Home | Contact Us | Find a Business | Member Login
East Peoria Chamber of Commerce

 

Has your business or a staff member earned an award, certification or been honored for an achievement?  Have you acquired a new enterprise? Is a special program or event coming up? If so, the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce wants to know. Send member news to East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, 111 W. Washington St., Suite 290, East Peoria, IL 61611, fax to 699-6220 or email to maureen@epcc.org.

  •  
  • The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is pleased to announce its 1st anniversary. They celebrated during a ribbon cutting on April 29, 2010 and a public open house on May 6, 2010. The events had a great turnout. The Fairfield Inn and Suites would like to thank everyone who came out to help celebrate!
  • Federal Companies, an Illinois-based transportation, logistics, and warehousing company, was recognized for outstanding performance in the area of open book management on May 6 at the 2010 Gathering of Games held in St. Louis, MO. The award was conferred by The Great Game of Business Company, a Springfield, MO-based firm dedicated to promoting open-book management across the private and public sectors. Over 6,000 companies participate in the Great Game of Business, including many Fortune 500 companies.  In granting its "All-Star" award to Federal Companies, the Great Game Company cited Federal Companies’ ownership for its commitment to its staff, its customers and its community.  The firm has developed a variety of innovative scoreboards to help its staff track and understand company finances and how their individual contributions affect the bottom line. The high degree of financial transparency and accountability has helped Federal Companies maintain strong profit margins in a down economy.  Federal Companies is a privately held business. The company is owned by William T. Cirone, Randall L. Schrock, and Jeffrey R. Bogdan. The company was started in 1913 in Peoria, Illinois and currently has other locations ranging from Milwaukee, Chicago, Frankfort, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, to St. Louis. The company today employs 290 people. The company provides domestic and international relocation services as an agent for Allied Van Lines, warehousing, distribution, freight brokerage, off site records management, remote data back up and imaging services, home delivery, and motorcycle transportation services to more than 250 customers each and every day. The firm has been practicing open book management for seven years. www.federalcos.com
  • Effective June 1, 2010, Widmer Interiors will become the Herman Miller dealer for the Rockford, DeKalb and Aurora areas. As part of this expansion, Widmer Interiors has acquired Masters Business Interiors based in DeKalb, Illinois. To support this territory, Widmer will be opening a new showroom in Rockford later this summer. Kurt Kieser has been named General Manager for this area. Kurt is a Herman Miller certified healthcare specialist and brings with him over 18 years of sales and management experience.  As the exclusive Herman Miller dealer in the Rockford and DeKalb areas, Widmer Interiors will focus on commercial, healthcare and education projects. Widmer Interiors is a Herman Miller Certified Dealer; one of only 49 dealers in the U.S. to hold this accreditation. Widmer will now operate out of four locations in Illinois: Rockford, Peoria, Champaign, and Normal.  “Widmer has served healthcare customers in Rockford for 15 years, so opening a full service location in Rockford is a natural fit,” said Frank Gutwein, President of Widmer Interiors. “We look forward to providing our new  customers with the same excellent service that Widmer has provided for over 45 years.”  Masters Business Interiors was founded in 1995 by Frank Heegaard. From their showroom in DeKalb, Masters  has developed a strong reputation throughout northern Illinois. Frank Heegaard will be joining the Widmer team  effective June 1, 2010.  Widmer Interiors creates great places to work, heal and learn. Widmer’s primary focus is on office and healthcare  furnishings, interior design services, filing systems and floor coverings. Founded in 1964, Widmer is based in Peoria, Illinois. In 2006, Win Stoller and Frank Gutwein purchased the company and continue the stewardship of  this family business. More information on Widmer Interiors can be found at their website,  www.widmerinteriors.com.
  • Peoria Teen’s Room Reconstruction Wish Underway:  Michael is a Peoria, Illinois Teen with a life-threatening medical illness. Wish-Granting Volunteers Bonnie Hester and Janet Martin worked with Michael and his family to coordinate Michael’s wish to have an accessible bathroom. As funding ‘seed money’ the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois started with a “Community Care Project Grant” from Illinois Finishing Contractors Association and a commitment by FCAI member Mid-Illinois Companies to make this wish come true. When Bobby Taylor of Mid-Illinois Companies put out a call for help in fulfilling Michael’s wish, it was answered by West Central Trades Council, Carpenters Local Union #182, Warner Plumbing, Mid-State Terrazzo, Sheet Metal Workers International Union #1, Laborer Local Union #165, CIES Electrical. Together they have worked to transform Michael’s bathroom and have now extended the Wish into his bedroom. Suppliers donating materials for this Wish include Safety Bath of Peoria, ADA Total Access of East Peoria, Mid-State Terrazzo of Peoria, Westmont Interiors of Peoria, CIES Electrical of Peoria, MAB/Sherwin Williams of Peoria, PDC of Peoria, SafetyED of California, and Lowe's of Peoria. The wish is expected to be finished by mid-May.
