FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brittney Hogue
Communications Coordinator
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
brittney@pekinchamber.com
309-642-7029 (cell) | 309-346-2106 (office)

 

 

Mayor Mark Luft Delivers State of the City Address in Pekin

 

Mayor Mark Luft delivers a State of the City address to area business leaders and community members with focus on the community’s successes.

 

Pekin, IL May 6, 2022 - The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a State of the City Address Wednesday on behalf of Pekin’s Mayor, Mark Luft. Upward of 85 area business leaders and community members attended the event which focused on how the City of Pekin has prospered under the leadership of Mayor Luft.

 

Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Amy McCoy stated, “The initiative of the Chamber is really to support businesses and to provide opportunities for businesses to succeed in our community.” McCoy continued, “A big piece of that is having the knowledge and information of what’s actually happening at the city level.”

 

The mayor spoke on several topics including new and proposed roadway and infrastructure improvements, extension of the city’s TIF, and new business development.

 

As part of Mayor Luft and City of Pekin Administration’s collaborative focus on roadway improvements, Court Street, Parkway Drive, 5^th Street, 14^th Street, and Derby Street have all underwent planning or entered construction stages. Also implemented has been a plan for updating the city’s sewer system.

 

An update was given regarding the Court Street Project. The mayor identified Court Street as the “most talked about topic in Pekin”. The second section of Court Street will not undergo construction until Spring of 2023. He remarked the City of Pekin has over 400 miles of roadways and while Court Street cannot proceed this year, several other roadway repairs are moving forward.

 

A 12-year extension on the city’s TIF program will help to revitalize Downtown Pekin over the next five years.

 

“You’re going to see a complete change,” said Luft. The mayor continued by stating the downtown business district will have continued ADA compliance updates, beautification efforts, an emphasis on bringing in new businesses, and exploring development of historic buildings for downtown apartment living.

 

Luft remarked upscale apartment housing is a strong need in the community. With a new apartment complex development underway within the city, Pekin can attract young professionals with highly skilled jobs.

 

As the City of Pekin continues to foster new businesses, residents can expect development in areas of the Industrial Park and Veterans Drive.

 

Mayor Luft also recognized the impact of the Pekin Municipal Airport.

 

“We’ve been able to take a failed airport to General Aviation Airport of the Year in 2021,” Mayor Luft said. He elaborated on the airport’s tripled economic footprint and recognized the current manager as a major reason for its successes.

 

Mayor Luft cited improved communication efforts to residents: a free digital newsletter, an informational podcast, and a re-designed city website.

 

Mayor Luft closed with final remarks encouraging residents to become involved in their local government. There are numerous committees in which a resident can serve to help promote a thriving City of Pekin.

 

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce commented on a positive working relationship with the City of Pekin. McCoy shared the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce has an on-going partnership with the City of Pekin to promote tourism and assist in marketing endeavors, including the Discover Pekin platform. By following @DiscoverPekin on Facebook and Instagram, residents of Pekin and surrounding communities can stay up to date on events such as the Honor America Celebration, the Downtown Music Concert Series, the Downtown Pekin Super Cruise, the Pekin Marigold Festival, Wings and Wheels, and more. The Discover Pekin brand also highlights businesses and parks within the city.

 

“One of our key projects for the Chamber this year is to really be the positive voice in Pekin, to talk about the successes, the events, the activities: all the great things which would bring people to the City of Pekin,” said McCoy. ­

 

About the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce- The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted partner for the Pekin business community. The Chamber facilitates, supports, and advocates for innovative strategies that promote a positive Pekin brand. For more information, visit http://pekinchamber.com or follow on major social media platforms with handle @PekinChamber.

Learn more about Discover Pekin by following #DiscoverPekin and @DiscoverPekin on major social media platforms.

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