes in re-purposing the forest and bringing it in to your home for generations. They are a full service woodworking shop with cnc wood carver, lumber and live edge slab sales. Custom furniture and unique design statement work for your home or business.

Congratulations to Vince & Hope Udry and their staff on the grand opening of their new Udry Jewelry location. They celebrated their grand opening at 1712 Court Street on Saturday, November 18th. You can see pictures of the event here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/HIyGcnuPELRamZKv1

Illinois Central College currently is accepting applications from potential students for its Health Careers programs. The deadline to apply for the Health Careers programs for the Fall 2018 semester is Jan. 15, 2018. Enrollment also is now open for pre-requisite courses for the Spring semester, which begins on Tues., Jan. 16, 2018. Acceptance into an ICC Health Careers program is competitive and based on an earned point total, including grade point average, ACT score, previous degrees, work experience, and other factors. Successful applicants must meet eligibility criteria specific to each program to which they apply. Detailed information on programs ICC offers, how to apply for any of these programs, and specific eligibility requirements are available at icc.edu/healthcareers . Steps to Apply Applicants should first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online at fafsa.ed.gov and enter ICC’s school code of 006753 . Potential students must apply to IC

It’s that time of the year again when people can sign up for health coverage with Heartland Health Services. Because of the shortened Open Enrollment period, it’s more important than ever that people understand their options and get the help they need. Professionally trained Assisters will be hosting “Heartland Health Services Get Covered Days” insurance enrollment event November 28, 2017 to help people in Peoria/Tazewell County sign up for affordable, quality health coverage. At the event, individuals and families can meet for free with trained enrollment specialist to review coverage options, find out if they qualify for financial assistance, and sign up or re-enroll in a plan that meets their needs. In addition, Medicare Enrollments and Medicaid assistance will be provided. When: November 28, 2017 Where: Carver Community Center 710 W. Third Street Peoria, Il 61605 Time: 9 AM – 4 PM What: Heartland Health Services Enrollment event to help people in Peoria/Tazewell County learn

On Tuesday, November 28 th  , SCORE Peoria offices, along with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, CEO Council, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, Peoria Downtown Development, Alignment Peoria will move to the Historic Judge Jacob Gale House at: 403 N. E. Jefferson Peoria, IL 61603 Our phone number (309-676-0755) will remain the same.

Inspired Salon & Boutique encourages you to shop your Pekin Area Businesses this holiday season and is offering Pekin Chamber Members a gift card just for stopping by Saturday, November 25th from 10am-2pm. Ask about our corporate gift giving solutions for your employees and clients.  (Link for that is  https://www.myinspiredstyle.com/inspired-gifts.html )

Dream Big. Shop Small. As a small business owner, you need to wear many hats. But it’s tough to be an expert in everything, and that’s why partners can be a valuable asset. Comcast Business has assembled a collection of articles on a special Resource Center that offers tips and advice from a wide range of experts to help you build, run, and grow your business effectively.

Performance will feature CIB professional dancers and guest dancers from around the country Central Illinois Ballet, in residence at Illinois Central College, presents four performances of the holiday classic The Nutcracker December 15, 16 and 17 in the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. This is the fourth consecutive year Central Illinois Ballet has presented this holiday classic. This year’s production boasts a cast of nearly 100 members ranging in age from 3 years old to adult. CIB has its first international dancer this season with Jiwon Ha of South Korea dancing the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Additionally, guest artists Adam Kittelberger and Ben Rabe from the Rochester City Ballet in New York will perform in the production. Both performed in past CIB performances. To accommodate growing demand, a fourth performance was added this year. Shows take place December 15 at 7 pm, December 16 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and December 17 at 2

Hopedale Medical Complex is now offering its patients Linx® outpatient surgery, a minimally-invasive procedure that brings permanent relief to many patients who suffer from acid reflux.  HMC staff surgeon Matthew B. Rossi MD, FACS, is believed to be the first physician to perform the procedure at a Critical Access Hospital in Illinois.  “ I have been studying and treating GERD for over 30 years, and I have been following the Linx® technology for nearly 10 years now. With over 10,000 implants worldwide, I feel this device is extremely safe and effective, a real game changer in our approach to acid reflux and regurgitation.  I believe in properly selected patients, that the Linx® device has become the preferred method of treating severe GERD” said Dr. Rossi.  “The greatest advantage of the Linx® device is that it replicates the normal sphincter muscle function of the lower esophagus.  Unlike the traditional operations for GERD, the Linx® will not be disrupted by an unexpected severe vom

            Audience members can enjoy an evening of holiday-themed laughs and earn a chance to win free tickets to a future event by helping a worthy cause when The Second City presents its Non-Denominational Christmas Show on Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 pm in the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus.             The highlighted community partner for the event is Toys for Tots. Attendees of the show who donate a new, unwrapped toy or make a monetary contribution to Toys for Tots will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to a future event.             The drawing will take place following intermission of the November 25 event; in order to be eligible for the drawing, donations must be made before the conclusion of intermission at the show. Anyone can participate in the drawing by donating to Toys for Tots while the box office is open in the days leading up to the show, even if they will not be attending the Second City event.

