Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

            Illinois Central College will offer enrollment for the fall 2019 semester classes beginning Monday, April 1. Minimester and summer session enrollment is available now. The summer minimester begins Tuesday, May 14. Summer session classes begin on Monday, June 3, and classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 19. Both new and returning students can search available classes and plan their schedules on the MyICC mobile app or at mymobile.icc.edu . New students first should apply to the College online at icc.edu/apply and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov . For the steps to enroll, as well as a listing of documents to bring to campus to complete these steps, visit icc.edu/admissions/enrollment/how-to-enroll/ Enrollment Services on the East Peoria Campus is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Enrollment Services on the Peoria Campu

A total of fifty-six people representing eighteen chamber member organizations attended the 2019 R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy graduation banquet held on March 26 at Pekin Country Club. Tom Hornstein, CEO of Excalibur Seasoning Company, was the dinner speaker.  He presented  his own personal leadership philosophy and leadership lessons he learned as a U.S. Marine. Crystal Williford and Blake Hunter spoke on behalf of the graduating class about their experiences during the academy. Before congratulating the graduates, Scott Kriegsman, President of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, thanked the sponsors, committee and chamber staff for another outstanding academy program. Renna Hadsall, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce events manager, presented the graduates with a certificate and gift.  She was assisted in the ceremony by the committee members. The  academy participants heard from business, community and government leaders and toured seve

Illinois Central College Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free screenings April 1-4 from 6-8 p.m. to patients who have not had their teeth cleaned within the last four years. The clinic is located in Arbor Hall South, Room 110 on the ICC Peoria Campus, 5407 N. University St., Peoria. It is handicapped accessible, and free parking is available.             “This is a new program we are offering at the ICC Dental Hygiene Clinic,” said Cathy Korondi, ICC Dental Hygiene program coordinator. “The free screenings are a way for individuals who have not had dental cleanings in the past four years to get back into the practice of getting the best care for their teeth. It also benefits our students to be able to gain hands-on experience working with new patients.” The clinic is staffed by students and faculty in ICC’s Dental Hygiene program. It also accepts patients aged five years and older for a flat fee of $20, regardless of care needed. Additional services include dental cleanings, x-r

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to Illinois! They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout your area from May 27th-June 9th. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover somethi

Overview H.O.P.E. Housing Our People Everywhere is seeking financial support in our efforts to launch an emergency rescue and recovery campaign of those lives that are currently becoming devastated by the floods in Nebraska and Iowa. Goals 1. Secure grant funding and private sector donations to launch this campaign with. 2. Once the flood waters recede enough in in Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin; put a team of boots on the ground to assess, evaluate, and help those affected by this horrific disaster, to recover their loss, recycle the lost materials and rebuild their communities in a stronger and more resilient construction manner.. Specifications H.O.P.E. Housing Our People Everywhere is collaborating with Midwest Food Banks, in the Bloomington/Normal area, to get emergency food supplies to those impacted by the 2019 floods that have devastated the Midwest. We’re also in need of other organizations as well as alternative emergency funding sources to assist with this emer

Monday Night Golf League at Sunset Hills Golf Course We are continuing our Monday Night Golf League and would love for you to join!!! Monday April 8th 2019 at 6PM we will be holding a social to discuss details, gauge interest of this league, and enjoy some light appetizers at Mashie's Pub. Below are just some of the things we have discussed.... Please Call 309-347-7553 ext. 1 to sign up for the Social so we can get a rough Idea of what to prepare for.  Every Monday Starting April 22nd excluding Holidays Start Time approximately 5:30PM  $125 Per Person for the season  (to be finalized) First Day of Play is Monday April 22nd 2019 The cost of this league gets you a $5 buy-in for a giant skin game each week and covers cost for the Social & End of the Year Banquet Dinner. There will be a optional skin game each week (separate cost) Double Match Play with handicap. Each Participant plays 9 holes against the other two participants winning a point for each win with

