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June 2012

402 Court Street Pekin IL 61554

Phone: (309) 346-2106

Fax: (309) 346- 2104

Website www.pekinchamber.com

Email info@pekinchamber.com

New Members P.1

Ribbon Cuttings P.2

Chamber Events P.3

Biz Barometer P.4

Recent Events P.5

History in the Making

P.6

Membership

Announcements P.7

Membership Renewals

Chamber Board and

Ambassadors P.8

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 provide opportunities for Pekin-area businesses to succeed.

Welcome New Members US Cellular, 3552 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 353-7964; www.uscellular.com; Chad

Blaine, Store Manager; Derek DeMott, Sales Manager; Business hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm. U.S. Cellular focuses on having the world's best customer service and delivering industry-leading innovations. Their customers receive unique benefits such as a valuable rewards program that recognizes loyalty, new phones faster without continuously signing contracts, free Battery Swap, Overage Protection, and free incoming calls, texts and picture messages. Cellular services include wireless air cards, and smart phones.

Phased Fitness, 2117 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 210-6359; www.phasedfitness.com;

Brandon Ludolph, owner/trainer, phasedfitness@yahoo.com. Phased Fitness is a small, private business that provides personal training to Anytime Fitness members. Trainers develop programs that meet their client's needs and deliver results. It's a new business that started at the beginning of the year but has already trained over 30 clients who have all had great success. Phased Fitness is looking to grow and expand in the Pekin area and when it does it will offer individuals who are looking to get fit and don't like a busy gym, a more private atmosphere to enable them to focus on their goals. Give them a call to get started on your fitness journey!

Pekin Marathons, 2102 Broadway Street and 1303 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-

2070, (309) 620-9010; Ahmet “Nik” Jani, Director. Business Hours: Monday - Thursday 5am - 10pm, Friday 5am - 11pm, Saturday 6am - 11pm, Sunday 7am - 10pm. Pekin Marathons are family owned, locally managed gas stations and convenience stores.

Totally You Salon and Spa, 1310 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 620-8536; fax: (309)

349-3372; totallyyou1@yahoo.com ; Tonya Freeman, Owner. Business hours: M-W-F, 10am - 6pm; T-T, 10am - 8pm; Sat 10am - 3pm. Totally You Salon and Spa is a full service Salon & Spa offering hair, nails, massage, and skin care.

Walgreens, 1400 Broadway and 2020 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 346-7880; and (309)

347-5525; Jeremy Bieneman, Broadway Store Manager; Lance Benefield, Court Street Store Manager; Business hours: Broadway 7am - 10pm, Court Street, 24 hours. Walgreens is a complete health care provider. They offer everything from prescriptions to health testing and a variety of immunizations. Walgreens also sells a variety of products that promote healthy lifestyles and necessities for daily living.

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Visit our website @

www.pekinchamber.com

Use the drop down box for

Chamber Resources

Click the Calendar

EYE ON IT Current Industry Trends

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Ribbon Cuttings!

Representatives from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce joined Mary Haynes, the owner of Kountry Nook Gift & Craft, for a ribbon cutting on May 8th. Family members also joined in the chamber welcoming ceremony. The Kountry Nook Gift & Craft store is located at 212 N. Capitol in Pekin. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00pm. Kountry Nook has over 50 talented crafters/vendors. They also have unique one-of-a-kind gifts and needful items, a boutique room, and girlie stuff.

Body Wealth Massage

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated Becky Saban, owner of BodyWealth Massage, with a ribbon cutting at her new location at 1811 Broadway. Joining her for the ribbon cutting were family members and representatives from the Pekin business community. BodyWealth is a therapeutic massage studio specializing in pain management as well as relaxation. They offer Swedish relaxation massage, as well as deep tissue, pregnancy, and myofascial massage. BodyWealth Massage is open by appointment and can be reached at 472-1522.

The Kountry Nook Gift & Craft

Here is your chance to be part of more than 60 years of tradition! 2012 Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Honor America 4th of July Celebration

$150 donation - Sparkler Level o 25 stadium admission tickets o Recognition of your generosity in our publicity, including stadium announcements

$250 donation - Firecracker Level o Your name on a banner that hangs inside the stadium o Recognition of your generosity in our publicity, including stadium announcements

$500 donation - Sky Rocket Level o 125 stadium admission tickets o Your name on a banner that hangs inside the stadium o Recognition of your generosity in our publicity, including stadium announcements

$1000 donation - Saturn Missile Level o 200 stadium admission tickets o Your name on a banner that hangs inside the stadium o Recognition of your generosity in our publicity, including stadium announcements

Contact Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 346-2106, to discuss sponsorship and all the benefits of membership!