In recognition of #SmallBizSaturday, Enviro-Dry Clean Carpets is offering 10% off all carpet, tile and upholstery cleaning booked during the month of November.  Call 267-6253 or email envirodrycleancarpets@gmail.com to schedule your free estimate.  #ShopSmall on November 25th and support your local small businesses throughout the year!

Celebrate #SmallBizSaturday when you #ShopSmall at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard.  Receive 10% off your gift shop purchases and receive a free logo wine glass if you tell the staff "Small Business Saturday ROCKS!"  For more information about this great central Illinois business, visit:  http://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/mvv/

The Heart of Illinois Chorus, in residence at Illinois Central College, is seeking females who would like to join the group to sing Christmas carols at area nursing homes. This is a free outreach program offered by the Heart of Illinois Chorus with no long-term commitment as a way for women to express themselves through song and help spread Christmas cheer. The chorus rehearses Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. Those who would like to participate are asked to attend the remaining rehearsals in November to learn Christmas carols in barbershop style, four-part harmony. The group will visit sites such as area nursing homes the first two Tuesdays in December to carol to residents. The Heart of Illinois Chorus was founded in 1982 and is a member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to women’s a cappella, four-part harmony arranged in a the barbershop style. The group ha

Illinois American Water today announced efforts to stand with its fellow water, electric and natural gas utilities and respective trade associations in support of Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a consortium of more than 100 U.S. and Canadian utilities. UUAS will observe the second annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, on Wednesday, November 15, as part of a weeklong advocacy and awareness campaign, November 13–17. Illinois American Water joined UUAS to help expose the tactics scammers use to steal from utility customers and educate customers on how to protect themselves. Many water, electric and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams each day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers. Scammers pose as water, electric or natural gas company employees and sometimes threaten that customers’ services will be shut off if they fail to make an immediate payment. Scammers can be very convincing and

            Creative works of Kevin Myers will be on display in an art show opening Wed., November 29 in the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center Gallery, located in the lobby of the facility on the East Peoria Campus.             A free, public reception is scheduled for November 29 from noon to 2 pm in the gallery, with an artist talk taking place at 12:30 pm.             Myers has been teaching and creating art for more than 25 years. He has taught at several colleges and universities, including the Missouri Southern State University, Paducah School of Art & Design and Grand Valley State University. He has developed his own technique over the past 20 years, which ties the theme of his artwork--excavation--together. His works have been exhibited and sold throughout the nation. He earned a bachelor degree in art from Calvin College in 1978 and a master degree in fine arts from Fontbonne University in May 2017.             The exhibit will be on display at

Illinois American Water offers helpful tips to help you avoid the unwanted expense and frustration of a frozen water meter or broken pipe. Illinois American Water reminds homeowners that now is the time to safeguard their home plumbing to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes. Tips also address frozen water meters, which can bring costly plumbing repairs and replacement fees along with headaches and unexpected expense for homeowners. “We want to remind customers that sub-freezing temperatures for an extended period can cause pipes in vulnerable areas to freeze and burst, resulting in costly damage,” said Mike Smyth, vice president of operations. “By taking the proper preventive steps now, customers can avoid frozen pipes and water meters and the need to make expensive repairs to damaged plumbing inside and outside of the home.” Illinois American Water encourages residents to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting pipes: Before frigi

The November 9th Business After Hours was held at Vonderheide Floor Covering, 105 N. 14th.  About 80 chamber members and guests attended the event. Local Farmers Insurance agent Noele Tatlock won the door prize - a $500 Vonderheide Gift Certificate.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ww5YoIDLLZbpGdd22

Randall McDaniels Receives Individual Achievement Award (Pekin, Ill.) McDaniels Healthcare Marketing , a communications firm headquartered in Pekin, recently received 8 Pinnacle Awards in a ceremony sponsored by its peers. The ceremony was held in Chicago, as part of the 2017 Fall Conference (November 2-3) for the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) . Each year, the Pinnacle Awards are presented for excellence in healthcare marketing and public relations. In addition, Randall McDaniels, president and CEO of the agency, received the Individual Achievement Award , which is presented every year to a nominated ISHMPR member who has shown outstanding work in planning, marketing or public relations/communications in the healthcare industry. The company’s award-winning work further testifies to this achievement. “I am so honored to receive the individual achievement award from ISHMPR,” McDaniels said. “This organization has been an integral pa