Mashie's Trivia Nights! TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Every Wednesday at 7PM 10% of Proceeds goes toward a Local Charity from 6 - 10PM 3/27 - Ladies 18 Hole League 4/3 - Relay for Live 4/10 - Kiwanis 4/17 - Lions Love

Hopedale Wellness Center is hosting the 3 rd Annual Eggstravaganza. Children are invited to splish and splash during a unique Easter egg hunt in the pool on Thursday, April 18, 2019. The Junior Olympic size lap pool will be full of prize-filled eggs. Every child will go home with the prizes they collected as well as an Easter goody bag. Be sure to bring a basket or pail to collect eggs. The first wave of swimmers will be children age 3-6 from 5:30pm - 6:15pm, and a parent or guardian must accompany these children in the pool. Children age 7-10 will compete in the second hunt from 6:15pm - 7:00pm. Cost is only $10 per child. Register in person or by calling the Hopedale Wellness Center at (309) 449-4500 by April 11 th . Register early because space is limited. The Hopedale Wellness Center Aquatics area features a 25-yard junior Olympic pool with lap lanes, a warm-water therapy pool, and a large spa. The pool is located within the 34,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Hopedale Wellness C

Congratulations to the Pekin Associated Bank Team that had 3 colleagues receive a $250.00 donation to a charity of their choice for completing over 50 hours of community service in 2018.Congratulations Jeri Shreffler, Lynn Lusch and Joan Million.

Illinois Central College Theatre Program will hold its tuition waiver auditions for the fall 2019 semester on Sat., April 13 at 9 am in the ICC Performing Arts Center on the East Peoria Campus. Successful candidates will receive a waiver for partial or full tuition at ICC. Reservations are required. Participants must be enrolled or are intending to enroll as a full-time student for the fall 2019 semester. Waiver awards are based on talent and interest and not financial need. Students do not have to be a resident of the Illinois Central College district to be eligible. The auditions are open to all students interested in theatre performance and/or technical theatre, with or without a theatre major. Actors must come prepared to read material presented at the audition and interview. The process will consist of an informational meeting, auditions/interviews and a tour of the facility. Technical and costume waivers will be awarded through the interview process. The auditions are o

What can your competitors teach you about your business or the market you’re thinking about entering?  More than you think. In this webinar led by SCORE Mentor Michael Sandman, you’ll learn how to use competitive intelligence to help you start or run your small business.  This session will cover: How your market operates How other businesses in the same market compete What you can learn from owners and employees of businesses like yours How trade and professional associations can help Presented by Michael Sandman Mike Sandman counsels clients in SCORE’s Boston office. Previously he had a career in composites manufacturing and then became a consultant in the field of competitive intelligence. During his years in manufacturing he developed materials for composites ranging from Kevlar-reinforced sailcloth and military helmets to fiberglass fishing rods, and ran a startup making closed-loop controls systems for the production of synthetic fiber.  In his 25 years of consulting

Murder Mystery Dinners Tickets on sale now, seating is limited so  please call 309-359-9463 Scary Poppins April 12 & 13 Time: 6:30 pm-9:00 pm, arrival & Check-in 530-630pm Dinner is served buffet style after the first act and dessert is served tableside.   The performance will be held in the tasting room in the main building, center entrance from main parking lot. Tickets on sale, call 309-359-9463 to reserve or email, mackinawwinery03@gmail.com for questions. Admission is $47+tax per person for dinner, dessert and the show, reservations required. Fun Costumes are welcome!! Dinner and Dessert served by The Catering Company *Gluten free and Vegetarian Options available by advance request*

Employers - Check out the Illinois minimum wage schedule and the tax credit schedule.  Start budgeting for 2020. ht

UnityPoint Health®, Human Service Center and Tazwood Center for Wellness are excited to announce the formation of UnityPlace, a new non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the growing behavioral health care needs of the community. “Our intent is to capitalize on the strengths of Human Service Center, Tazwood Center for Wellness and UnityPoint Health to transform how behavioral health services are delivered. By pooling our resources, we will be able to make an immediate impact on the service delivery system, addressing issues that have negatively impacted our community for decades. During the first six months of operation, UnityPlace will work diligently to improve access through provider recruitment, the use of technology, centralized scheduling and other tools available to us. There is an urgency to behavioral health care and people need to be seen quickly. We are going to make that happen,” says Debbie Simon, UnityPoint Health Regional CEO and Interim President of UnityPlace.

