Illinois Small Business Owners Get Tax Break for Hiring

Governor Quinn Highlights Illinois Small Business Tax Credit
Businesses Can Quickly and Easily Apply Online to Receive $2,500 Tax Credit for New Hires

Small businesses that create new jobs between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 may be able to take advantage of a $2,500 tax credit for new hires. The Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, proposed and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn earlier this year, targets the foundation of Illinois' economy – the 500,000 small businesses across the state.

"If a business is deciding whether to hire today or wait, we hope this tax credit gives them the boost they need to hire right now and expand," said Governor Quinn. "We must continue doing everything we can to build our economy, and this is an innovative way to put thousands of people to work across Illinois."

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It's Loud, It's In Your Face and It's Bouncing Off the Walls - It's the Chamber Membership Drive 2010!

While most Chambers of Commerce struggle through their annual membership drive, the Peoria Area Chamber is hosting a membership drive like none other. For two days, over 100 volunteers will work against the clock and against each other to sign up new chamber members and create a greater awareness of the important role the chamber plays in our region. Each team has a theme and some are even going as far as to dress up in costume for the event. Imagine local businessmen in pink feather boas and sequins working the phones. It's guaranteed to be a fun event.

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Illinois' Deficit is a Top Election Issue - Message from the Illinois Chamber President

Election Day is about 10 weeks away, and it's the time of year when people start paying more attention to candidates and issues.

We need to make sure state leaders know we are expecting them to solve Illinois' burgeoning deficit problem. Lawmakers – most notably Democrats who have controlled this state for most of the last decade – have ignored the state constitution's requirement for a balanced budget. Instead, they've played an irresponsible shell game with our tax money. They have increased our state's financial commitments, skipped public employee pension payment obligations, and routinely delayed paying bills to businesses across the state. One consequence of the state's failed fiscal policies is that the three major bond rating firms have downgraded the state's bond rating eight times in the last 18 months.

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Tom Connor Award to be presented at Community Thanksgiving Day Luncheon

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 35th Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon, sponsored by CEFCU, on Friday, November 16, 2010 at the Peoria Civic Center. A highlight of each year's luncheon is the recognition of a community volunteer who has worked diligently to make a difference in our community, the Tom Connor Service Award, sponsored by MassMutual Financial Group. The award is named for Tom Connor – or Emil Sepich, Jr. As Tom Connor, he was a recognized broadcaster for WEEK –TV. As Emil he was less known but equally as important and valuable in his volunteer work. Emil put forth a lot of time and effort to make our community a better place to work.

To nominate someone for the Tom Connor Award, click here.

Upcoming Events

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.  

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.

September Business After Hours sponsored by: Sully's Pub & Cafe

September 9, 2010

Sully's Pub and Café
121 SW Adams Street
Peoria, IL 61602
5:00-7:00 PM

Sully's Pub and Cafe will be hosting the September Chamber Business After Hours. Sully's offers a casual dining experience in a friendly, pub-type atmosphere. In addition to great food, we offer Wi-Fi and over twenty TV's including four big screens to watch all your favorite sporting events.

Sully's Pub and Cafe will have eighteen cold refreshing Oktoberfest beers on draft! A cash bar and complimentary appetizers will be available.

Click here for all the event details.

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Trends in Raising Capital

Mon, 09/13/2010 - 1:00pm
This new 3-hour workshop is designed for local host organizations to empower their entrepreneurial ecosystem with the right insight and tools to raise 'smart' capital. Led by some of the most respected angel investors in the country, this program explores how market trends affect the needs and behaviors of investors. In addition, your audience will learn what angel investor groups believe are the best —and worst—practices by companies looking for funding. Understanding the current trends in raising capital will empower your attendees to establish productive relationships with angel investors.

Who should attend?
Entrepreneurs
University faculty & students
Incubator leaders
Economic development professionals
Angel investors
Service providers

Price: $75.00 

Click here to register online. 

Click here to download the registration form to learn more and register.

Contact Kip McCoy for more information at kmccoy@chamber.h-p.org or 309.495.5925

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The Heartland Partnership 2010 Annual Meeting Luncheon

"I'm Stepping Up" is a movement in the Peoria Metro Region designed to give people an outlet to share the positive things they are doing. During the recession people were afraid to share their positive stories, but now it's time to start talking about the good things we have in this region again. To learn more visit: www.heartlandpartnership.org

Luncheon Date: October 6, 2010 11:45 AM

Location: Peoria Civic Center, Ballroom 4th Floor, 201 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL  61602

RSVP: Sarah Stabler at 309-495-5914 or sstabler@chamber.h-p.org

Chamber Member / EDC Investor Tickets $40
Non Chamber Member / Non EDC Investor Tickets $50

Click Here To Register Online

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LEAP Leadership Academy for Young Professionals

The Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria presents the fourth annual Leadership Academy. LEAP is a six week program designed to develop personal leadership skills and empower young professionals to become active in the community.

Date: Every Thursday, September 23rd – October 28th

Registration Deadline is: September 17th

Time: 11:00am -1:00pm

Place: Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Board Room (100 SW Water, Peoria, IL)
*lunch will be provided each week

Click here for more information and to register.

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Quest Charter Academy Open House

The Quest Charter Academy is open and wants to share some of the excitement with you. Please join us for a Public Open House. You will have the chance to hear from staff, board members, and the Principal, Mr. Engin Blackstone about what is taking place at the Quest Charter Academy.

Thursday, September 16th
4:30 – 6:30 PM
Quest Charter Academy
2503 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604

*Please use the back door entrance, off of McClure Avenue, to gain access into the school

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The Heartland Partnership’s Day of Caring Food Drive
Collection Date: Friday, September 10
Drop-Off Location: Peoria Civic Center (parking lot), corner of Jefferson and Kumpf
Drop-Off Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join the Heartland Partnership Family of Companies for the Heart of Illinois United Way 2010 Day of Caring Food Drive. If you are interested in participating, please drop off canned foods and other non-perishables to the Peoria Civic Center on September 10 between 3:30 - 4 p.m. If you are not able to make that time, drop offs are accepted at the Heartland Partnership Office.

Click here for more information.

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Motivated Business Seminar

All speakers live, all in one day!  Speakers include: Rudy Giuliani, Zig Ziglar, Gen. Colin Powell, Laura Bush and more.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
8:00 am-4:45 pm
Peoria Civic Center Arena
201 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria
Only $4.95 per person, or send the whole office for $19.

For tickets call: 1-800-217-1339

Click here for more information.

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!