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November 2011

402 Court Street Pekin IL 61554

Phone: (309) 346-2106

Fax: (309) 346- 2104

Website www.pekinchamber.com

Email info@pekinchamber.com

14th Annual Business

and Community

Recognition Luncheon

P.1

Ribbon Cuttings, New

Members P.2

Upcoming Events P.3

Biz Barometer P.4

Recent Events P.5

Membership

Announcements P.6

14th Annual Business

and Community

Recognition Luncheon

Cont. P.7

Valuing Diversity P.8

R. David Tebben

Community Leadership

Academy 2012 P.9

Membership

Renewals, Chamber

Board, and

Ambassadors P.9

Fred Lawrence and Sons Fire Equipment., 206 Derby Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-620-1301; fax: 309-642-6646; email: flsonsfire@omnilec.com; Fred Lawrence, Owner; Business hours: 8am-5pm. Fire Service/ Safety Service: fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems (restaurant), first aid, emergency lightning, testing maintenance.

14th Street Hardware., 1315 Derby Street, Pekin IL 61554; phone: 309-642-6914; Kriss Brown, President; Business hours: 8am-6pm MTWTF, 8am-5pm Sat. Full service hardware store, glass cutting, pipe cut and threading, key cutting, paint mixing, plumbing, electrical, hardware, lawn and garden, tools, cleaning aids, paint and accessories

Established in 1893

We promote the growth of the Pekin area through the collective efforts of our members.

June 2011

CHAMBER connection We promote the growth of the Pekin area through the collective efforts of our members.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 14

th annual Business and Community Recognition

Luncheon on Thursday, October 20th at the Pekin Country Club. The Chamber’s Member Services Committee coordinated the luncheon, which was sponsored by Savant Capital Management, Pekin Trophy House & Engraved Gifts, The Greenhouse Flower Shoppe, and Pekin Hospital. Recognition was given to thirty-eight area businesses and organizations in the following categories: remodeling or expansion; “green” projects or programs; new ownership or management; new business or building; additional employees; major training effort; new technology investment; major equipment investment; other improvements; and, community involvement. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce also recognized Graphic Packaging International for over a century of success in Pekin. The company was founded in 1905 by Louis Wood as the Illinois Boxboard Company. Quaker Oats purchased the company in 1916. In 1991 Larry Field of the Field Container Corporation purchased the business and he sold the operations to Graphic Packaging International in 2008.

Before presenting the awards, Chamber executive director Bill Fleming told the audience of 187 people representing fifty-two local businesses and organizations that the large turnout and the large number of awards was a positive sign. “We’re here to recognize thirty-eight businesses and organizations that have demonstrated the courage and foresight to continue to invest in our community, in spite of these uncertain economic times,” said Fleming. The featured speaker at the luncheon was Dr. Sara Rusch, the Regional Dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Rusch told the audience the history of the College of Medicine and the impact it has on the regional economy. For a list of businesses and organizations recognized please refer to page 7.

14th Annual Business & Community Recognition Luncheon

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Villas Ribbon Cutting

Visit our website @

www.pekinchamber.com

Use the drop down box for

Chamber Resources

Click the Calendar

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Ribbon Cuttings! Villas Michoacan Restaurante at 2001 Court Street was officially welcomed to Pekin with a ribbon cutting on October 17th. Vicente Villasenov, Magdaleno Villa, Isidro Villa and Francisco Sarco were joined at the ceremony by their employees and representatives from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Afterwards, the group sampled several of their tasty authentic Mexican dishes and delicious desserts. Villas is open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.

New Members

Villas Michoacan Restaurante, 2001 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309)

349-1087; Vicente Villasenov, owner. Open from 10 to 9pm, Villas Michoacan serves delicious and authentic Mexican dishes and desserts.

Tomorrow's Hope Christian Academy, 246 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554;

(309) 642-0070 or 348-3813. Donna Hall, Administrator. www.thca.webs.com THCA is a 501c3 Not for Profit organization. Their mission is to equip their students academically and to prepare them to lead Christ-like lives with a Biblical world-view, excelling in old-fashion principles and Christian values. They are registered with the Illinois State Board of Education.

