Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Tazewell County Jaycees will present their monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 120 Walnut Street, Washington (east side of Washington Square). This month’s proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Illinois. Participants are needed to form teams for the competition. Cost is $10 per person, and teams may have between 2 - 10 people. The winning team will receive a traveling trophy and free table for the June trivia night. Numerous prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and a 50/50 drawing will also be held. In addition, the Knights of Columbus will offer a full bar plus grilled pork chops, cheeseburgers, pizza, and popcorn. Participants are also welcome to bring in their munchies for your table to snack on. To reserve your table please contact Lori Rowe, Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-241-3888, or firstgradelover@yahoo.com. Held on the third Thursday of each month, the trivia nights generate fu...

Representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce came together for a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a new business to Pekin. Frank & Lisa Stetler, owners of the 8th Street Sweet Spot, were joined at the ribbon cutting by their employees and family. Located at 211 N. 8th Street, across from West Campus, the 8th Street Sweet Spot is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm, The family-owned business offers ice cream, sandwiches, and iced coffee.  You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events by visiting our picture website at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Join us for another great Puttin' On Pekin breakfast on Friday, June 11th, beginning at 6:45am at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th.  Gene Olson, director of the Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport will be the speaker and provide an update on the new passenger terminal and other improvements at the airport.  The cost is just $10 per person and you can pay at the door.  Please RSVP by 4:30pm on June 9th to chamber@pekin.net or call 346-2106. Don’t miss the door prizes, one-minute reminders, and “Meet the new chamber member."

Through May 24, 2010 - Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that recently renewed their membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce: Advanced Medical Transport ~ American Milling Company ~ Associated Bank ~ Atlas Supply Company ~ CDS Office Technologies ~ City of Pekin ~ Debbie Fornoff Interior Designs & Drapery ~ Elliff, Keyser, Oberle & Dancey, PC ~ Lynn Glover ~ Holiday Inn Express ~ Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Karl E. Kaebel Realtor ~ Laserpro of Peoria, Inc. ~ Let It Shine, LLC ~ P & W Builders ~ Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab ~ Pekin Prescription Laboratory ~ Pekin Rotary Club ~ Peoria International Airport ~ Steve Saal ~ St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Development/Run Office ~ State Farm Insurance - Greg Ladendorf ~ Stropes Real Estate and Investments ~ Tazewell County Historic Places & Tazewell County Museum ~ Winpak Heat Seal Corporation

Join us at the June Business After Hours on Thursday, June 3rd, at NTS Telephone Company, 205 Enterprise Drive.  Please RSVP to the chamber at 346-2106.

Emily Lowman, a PCHS art student, designed this year’s medallion that will be used in the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt.  The PCHS art department held a contest for the medallion design and the Marigold Festival Committee picked Emily’s over two other finalists. Congratulations, Emily!

The 2010 Marigold Festival logo was recently unveiled by the Marigold Festival Committee.  It was designed by the Pekin Daily Times and will be used for promotions of this year's festival.

By Bill Fleming New Employee I’m pleased to announce that Tonya Burris has joined the staff at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Tonya’s customer service and communications skills and experiences will be a great addition to the office.  She has 10 years of experience in Pekin real estate as a Licensed Assistant and a Realtor.  She is a member of several industry associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Peoria Area Association of Realtors.  Tonya will be working in the afternoons on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition to assisting callers she’ll be focusing her energies on our online communications, i.e., blogs, monthly newsletter, websites, social media, etc. Tonya resides in Pekin with her husband Greg, and their daughter Ali. Credit Card Payments The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce can now more easily accept your credit card payments.  This includes payment for your dues, event registrations and other invoices you m...

Brown DJ and Sound presents "It's Finally Friday Night.   There will be live acoustic music starting shortly after 5 for the business crowd and then Alias is performing from 7 till 10 or so.  Start your Memorial Day Weekend at 353 Court on Friday, May 28th.  You can order food from a menu and "adult beverages" all evening.  It will be an evening of live music, drinks and good food. 

Interested in learning more about the Tazewell County Jaycees? Stop by CJ’s Café, 404 Court Street in Pekin, on Monday, June 7th from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm to meet and greet with members and discover how the organization can benefit you personally and professionally. Learn how the TazCo Jaycees have already impacted the community and what exciting events are in the works. Coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, please contact Kimberly Weeks, President of the Tazewell County Jaycees, at 309-242-3960. The Tazewell County Jaycees is a leadership training organization for individuals age 18-40. Jaycees programs stress the development of leadership and managerial skills through the running of projects that benefit the community.

Farden's Pest Control, Pekin; Rich Farden, Owner; 346-1414 or 208-5672; Office hours Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm and by appointment.  Farden's Pest Control offers commercial and residential pest inspections and treatment.  With over 21 years experience, Rich quotes: Low Rates & Quick Service. 