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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 Chamber 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 Renna Hadsall Events Manager Diane Sego, Receptionist Brittney Beal, Office Assistant

Chamber Events

June 6 – Pekin 1st Committee

June 7 – Business After Hours

June 8 – Puttin’ On Pekin Breakfast

June 13 – Member Promotions Committee

June 13 – Transportation Committee

June 13 – Executive Board Meeting

June 13 – Board of Directors Meeting

June 20 – Ambassadors Meeting

June 20 – Marigold Festival Committee

June 26 – Business Advocacy Committee

Reservations Appreciated 346-2106 or

email us at info@pekinchamber.com

June 7th

200 Block Historic District

As the 200 block stabilization project nears completion, the owners of project invite you to an open house at the project site in the 200 block of Court Street. Don't miss this opportunity to network with fellow chamber members and community leaders. You'll also enjoy refreshments, door prizes and receive

tours and information from our hosts.

June 8th

Knights of Columbus Hall 715 N. 11th St., Pekin

6:45 – 8:00 am

RSVP to 346-2106 or e-mail us at info@pekinchamber.com Cost is just $10 for reservations made by June 6. After that the cost is $15

Additional features of the breakfast include: Program by Pekin’s Ambucs, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs

Door prize drawings provided by local businesses One minute reminders “Meet the new Chamber Member” Bring your flyers and handouts

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Biz Barometer

Another Strong Month for the Pekin-Area Economy

Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in May was

11.5% greater than the May 2011 payment. This generally represents

tax collected on sales in February.

Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in the last 3

months are 7.7% greater than the same period in 2011.

East Peoria’s sales tax disbursement received from the state for the last

12 months is 10.5% greater than the previous 12-month period.

For the 12 months ending in May, Pekin (+2.4%), Morton (4.2%), and

Washington (3.4%) also saw increases over the previous year’s tax

disbursements received from the state.

The number of residential units sold in the 61554 zip code in the first

three months of 2012 is up 17.8% over the same period in 2011.

The average sales price of a residential unit in Pekin in the first three

months of 2012 is up 6.7% over the same period in 2011.

Pekin’s unemployment rate fell from 8.8% in March of 2012 to 8.0%

in April of 2012.

The number of people employed in Pekin (16,228) in April of 2012

was 90 more than March of 2012.

The number of people employed in Pekin (16,228) in April of 2012

was 459 or 2.9% more than January of 2012.

The number of people employed in the Peoria region (187,650) in

April of 2012 was 5,303 or 2.9% more than January of 2012.

Nationally, non-farm payroll employment rose by 115,000 in April,

and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.1. Employment

increased in professional and business services, retail trade, and health

care, but declined in transportation and warehousing.

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

unchanged in April on a seasonally adjusted basis. Over the last 12

months, the all items index increased 2.3% before adjustments.

Sources: Illinois Department of Employment Security; Illinois Department of

Revenue; Peoria Area Association of Realtors; Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Business After Hours Held

Recent Events

After nearly a year of surveys, research and discussions, the Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan for the organization. The board and executive committee first considered the following research information: an environmental scan entitled “We’re Not Your Father’s Chamber,” a SWOT analysis, what members want, and an analysis of the chamber’s membership and events. A vision and mission statements were developed, followed by 3 objectives with strategies and 2012 priorities. The organizations new mission statement is “to provide opportunities for Pekin area businesses to succeed.” The Chamber’s new vision statement is: “The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will lead the effort to create a vibrant business environment in the Pekin area.” The three primary objectives in the plan are

1) Promote a pro-business agenda 2) Promote economic development in Pekin and the region 3) Provide members with benefits and services that meet their

needs For further detail on this plan, please read the full story on our blog at http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/chamber-implements-new-strategic-plan.html

McDaniels Marketing celebrated 45 years in business while hosting the May 3rd Business After Hours. A large turnout of chamber members and McDaniels’ clients enjoyed wines from Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, hors d'oeuvres from CJ's Cafe, and tours of the newly renovated McDaniels office space. "Our 45th anniversary is a significant achievement,”

Chamber Implements New Strategic Plan

Randall McDaniels, the agency’s president and CEO, said. “We are the oldest firm in the area under the same family ownership and management, and we take pride in all we have accomplished." You can see more pictures from this and other chamber events at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

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CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) has received the 2011 Consumers’ Choice Award for “Best Landline Telephone Service Provider for Customer Value Enhancement” from Frost & Sullivan, a business research and consulting firm. The award, based on consumers’ evaluations of their landline telephone service providers, recognizes CenturyLink’s focus on enhancing the value that its customers receive in the areas of service quality, price and customer service. For more information please visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/04/centurylink-receives-frost-sullivan_26.html Pekin Main Street has been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center®. For more information visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/pekin-main-street-recieves-2012.html Pekin Main Street is presenting a county wide talent competition that will determine who has the most talent! The top 10 acts will

compete at Friday Night Family Fest to kick off Marigold Festival Weekend on September 7, 2012 for

cash prizes and winner of Pekin’s Got Talent. For more information, or to learn more about auditioning please visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/pekin-main-street-presents-pekins-got.html