The World of Vitamins Ribbon Cutting

The World of Vitamins was officially welcomed to Pekin with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 21st. The new business is owned by Jerimey and Adriana Grider. They were joined in the picture by Mayor Laurie Barra, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Jamie Di Donato, and Chamber President Skip Schermerhorn. Located at 1100 Derby Street, the World of Vitamins is a vitamin, herb, and sport nutrition store for healthy lifestyles. You can see more pictures from

this, and other chamber events, at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

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Contact Us 402 Court Street Pekin, Illinois 61554 Ph: (309)346-2106 Fax: (309) 346-2104 E-mail: info @pekinchamber.com Website: www. pekinchamber.com Blog: http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com Marigold Blog: http://marigoldfestival.blogspot.com

Scan to add the Chamber to your contacts! Your Chamber Staff: Bill Fleming, Executive Director Jamie Di Donato, Events Manager Diane Sego, Receptionist Brittney Beal, Office Assistant

Upcoming Events

November 1 – Ambassador Meeting

November 2 – Member Promotions Mtg

November 2 – Executive Board Meeting

November 3 – Pekin 1st Committee

November 3 – Business After Hours

November 8 – Member Services Committee

November 9 – Transportation Committee

November 9 – Board of Directors Meeting

November 11 – Veteran’s Day

November 16 – Marigold Festival Committee

November 17 – Valuing Diversity Seminar

November 24/25 – Chamber Office Closed

November 29 – Business Advocacy Committee

Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or

email us at info@pekinchamber.com Join us for networking, refreshments, door prizes, and more.

November 3rd

Camp of Champions USA

3009 Broadway Rd.

One area dentist is redefining the phrase "put your money where

your mouth is." This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their

excess candy to Dr. David Kuban's dental office in Pekin and

receive $1 per pound, 10 pound MAXIMUM. Dr. Kuban is leading

this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and electric

glowing toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

Candy will be collected at Dr. David Kuban's office Tuesday,

Ca$h for Candy!

November 1, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30. His office is located at 1424 Valle Vista Blvd in

Pekin. The candy must be unopened. Please, no bites! It will then be shipped to troops

overseas. Call his office at 347-4711 for more information.

November 26th is Small Business Saturday. It's a day dedicated to supporting small

businesses throughout our region. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is working

with several regional communities, organizations and small businesses to make Small

Business Saturday a huge success. Join us and shop small businesses throughout the

region on November 26th. We have launched the Small Business Saturday Central Illinois

Facebook Page. Find it, Like it and then start sharing your stories about small business

and Central Illinois. Visit the national movement at www.smallbusinesssaturday.com for

all kinds of great information at Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday

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Contact us to find out

how you can advertise

your company here

and

on our blog.

Biz Barometer The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)

increased 0.3 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all

items index increased 3.9 percent before seasonal adjustment.

Non-farm payroll employment edged up by 103,000 in

September, and the unemployment rate held at 9.1 percent, the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The increase in employment partially

reflected the return to payrolls of about 45,000 telecommunications

workers who had been on strike in August. In September, job gains

occurred in professional and business services, health care, and

construction. Government employment continued to trend down

nationwide.

The September seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Illinois

rose to 10 percent despite the addition of 1,600 new jobs, according to

preliminary data released last week by the Illinois Department of

Employment Security (IDES). That’s the 5th straight month the

unemployment rate has increased. In September, unemployed individuals

increased 10,500 (1.6%) to 663,300 compared to August. Total

unemployed has declined 76,800 (-10.4%) since January 2010 when the

state unemployment rate peaked at 11.2%.

Government layoffs weren’t much of a factor in the September

numbers. According to IDES, the number of people employed by state and

local governments was the same in September as in August. However,

government employment in Illinois is down 13,200 when compared to

September of 2010.

The Pekin housing market had a strong 3rd quarter compared to

the 3rd quarter of 2010 according to the Peoria Area Association of

REALTORS. A total of 135 homes were sold this quarter, compared to 107

in the 3rd quarter of 2010. The average sales price of $113,226 for the 3rd

quarter of 2011 was 9.4% greater than the 3rd quarter of 2010.

However, the 2011 year-to-date sales are running 5.8% behind the

first 9 months of 2010. East Peoria (-11.1%) and Washington (-16%) have

also seen their September year-to-date sales fall short of the 2010

numbers, while Morton (+0.6%) is slightly ahead of last year.

Likewise, the average sales price is 1.9% less than the September

2010 year-to-date numbers. The other large Tazewell County

communities have seen their average sales price drop by bigger

percentages in the September year-to-date comparison: Washington

(7.2%), East Peoria (-7.1%), and Morton (3.1%).

