chamber connection - Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER connection
We promote the growth of the Pekin area through the collective efforts of our members.
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Established in 1893
May 2012
402 Court Street
Pekin IL 61554
Phone: (309) 346-2106
Fax: (309) 346- 2104
New Members P.1,3
Website
www.pekinchamber.com
Email
info@pekinchamber.com
Newly Elected Board
Members P.2, 3
Ribbon Cuttings P.3
Chamber Events P.4
Biz Barometer P.5
Recent Events P.6
Membership
Announcements P.7
Welcome New Members
Alzheimer's Association Central IL Chapter, 606 W. Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614; (309) 6811100; email: nikki.vulgaris@alz.org; website: www.alz.org/illinoiscentral; Nikki Vulgaris, Executive
Director. The Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to providing
educational and supportive services to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers understand
and deal with the disease and its impact on their lives. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s
disease through the advancement of research, to provide an enhance care and support for all
affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Sharp's Electronic Measurements, Inc., 2103 N. Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-2864;
fax: 347-5864; email: sem-inc@comcast.net; Rich Sharp, President. Open Monday through Friday
from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. SEM specializes in computer sales,
support, repair, network, and software installation.
Membership Renewals
Les Rosiere, Individual Member
Chamber Board and
Faith Baptist Christian School, 1501 Howard Court, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 347-6178; fax 3478716. www.faithchristianofpekin.org; Mr. Ken Seest, Principal; Pastor Tim Collard, Superintendent.
Faith Baptist Christian School, a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, has been committed to providing a
quality Christ-centered education for over 35 years. The school equips students with an excellent
academic foundation, strong social skills, and with the spiritual and moral skills necessary to "grow
in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man." (Luke 2:52)
Ambassadors P.8
Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning, 113 N. Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 349-1128.
Otera Brinson, owner. www.beautifulmemories.us. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to
3:00 pm, and by appointment, Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning offers people, who find it
difficult or are unable to visit, the peace of mind that their loved ones' grave site is being cared for
and maintained in the dignified manner that their memories deserve. Their maintenance programs
range from a one-time cleaning, edging and polishing to a yearly program. The yearly program
includes three complete cleanings and artificial flower placement in spring, summer, and fall. All of
their work is photo documented with a before and after picture!
Military Uniform Supply Outlet Store, 3212 Veterans Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; (309) 620-8276; Alan
McLouth, President; Tina Amerman, Manager. sales@militaryclothing.com;
www.militaryuniformsupply.com; Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm,
Military Uniform Supply Outlet Store sells military clothing & tactical gear for military, law
enforcement, JROTC, public service, EMT, hunting, paintball/airsoft, casual wear, women/kids, and
more!
New Members Cont. on Page 3
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Newly Elected Board Members
In March members of
Amy Darling, Pekin Life Insurance Company
the Pekin Area
Chamber of
Commerce elected 5
new members to the
Board of Directors.
These new directors
were introduced at the
Chamber’s annual
Amy Darling is the Specialty Claim Manager for Pekin Life
Insurance Company, overseeing operations of life, disability
and medicare supplement claim department. Amy graduated from
Illinois State University with her bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration.
Amy serves as a Chamber Ambassador. Amy is married to Greg
Darling and has two children Patrick 14, and Hannah 11. Some of
her hobbies include golf and keeping up with her children and their
activities.
meeting held on April
th
16 at Pekin Country
Club.
Tee Rynerson, Jim Maloof Realtor
Tee Rynerson is the Managing Broker for Jim Maloof Realtor,
working as overseer of the Realtors activities, participating in
corporate office decisions, sells, lists, and shows properties. After
graduating high school she attended the Graduate Real Estate
Institute (GRI).
Tee is involved in the Relay for Life, St. Judes, and the Grievance
Committee (through the Board of Realtors). Some of the
designations she holds in Real Estate are: GRI, SFR (Short Sale &
Foreclosure Resource), and BPOR (Broker Price Opinion
Resource).
Tee and her husband Rick have two children Rick 31, and Kim 35. Some of Tee’s hobbies are
spending time with her family and friends, outdoor flowers, playing euchre, and loving her cats.