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Neighborhood House is preparing for volunteers to wrap and deliver gifts for our Annual Santa for Seniors Program. Seniors that may be isolated from others or have had very few visitors this year will be receiving a special holiday gift this season. We welcome you to bring your family and friends to help us wrap the senior gifts at our wrapping party November 20 th and November 21 st from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.! We also need help from volunteer drivers to help us deliver the gifts on December 3 rd from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Neighborhood House is also making Christmas brighter for kids.  Different businesses and organizations are busy collecting toys for the 82 nd Annual Toy Shop. The Community Rooms at Neighborhood House are quickly transforming into the Toy Shop that gives parents that are working, going to school, recently unemployed, and grandparents raising grandchildren the opportunity to shop for their children for Christmas.   Donatio

Internet, TV and phone company celebrates customer base of local communities i3 Broadband, your hometown provider of fiber internet, HD TV and phone services, supports the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Saturday campaign. As a small, local company, i3 Broadband strives to support its customers and the communities in which we not only service, but live in as well. i3 Broadband has been a community leader in bringing fiber-to-the-home to Peoria-area communities since 2010 (formerly as iTV-3). Small Business Saturday also began in 2010 as a way to encourage people to shop local during the holiday season. Small Business Saturday is November 25.  As a local provider, i3 Broadband is thankful to our customers who choose to invest in local businesses, as we know there are many options for similar services. i3 Broadband is proud to provide local customer service to our growing customer base, and for a limited time would like to offer installation of our services c

Illinois Central College will host a “Health Career Exploration Fair” for potential students to discover educational programs leading to careers in the health care industry. This event will take place Thurs., Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the ICC Peoria Campus, located at 5407 N. University St., Peoria. The event is free and open to the public. Prospective students and parents, business and industry professionals, community organizations, and high school teachers and administrators all are encouraged to attend. Participants will learn about educational pathways leading from high school to a two-year degree to a four-year degree and beyond. They will discover career opportunities in the local health care industry and tour ICC’s new state-of-the-art digital and interdisciplinary simulation and skills labs. ICC faculty and students will guide participants through hands-on learning activities in many health care disciplines/professions: ·         Computed Tomography ·         D

            Audience members have the chance to guess who the killer is when the Illinois Central College Theatre Program presents nine performances of Bullets for Broadway beginning November 10 through November 19 in the studio theatre of the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. Included in the run of the show are four dinner theatre events, which take place at the Friday and Saturday performances of the show. Tickets to the four dinner theatre shows cost $20 for all ages and include a meal, along with a ticket to the event. The four Friday and Saturday dinner theatre events begin at 6:30 pm. In order to have accurate attendance totals for food preparation, tickets for the dinner theatre performances must be purchased by noon on Thursday the week of the performance; there will be no walk-up sales immediately prior to the dinner theatre performances the evening of the event. A menu is available at ArtsAtICC.com. All other performances have no dinner s

With the small house movement increasing in popularity, here is your opportunity to win your very own Tiny Home. The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®, as part of its fundraising efforts to help fund and support the annual PAAR Turkey Drive, is conducting a raffle of a 240 Square Foot Tiny Home. The Turkey Drive provides over 20,000 meals to area food pantries each year.  Individuals may purchase a chance to win the Tiny Home being raffled for $20 each. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.309mls.com . Check out an online virtual tour of the home at: https://www.facebook.com/PeoriaRealtors/ .

YWCA Adult Literacy will host its fourth annual "Spread the Word" Scrabble fundraiser on Thursday, November 16 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the YWCA of Pekin, 315 Buena Vista. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome for this just-for-fun  play, and everyone is eligible to win great prizes. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students 12 - 18, and free for children under 12 with a paying adult. Desserts and refreshments will be offered. Participants can register by telephone at 347-2104, online at www.ywca.org/pekin , or on site between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. on November 16. In addition, the event will feature a silent auction and Kindle Fire raffle, with tickets $1 each or 6 for $5. It is not necessary to register for the event to participate in the raffle or auction, nor to be present to win. “Building Literacy One Letter at a Time” t-shirts will also be available for purchase at $10 each. Since 1985, YWCA Adult Literacy & Learning has provided free, one-on-one t