The Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, with support from the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, has partnered with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to establish a Canton Disaster Recovery Fund (CDRF) in response to the explosion that impacted the city on November 16th. The CDRF will accept tax-deductible donations to provide grant support to businesses and nonprofit organizations engaged in meeting long-term recovery and rebuilding needs. Donations may be made by sending a check to the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, 3625 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61604; dropping off a check at MidAmerican National Bank in Canton; or by visiting communityfoundationci.org. For more information, call (309) 674-8730.
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The City of Peoria’s Innovation Team is inviting all small business owners to participate in a short survey, with a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card. The survey closes on Saturday, December 3rd and will be used to improve city services focused on small businesses. To complete the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/PeoriaSmallBiz. More information on the Innovation Team and their current projects is available at peoriagov.org/innovation.
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Beginning this spring, Illinois Central College will offer five “Job Ready” programs, which can be completed in a year or less, to prepare students to enter the workforce in a fast-growing career field. Program tracks include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Computer Networking (CISCO), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Pharmacy Technician and Truck Driver Training, acting as a credential for entry-level employment or as a benchmark on the way to an advanced degree. Enrollment is now open, and classes begin on Tuesday, January 17th. For more information, visit www.icc.edu or call (309) 427-6000.
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FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland in East Peoria is now open! The drive-through display, featuring lighted parade floats and themed display areas, will be open every night through New Year's Eve, including Christmas Eve and Christmas. On December 3rd from 1 to 4pm, combine gift shopping and family fun at the third annual Folepi's Gifts Galore Shop and Stroll in the Historic Four Corners District, bounded by East Washington and McKinley streets, and adjacent areas. For more information, visit cityofeastpeoria.com.
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The Peoria Park District will host a number of holiday events in December that are open to the public. The Poinsettia Show takes place at Luthy Botanical Garden through December 31st during regular garden hours, while Candlelight Walks run from 6 to 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings through December 23rd. From December 26th through the end of the year, the Kwanzaa Display will also be at Luthy. At Forest Park Nature Center, the Holiday Shop and Stroll takes place from 6 to 8:30pm on December 2nd, 9th, 10th and 16th, with luminaries guiding the way along the forest path to a warm fire and hot chocolate. Holiday music, storytelling, caroling and hot drinks and food will be available at the center. For a complete list of holiday events, check out the Park District Playbook, visit peoriaparks.org or call (309) 686-3360.
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Illinois Valley Fuller Center for Housing is wrapping gifts for donations at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, next door to Santa’s Village, beginning December 9th and running through Christmas Eve. Call (309) 363-3737 or visit ivfullercenter.org for specific dates and times. Donations will be used for home repair projects for area veterans.
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Peoria Magazines and PNC present the 2016 Women of Influence Forum — a tribute to women in the workplace and an inspirational way to bring the community together — with a focus on empowering female leaders, both present and future.
Network and interact with successful women (and men) as they share their unique experiences and proven strategies for success in an ever-changing world. Experience motivating speakers and stimulating breakout sessions, discuss and exchange ideas, and challenge yourself to think in a different way. You’ll leave with a variety of new tools and contacts to help you take the next step in your career!
Registration is now open!
Featuring national speakers:
- Beth Marcello, Director of Women’s Business Development, PNC
- Carla Harris, Vice Chair of Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley
- Luke Monck, Senior Manager, Deloitte
Breakout sessions:
- "Transition Planning in Life” Mary Corrigan, Attorney, Howard & Howard
- “Empowering a Better Future: One Generation at a Time” Kim Bridges, Senior Financial Planner, Commerce Trust Company
- “Managing for Diversity and Inclusion” Lisa Plantamura, Director, Human Resource Operations & Employee Development / Engagement, UnityPoint Health - Peoria
- “Community Building” Beth Jensen, City of Peoria Councilwoman and Attorney, Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen, P.C.
“It’s Not Your Parents’ 9-to-5” Panel:
- Denise Moore, Councilwoman, City of Peoria
- Michelle Conger, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, OSF HealthCare
- Sylvia Hasinger, Group/Regional HR Director, Caterpillar Inc.