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Pekin Area Business Expo 2012 January 14

The October Business After Hours was hosted by Pekin Hospital on Thursday, October 6th. As always, they offered great food and refreshments and the chance to connect with hospital and community leaders. CEO Kevin Andrews gave an update on the latest hospital news including the recent addition of several new doctors to our community. You can see more pictures from this at www.picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Business After Hours Held

About 20 Chamber members attended the October 11th Lunch 'n Learn at Mashie's. Customer Service Excellence was presented by Lisa Plantamura from AAIM Employers' Association. After lunch the presentation covered several customer service topics including ways to let people know you care and behaviors needed for success. The program was part of a series presented by the Chamber's Member Services Committee. The final 2011 program in the series, Professionalism in the Workplace, will be on December 13th.

Lunch 'n Learn

Recent Events

Bradley Senior Consulting Project The Senior Consulting Project (SCP) is the capstone project for all Bradley University business majors. The program is designed to provide business students with an opportunity to apply all of the skills they have developed during their time at Bradley to a real world business situation. Businesses with projects are needed. It’s free! Read more at: http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com .

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McDaniels Marketing Communications has changed its branding to focus on its core strengths and align all four of its brands under one common name – McDaniels. The agency features three key divisions that are now part of the McDaniels Marketing umbrella – healthcare marketing, interactive (formerly ie-media), and promotional products. For more information visit our blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2011/10/mcdaniels-marketing-communications.html CEFCU is pleased to introduce Dividend Checking. The new Dividend Checking provides current CEFCU members the convenience of using their existing Checking account number and Check+ Debit Card while earning dividends. Dividends will be paid on a tiered-rate system based on average daily balances of $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000. Members can write an unlimited number of checks per month, with no minimum dollar value required for the check amount. Plus, options are available for overdraft protection and coverage. The State of Illinois Veterans Job Fair, sponsored by Illinois Department of Employment Security, will be held November 7, 2011 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the American Legion Post 979, on 4501 Airport Road in Bartonville. Interested employers with current hiring needs please contact RSVP with Michael T. Ragan, Michael.ragan@illinois.gov

Membership Announcements For all the details regarding these announcements, visit our blog @ http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com

The Pekin Hospital League will hold its annual Holiday Magic Gift Show on Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Pekin Hospital Lobby. This year’s show will feature many beautiful handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, toiletries, stationery, Fannie Mae candy, baby items, toys, and Vera Bradley items. For more information visit the Chamber’s blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2011/10/annual-holiday-magic-gift-show-to-be.html Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the third annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans at O’Brien Field on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Stand Down for Homeless Veterans is a community based intervention program designed to provide area homeless veterans with much needed resources to start them on a path to a better life. For more information visit the Chamber’s blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2011/10/goodwill-to-hold-stand-down-for.html Savant Capital Management, Inc., a nationally recognized fee-only wealth management firm that serves each client in a fiduciary capacity, is again recognized with two Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) certifications. This is the fourth consecutive year Savant has had its certification renewed.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard's fall hours are Thursday-Monday, 12-5pm. Many thanks to everyone for a great concert and festival season this past year. As we head into fall season and the holidays we wish everyone the best. Please stop in and see us for help with holiday gifts and if you are planning a get together our tasting room makes a nice space for up to 54 guests for an evening party. Please give us a call or email. By phone-309-359-9463 or mackinawwinery03@gmail.com The law firm of Moehle, Swearingen & Umholtz, LTD., with offices in Pekin and Washington, is pleased to announce that Brigette Lobacz has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Ms. Lobacz, a native of Olney, Illinois, is a 2009 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law and graduated cum laude from Eastern Illinois University in 2005. Ms. Lobacz will practice in the Pekin office. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the Distribution Committee’s recommendation to fund 23 grant proposals during the September 2011 funding cycle, granting in excess of $82,000. For more on this story please visit the Chamber blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2011/10/community-foundation-of-central.html Prairie Haven Cemetery, LLC is opening a new cemetery at 200 South Veterans Drive in Pekin, and is now available for traditional burials.