  • John Graham and Associates are pleased to announce that John Graham, CLU has successfully completed the requirements for the Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation from the Society of Professional Asset-Managers and Record Keepers (SPARK).  John Graham and Associates, Inc. is a financial planning firm located in East Peoria, Illinois. 
  • FCAI is now accepting Community Care Project grant applications for cash awards to help non-profit organizations build, update, maintain or educate. Grant applications can be emailed to cshay@dba-designteam.com or faxed to 687-4790 or mailed to FCAI Community Care Project, c/o Christine L. Shay, dba/design & marketing, 4410 N. Miller Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616.  For questions about applying and/or problems sending the applications, contact Christine Shay at 740-9718. 
  • Tazwood Mental Health Center announces and expansion of their urinalysis testing services.  The following sites offer the services: Pekin Clinic, 3248 Vandever Ave., Pekin and East Peoria Clinic, 100 N. Main St., East Peoria.  Cost for the test is $35.  Call Michael Polson at 347-5579 for more information. 
  • Barrack's Hospitality Group of Peoria was honored to be chosen as the caterer for Sara Palin's visit to Five Points in Washington on April 17th. James Barrack has the honor of personally serving the Governor and guests seated at the head table.  The menu for the 460 guests included:  strawberry spinach salad, filet mignon w/mushroom bordelaise glaze, grilled garlic shrimp, tri-color roasted potatoes, fresh blend of vegetables, diamond rolls w/butter rosettes, and a dessert trio. 
  • Curves of East Peoria continues its on-going efforts to fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases by taking a pro-active community approach.  Fundraising efforts for the 2010 American Cancer Society's East Peoria Relay for Life event, which will take place on June 12th & 13th at EastSide Centre's outdoor tract, include many East Peoria Curves team events.  This is the 3rd year that Curves of East Peoria has fielded a team for the event.  Last year the club raised $1500.  This year they have set a goal to raise $3000. 
  • Mark Friedrich has been a Washington resident for the past five years and very recently joined a local agency, Legacy Insurance Agency of Illinois as a Risk Manager/Partner.  As an Agent for over twenty years, he enjoys assisting individuals and business owners understand their risks as well as the coverage they need to protect themselves and their investments.  Mark is very involved in the community and currently serves on the Board of the Heart of America Chapter of the American Red Cross and is actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and the Salvation Army.  He has held past Officer level positions with Consultant’s Forum, Business Network International Agents Advisory Council, and various Booster programs at his sons’ schools.  Mark and his wife Lisa together have five children.  Besides being busy with his family, he enjoys yard work, camping, fishing, travel and cooking and is an avid Packer fan.  Mark enjoys Washington and its people as it reminds him of the hometown he grew up in Wisconsin.
  • Diane Vespa, with RE/MAX Unlimited in Peoria, has recently been presented with the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes successful agents. Diane has extensive experience in residential sales and is a Graduate of Realtors Institute.  Diane lives in Peoria with her husband, John, and their two children. 
  • Culver's restaurants in the East Peoria-area community are introducing a new Butterburger to help celebrate National Hamburger Month in May.  They are now serving the BBQ Cheddar ButterBurger with fresh, never-frozen 100% U.S. beef, savory BBQ sauce, Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese and cooked-to-order with a choice of your favorite condiments.  Culver's of East Peoria is located at 901 W. Camp St.  Culver's serves fresh food with genuine family values to each and every guest.  Culver's is an expanding franchise system with more than 400 independently owned and operated restaurants in 18 states.  Remember to visit Culver's during the month of May and start your own National Hamburger Month with the BBQ Cheddar butterburger or any of the many other delicious ButterBurger options. 
  • Health-benefits company Humana, Inc. is seeking nominations for its second annual Humana Starlight Award.  Central Illinois is one of six locations in the nation selected by Humana to participate in its Starlight Award program, which honors volunteers age 65 or older for outstanding service in their communities.  Humana will present a one-time grant of $10,000 donation to the qualifying nonprofit organization of the award recipient's choice.  Humana, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is one of the national's largest public traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 10.3 million medical members and approximately 7.2 million specialty-benefit members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplemental benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals.  For more information about the Humana Starlight Award program, visit www.humana.com/starlight or contact the Peoria Humana office at 677-8426. 