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

Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. recently honored 113 employees at the 53rd Annual Service Awards Dinner held at the Pekin Moose Lodge on April 19. Employees honored have more than 1,245 years total service to Pekin Hospital and ProHealth Inc. For the list of employees and their years of service please visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/pekin-hospital-honors-employees-at-53rd.html Goodwill of Central Illinois has named Bob Parkhurst as Vice President of Administrative Services. Pekin Hospital was recently honored by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White for dedication to organ/tissue donation. An unveiling ceremony in honor of donor families and recipients was held near the hospital's main entrance. Locally, Pekin Hospital has been a leader in ongoing dedication and commitment to organ and tissue donation. South Side Trust & Savings Bank is pleased to announce Emma Vandeveer, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, has been awarded the Women in Leadership of Central Illinois “Woman of the Year” Award for 2012. U.S. Cellular Customers! How about earning some money off of your bill! Every time you refer a business who becomes a customer, you'll both get a $50 credit per line! For more info visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/us-cellular-offers-savings.html

Goodwill of Central Illinois has been awarded a grant for $25,000 from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The money will be used for Goodwill’s Stand Down for Homeless Veterans and Goodwill’s Veterans’ Employment Program. For more information visit http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com/2012/05/goodwill-receives-grant-to-support.html Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Concerts in the Vineyard will be held on the June dates of: 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Live music concerts will be held on Saturdays from 7:00pm to 10:45pm featuring local classic rock groups. Bring your own folding chair or blanket for lawn seating or call to reserve a spot on the deck for a small fee. Pizza and cheese and crackers available or bring your own picnic. Admission is $5 per person, 12 and under free. Check for band details on the web www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com , Facebook-Mackinaw Winery, or call 309-359-WINE Heartland Bank and Trust Company is pleased to announce that Paul Scherer has been named Vice President of Mortgage Lending for the local market, and is located at Heartland Bank’s 3501 W. War Memorial Dr. office in Peoria. He is responsible for developing new residential loan relationships and will manage the bank’s local residential lending team.

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Thanks to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin

Area Chamber of Commerce:

14th Street Hardware ~ Adams Outdoor Advertising ~ Artistic Community Theatre Best Western Ashland House & Conference Center ~ Brad Campbell Memorial Fund

Carl & Nichols Shell ~ City of Pekin ~ Davison-Fulton-Woolsey Funeral Home Debbie Fornoff Interior Designs & Draperies ~ Farden Pest Control ~ JPG Commercial Real Estate LLC

Laserpro of Peoria, Inc. ~ Let It Shine, LLC ~ Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Pekin-Peoria Yellow Checker Cab ~ Pekin Paintball Park ~ Pekin Prescription Laboratory, Inc.

Roy L. King Post 1232 VFW ~ Steve Saal ~ Simmons Sanitations Service Southside Business Association ~ St. Joseph Catholic Church ~ St. Jude Pekin to Peoria Run

St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Development/Run Office ~ Wireless Express

Board of Directors

President

Drew Leman, Leman Property Management

President Elect

Tom Hornstein, Excalibur Seasoning Company

Vice President

Aindrea Balagna, Wolf Tesar & Company

Treasurer

Gregg Ratliff, Individual Member

Past President

Skip Schermerhorn, Herget Bank

Board of Directors

Courtney Antonini, Tazewell County

Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management

Amy Darling, Pekin Insurance

Paula Davis, Pekin Community High School

District #303

John Dennison, Ray Dennison Chevrolet

Yancy Green, Riviera Tan

Greg Henderson, Henderson Funeral Home

Neal Johnson, Ameren Illinois Utilities

Scott Kriegsman, Elliff, Dancey & Bosich, PC

Andrew Lockwood, Pekin Community Bank

Brent Morgan, Timbercreek Rehab & Health

Care

Tee Rynerson, Jim Maloof Realtor

Becky Saban, Body Wealth Massage

Paul Scherer, Heartland Bank and Trust

Company

Mark VanderLinden, Pekin Hospital

Laurie Barra, Mayor, City of Pekin

Ambassadors

John Abel, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory

Mike Arnold, Glass Specialty Company

Angie Atherton, McDaniels Marketing Communications

Daryl Dagit, Savant Capital Management

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

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, Individual Member

Paul Scherer, Heartland Bank and Trust Company

Joe Shehorn, Unland Companies

Diane Steiner, Pekin Insurance Robin Thomas, Chemtura Agrosolutions Teresa Ann Tucker, Individual Member

David Vaupel, Preston Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory

Milissa Welborn, Busey Bank