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The thirty-eight businesses and organizations

recognized were: · 353 Court, LLC (remodeling, green project, new ownership) · Avanti’s Dome Events & Sports Center of Pekin (remodeling, additional employees) · Big R of Pekin (remodeling, new management, new business, community involvement) · Busey Bank (new technology, green programs, community involvement) · Center for Prevention of Abuse (new ownership) · Chemtura Agrosolutions (other improvements) · Enviro-Safe Refrigerants (remodeling and expansion, new building, additional employees, major equipment investment) · Facet Computers (expansion, green programs, additional employees, new technology investment) · Federal Correctional Institution (green programs) · Goodwill of Central Illinois (expansion, new technology investment, community involvement, other improvements) · The Grand Victorian of Pekin (additional employees, community involvement) · Graphic Packaging International (community involvement) · Herget Bank (additional employees, new technology investment, community involvement) · Home Health Care Plus (community involvement) · iTV-3 (additional employees, new technology investment) · Kelley Construction (green programs, employee training, additional employees) · Leman Property Management (other improvements) · The Mattress Doctor (expansion, green programs, additional employees, major equipment investment) · McDaniels Marketing Communications (remodeling, major investment, other improvements) · Papa Murphy’s Pizza (community involvement) · Pekin Community Bank (remodeling and expansion, new building) · Pekin Hospital (remodeling, additional employees, new technology investment, other improvements) · Pekin Insurance (additional employees, expansion, green programs, other improvements) · Pekin Main Street (community involvement) · Pekin Riding Club (remodeling, green project) · Pekin Veterinary Clinic (new technology and equipment investments, other improvements) · Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory (new business, community involvement) · Professional Therapy Services (remodeling, new building) · Savant Capital Management (community involvement) · Sound Choice Hearing Clinic (remodeling and expansion, additional employees, major retraining effort, community involvement) · South Side Trust and Savings Bank (new business) · Tazewell County Children’s Advocacy Center (expansion) · Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care (remodeling, community involvement) · The Unland Companies (expansion, additional employees, community involvement) · Vonderheide Floor Coverings and Carpet Outlet (remodeling, new building, major retraining effort, new technology investment) · W.D. Boyce Council / Boy Scouts of America (expansion) · Women’s Center for Health (new business, green programs) · WTVP (technology investment, community involvement) For more information on this event please visit the Chamber blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2011/10/chamber-recognizes-38.html You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

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Thank you to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce:

Allen & Associates ~ B'Ribboned Etc. ~ Baumgarten Distributors Beck's Convenience Store ~ Court Place Apartments ~ Henderson Funeral Home ITV-3 (OmniLEC) ~ JM Industrial Supply ~ Liberty Village of Pekin/Pekin Estates

McGladrey & Pullen, LLP ~ Professional Therapy Services Sunset Lanes ~ Women's Center for Health

Board of Directors

President

Skip Schermerhorn, Herget Bank

President Elect

Drew Leman, Leman Property Management

Vice President

Tom Hornstein, Excalibur Seasoning Company

Treasurer

Aindrea Balagna, Wolf Tesar & Company

Past President

Althea Geiser, B'Ribboned, Etc.

Board of Directors

Kevin Andrews, Pekin Hospital

Courtney Antonini, Tazewell County

Denise Comerford, Sound Choice Hearing Clinic

Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management

Paula Davis, Pekin Community High School

District #303

John Dennison, Ray Dennison Chevrolet

John Franks III, Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker

Cab

Yancy Green, Riviera Tan

Renna Hadsall, Busey Bank

Greg Henderson, Henderson Funeral Home

Neal Johnson, Ameren Illinois Utilities

Scott Kriegsman, Elliff, Keyser, Oberle &

Dancey

Brent Morgan, Timbercreek Rehab & Health

Care

Paul Scherer, Associated Bank

Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance

Laurie Barra, Mayor, City of Pekin

Ambassadors

John Abel, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory

Beau Austin, Enviro-Dry

Amber Bernshausen, McDaniels Marketing Communications

Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management

Amy Darling, Pekin Insurance Brittany Dorf, Pekin Community Bank Arlene Heine-Meyer, World Wide Travel

David Homerin, Advanced Media Partners Cathy Lusch, Herget Bank Rose Melz, Illinois Collections Unlimited

Stacey Mutchler, Harbor Light Hospice Christie Perry, Pekin Hospital Amanda Rogy, Amanda’s Closet

Les Rosiere, Jim Maloof Realtor Paul Scherer, Associated Bank Bill Shock, Unland Companies

Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance Kim Tarpley, Morton Villa / Terrace Robin Thomas, Chemtura Agrosolutions

Teresa Ann Tucker, Avon Independent Representative

David Vaupel, Preston Hanley Funeral

Homes and Crematory Milissa Welborn, Busey Bank