  • PSA-Dewberry welcomes Michelle Cowser to their Mechanical Engineering Group.
  • PSA-Dewberry recently received three merit awards by the AIA/Academy of Architecture for Justice Justice Facilities Review Awards Program and Publication. Projects receiving awards were the Rockford Federal Courthouse, the Baltimore Youth Detention Center, and the Lancaster County, Nebraska Detention Center.
  • From the medical community...
  • The Methodist Medical Center Mobile Mammography Van is scheduled for the month of June 2010.  Methodist now features all digital mammography equipment providing improved, faster and more comfortable exams. Click here for the schedule.  There is no need for a doctor’s order for a screening mammogram if you’re 40 or over. If you are uninsured or underinsured, let them know when you call for an appointment. You may qualify for a free mammogram.   Call for an appointment at 671-8282.
  • The Methodist Wellmobile will be offering free PSA tests for Peoria County residents on June 15th at the Methodist Medical Group at Princeville, 223 E. Main from 8:30-11:30 a.m.  They will also offer free blood pressure and cholesterol screening.  Register by going to www.mymethodist.net/events or by calling 672-5900.
  •  
  • Methodist Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs Rick Anderson, MD has announced a series of updates to the Methodist Medical Group.  Joan Goolemon, MD has been appointed Medical Director of the Methodist Family Medical Center.  Stephanie Lindstron, MD has been named Medical director-Rural Health/Primary Care.  John Miller, MD has been named Medical Director of Methodist North Allen Road Family Medicine and pediatrics.  Brian Cohen, MD has accepted the position of Medical Director-Specialty Care for the Methodist Medical Group.  Tony Dawalibi, DO has been named Medical Director-Primary Care/Med Pointes.  Gregory Johnson, MD has accepted the position of Medical Director-Growth and Innovation.  Keith Knepp, MD has been named Chief Medical Informatics Officer.  Alex Adler, MD is now Medical director for Methodist Medical Group Cardiology. 
  • Methodist Medical Center has announced the April 2010 Employees of the Month.  The three selected were  Paula Mailloux, RN, selected for the category of Nursing,  Julie thames of Morton for non-nursing support, and Linda Doubet for the category of Patient Care.  All were honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, April 21. 2010.   Methodist Medical Center has announced the May, 2010 Employees of the Month. Their peers in the areas of patient care, nursing, and non-nursing support recognize three separate employees. The three selected were Penny Maher RN of Washington who was selected for the category of Nursing. She works in CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit). Also selected was Caroline Booth of Chillicothe for non-nursing support. She works with Business Development. And for the category of Patient Care, Alisha Henkhaus of Bartonville was selected. She works at the Peoria MedPointe.   All three will be honored at a hospital reception on Wednesday, May 19, 2010
  • Methodist Medical Center honored its volunteers at the 38th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Tuesday, April 20th at the Paradice Hotel.  Among the volunteers, special recognition honored Aubrey Atkinson with seventeen thousand volunteer hours and Barbara Spurgeon with sixteen thousand volunteer hours.
  • Methodist Medical Center President and CEO Michael Bryant announced the appointment of Dr. Erick Laine as Senior Vice President and President of the Methodist Medical Group.  Dr. Laine will be joining Methodist May 24, 2010.
  • Methodist College of Nursing (MCON) is proud to announce that its nursing program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).   CCNE ensures the quality of and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs through accreditation.  The Methodist nursing program also has accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNNAC).  MCON's nursing program now has both accreditations available for nursing education programs and is the only area nursing program with both accreditations. 
  • Methodist Lifeline is now offering a new lifeline product with AutoAlert, an enhanced medical alert service. The new device now has automatic fall detection capability. Lifeline with AutoAlert features the only pendant style help button that can automatically call for help if a fall is detected and a senior is unable to push the help button.  Manufactured by Royal Philips Electronics, Lifeline with AutoAlert is designed to help reduce the risk of long lapses between when a person falls and help arrives. If a fall victim receives help more quickly, there is reduced emotional distress and potential costs of extended treatment and rehabilitation. An internal laboratory study by Philips Electronics showed that Lifeline with AutoAlert detected 95 percent of many types of falls and had a low rate of false alarms.  Prosser said the new product first became available at Methodist in late March of this year.  For more information about the Lifeline AutoAlert, call the Methodist Lifeline at 1-800-Lifeline (543-3546).