DID YOU KNOW?  In 2016, 20.7 million people aged 16 or older reported driving under the influence of alcohol and 11.8 million drove under the influence of drugs in the year prior. 1   WHAT CONSTITUTES DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE? Drivers are legally considered to be under the influence if they have blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, have used any other controlled substance or are impaired by medication. If an individual’s BAC is below .08 but they show signs of impaired driving, they still might receive a DUI. DUI TREATMENT AT GATEWAY FOUNDATION Gateway Foundation offers evaluations, education and treatment options for individuals that have received a DUI. Our DUI education and treatment programs are designed to meet the requirements of the court, probation officers, secretary of state and Il

TV isn’t dying, it’s evolving. Here’s how OTT Services & Connected TV has changed the traditional media landscape and how you can use it to your advantage.   What is OTT Services & Connected TV, and why does it matter to your business?  Read more at:   https://mcdanielsmarketing.com/blog?ott-connected-tv-36

American Water is leveraging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fix a Leak Week to help decrease water waste. The annual Fix a Leak Week campaign, organized by the EPA’s WaterSense program, will be observed this week, March 18-24. The national campaign helps to raise awareness about small leaks and other water issues that may waste water within homes and businesses. “For Illinois American Water, this week is about empowering our customers to use water wisely,” said Mike Smyth, vice president of operations. “That drip in the downstairs utility sink can mean thousands of gallons of water lost in a year. If each customer does their part, a huge impact can be made to prevent water waste.” According to the EPA, the average residence in the U.S. loses 10,000 gallons of water per year thanks to seemingly minor leaks. With more than 110 million households in the U.S., this equates to more than one trillion gallons of water lost every year due to leaks in the home. “Most people

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that helps patients overcome their substance use problems by overcoming experiential avoidance. This practice can be personalized to fit their individual life circumstances.  WHAT ARE THE SIX THEMES OF ACT? Values Action Cognitive fusion Acceptance Observation The present   WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACT? Promotes the development of both value- and goal-orientated behaviors Encourages individuals to develop short-term and long-term goals for themselves Increases psychological flexibility while decreasing the desire for patterns that lead to the patient’s suffering  Helps patients embrace their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a compassionate manner  WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY ABOUT ACT? ACT has not been a practice for as long as other practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 12-Step programs , but recent research shows its effectiveness in reducing  opiate a

Family-friendly event showcases the outstanding talent of Central Illinois                Illinois Central College welcomes the Peoria Ballet, The Penguin Project, Illinois Youth Symphony, ICC Vocal Jazz and Hard Bop Jazz Band, the family of former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, and more to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This one-night only event, “ICC Presents:  Jim Maloof’s Legacy of Love for the Arts in Central Illinois,” returns to the ICC Performing Arts Center on Mon., April 15 at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm.                The family-friendly entertainment extravaganza, in its seventh year, is designed to highlight Maloof’s local and national legacy with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and his love for the arts in central Illinois. The entire event is planned and executed by ICC students and volunteers each year, with all proceeds going toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.                Tickets are $8 per person, and seating is limited.

