Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Jean Kestner, PT, MS Physical Therapist of the Year Award Jean Kestner, PT, MS is the Physical Therapist at Liberty Village Pekin Manor and has served the Illinois PT Association Chapter over a long career and demonstrated a strong commitment to the profession in multiple roles. She is the recipient of the 2018 Physical Therapist of the Year Award from Illinois PT Association. While her nominators spoke extensively about her contributions over the last 42 years, the contributions that she made in 2017 as the IPTA Western District Chair and as a delegate to the APTA House made her an excellent candidate for this award. As the Western District Chair, Jean worked to incorporate technology to increase member participation, created opportunity for student participation by hosting a meeting at Bradley University, and encouraged district members to run for office within the association and volunteer for committee work. Jean has also been an advocate for IPTA issues, including the IPTA #

Illinois American Water announced today that 10 watershed initiatives across the state will receive funding through the company’s 2018 Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling $22,750 for community projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds. This announcement is being made in conjunction with Earth Week 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 clean water for life, but for our communities to thrive,” said Bruce Hauk, president of Illinois American Water. Illinois American Water is awarding the 2018 Environmental Grants as follows: - Foundation for Ohio River Education will receive a $1,000 grant to fund the Ohio River Sweep. The funds will supply gloves and other materials to volunteers cleaning up the Ohio River. - Bolingbrook Park District will receive a $4,000 grant

Every year the Herbal Springs Wellness Center in Pekin hosts its annual Spring Fling Community Fundraiser, a vendor based community fundraiser open to the public. Each year they choose a non-for-profit community organization as beneficiary for the fundraising efforts.  This year the Spring Fling has chosen the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association. IRVSRA is in the process of renovating 2000 sq. ft. of space in the old Pekin Park Mineral Springs Pool House to host many of its day camps, programs, and activities for the Tazewell County area special needs community.  The Spring Fling event will take place at the Miller Senior Citizens Center at 551 S. 14 th St. in Pekin and will run from 11am-3pm.  It is an open house style event, so stop by any time.  Entry is free and there will be raffle prizes, silent auctions, lunch, snacks, an IRVSRA cheer team performance at noon, as well as several area vendors from the likes of Pampered Chef, Lula Roe, Pink Zebra, Thirty-One an

The Philharmonic Chorale, in residence at Illinois Central College, will present its spring concert Landscapes and Anthems on Sun., May 6 at 2:30 pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus. Music in the first half of the concert includes past and present choral music favorites, including Festival Sanctus by John Leavitt, Gloria by Paul Basler, Northern Lights from Norwegian composer Ola Gjeillo and Finale from the Gondoliers by the collaborative team of Gilbert and Sullivan, featuring accompaniment by pianists Carol Spayer and ICC faculty member Walter Stout.  Selections in the second half of the concert features folk song arrangements, including My Gentle Harp from Alice Parker, Nine Hundred Miles arranged by Philip Silvey and Bound for the Promised Land , arranged by Craig Courtney. In addition, a patriotic set featuring works of Z. Randall Stroope, Irving Berlin and Peter Wilhousky will complete the concert. Landscape photography fro

For a third consecutive year, First Busey Corporation (“Busey”) is honored to be named among the Best Places to Work in Illinois . The survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Illinois—benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. The 2018 Best Places to Work in Illinois is presented in partnership by The Daily Herald Business Ledger , the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC), the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, MRA-The Management Association, the Small Business Advocacy Council, the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Busey is among 21 companies recognized in the large employer category (500 or more U.S. employees). To determine the 2018 Best Places to Work in Illinois , companies were nominated in a two-part process. First, organizations were evaluated on their workplace policies, practices and demographics—representing 25 percent of their total score. The second

The 47th annual public auction will be on Friday, May 4th in the Veterans Memorial Arena in Mineral Springs Park in Pekin.  Auction starts promptly at 5 p.m.  As in past years a dozen or more auctioneers and their helpers are donating their time and talent 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 sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, pies, and more.  Chairman Jay Hall's goal this year is to raise $35,000 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.

Matthew Dawson, P.E., PTOE, a senior transportation engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Peoria office, has been appointed to the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Geometric Design.  Dawson will serve for three years on the committee, which researches roadway geometric design elements that affect users’ safe and efficient operations. Dawson joined Hanson in 2010 and manages junior-level engineers and technical staff during the design and production of final construction documents. He also provides quality control review of technical documents and plans for projects throughout the Midwest. He has worked on projects including the Interstate 74 reconstruction, Washington Street improvements, 20-block Warehouse District redevelopment and Northmoor Road improvements, all in Peoria; Multimodal Corridor Enhancement (MCORE) project study and design in Champaign and Urbana; reconstruction of the Halsted Street interchange along the South Tri-State Tollway;

