Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

  Illinois Central College secures over $900,000 EDA Grant with support from Congressman Darin LaHood EAST PEORIA, IL (04/12/2022) Illinois Central College, with support from Congressman Darin LaHood, announces the awarding of a $911,900 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). ICC will use the investment to enhance student learning through the support of campus projects and upgrades on the East Peoria and Pekin campuses. The investment will be matched with $521,177 in local funds and is expected to create 100+ jobs and generate $2 million in private investment. "We are so pleased to have secured this critical funding that will allow some needed additions and upgrades for students," said ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. "We appreciate Congressman LaHood's constant support of the College. He understands the vital role we play in the community as we strive to help individuals earn a degree or credential leading to a family-sustaining wag

The Peoria area's real estate market continues to cope with a sharp decline in homes for sale, leading to a drop in first-quarter closings with prices on the rise. The Peoria Area Association of Realtors reported 564 listings on the market in the first quarter, down from 1,087 a year ago and 2,174 in 2020. PAAR president Ryan Cannon said it’s the lowest supply on record for the market, resulting in a 12.2% decline in sales. “We had 48% less houses to sell, so of course there was a little bit of a decrease in the number of sales compared to 2021,” said Cannon. “But overall, (with) 48% less houses, 12% less sales is still a good number.” The low inventory has homes selling quickly and costing more. While the number of sales dropped by 166, the average price climbed from $155,937 to $159,076 and the average time homes stayed on the market fell to 47 days, down from 77. “Prices, since 2020, have increased almost 20% almost 20% – 19.8%. So you're seeing price increases year over yea

  Illinois American Water Encourages Customers to be Environmental Stewards through Conservation and Education on Earth Day Educational resources are available on company’s website.   Belleville, Ill. – (April 22, 2022) – Illinois American Water is sharing environmentally-focused educational resources with customers on Earth Day to encourage conservation and environmental leadership. A resource for both adults and youth is Illinois American Water’s online learning center which provides in-depth information about how water makes its way to the tap and the importance of protecting precious water sources. The online learning center offers activities, lesson plans and information for all ages.   Beth Matthews, vice president of operations for Illinois American Water said, “At Illinois American Water, educating our youth and communities is just as important as providing safe, reliable service. Our team is passionate about building future environmental leaders. Employees have bee

     

  For more information contact: Kayla Thompson, PR@icc.edu , (309) 694-5527 Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson to present to ICC students, community EAST PEORIA, IL (04/05/2022) Award-winning poet, novelist, playwright, and Illinois Poet Laureate, Angela Jackson will virtually present readings and conversations about poetry to the Illinois Central College community on Wednesday, May 4 at 3 pm via Zoom. Earli er in the day, Jackson will discuss the finer elements of poetry and the creative process with ICC Creative Writing students. "We are honored to host Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson at ICC. Her tremendous body of work and commitment to amplifying the voices of those who are under-represented exemplifies the caliber of one who is chosen for the laureate role," said Illinois Central College Dean of Humanities Dr. Lonetta Oliver. "It is so meaningful to us that she is connecting with our students as her philosophies and practices embody our college's

      “Drop it and Drive” during Distracted Driving Awareness Month   All distractions – whether texting, eating, or talking – can be dangerous when you’re behind the wheel. Throughout April, the Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, save lives, and make Illinois roads safer.   “Distracted driving is a serious issue that also is preventable,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Plenty of people think they’re excellent drivers and c

The Be tt y Jayne Introduces a New Summer Series, Taste It Tuesday! Peoria Heights, IL (April 7, 2022) – Taste it Tuesday will be an evening of cocktails, tas ti ngs, light hors d’oeuvres and live music. A guest bartender will demonstrate how to make three unique cocktails, and patrons will get the chance to sample each of them! These cocktails will also be served at the bar for the rest of the evening! A ft er the drink demonstra ti on the band with take the stage! The Be tt y will feature a different band or ar ti st for each event including the Nathan Taylor Band, Alison Hanna, Jonny Quest and more! The Be tt y Jayne’s Nanawall will be open so guests can enjoy the evening both inside the Be tt y and outside on the front lawn. This is the perfect summer weeknight activity — a chance to try some fun new cocktails as well as listen to live music outside! Events will be held once a month May – September at the Be tt y Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts: 1327 East Kelly