Employment scams were the riskiest scams in 2018, according to the latest report from the Better Business Bureau,  Tech-Savvy Scammers Work to Con More Victims: 2018 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report  ( BBB.org/RiskReport ). Employment scams had more instances and higher losses than in previous years when it ranked the third riskiest. The report is based on data supplied by consumers to BBB Scam Tracker SM  ( BBB.org/ScamTracker ) and is based on the BBB Risk Index, a unique algorithm that calculates exposure, susceptibility, and monetary loss to offer a more accurate assessment of scam risk. “This was a surprise,” said Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, which produced the report. “It’s the first time since we began this report three years ago that one scam dominated across so many demographic subgroups. It was the riskiest scam in three of the six age groups, and for both men and women. It was a

New Illinois law from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires one-hour training for beauty specialists The Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) now offers certified domestic violence training to all cosmetologists, cosmetology teachers, estheticians, esthetic teachers, hair braiders, hair braiding teachers, nail technicians, and nail technology teachers in Central Illinois seeking licensure renewals. The new Illinois law requires a one-hour, one time continuing education (CE) course for cosmetology licensees, effective January 1, 2019. “Cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and others in the beauty industry are in a unique position to receive or hear domestic violence or sexual assault disclosures,” said Carol Merna, Chief Executive Officer at the Center for Prevention of Abuse. “Educating those in contact with survivors about indicators of domestic violence and sexual assault, how to safely respond, and about available resources is an im

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that traffic signal installation at the intersection of U.S. 24 and Cameron Lane just east of Mapleton will begin Monday, March 18. The installation will require lane closures, and signal activation is expected by the end of the week, 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 alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the work zone along Interstate 474 at the Bartonville interchange will increase the week of March 18, weather permitting. Flaggers will be used while barrier walls are moved and installed. 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 alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that construction at the U.S. 24/U.S. 150/Illinois interchange will begin Monday, March 18. The work will require lane closures on the eastbound Illinois 116 lanes March 18 and on westbound lanes March 19, and is expected to last through fall. 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 alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 4 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict4 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

We will hand deliver tickets to businesses that purchase reserved tables of 10. Please contact Brigitte Krieg at 3092415916 or email  pekinpromo@yahoo.com  to reserve tables of 10.

               Illinois Central College Women’s Basketball heads to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament armed with three all-conference, all-region players and Coach of the Year for both MWAC Conference and Region 24, Head Coach Karrie Redeker. The No. 1 ranked team proved their motto “stronger together” when they defeated Lincoln Land Community College 86-66 on March 10 to win the Region 24 tournament. ICC women’s basketball (31-1) received the No. 1 seed for the national tournament and will play No. 16 North Platte (8-22) March 19 at 6 pm in Harrison, Ark.                  Three ICC women's basketball players, Marquitta Easley, Summer Stoewer, and Abby Coates, were named All-Conference and All-Region. Head Coach Karrie Redeker was named the Coach of the Year as well. Here are the individual accolades/stats for each: MARQUITTA EASLEY (Zion-Benton HS): 1st team All-MWAC, 1st Team All-Region 24. Averages 12.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.8 apg. Criminal justice major. SUMM

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2019 Pekin Marigold Festival. This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has given freely to the betterment of our community and has demonstrated passion and dedication by giving generously of time and talents to a variety of charitable and community organizations and activities. Nomination forms should include as much information as possible about the nominee’s volunteerism with community organizations and events. If possible provide specific dates, duties, responsibilities, accomplishments, etc. The deadline for nominations is April 12, 2019 and should be returned to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street Pekin, IL 61554. Nomination Forms are available here! 

Vintage songs harkening back to the days of bobby socks and poodle skirts will fill the air at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center when the 2018-2019 ICC Guest Artists Series presents The Starlets and their show, A Tribute to Girl Groups of the Fabulous ‘50s & Sensational ‘60s on March 16 at 7:30 pm in the ICC Performing Arts Center, located on the East Peoria Campus.                The Starlets are the headlining act from Sunset Singers, a music entertainment company in Los Angeles specializing in vintage entertainment. Inspired by iconic girl groups including The Ronettes, The Angels, The Shirelles and The Supremes, The Starlets take audiences on a musical journey through the 50s and 60s.                “I have always loved oldies,” said Amy McAndrew, co-owner of Sunset Singers and a performer for The Starlets. “My parents played them a lot. I felt like it was the kind of music that spans all generations; we would always put it on around our house and listen

