Heartland Partnership Annual Meeting - Call For Table Sponsors

On Wednesday, October 6^th 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 Illinois Heartland region.

For more information about Table Sponsorship Opportunities click here:

Click here for sponsorship information

Office Supply Discounts Through Staples

Fill your to do list with product from Staples at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce's discount prices. We are your one source for all your office and business supplies. We not only have the right products at the right prices, we have the services and dedicated account management you demand and need.

As a member, the advantages to you are:

Unbelievably low prices
Dedicated account management
Fast and free delivery available

For more information, contact Crystal Wilson at 1-309-299-4948

Click here to log in to Staples and start saving today!

August Chamber Report Now Available Online

Click here to read the latest issue of the Chamber Report

Ambassador of the Month - Jennifer Young

We asked Jenny about her career with Radio Peoria

I've been in the radio business for approximately three years. I work with business owners to help them become more profitable by increasing their sales through the use of advertising on five radio stations—WGLO, River Country, 105.7 The X, Power 92.3 and WVEL. I'm fortunate to work with some outstanding businesses in the Peoria area.

We also asked her about her experience as an Ambassador

I became an Ambassador in January 2009 and it's been an excellent experience. I enjoy meeting area business leaders and helping them make the most of their Chamber membership. I can't say enough about the other Ambassadors in the group either. They're truly wonderful people! Not only have I made some helpful business connections but I've made some great friends along the way.

Two Minute Warning - Election Focus 2010

In this week's Two Minute Warning: Election Focus, Todd briefs us on the the Governor's Budget Director's comments as well as campaign contributions and the latest with the DISCLOSE Act.

Links of Interest:

Budget Director David Vaught's comments to Bloomberg Financial News

Illinois Prosperity Project

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.

Illinois Chamber Launches New Health Care Reform Center For Employers

Illinois employers now have a new comprehensive resource to assist them in the education and navigation of the massive federal overhaul of the nation’s health coverage system that will take place over the next decade.  Given the complex nature of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Illinois Chamber has launched a new website dedicated to providing employers and other stakeholders access to a one-stop-shop on all things health reform.

In addition to providing employers with an easy way to access information on a variety of topics related to PPACA, the Chamber’s new Health Reform Resource Center allows employers to participate in the extensive regulatory implementation process by posting links to new rules and regulations and comment opportunities.

   
The new website also features an Action Alert Center to highlight new state and federal legislative and/or regulatory efforts that will have a significant impact on the employer community as implementation efforts move forward.  The purpose of the action center is to provide the employer community with more opportunities for grassroots involvement in the PPACA implementation process.

 
The Chamber’s Health Reform Resource Center will be updated regularly to keep pace with the release of new federal/state rules and regulations.  Employers will also be able to access regular updates on specific health reform issues, including guidance on making crucial benefit design and coverage purchasing decisions, and preparing employees for the changes that will take place over the next several years.

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. 

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.

Not quite sure of everything the Chamber offers? The laid back atmosphere of this event allows you to network with other members, establish solid contacts, talk to Chamber staff and volunteers, and learn how to grow your business using Chamber benefits.

The next Member Benefits Review will be held August 18, 2010 at 3:30 PM in the Heartland Partnership Board Room - 100 SW Water St, Peoria IL 61602.

The Member Benefits Review is a way for Chamber members to learn more about the Chamber, to receive an overview of the services offered by the Chamber, how your business benefits from the Chamber, and ways staff members can take advantage of the Chamber services. Be sure to make your reservations early as space is limited. We look forward to seeing you! 

To register for this event visit:

http://www.peoriachamber.org/event/chamber-member-benefits-review

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.

Trends in Raising Capital

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.

THIS 3-HOUR WORKSHOP INCLUDES 5 SESSIONS

CURRENT ENVIRONMENT FOR RAISING CAPITAL

Analysis of data from multiple industry leading sources provides a deep overview of the latest investment trends and investor preferences.

ANALYTIC METHODS & TOOLS

Walks through the basics of investment returns (home runs make up for strikeouts), such as the dynamics of angel investor & VC relationships, and examples of how a fund's size dictates its investment size.

TERM SHEET MECHANICS

A discussion of many key deal terms, concepts and approaches every entrepreneur will use such as liquidation preferences and anti-dilution clauses.

MEETING INVESTOR EXPECTATIONS

Uses survey data compiled from over 500 angel investors to set up discussions of best practices for company documents (i.e., executive summary, business plan, slide deck, financial model) as well as due diligence and governance.

COMPANY VALUATION

The event will be followed by a brief reception with the series instructor at 4:00 PM. Robert Okabe is a managing director of the RPX Group LLC, a consultancy focused on assisting universities, research institutions, and corporations with spinning out some of their innovative technologies as startup companies; he is also an angel investor and co-founder of Prairie Angels. Formerly, Bob served as managing director at BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, as senior vice president at Lehman Brothers, and as vice president at Kidder, Peabody where he participated in numerous debt, equity, M&A, and advisory assignments.

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.

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

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 afriad 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

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!