Mark VanderLinden, Pekin Hospital
Mark VanderLinden is the Controller at Pekin Hospital, working to
provide oversight of financial reporting, payroll and accounts
payable. Mark earned his B.A. in Accounting and Finance, and his
Masters in Health Care Administration.
He is involved with the Kiwanis Club of Pekin, the Health Care
Financial Management Association, and Faith Baptist Church. Mark
and his wife Wendy have two children: Gavin 6, and Lucy 3. Some
of Mark’s hobbies include coaching Little League Baseball and
Youth Wrestling, and playing golf.
Becky Saban, Body Wealth Massage
Becky Saban is the owner and licensed therapist of BodyWealth
Massage. Becky attended ICC School of Massage Therapy and
John Barnes Institute.
Becky serves on the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork, Associated Bodyworkers and Massage
Professionals, and ICC’s Therapeuric Massage Program Advisory
Board. She has 4 children: Jenny 29, Karyn 26, Erica 17, and Andi
15. She enjoys reading, walking, biking, road trips with her children,
remodeling her old house, and music.
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Newly Elected Board Members (Cont.)
Andrew Lockwood, Pekin Community Bank
Visit our website @
www.pekinchamber.com
Use the drop down box for
Chamber Resources
Click the Calendar
Andrew Lockwood, Assistant Vice President of Pekin Community
Bank, was born in England. He moved to Central Illinois as a young
boy. He graduated from Morton High School and spent 6 years in
the United States Army and Illinois Army National Guard, receiving
an Honorable Discharge in 1992. He then spent a number of years
in the automotive industry while attending college and studying
micro-computer networking.
For the last 12 years, Andrew has been in the banking business as
a residential loan officer. His duties also include consumer loans,
home equity loans and commercial loans and he can be found
working out of both Pekin branch facilities (downtown and East
Court Village.)
Andrew is the proud father of 2 daughters, Heather and Nicole. He has been involved with
bagpipe bands since the age of 9 as a snare drummer. He is currently the treasurer of Celtic
Cross Pipes and Drums in Peoria and is an Advisory Board Member for the Midwest Pipe Band
Association of Chicago. He enjoys watching his daughter run track and cross country, playing in
the bagpipe band, cars, traveling, and yard work.
New Members, (Cont.)
EMEX Power, 5325 West Janet Court, Bartonville, IL 61554. Phone: (309) 807-7198; Brent
Bacon, Independent Broker. Email: rivermen1@comcast.net; website:
www.centralillinoissave.emexpower.com; Ready to start paying less on your commercial energy
bill? EMEX simplifies the process with a cutting-edge online platform that lets you quickly
compare rates and easily switch to a lower-cost energy provider. No obligations, no hassles, no
risk, and best of all — there’s absolutely no cost to find the lowest rates. EMEX Power is the
only company with live reverse auction for your energy use.
Ribbon Cuttings!
Beautiful Memories
Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning, 113 N.
Parkway Drive in Pekin recently celebrated their
grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Representatives
from the City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber
of Commerce welcomed and congratulated the
owner, Otera Brinson. She was joined by her family
and friends at the ribbon cutting. Open Monday
through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and by
appointment, Beautiful Memories Memorial Cleaning
offers people, who find it difficult or are unable to visit, the peace of mind that their loved ones'
grave site is being cared for and maintained in the dignified manner that their memories deserve.
Their maintenance programs range from a one-time cleaning, edging and polishing to a yearly
program. The yearly program includes three complete cleanings and artificial flower placement in
spring, summer, and fall. All of their work is photo documented with a before and after picture!
They can be reached at 349-1128 or www.beautifulmemories.us.
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Chamber Events
May 1 – Ambassador Meeting
May 2 – Women’s Marigold Golf Comm.
May 2 – Executive Board Meeting
May 3 – Pekin 1st Committee
May 3 – Business After Hours
May 8 - Member Services Committee
May 9 - Transportation Committee
May 9 – Board of Directors Meeting
May 16 - Marigold Festival Committee
May 29 – Business Advocacy Committee
Contact Us
402 Court Street
Pekin, Illinois 61554
Reservations
Appreciated
346-2106 or
email us at
info@pekincham
ber.com
Ph: (309) 346-2106
Fax: (309) 346-2104
E-mail: info
@pekinchamber.com
Website: www.
pekinchamber.com
Chamber Blog:
http://pekinchamber.bl
ogspot.com
Marigold Blog:
http://marigoldfestival.
blogspot.com
McDaniels
Marketing
Communications
#11 Olt Ave.
