Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces that beginning next week, lane closures will resume on the I–474 Shade-Lohmann Bridge in preparation for the closure of the eastbound span of the bridge Saturday, March 31st. The majority of the closures during these two weeks will take place on eastbound I-474. Crossovers will be utilized and traffic will travel one lane in each direction on the westbound span of the bridge when the eastbound span closes for repairs at the end of the month. This project will continue through the fall. Additional updates will be distributed as traffic shifts are scheduled. Please slow down and use extreme caution while driving through all work zones. For updated traffic information and views from dozens of traffic cameras in the Peoria area, click here: http://www.gettingaroundpeoria.com/ For a look at other IDOT District 4 projects, click here: http://www.dot.il.gov/districtreleases.htm#District_4

The YWCA is accepting nominations for outstanding leadership and achievement awards to be presented at its 31st Annual Women’s Recognition Day luncheon on Thursday, May 3rd at the Pekin Country Club. The event will begin with a social from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by the luncheon program.  Nominations to honor outstanding accomplishments and contributions of women in their careers and community service are being accepted at the YWCA office through April 16th. To qualify, nominated women must have residence or employment in Tazewell County and meet specific criteria for the nominating category. Women may be nominated as outstanding employee or for contributions to the arts, business, professions, sports, or community service. The arts award is given to a woman displaying skill in drama, dance, music, painting, literature, sculpting, the graphic arts, or other artistic endeavors. An accomplished banker, realtor, agent or other businesswoman, business owner or ...

Make reservations now for the April 16th Annual Meeting of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Click the image below to download the information

Join the YWCA of Pekin and several other local organizations in a Stand Against Racism. It is a movement that was initiated by the YWCA in 2008 to raise awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it an no longer be ignored or tolerated. The objective of the program is to bring organizations together who believe, like the YWCA, that united we can eliminate racism. Get more information and sign up at www.StandAgainstRacism.org or contact the YWCA of Pekin at 347-2104.

Friday & Saturday (until 4pm) $4 Sandwich Specials Brat/Chips 1/4 lb Hamburger/Chips Philly/Chips All Day - March 17 Starting at 11 am Corned Beef & Cabbage $6.95 Reuben Sandwich/chips $6.95 Green Draft Beer $3 St. Patrick's Day Party Saturday Night!

O'Racketeers on O'Route 66 Murder Mystery Dinner Irish Style Mackinaw Valley Vineyard and Winery Call now to reserve. seats still available. Johnny and Roxie stumble into the Pot O Gold speakeasy on St Patty's Day bringing mayhem, music and murder!! Who is the dead guy anyway, probably some Irish Rogue. You help solve the mystery, who knew murder could be so entertaining! This zany prohibition interactive dinner murder mystery production is sure to be another good time at the vineyard. Guests are welcome to come in period style dress or in your best Irish green. The $45 per person fee includes the drama, dinner and dessert. Complimentary wine tasting and wine, beer and soft drinks available for purchase. Reservations Required, call 309-645-5054 or 309-359-9463 to reserve. We accept Visa, Discover and Master Card.

Join the area Chambers of Commerce for the CIRCLE Legislative Reception on: Monday, April 9 5:00-7:00 p.m. Par A Dice Hotel East Peoria, IL This year, the traditional Heart of Illinois Legislative Reception is connected to CIRCLE (Central Illinois Chambers Regional Legislative Effort). Area Chambers are hosting area legislators to give our members the opportunity to talk directly with their elected officials about the issues that impact them. Information about the issues for the CIRCLE trip to Springfield on April 26 will be available at the reception. Click here to download a reception registration form Click here to download information and registration for the April 26th CIRCLE trip to Springfield

ActOnEnergy®: Gateway to Energy Efficiency     Presented by Ameren Illinois, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and Pekin Hospital Pekin Hospital - Park Court Conference Room 600 South 13th Street, Pekin Thursday, March 29, 2012 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and Pekin Hospital in conjunction with Ameren Illinois’ ActOnEnergy® program will be hosting a lunch and learn on Thursday, March 29, 2012. You are encouraged to attend this event to learn how your business or organization can apply for cash incentives to help pay for part of your next electric or natural gas energy efficiency project (many of which have paybacks of less than one year!)   Reserve your place now for this special event, where you will: Learn about the ActOnEnergy Program Find out about the variety of cash incentives available for your business or organization Learn how, as a trade business, to get cash incentives for your customers Meet your local Energy Ad...

Because minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, EPA’s WaterSense program has declared March 12 to 18, 2012 as “Fix a Leak Week” to remind Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. “Leaks can account for an average of 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, or enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Karla Olson Teasley, President of Illinois American Water. “By raising awareness in our partnership with the EPA WaterSense program, water conservation not only saves our customers money, but it also helps to preserve the environment and meet future water needs.” To help consumers across the country save water, the WaterSense program promotes ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by do-it-yourselfers and pay for themselves in no time. Illinois American W...

Grace United Methodist Church of Pekin, 503 N. 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-7131; fax 347-3369; email: graceumc@pekingrace.org : website: www.pekingrace.org ; Gary L. Ford , Pastor; Sean Masterson, Director of Family ministry; Cassie Koehler, Director of Christian Education; Dr. James Rimmington, Director of Music, Thomas J. Booth, Organist. Grace is a forward looking congregation, growing from a long history in Pekin (founded in 1844). They offer diverse worship experiences and family/youth focused programs. They are growing in God's grace - seeking to serve. 