The Illinois Division of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) has announced the 2010-2011 Board of Directors at their Illinois Division Annual Meeting held April 30 – May 2, 2010 in Elgin, Illinois. Diana Hampton, CAP, MOA was elected as the 2010-2011 President Elect for the Illinois Division Board of Directors. Ms. Hampton is the Administrative Assistant for Paul Kramer, President of Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Ms. Hampton is a charter member of our local IAAP Tri-County chapter and has served as chapter president. Diana is the recipient of this year’s IAAP Member of Excellence award. She will serve as next year’s Illinois Division president. Tonda Stewart, CPS/CAP was elected as the 2010-2011 Secretary for the Illinois Division Board of Directors. Ms. Stewart is the Administrative Assistant to Mark Hohulin, Senior Vice President, Decision Support and Mary Breeden, Senior Vice President, Managed Care at OSF HealthCare System Corporate Office. M...

Carol Hiller will present "New Resources Available at TCGHS” at the June 8 general meeting of Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society. Carol is a member of the society and has done a great deal of computer work for the society. She will highlight the new CD available titled Atlas Map of Tazewell County, Illinois - 1873. This project was a major accomplishment - due to the large size of the book (14" x 17") which encompassed several steps to make the final searchable version. Carol also scanned The History of Tazewell County, 1879 and A Portrait and Biographical Record of Tazewell and Mason Counties, Illinois, 1894. In addition, David Perkins, past president, longtime member and society newsletter editor, will discuss the Tazewell County Land Records from our archives which were also scanned. A short discussion will follow concerning the ISGS Fall Conference to be held in Peoria in October. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be held on Tu...

The Tazewell County Museum and Education Center and Pekin Public Library are once again sponsoring a play for the 2010 season. The event is a captivating production of “We the People,” an entertaining, educational and patriotic play by Houston, Texas-based playwright Pat Cook. "We the People” begins with a committee discussing plans to host a patriotic play for its town. In the quest to discover what America means to them, they use the Preamble to the Constitution as a framework for the play, with sketches organized phrase by phrase from the Preamble. Funny and poignant vignettes showcasing everyday life will explore the deeper meaning of the Constitution and how it not only applies to past history but also is relevant to the present and future of this country. Tickets for $8 will be on sale at various locations in Pekin, including the Pekin Public Library, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tazewell County Museum. Directed by Dennis Peacock, the play will be performed in...

The Grand Victorian of Pekin held an open house and Hawaiian Luau in celebration of their 1-year anniversary. Lynn Van Dyke, Director, cut the ribbon. She was joined at the ceremony by employees, residents, and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Located at 2700 S. 14th, the Grand Victorian is recognized as a leader in state-of-the-art senior services. Guided by dedicated staff and management, such a level of competence places The Grand Victorian at the forefront of quality care for older adults who require assisted living services or who are blessed with a level of health that allows independent living.

Come join us for a Customer Appreciation cookout at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy in Pekin. We will be serving free lunch on Friday, June 11th from 11 – 1. We are located at 2105 Court Street, in the County Market Shopping Center. Visit with our therapy staff and say hello to some of our Corporate members. Bring a friend and see what we have to offer at Champion. Brats, hot dogs, chips, drinks and treats will be served. Hope to see you then! Visit our website at http://www.champfit.com/ to see how we can help you “GET BUSY LIVING!”

Combination sewage overflow is a real problem that threatens our local water supply.  Come help us clean up the streets where these old sewage systems are in place, and keep litter out of our streets and protect our water ways! May 22, 2010  *Rain date: May 29, 2010 8:00 am - Noon  - Join us for refreshments before and after! Meet at the Township building, downtown Pekin Clean up will focus in these areas: Broadway to 8th St, and Sheridan Rd to the Illinois River. (based upon the number of volunteers)  Wear bright colored clothing, closed toed shoes, gloves, sunscreen, a hat & sunglasses. For more information and to register , please contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 477.2223

Thursday May 20th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, @ Grumpy Pete's Steakhouse Need a night out? Did you miss our last month? We're back! Come join us for fun, fashion and a fabulous time. Miche bags Tastefully simple BeatiControl Spa Consultant Taste some new & wonderful wines New Stylist @ The Happening: Nicole For more information, contact Grumpy Pete's 477.8835 or 202.2302 Ask who might be here next month!

On June 17th, from 4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m., at the Pekin Salvation Army at 243 Derby Street . A reception will be held to honor Captains Peter & Catherine Mount, who are being transferred to the new Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Mounts have had a tremendous impact on the Pekin Army and we would like to give them a great send-off. At the same time, we would like to welcome our new Captains Martin & Shannon Thies, who are coming to us from Clinton, Iowa. For more information, contact the Salvation Army at 346-3010