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May 3rd
Don't miss this opportunity to network with fellow chamber members
and community leaders. You'll also enjoy refreshments, door prizes
and tours or information from our hosts. Plus you can help
McDaniels Marketing toast their 45th anniversary!
\
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
Spruce Up Pekin will be held May 5th from 8:00 am
to 4:00 pm. The event will take place at three
different locations: Mineral Springs Park at the
parking lot North of the Miniature Golf and Diamond
1 (antifreeze, oil, batteries and electronics will only
be accepted at this location), Southside Park at
Knapp St. & Sapp Streets, and the City of Pekin
Street Department on 1208 Koch Street (tires will
only be accepted at this location for $2.00 for cars
or trucks on/off rims).
They will NOT accept propane tanks, paint, or yard
waste. Pekin residents only - ID will be checked.
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Biz Barometer
Pekin’s sales tax disbursement received from the state in April
was 2.2% greater than the April 2011 payment. This generally
represents tax collected on sales in January.
Pekin’s sales tax disbursements received from the state in the
last 3 months are 4.7% greater than the same period in 2011.
East Peoria’s sales tax disbursements received from the state
for the last 12 months is 8.1% greater than the previous 12month period.
For the 12 months ending in April, Pekin (+1.2%), Morton
(3.4%), and Washington (3.0%) 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 two months of 2012 is up 6.7% over the same period in
2011.
The average sales price of a residential unit in Pekin in the first
two months of 2012 is up 9.1% over the same period in 2011.
Pekin’s unemployment rate went from 10.8% in January of 2012
to 10.3% in February of 2012.
The number of people employed in Pekin (15,929) in February
of 2012 was 160 more than January of 2012.
The number of people employed in Pekin (15,929) in February
of 2012 was 525 or 3.4% more than February of 2011.
The number of people employed in the Peoria region (184,204)
in February of 2012 was 4,533 or 2.5% more than a year ago.
Nationally, non-farm payroll employment rose by 120,000 in
March, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.2%
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
increased 0.3 percent in March on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.7
percent before seasonal adjustment.
Sources: Illinois Department of Employment Security; Illinois Department of
Revenue; Peoria Area Association of Realtors; Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Recent Events
Business After Hours Held
Three businesses & organizations came
together to sponsor the April 5th Business
After Hours: The Speakeasy Art Center,
Harbor Light Hospice, and Home
Healthcare Plus. There was good food,
drink, and refreshments, as well as
information about all three of the sponsors.
See the pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber
CIRCLE Legislative Reception
The Chambers of Commerce in the area
(Pekin, Peoria, Morton, Washington,
Chillicothe, Canton, and East Peoria)
hosted the annual CIRCLE Legislative
Reception on April 9th. Legislators in
attendance included Congressman Aaron
Schock, State Senators Dave Koehler and
Darin LaHood, and State Representatives
Keith Sommer, Mike Unes, and Dave
Leitch. About 75 local business leaders were in attendance. Information
about CIRCLE's upcoming trip to Springfield, including the issues to be
presented, was available. You can see more pictures from this event on
the chamber's picture page at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber
2012 Chamber Annual Meeting
Over 220 people attended the Annual Meeting
of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
held on April 16, 2012 at the Pekin Country
Club. Retiring members from the board of
directors were recognized, new members
were introduced, and new officers were
elected. Entertainment was provided by Pekin
Civic Chorus. You can see over 100 pictures
from this event at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber
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Membership Announcements
For all the details regarding these announcements, visit our blog @ http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com
Pekin AMBUCS May 4th Charity
Auction should reach a milestone.
