Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

               Illinois Central College is partnering with Financial Aid TV (FATV) to offer students new resources for getting their financial aid questions answered. FATV includes an online video library of more than 2,000 searchable videos students and parents can view to find information about personal finance, the financial aid process, and types of financial aid available at the College. Enrollment is now open for spring and summer 2019 semesters. The spring semester begins on Mon., Jan. 14.                ICC also will launch an online virtual assistant or chatbot, named “Cosmo” on Dec. 17. This virtual assistant will interact through an online “chat” system and will access a vast knowledge base to customize its responses. If the chatbot is unable to answer a question, a transcript of the inquiry is sent by email with the student’s contact...

About 90 chamber members and guests attended the December 14 Puttin' On Pekin Breakfast held at the Avanti's Dome.  Dave Osborn won the early prize (again) and Eva Silva won the late prize.  Christmas entertainment was provided by Friends in Harmony - an amazing show for so early in the morning.  In addition to the regular door prize drawings, thirteen lucky people won year-end grand prizes.  Each were valued at over $300 and contained prizes donated by chamber members.  Winners had to be present to win, but the drawing included entries from all of the 2018 breakfast drawings.   The audience congratulated the winners, but had just as much fun when a name was drawn and the person wasn't present.  You can see more pictures, including all of the winners, at:    https://photos.app.goo.gl/oHo65t6nCZDEWd5U8

The Board of Directors of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual Christmas dinner on December 13.  This year's event was held at Sangalli's Italian Steakhouse.  Twenty-eight attended including past presidents, chamber staff, spouses and guests. In the spirit of Christmas, the group brought non-perishable food items that were donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.  Musical entertainment was provided by Ms. Sarah Robinson.  More pictures from this event are at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VbF2ZXtdmRxqmnh6A

Venezia Italian Bistro, 901 Chateau Drive, will be opening soon.  They are currently accepting applications for hostess, waitress, bartender, and kitchen positions.  Apply in person between 11am and 4pm.  Call the restaurant at 583-0237 with questions or Antonio at 469-363-0761

Less than 1 in 10 people in the United States receive treatment for their substance use disorder. Over the past couple of years, people have begun sharing their stories of addiction and recovery. Though speaking about addiction has become much more common, a stigma surrounding seeking treatment still exists. Not receiving treatment and continued use can have severe consequences. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF USE?   ​​​Legal problems, including potential incarceration Mental ...

Amazon is rapidly expanding its online empire, but behind the conveniences that the company offers are a lot of hidden costs. We put together an infographic to see how shopping at Amazon compares with shopping at local businesses in its impact on jobs, taxes, the local economy, and community. Before you click, here’s why your choice matters: Jobs : Amazon creates less than half as many jobs as local brick-and-mortar stores do. This means the more Amazon grows and crowds out other businesses, the fewer jobs available. Taxes : In most communities, Amazon has no facilities and therefore pays no property taxes.  In about half the states, it does not collect state and local sales taxes. Property and sales taxes are the main source of funds for our schools and public services.  If local businesses are squeezed out by Amazon, households will have to shoulder a higher tax burden. Local Economy :  While local retailers are engines of economic activity,...

             Illinois Central College once again is offering an expedited way for potential students to get through the steps of enrolling all in one day with its QuickStart program. QuickStart events are scheduled for Mon., Jan. 7 from 8 am to 8 pm on the Peoria Campus and on Tues., Jan. 8 from 8 am to 8 pm on the East Peoria Campus. No appointment is necessary. Free parking is available on both campuses.                   During QuickStart, participants can complete an ICC application and have it processed immediately, take placement testing, fill out financial aid paperwork, set up a payment plan, and enroll for classes. Enrollment for returning students is now available online for the spring and summer 2019 semesters at MyMobile.icc.edu . The spring semester begins on Mon., Jan. 14.              ...

The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board works to ensure education and workforce development programs meet the needs of businesses, students and jobseekers. The Board strongly believes in workforce development solutions created jointly with business. Illinois workforce and education agencies are researching strategies for overcoming key challenges employers’ face as it relates to securing and retaining qualified talent. These approaches include establishing and maintaining dialogues and partnerships that ensure the education and workforce systems are responsive to your evolving talent needs and are providing services that improve your access to skilled workers. Our findings will shape the services the State of Illinois provides to businesses and our strategies for improving communication between the private sector and those in public education and workforce development. They need the perspectives from businesses to make their  research and the subsequent solutions impactful. Ple...