The March 7 Business After Hours drew a good crowd to Mid-Illini Auto Center on Wesley Road in North Pekin. Great food from Rosati's and door prizes from Mid-Illini made it a great event.  You can see more pictures from this event at:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/EvS7uvTXUGeg1Ye7A Mid-Illini Auto Center, is a family owned and operated  full-service preventive maintenance and automotive repair center. They  perform high quality, guaranteed service you can trust at a fair price. They  repair domestic and foreign vehicles and are your best choice for scheduled maintenance of your car, SUV, truck and fleet vehicles.  To schedule an appointment with one of their ASE-certified technicians call (309) 642-6750 or visit  http://midilliniautocenter.com/ Mid-Illini also want to put you in your next vehicle.  They offer low up-front pricing that is value driven.  By keeping their overhead low, they can price their vehicles in a way that just makes sense. They provide a wide range of qual

               Illinois Central College will host an Open House on Tues., April 9 from 4 to 7 pm on the East Peoria Campus for potential students and their families to meet with representatives from a wide variety of programs. The event is free and open to the public.                High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend, as well as potential students of any age. Information will be available on the application and financial aid processes, career planning, and opportunities to transfer from ICC to a four-year college or university. Representatives from ICC’s programs of study will be on hand to answer questions, along with staff who can assist undecided students in getting a start on finding a program of study or career path matching their interests. Information on academic resources and extracurricular activities, as well as student housing will be available.                Enrollment Services will have extended hours that evening to assist students who are re

Hopedale Medical Complex is offering walk-in interviews for nurses and C.N.A.s every Wednesday in March from 10:00am-2:00pm.  HMC is seeking qualified, compassionate R.N.s, L.P.N.s, and C.N.A.s to join our outstanding team of professionals in our 25 bed Hospital, newly constructed 59 bed Nursing Home and Physicians’ offices.  Candidates may park in the Grove Street Café parking (Lot G) which is located at 200 Grove Street (next to the Veterans War Memorial).  Enter through the Café and check-in at the Information Desk located in the Hospital’s main entrance. HMC provides its’ employees with  a wide range of benefits including competitive wages; medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off (PTO); 401k; on-site childcare; free membership at the large Wellness Center; free parking; cell phone discounts and a family friendly atmosphere! There is also a potential for sign-on and retention bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and up to $60,000 in nursing scholarships!  HMC was

Hopedale Medical Complex is hosting a job fair for nurses and C.N.A.s on March 7, 2019 from 12:00pm-5:00pm in the Hospital Lobby.  HMC is seeking qualified, compassionate R.N.s, L.P.N.s, and C.N.A.s to join our outstanding team of professionals in our 25 bed Hospital, newly constructed 59 bed Nursing Home and Physicians’ offices.  The job fair will include on the spot interviews, tours of HMC’s campus, and light refreshments. Call (309) 449-4299 to register. Walk-ins are also welcome. Candidates may park in the Grove Street Café parking (Lot G) which is located at 200 Grove Street (next to the Veterans War Memorial).  Enter through the Café and check-in at the Information Desk located in the Hospital’s main entrance. HMC provides its’ employees with  a wide range of benefits including competitive wages; medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off (PTO); 401k; on-site childcare; free membership at the large Wellness Center; free parking; cell phone discounts and a fami

Illinois Central College will host more than 50 local employers with part-time and/or full-time positions available during Job Fair 2019 on Wed., April 10 from 10 am to 2 pm on the East Peoria Campus.                 The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress appropriately for meeting potential employers. Local businesses may conduct on-the-spot interviews or schedule additional appointments for later dates.                 For questions about this event or for interview or resume assistance, call ICC Career Services at (309) 694-5321 or stop by Room CC207 on the East Peoria Campus.