"The Men's View" Panel:
- Bruce Budde, Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance, Illinois Central College
- Dr. Chris Reynolds, Director of Athletics, Bradley University
- Doug Stewart, Regional President, PNC
Proud sponsors of Women of Influence include:
- PNC
- Morgan Stanley
- UnityPoint Health - Peoria
- Hometown Community Banks
- OSF HealthCare
- Associated Bank
- Soderstrom Skin Institute
- Commerce Bank
- Illinois Mutual
- Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
- Deloitte
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Thursday, December 1st @ University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Jennifer Brier, curator of the exhibit “Surviving and Thriving: AIDS, Politics and Culture”, will deliver a keynote address at 5:30pm at a special event to commemorate World AIDS Day. The event will also recognize Rep. David Leitch for his commitment to the creation of the Heart of Illinois HIV/AIDS Center, now known as Positive Health Solutions. The national exhibit will be on display at UICOMP through December 14th. For more information, visit nlm.nih.gov/survivingandthriving or call (309) 671-8490.
Saturday, December 3rd @ Peoria Zoo
The Peoria Zoo will host its annual Critter Christmas event beginning with breakfast and crafts at 9am in the lodge. Guests will then go into the zoo to see the animals receiving their gifts at 10am. Santa will also be making a visit. Children two and under are admitted free of charge. For more information, call (309) 681-3559.
Saturday, December 3rd @ RiverPlex
The Arthritis Foundation hosts the annual Jingle Bell Run on the Peoria Riverfront. The holiday-themed 5k race supports arthritis fundraising and awareness, and holiday costumes are encouraged. To start a team or learn more, call (309) 863-3507 or email lmardis@arthritis.org.
Saturday, December 3rd & Sunday, December 4th @ Peoria Historical Society
The Peoria Historical Society’s fifth annual Holiday Home Tour, the Splendor of Christmas Past, will take place from 5 to 9pm on Saturday and 1 to 5pm on Sunday. The historic Pettengill-Morron House on Moss and Flanagan House on Glen Oak will be featured along with three private residences. For complete details, call (309) 674-1921 or visit peoriahistoricalsociety.org/announcements.aspx?ID=116.
Sunday, December 4th @ OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
The Children’s Hospital of Illinois will hold a special memorial service for families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child in the Chapel of St. Francis at 2:30pm. A reception and tour of the memorial garden at Luthy Botanical Garden will follow at 4pm. For more information, call (309) 645-7762.
Tuesday, December 6th @ Par-A-Dice Hotel
Peoria Magazines presents the 2016 Women of Influence Forum, with registration and breakfast starting at 7am. The half-day event will feature stimulating presentations from national speakers, breakout sessions and panel discussions before concluding shortly after noon. For more information or to register, call (309) 693-3060 or visit peoriamagazines.com/woi.
Tuesday, December 6th @ Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University presents the free Starting Your Business in Illinois workshop from 3 to 6pm. For more information or to register, call (309) 677-2992 or visit bradley.edu/turnercenter.
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Check out Peoria Magazines’ Community Impact Calendar... a comprehensive list of Peoria-area nonprofit events and fundraisers!
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Business growth thrives on networking… and we are in the business of supplying that atmosphere. Peoria Magazines' events are designed to introduce business leaders and potential clients to one another through face-to-face interaction. Sponsoring an event shows your company understands the power of creating a memorable impression long before you sign the first business deal.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more information, visit peoriamagazines.com/events or call (309) 683-3060.
December 6, 2016: Women of Influence Forum
Celebrating women who are making a difference in the region.
July 2017: Local Legends Reception
A reception to honor those who have had a lifetime of impact on the Peoria area.
August 2017: 40 Leaders Alumni Social
A social event for alumni and presentation of the 40 Leaders Alumnus of the Year award.
November 2017: 40 Leaders Under Forty
Recognizing the rising stars of central Illinois.
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