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.   There is no registration or fees required for these sessions.   The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) at Illinois Central College is a grant-funded program sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation.   The goal of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program is to increase the number of minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals working in the construction trades. The program is a 12-week free training course that focuses on preparing individuals for a successful building trade application process by increasing math skills, job readiness, and technical skills.   Training also includes OSHA 10-hour certification, Forklift and Aerial Lift certification, and First Aid/CPR certification.   Upon successful completion of the progra...

Attention Hockey Fans Minor Hawks is a Learn-to-Play Hockey program sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks and offered through Pekin Park District. This low-cost program is for boys and girls age 5-8 years old who are new to hockey and want to "suit up" in full gear and try this great game! It is specifically designed to teach NEW hockey players how to skate. All equipment, jersey and stick are provided.   Players will meet once a week to work on basic fundamentals.                            Dates:  January 12 th 10am January 19 th 10am January 26 th 10am February 2 nd 4:15pm February 9 th 10am February 16 th scrimmage game 10am Cost of the program: $50 residents and $53 for non-residents.  For more information call DeDe @ 201-4007

Small Business, Big Impact Award AWeber is celebrating 20 years of supporting small businesses and nonprofits by awarding $20,000 to one small business or nonprofit. To enter, submit a brief video or essay that answers the following two questions by Jan. 4, 2019:  How are you making a big impact? How would you use $20,000 to make an even bigger impact in the lives of your customers and community? Enter to Win

December 22, 2018 will mark the Pekin Lions Club’s 72 nd Christmas Basket Distribution.   Each year the Pekin Lions have solicited funds from the Pekin community in order to purchase both perishable and non-perishable items for food baskets to be distributed to the needy in the community.   The needy are identified through nomination forms made available in the Pekin Daily Times, on our website and on our Facebook page in the month of November.   This year, due to shortfalls in giving we are able to provide only 250 needy families with food baskets.   We understand this time of year there are many organizations requesting donations in order to help the needy, but the Pekin Lions are a volunteer organization so 100% of funds donated go to the food basket project.   Our goal this year was set at $17,000 and thus far we have received a little less than $5,000 toward that goal.   If you would like to donate, your donations may be sent to Pekin Lions Club, At...

Join us as we celebrate Gateway Foundation's 50th anniversary at Gateway Foundation Springfield . Since 1968 we have treated over 1 million patients from diverse backgrounds, communities and life experiences. You are invited to come tour the location, learn about treatment programs and enjoy holiday desserts and hot chocolate.  About Gateway Foundation Springfield:  Gateway Foundation’s treatment center in Springfield provides each patient with a full continuum of care, including dedicated resid...

The Digital Store recently opened a Pekin location at 425 Ann Eliza, 885-4600.  Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pekin were on hand to welcome them to Pekin with a ribbon cutting.  President Scott Sylvester, Vice President Stephanie Hampton, and Store Manager Neil Ice were joined by the rest of the staff for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Digital Store is the locally owned destination for Verizon Services. They provide solutions for smart phones, basic phones, tablets, jetpack connected devices and rate plan analysis. The Digital Store has 11 other locations in the area, and have proudly served Central Illinois since 2001. They are open 7 days a week and look forward to bringing their level of Verizon customer service to Pekin.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HiUGhuGJvEryC62i7

Sprint Wireless Express hosted the December 7th Business After Hours.  Chamber members and guests enjoyed holiday refreshments, great conversations and door prizes.  Sprint Wireless Express is located at 3506 Court Street, in East Court Village.  You can see more pictures from this event at:   https://photos.app.goo.gl/b7ak9ZUyNn7uzM6t9

Substance use disorders are one of the deadliest public health concerns facing the country today, with overdoses being the leading cause of death for individuals under 50. Over 21 million people currently have a substance use disorder and millions more are affected by a loved one’s addiction. The harmful effects of alcohol or drug use can have devastating consequences on every aspect of an individual’s life. Substance use can result in legal troubles, family problems, financial hardships, long-lasting health problems and loss of life. Even though addiction is far more common than many realize, it is a disease that can be hard to distinguish. The signs of a substanc...