Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Launches New Website

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new website - www.peoriachamber.org.  The new site is easier to navigate, has enhanced functionality and now includes updates such as latest news, Chamber events and community events on the homepage. The new site also features an Avatar that will answer your frequently asked questions about Chamber membership and the Peoria Metro Area.

There is an exclusive 'Members Only' section of the website where you, as a Chamber member, have access to discounts, coupons and deals from other Chamber members. You also have the ability to post coupons and deals to be used by member business employees.  You can now submit things to do to appear on our community calendar and the homepage, update your public business listing in our business directory and request a Chamber logo web badge for your website or marketing materials.  We encourage you to visit the new website www.peoriachamber.org to create a user name and password and log in to use the 'Members Only' section of the site.

Quest Charter Academy Mirrors District 150 Demographics
With Quest Charter Academy’s student body in place following its lottery process, the Peoria Charter School Initiative (PCSI) announced that the demographic mix of students at the new school essentially mirrors District 150’s student population.  That is a significant accomplishment for PCSI, which saw student diversity as one of its primary goals for the school.
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Celebrate Your Business and Outstanding Employees

It is time to tell you 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.

Upcoming Chamber Events

It's Summer Time!  Sign Up Today for the Peoria Chamber Golf Outing!

Please join us for the 16th annual Peoria Area Chamber Golf Outing  at WeaverRidge Golf Club on Monday, July 26th. Tee times are still available for the scramble event. Fabulous hole-in-one prizes – cash, jewelry and more!

Golf outings are one of the most important tools in corporate entertainment. The Evening Reception sponsored by Perpetual Jewel www.perpetualjewel.com and SinoAffinity www.sinoaffinityinc.com will begin at 6:00 p.m. for all Chamber members and guests. Fabulous cuisine and the awards ceremony will be featured at this event for all to enjoy. For more information contact Terry Best at 495-5926, tbest@chamber.h-p.org

Monday, July 26th

Continental Breakfast: 6:00 a.m.

Morning Shotgun: 7:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00 a.m.

Afternoon Shotgun: 1:00 p.m.

Evening reception (sponsored by Perpetual Jewel www.perpetualjewel.com and SinoAffinity www.sinoaffinityinc.com ): 6:00 p.m.

 www.perpetualjewel.com                www.sinoaffinityinc.com  

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Healthcare Reform - What Does It Mean for Small Business?
Wednesday July 14 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at Barrack’s Cater Inn

Featuring:

Tara Canty, Senior Vice President, Government
Relations, OSF Healthcare System
Joseph Glawe, Partner, Clifton Gunderson LLP.
Dave Zern, Producer/Owner, Kuhl & Company Insurance.

Health Care Reform will affect everyone and every business. But what does it mean for your business? Attend this session and listen to local experts explain tax and organizational structure issues, insurance and medical provider impacts that are expected to unfold in 2010 and 2011. The answers to your questions may not be clearly defined as the federal government is still writing the rules to implement this massive change. However, this is an opportunity to obtain educated views regarding your concerns. Join us for a light breakfast and timely information.

Click here for more information and to register.

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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.

July Business After Hours sponsored by: Children's Hospital of Illinois and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

July 22, 2010
*Note it is not the 2nd Thursday of the month.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Milestone Project
530 N.E. Glen Oak
Peoria, IL 61637
5:00 – 7:00 PM

It’s time for the new Children’s Hospital of Illinois and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center to shine and you don’t want to miss it!

Click here for all the event details.
  

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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.
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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.

An informational meeting will be held at the Peoria Next Innovation Center - main floor conference room:
801 W. Main Street, Peoria
July 13, 2010
5:30 p.m.

Click here to RSVP for the informational meeting.

Click here to book the trip.

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?
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