                The Illinois Central College Music Program will hold tuition waiver auditions for ICC Vocal Jazz for the fall 2018 semester on May 8 and 14 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 2018 semester. Waiver awards are based on talent and interest rather than financial need, and students do not have to be a resident of the Illinois Central College district to be eligible.                 Those interested in audit

The Pekin Public Library’s Digital Media and Training Lab is open to the public!  The purpose of the lab is for small business owners or students to create publicity and marketing materials and/or artwork for their business or project as well as to provide a space and PCs for training their staff.     The lab offers a new Mac and PC with Adobe Creative Suite.   Adobe Creative Suite (CS) is a software suite of graphic design, video editing, and web development applications developed by Adobe Systems. Each edition consists several Adobe applications, e.g., Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign, Premiere Pro or After Effects. Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are the industry standard applications for many graphic design positions.     In addition to the extensive software, the lab also offers a large poster-sized printer, as well as a 3-D printer.  Prices for printing are:  17 x 22 gloss  $10.00 per sheet; 17 x 22 matte $8.50 per sheet; 11 x 14 premium luster $8.50 per sheet. The lab a

               The Illinois Community College Board recently awarded Illinois Central College more than $200,000 in grant funding for the Success After the GED College Bridge Program. The purpose of the program is to provide pathways to college success for GED graduates and increase their opportunities to find jobs earning family-sustaining wages. The program begins this August.                “Our research suggests that GED graduates frequently enter or maintain low-wage employment as a means to support themselves financially, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet,” said Dr. Rita Ali, vice president of diversity and community impact.  “Some lack career guidance and a support system that moves them from GED attainment to enrollment in coursework, resulting in a college credential. This is the gap that will be filled through the ICC Success After the GED College Bridge Program.”                Participants will receive career exploration assistance, as well as life skills

About 4,500 area residents attended the Family & Business Showcase held at the Avanti's Dome on April 21st.  Several businesses and organizations received awards from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce for their booth displays.  Kings Kids (Most Welcoming), Pekin Lions Club (Most Original), Pekin Park District (Best Visitor Experience) and First Pekin Savings Bank (Best Presentation).  You can see pictures from this event at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/YKt9gwneGfls4dUl1

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that paving work will begin Monday, April 30, on U.S. 24 from Pfeiffer Road in Bartonville to Illinois 9 and on Illinois 9 to a quarter mile east of U.S. 24. To complete the work, lane closures will be required in both directions of U.S. 24 and Illinois 9, beginning with the closure of the right lanes of U.S. 24. The project involves resurfacing U.S. 24 and Illinois 9, constructing a new sidewalk at the Pfeiffer Road intersection and traffic signal work on U.S. 24. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during the project, which is expected to be completed in August, weather permitting. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)  reminds businesses that you can now file and pay your quarterly UI 3/40 wage report online through MyTax Illinois. If you already have a MyTax Illinois account, the entire process is simple. Simply login to your MyTax Illinois account Click on "Unemployment Insurance" link under the Account tab Click on the "File Return" link next to the period that you would like to file for It's that easy! If you would like to establish a MyTax Illinois account or if you would like to learn about all of the other benefits that MyTax Illinois offers, please visit the IDES Employer Update website www.ides.illinois.gov/MyTaxUI .  Contact the IDES Employer Hotline at (800) 247-4984 if you have more questions!

It is time for  Dragon   Pride  2018! The event will be hosted by the students and faculty at Pekin Community High School,  Wednesday, April 25th  from  6:00-8:00pm . It will be held in the large gymnasium and the surrounding areas.  This is a great event to bring your family and friends to Many student's projects will be showcased. We hope to see you there!  

River City Soul Fest started in 1999 in hopes of providing a unique event that celebrates African-American culture and heritage through Gospel and R&B music. Heading into its 20th year on the RiverFront, River City Soul Fest has established itself as a premier cultural event in Central Illinois and we aim to uphold its strong tradition. As partners in bringing the River City Soul Fest to the RiverFront, the Peoria Park District and Inked Entertainment are excited to announce that the headlining artists for Saturday night of the 2018 Soul Fest will be Ja Rule and Ashanti! For the full list of 2018 Soul Fest performances, please watch our Facebook Event Page. A special pre-sale will begin online only on Wednesday, April 18th at 10am for Saturday tickets. $20.00 General Admission and $30.00 for the VIP section. All tickets will go on sale beginning on Friday, April 20th at 10am. At this time, tickets will be available online through Eventbrite or Inked Entertainment's website

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin welcomed Farnsworth Group to Pekin with a ribbon cutting.  The nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm recently opened a satellite office in downtown Pekin at 412 Court Street.  The office will provide work space for some of the Farnsworth employees who live in the Pekin area.  The office will also provide space for Farnsworth employees to meet and collaborate with Pekin clients.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   https://photos.app.goo.gl/0XvSK636tNiSPoe03

The Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on April 16 at the Pekin Country Club.   140 attendees representing 54 businesses and organizations enjoyed the reception and short business meeting.   The keynote speaker was Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of Illinois Central College.   Three members of the Board of Directors completed their terms and were recognized for their service.   The retiring members were:   Josh Bradshaw, Advanced Medical Transport; Baylee Gambetti, Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group; and Brigitte Harper, Pekin Insurance.   Also recognized was Crystal Elliott, UnityPoint Health, who completed her service on the board as Treasurer, and John Franks, Peoria Limousine, who completed his service on the board as Past President.   New board members elected by the chamber membership in March were introduced:   Laurie Gruse, Pekin Insurance; Ryan Morris, UnityPoint Health; and, Dr. Danielle Owens, Pekin Community Hi

Clifton Larson Allen (CLA) professional Mark M. Dalbey will provide an overview of the new tax legislation during a live presentation April 25, 2018, at the offices of Clifton Larson Allen - Conference Room - Suite 1100 301 S. W. Adams St. Peoria, IL 61602 Topics to be covered and discussion include, but not limited to: - Learn how the major changes in the new tax law for individuals and how they will impact you - Learn how tax reform impacts your business operations and organizational structure opportunities - Learn how changes in the estate tax can impact you and your estate plan The workshop is FREE but registration is required. Click below now to reserve your space. Register Now! We hope you can join us!

               Thanks for attending! Thank you for attending Food Fight 2018! Your generosity helped us raise $92,347. Thank you to our guests, chefs, vendors, and sponsors for helping us fight hunger in this community! Congratulations to our 2018 Food Fight Winner, Jeff Madden from Kemp 208!

The students of St. Joseph Catholic School of Pekin are performing Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast, Jr.,' on Thursday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, April 27, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph School, 300 S. Sixth Street, in Pekin. Directed by Mrs. Nicole Ferree, this classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast , who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed to his former self. This youth show is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact St. Joseph School at (309) 347-7194 .

Seventy-Seven chamber members and guests attended the April Puttin' on Pekin breakfast at the Avanti's Dome.  George Morris (Pekin Area Network) earned the Early Prize, while Annette Davis (Pekin Daily Times) received the late prize.  Steger's Furniture was presented with the Blue Ribbon Award by Debbie Fornoff (Debbie Fornoff Interior Design & Draperies) for the complete makeover of their store.  Jamie Durdel and Greg Cassidy from TCRC received the Spotlight on Business Award and they were the program, updating the audience on all of their programs.  Committee member Greg Ranney (Pekin Rotary Club) presented Steve Bresnahan with the Sunshine Award for his work on the annual Bike Night/Cruise-in in downtown Pekin.  Even though it was Friday the 13th, it was a lucky day for many in the audience who won door prizes, including a $100 gift certificate from Steger's Furniture!  Click here to see more pictures from this event:   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7eDU6EbdOVWeB05

Hopedale Medical Foundation proudly announces its 2018 scholarship winners.   Candidate selections were made by an independent panel of judges who reviewed applications from graduating seniors from Olympia, Hartsburg-Emden, Tremont, Dee-Mack, Midwest- Central and Delavan High Schools. ·          The $2,500 Founder’s Scholarship in honor of HMC’s founder, Dr. Lawrence Rossi, Sr., was awarded to Dee-Mack High School’s Jessica Wyse, daughter of Ken and Jenny Wyse.   Jessica plans to pursue a degree in nursing at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.      ·          The $1,000 Orville Augsburger Scholarship, named in honor of a founding Board member, was awarded to Joshua Duane Goetze, son of Theodore and Melissa Goetze.   Joshua, a student at Midwest Central High School, has chosen a career in physical therapy.   He will attend Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in the fall. ·          The $1,000 David Eckhardt Memorial Scholarship, in honor of a dedicated HMC

Goodwill of Central Illinois has announced the appointment of Tom Hornstein of the Excalibur Seasoning Company and Randal Weatherly of Hickory Point Bank and Trust to their board of directors. Hornstein serves as President and CEO of Excalibur Seasoning and Weatherly is the Vice President of Hickory Point Bank and Trust. “We have added two more talented and dedicated individuals to our board,” said Don Johnson, Goodwill of Central Illinois President and CEO. “Board members are an important part of our organization and we rely on their expertise.” Goodwill’s free programs are possible through the sale of your donated items. Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois serves 21 counties within Central Illinois. Goodwill offers employment services, veterans’ support services, operates a veterans’ home and employs more than 300 people. For more information visit Goodwill’s website at www.goodwillpeo.org.

Mucciante Heating & Cooling P.O. Box 160 Morton, IL 61550 309-267-6699  Website Nick Mucciante , Owner Mucciante Heating & Cooling are service professionals! As licensed contractors and specialists in the field of heating and air-conditioning, they have the tools, the equipment, and the experience to keep your equipment running smoothly all year long. If it is emergency service that you need, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, they are available to assist you! To help reduce service emergencies, they offer service agreements to keep your comfort system running at peak performance.