If the 41st annual public auction
nets at least $40,000, the club will
have raised over $1,000,000 for
area charities and non-profit
organizations. The auction will be
held inside the Memorial Arena in
Mineral Springs Park in Pekin,
and starts at 5 p.m. There is no
admission charge. For more
information please visit
http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com
/2012/04/ambucs-charityauction.html
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard will
host their annual Music and
International Wine and Beer
Festival May, 26th 11am to 11pm
and May, 27th 12 to 6pm. This
event will be held in the pavilion
at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard with
bands performing at the lake
gazebo and in the pavilion. More
information is available by
phoning 309-359-WINE or on the
web at
www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.co
m or Facebook-Mackinaw Winery
McDaniels Marketing, a fullservice agency in Pekin, Ill., is
celebrating 45 years in the
industry. To celebrate the
milestone, the company recently
launched a yearlong campaign.
For more information please visit
the Chamber Blog at
http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com
/2012/04/mcdaniels-marketingcelebrates-45-years.html
National Nurse’s Appreciation
Week is May 6th- May 12th…
Make it a habit to tell your Nurse,
“Thank You”.
The Pekin Hospital League’s
21st Annual Golf Classic will be
held Monday, May 7 at the Pekin
Country Club. The entry fee is
$125.00 per person and includes
green fees, cart, box lunch,
beverages and a buffet dinner.
Lunch will be available at 11:30
a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m.
shotgun start. The format will be
a four person scramble. The right
hole-in-one could net the winner
$5,000.00 along with chances to
win other bonus prizes. Proceeds
from the Golf Classic will support
digital mammography at Pekin
Hospital. Entry forms are
available online at
www.pekinhospital.org or by
calling (309) 353-0803.
Peoria International Airport
now has daily non-stop flights
from Peoria to Atlanta on Delta.
For more information, visit
www.flypia.com
South Side Trust & Savings
Bank, a subsidiary of Mid Illinois
Bancorp, Inc., held its Annual
Meeting on April 9, 2012 where
its Board of Directors elected
David F. Cochran to Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Mark W. Joseph to
President, and Gregory C. Rice to
Executive Vice President. To see
more of the promotions please
visit the Chamber Blog at
http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com
/2012/04/south-side-trustsavings-bank-announces.html
The Pekin Area Chamber of
Commerce Annual Report was
distributed at the April 16th
annual meeting. You can
download/view a copy of the
annual report online.
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The Alzheimer’s Association
will host the Kentucky Derby
Party on May 5 at the Country
Club of Peoria. The evening
begins at 4:30 p.m. with Kentucky
style hors d’oeuvres and mint
juleps. The race is set to begin at
5:15 p.m. Upon arrival, guests will
be treated to a photo shoot with a
horse in the Winner’s Circle.
Proceeds will benefit the
Alzheimer's Association - Central
Illinois Chapter. For more
information please visit
http://pekinchamber.blogspot.com
/2012/04/alzheimers-associationto-host-kentucky.html
The Pekin Area Chamber of
Commerce 2012 Community
Profile is now available. You can
see the online version of this
community profile, or you can
stop in our office and pick up the
magazine sized publication. It’s a
free publication from our chamber
member sponsors. You can also
find our most recent Pekin city
map online, or you can pick up a
free one in the office.
The Tazewell County
Genealogical & Historical
Society is planning a pictorial
history of “Good Old Pekin High
School.” They want to celebrate
the lives that passed through the
halls of West Campus. If you
climbed those steps, hung-out in
the Dragons Den or ‘did time’ in
the Dean’s office, they want to
hear from you. If you have photos
or memories to share, please
contact them at 309-477-3044,
visit their website at
www.tcghs.org or drop by at 719
N 11th St., Pekin.
Thanks to the following members who recently renewed their investment in the Pekin
Area Chamber of Commerce:
Boys & Girls Club of Pekin ~ CEFCU ~ Chemtura Agrosolutions
DHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services ~ Elliff, Dancey & Bosich, PC
First Federal Savings & Loan ~ Holiday Inn Express
Homerun Advertising Specialties ~ Illinois Central College ~ Jimmy Johns
Kyle's Care at Home ~ Lange Animal Clinic ~ Nelson's Catering Inc.
Peoria International Airport ~ PNC Bank ~ Erik Reader
Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center
Tebben Insurance Services, Inc. ~ The Mattress Doctor
Board of Directors
Ambassadors
President
Drew Leman, Leman Property Management
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President Elect
Tom Hornstein, Excalibur Seasoning Company
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Vice President
Aindrea Balagna, Wolf Tesar & Company
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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
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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