Amanda's Closet has moved from downtown Pekin to a spacious 8,000 square foot store at 3214 Veteran's Drive (next to South Side Bank).  Members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce were there to officially open the new store with a ribbon cutting and wish Amanda Rogy the best of luck in her new location.  The consignment shop specializes in men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes, purses, accessories, and home decor.  Find them on Facebook or call 346-4663.

Illinois American Water has announced its 2012 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in it service areas. According to Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water, the Firefighter Grant Program has been successful in providing assistance to community fire protection efforts.  She said, “Over the last two years we’ve been able to provide 83 grants totaling over $100,000 to fire departments across Illinois.  We look forward to providing even more assistance to firefighters in our communities.” Grants of up to $1,500 will be considered to cover the costs associated with the following: ·         Personal protective gear ·         Communications equipment ·         Firefighting tools ·         Water handling equipment ·        ...

  CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) is dedicated to protecting its customers’ Internet experience and, timed with National Consumer Protection Week, has released a list of recommended precautions to promote safe Internet use. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is an annual campaign that encourages consumers to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2012 takes place March 4 -10.    "CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service,” said Mike Brill, Vice President for Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. "Given the increasing use of the Internet, we felt it was important to offer tips to raise awareness of how you can protect yourself when you are online.”   Six Tips to Increase Internet Safety   Always make sure that your PC or Mac system software is up to date Make sure you have antivirus softwa...

Pekin Hospital will offer a free presentation All Right Now: Solving Digestive Disorders on Thursday, March 29 at 5:30 p.m. inside Pekin Hospital’s Lobby to discuss the hidden burden of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in our community. Family Practitioner Kurt Warkenthien, M.D., will discuss everything from heartburn to celiac disease, the talk will provide answers for anyone who hopes to break free of their disruptive digestive condition and avoid the threat of colon cancer. A special focus will be on ways in which women are affected by GI disorders, as they are considerably more likely to suffer from digestive health problems than men. Registration is required and can be made by calling (309) 353-0662.   “More than 70 million Americans are dealing with digestive disorders on a daily basis – but very few of us are talking about it seriously,” says Tanya Abreu, President and National Program Director, Spirit of Women Hospital Network. “Sure we make jokes about stomac...

Family Quick Care., 3412 Veterans Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; phone: 309-353-6946; website: www.familyquickcare.com ; Aimee Sarchet, President. Business Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm. Family Quick Care is pleased to offer affordable and convenient healthcare for the working family. Their goal is to provide the best service for only the most common acute illnesses. They are not designed to replace your family doctor or to treat all medical conditions, but  specialize in treating 90% of the most common acute illnesses, so that they can offer you the most efficient and affordable medical attention.

The Pekin Police Department is proud to support the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. They are asking for your support for their annual "Guns N Hoses" basketball game where the Pekin Police Department plays the Pekin Fire Department. This game will take place on March 30th 2012 at the Pekin Community High School at 6:00 P.M. The purpose of this game is to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois. 100% of the profits go towards Special Olympics Illinois. The Pekin Police Department is asking for your support for donated items from local businesses. They will turn these items into raffle baskets that will be raffled off at the end of the basketball game. If your business would like to make your own raffle basket, they would be glad to take that donation as well. Monetary donations are also accepted and they are tax deductible. People will have the opportunity to buy a chance for the raffle baskets during the game with the winners being picked at th...

The Pekin Hospital Foundation Garden Gala will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites in East Peoria and will recognize the contributions of longtime Pekin Pediatrician Terry Tosi, M.D.   Caring for children in Pekin and the surrounding communities has been Dr. Tosi’s passion for over 40 years, and for that service, Pekin Hospital will formally thank him at the event.   If you or your children have been cared for by Dr. Tosi, please submit a story and/or photos of you, your children, and/or Dr. Tosi, by visiting www.pekinhospital.org/drtosi.   Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased by visiting www.pekinhospital.org /gala or calling (309) 353-0559.   The evening will include dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions featuring auction items generously donated by local businesses and donors.   Entertainment will be provided by The Downtime Band.   Attire is semi-formal.   Net proceeds from the event will hel...

The Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy ® program is offering a FREE , one-hour online training event in March on “Boilers: Hot Water or Steam to Turn Your System Green.” This online training event is open to all Ameren Illinois business and non-profit customers who would like to learn how to save energy when heating water through a boiler system. We are also offering Certified Energy Manager training in March. DETAIL Topic: Boilers: Hot Water or Steam to Turn Your System Green Speaker: Rod Rhoads, Energy Advisor, GDS Associates, Inc. Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Earn 1.0 CE Hour             The free, one-hour training event will cover: Hot water systems Steam heating or industrial Standard HVAC application versus custom Improvements and incentives Joining GDS Associates in 2009, Rod Rhoads brings to the ActOnEnergy program knowledge of the HVACR industry over the last ...

Savant Capital Management, a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm, is pleased to announce that financial advisor Daryl R. Dagit recently earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. According to the CFP Board of Standards, Inc., CFP ® certificants must pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination, pass the CFP Board's Candidate Fitness Standards , agree to abide by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility which puts clients' interests first, and comply with the Financial Planning Practice Standards which spell out what clients should be able to reasonably expect from the financial planning engagement. To become certified, applicants must complete the "4 E’s" – Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics. Daryl is a financial advisor in Savant’s Peoria office. As a financial advisor, he is responsible for managing all aspects of the financial planning and investment processes for Savant’s clients...