Celebrate Your Business and Outstanding Employees

It is time to tell your story.  We want to hear how your business/organization/employees are “Stepping Up” in 2010!  During the Heartland Partnership Annual Meeting, on October 6, we will recognize a not-for-profit with the Community Wealth Award, an outstanding woman in business with the ATHENA Award, and two businesses with the Outstanding Business Awards.

Click any of the corresponding links above to submit a nomination form for that award. Nominations are requested by August 13, 2010.

Gain Business Exposure Through The Heartland Partnership

On Wednesday, October 6, 2010, Tom Donohue, President and CEO of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce will be the keynote speaker for the Heartland Partnership Annual Meeting.  Please help us make this a great event for our region by becoming a table sponsor.   There is so much our region can do to make our businesses even more prosperous.  Sponsor support will help to make this Annual Meeting a huge success for The Heartland Partnership and the Peoria Metro area.

For more information about Table Sponsorship Opportunities, click here.

For more information about the Gold Sponsorship, click here.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce Message from the President - Doug Whitley

Source: Illinois Chamber of Commerce; www.ilchamber.org - July 23, 2010

Energy is an economic opportunity for Illinois

There are few more interesting, more frustrating, more controversial and more important topics than today’s energy issues.  Energy affects every home and every business and our daily quality of life. Its cost can make or break anyone’s budget.  Generating and distributing a reliable, secure supply of energy with the fewest effects on our environment is creating headaches and opportunities that affect the local and global marketplace alike.

But how important is the energy industry to the Illinois economy?  For years, I’ve been saying that the energy industry is one of the economic cornerstones in Illinois’ economy. No one has challenged that assertion but no one had any real data to back it up, either. Until now.

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Illinois Government Affairs Report

As the unifying voice for business in Illinois, the Chamber pursues an aggressive agenda in Springfield. Working closely with member businesses, the Illinois Chamber's full-time Government Affairs representatives strive to make state government more business-friendly and the Illinois business climate more competitive.

Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Chamber Events

 The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Citslinc International Present A Tourist and Business Leaders Trip to CHINA!

October 4 - 15, 2010
All for just $1,899 per person
(space is limited)

Enjoy China with other members of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and their family and friends. The trip will include memorable sites both ancient and modern and a multitude of first-hand, unforgettable cultural experiences. You will also learn about how the Chinese business system operates and how it can help you improve your business.

The trip includes:
• Round-trip international airfare from LA*
• 4 star and 5 star hotel accommodations
• Airport taxes throughout the trip
• 3 full meals per day
• English speaking tour guides
• Admission to all tours and attractions

*Airfare to LA not included in price.

Click here to book the trip.

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Business After Hours

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s popular Business After Hours event serves two main purposes. It is an opportunity for the host company to promote and showcase their business, in addition to providing a platform for Chamber members to network with other business owners and employees. 

August Business After Hours Sponsored by: Greater Peoria Family YMCA

August 12, 2010

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Greater Peoria Family YMCA

7000 N. Fleming Lane

Peoria, IL 61614

"The coladas are frozen the theme is set

We're having a Luau you'll never forget.” 

August 12th the Peoria YMCA will host Peoria Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.  The Luau will be held pool side so tropical attire is welcome.  Tours of the facility will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Click here for all the event details.

 Growing Jobs Across America: Opportunities in Illinois

Featuring Ambassador Han Duk-soo, Korean Ambassador to the United States and Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18).

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the US Chamber is hosting an event for the The Honorable Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo and Congressman Schock on August 16th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hotel Pere Marquette in Peoria. The Ambassador is doing a Midwestern tour promoting the Korean Free Trade Agreement. The event will feature presentations by both the Ambassador Han Duk-soo and Congressman Schock as well as other community representatives.

Cost to attend: $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

Please click here to register.

Contact Heather Inselmann hinselmann@chamber.h-p.org with questions.

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Speed Networking

Speed networking is designed for those whose business success depends on word-of-mouth referrals & marketing.

Structured and fast paced, speed networking allows participants to interact with other professionals one-on-one, for a set period of time. Participants walk away with more new contacts in one morning than some make in six months.

Date: August 19, 2010
*Each event ticket: $15 (member) $25 (non-member)
Event location: 100 SW Water, Peoria, IL 61602
Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am

*Limit one participant per business category

Click here to register.

I’m Stepping Up!

Save the date for the 3^rd Project Pack the Place (sponsored by PNC).  Help pack the place at the “Classical Mystery Tour—A Tribute to The Beatles” concert Friday, September 24, 7:00 p.m., at O’Brien Field.

Imagine The Beatles playing in concert with a symphony orchestra - what would that have sounded like? Find out for yourself when Classical Mystery Tour performs live in concert at O’Brien Field.  Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles accompanied by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra!

Call 671-1096 for details.

Welcome New Chamber Members

We are pleased to welcome the firms listed that have recently joined your Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Why don't you welcome them by visiting their website, sending them an email or stopping by to introduce yourself?

Click here to view the new Chamber members!