  • Methodist Medical Center physicians, leaders, and clinicians gathered on Wednesday, May12, 2010 to celebrate the Center of Distinction award, presented to the Methodist Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. The award was in recognition of its high patient satisfaction rates, exceptional healing results, and outstanding clinical outcomes over the past twelve months. This prestigious honor was awarded by the Center's partner in wound healing, Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), the nation's leading wound care management company.  For twelve consecutive months, the Wound Care Center has far exceeded national standard criteria for treating and curing chronic or non-healing wounds and in providing excellent care to patients all over Central Illinois.

  • OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and the Peoria Area EMS System are offering an EMT Basic to Paramedic Course beginning June 7, 2010. The didactic portion of the course will end in January 2011. Attendance at all class dates is required.  The course will meet Monday thru Thursday from 5 – 9 PM at the PAEMS office, 605 NE Jefferson Ave., Peoria, IL. Tuition is $3,000 and includes all text books and clinical screening process.  The course is being offered to current EMT Basics and EMT Intermediates to increase their knowledge and skill base to the Paramedic level. Candidates will be able to challenge the Illinois State or National Registry of EMTs Paramedic Exam after successful completion of this course.  To determine if you meet the requirements for the course or to receive a registration form, call  309.624.3101.
  • Illinois Neurological Institute Rehabilitation Services at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center has been accredited for three years by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the international accrediting organization for rehabilitation facilities.  This is the seventh consecutive three-year accreditation received by INI. 
  • OSF HealthCare and Caterpillar recently received a three-year agreement that will take effect July 1, 2010.  Employees, retirees and their dependents who participate in the Caterpillar PPO may continue to seek care at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center (Peoria), OSF St. Joseph Medical Center (Bloomington), OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center (Pontiac), OSF St. mary Medical Center (Galesburg), and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (Rockford) at in-network rates. 
  • Kristen Johnson, Internal Communications Specialist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center was recently awarded the Central Illinois Public Relations Association's Internal Campaign aware for her wecare campaign.  The campaign used posters, displays, newsletters, post cards and other means to create awareness of training opportunities and to help Saint Francis transition to its new electronic medical records system. In addition, an entry from the marketing team for Children's Hospital of Illinois is moving on to the national competition after winning an award at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District 6 2010 ADDY Awards.  The Children's Hospital of Illinois Doctor Recruitment Journal received a Silver ADDY at the District level after winning a Gold ADDY in Peoria. 
  • The Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing spring baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremony will take place Saturday, May 22, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Peoria Civic Center. 
  • The monthly meeting of the Better Breathers Club will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in Classroom 1 at the RiverPlex in downtown Peoria from 3-4:30 p.m.  Anyone dealing with lung or breathing problems is welcome to attend.  For more information, call 655-3486. 
  • National Hospital Week, the nations largest health care event, was first observed in 1921 as a way to alleviate public fears about the "shrouded" institutions of the day. The theme for 2010 is Celebrating Health, Hope & Healing. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, in recognition of National Hospital Week, is pleased to announce the following award winners:  Heart of Saint Francis Award: Honors non-nursing employees who demonstrate excellence and exhibit pride in their work and job responsibilities, making a difference in the lives of patients, patient’s families, and co-workers.  2010 Winners (and hometowns): Bridget Mattson, Pharmacist – Edwards, Brad Nauman, Occupational Therapist – Pekin, Shawnda Thomas, Communications Specialist Educator – East Peoria.  Leader of the Year Award: Recognizes directors, managers, or supervisors who demonstrate excellence in leadership, foster teamwork, volunteering within the Medical Center and/or community, leading by example, and successfully implementing initiatives promoting employee satisfaction and development.  2010 Winner: Mary Fisher, Patient Care Manager, Cardiovascular Step Down – Mapleton.  As part of their celebration of Nurses Week, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois honored members of their nursing staff at a ceremony on May 7. Six nurses were named winners of Nursing Excellence awards. 80 nominations were received. The winners names will be added to Nursing Excellence plaques displayed at the medical center.  The 2010 Nursing Excellence recipients, respective categories, and hometowns are:  Ancillary: Lynne Reiner, RN, OB Acute – Princeville, Inpatient RN Clinical Practice: Lisa Schuck, RN, MICU – Morton, Leadership: Linda Helle, RN, CCU – Lewistown, Education: Anne Zuercher, RN, Life Flight – Tremont, Outpatient RN: Anne Heredia, RN, GI Lab – Chillicothe, Advanced Practice Nurse: Teresa Valerio, APN, Neurology – Morton
  • Jon Koval of East Peoria has been named Program Director for the Advanced Wound Center at Proctor Hospital. 
  • Faith Neuhauser, RN,BS, has been named Nurse Manager of Emergency Services at Proctor Hospital.
  • The Hult Health Education Center and Proctor Hospital will present Seniors on the Go on May 20th at the Hult Health Education Center.  The program is free to seniors and will feature a presentation by Donald McElroy, MD, FACC, HeartCare Midwest from 10:30-11:45 a.m.  Pharmacist Wade Siefert will discuss vitamins, drug nutrient depletion and contraindications, from 12:30-1:15 p.m.  Lunch is provided from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. and is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. To register call the Hult Health Education Center at 692-6650. 
  • Proctor Hospital, in association with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois' Services in the neighborhood program, offers a free Medicare Help Desk the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. 
  • Walt Roberts, RN, of Washington, IL, has received the Donna Jean Pauli Nurse of the Year at Proctor Hospital. The Award was presented on May 12 as part of National Hospital and National Nurses’ Week activities.  Roberts, who works in the Emergency Department, began his nursing career at Proctor in 2004. He is a graduate of the OSF College of Nursing.
  • The Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary presented the Proctor Health Care Foundation with a check totaling $67,202.35, at the Auxiliary’s annual spring luncheon at the Mt. Hawley County Club of Peoria, May 13.  Foundation Executive Director Laura Schoon was on-hand to accept the check on behalf of the Foundation and Proctor Hospital from Auxiliary President Zora Bloom.  The Auxiliary raises money each year from special events and sales as well as its gift shop and snack shop services. 
  • Volunteers at Proctor Hospital are an integral part of daily service delivery.  From patient transport, delivering mail, operating both a gift shop and snack shop, and making vital deliveries throughout the hospital, volunteers play a critical role.  They receive free uniform-jackets; enjoy a 40% discount in the cafeteria, fitness center memberships at only $7.50 per month and free parking in a well-lighted deck.  Hours are flexible.  Two volunteer groups exist, the Service Auxiliary - a women's volunteer group that began in 1888; and the men's Medical Escort group, which was created in 1986.  For more information, contact Ann Lockhart at 691-1057. 
  • Also at the luncheon, officers for 2010-2011 were elected. The Executive Board is Carol Gridley, President, Peoria; President Elect, Tyra Santangelo, Peoria; Jeanette Baylor, Vice President, Peoria; Secretary, Hedy Stone of Washington; and Treasurer, Phyllis Gessel, Peoria.   (Photos:  Laura Schoon, Executive Director, Proctor Health Care Foundation and Proctor Service Auxiliary President Zora Bloom.  Executive Board: Secretary, Hedy Stone; Carol Gridley, President; Treasurer, Phyllis Gessel; President Elect, Tyra Santangelo. Jeanette Baylor, Vice President, Peoria. (unavailable for photo)
  • Proctor Hospital is pleased to announce winners of the Marcey Andrew Flashing Memorial Nursing Scholarships, they are Lacey Miller, Patient Care Technician, 4 Medical, of Peoria, and Gina, S. Smith, Patient Care Technician, 2 Progressive, Elmwood.  The Marcey Andrew Flashing Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established by Marcey’s parents, Robert and Pat Andrew, creating a lasting memorial for their daughter. Marcey Andrew Flashing was a dedicated nurse much like her mother Pat. The Scholarship provides an annual financial award to a deserving man or woman who is an employee of Proctor Hospital and actively pursuing either basic or advanced nursing educatio.  The Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary was pleased to present their annual scholarships recently. Funded by the Shirley Burklund Memorial, scholarships were presented to: Susan Hughes, PACU, Peoria; Diana Bertelsen, Skilled Nursing Center; Washington; Crystal Ford, Skilled Nursing Center, Peoria; Lynda Beckwith, Skilled Nursing Center, East Peoria; and Allison Sauder, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Peoria.  Each year the Service Auxiliary provides scholarships, during National Hospital Week, to the most deserving employees, who are pursuing careers in the health care field.
  • The Family Maternity Center at Proctor Hospital offers an array of classes for everyone in the family including moms, dads, siblings and grandparents. Most classes are free.  To register for classes please call (309) 691-1053.  For more information call the Family Maternity Center at (309) 691-1099.
    Newborn Care (free) June 3
    LAMAZE ($60 per couple) June 7-28                                                                                                                                     Breastfeeding ($10.00) June 10
    Epidural Anesthesia (free) June 16
    Ceasarean Birth Class (free) June 17
    The Stork Club is a program designed specifically to include the parents and siblings and includes tours and a special class for children. (free) June 21                                                                                                                                               
 
East Peoria Chamber of Commerce