The Ultimate Supervisor, a one-day training seminar presented by CareerTrack, will be held August 3 at the Holiday Inn City Centre. Participants will learn how to delegate projects based on strengths and weaknesses, correct poor performances and help employees grow in order to create a better workplace. The cost is $129 for individuals and $119 per person when five or more people from one organization attend. To register visit www. careertrack.com.

Manpower and Manpower Professional announced the opening of their new combined facility at 735 Main St. in Peoria. The facility will be home to both divisions and will provide customers with staffing service and an available space for interviewing, training and meeting needs.

Dale Carnegie Training will present its course High Impact Presentations on July 12 and 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The class focuses on structuring a presentation, building credibility and selling the idea as well as how to handle different speaking engagements. For more information, call 691-6808.

Employers’ Association’s Workplace Learning Solutions is offering Professionalism in the Workplace on August 2 at the Jameson Inn in Peoria. The presentation will cover business etiquette and gaining confidence for a positive image. Call 800- 948-5700 or visit www.eaconnect.com for more information.

EDUCATION

Three students from Illinois Central College were awarded their bachelor’s degrees in May after completing an online program with Community College Alliance Franklin University. Carla Clark (accounting), Nicholas Effler (information technology) and Jamika Russell (healthcare management), all earned their degrees by supplementing on-campus coursework at ICC with online classes at Franklin, which is based out of Columbus, Ohio. ICC is one of 242 community colleges in the nation that offers this type of program with Franklin.

As part of the International Student Exchange, families in the area have the opportunity to welcome one or two international high school students into their homes for the 2007-2008 school year. Full room and board are the only financial requirements in this “cultural experience of a lifetime.” Visit www.student-management. com or contact Cathy Newbury at 444-2800 for more information.

ENGINEERING

Scott DeSplinter of Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Consulting Engineers was awarded the company’s Above and Beyond Award for his work as a Project Engineer on several large-scale commercial development projects. DeSplinter has been employed by CMT’s Peoria office since 2001.

Belcan Corporation, an international engineering solutions provider, has been ranked the No. 1 value-added reseller in the Midwest by PTC for its outstanding performance in the region.

Architectural/engineering firm PSA-Dewberry has announced corporate managers Ron Budzinski and Tom Seymour will take on the new responsibilities of leading and directing growing justice and healthcare/wellness practices. Senior principal Randy Gibson will serve as chief operations officer on an interim basis.

The Society of Women Engineers announced its officers for the next fiscal year: April Privett, President; Jamie Frisch, President- Elect; Laurie Bidrawn, Treasurer; Tina Tuttle, Secretary and Beth Mack, Section Representative on National Council. The following two students also received scholarships from the Society: Nejan Huvaj-Sarihan and Stephanie Baker.

D.A.S. Consulting Services welcomed Emily Dawson as the Business Development Coordinator in its Peoria office. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Dawson has six years of marketing and eight years of freelance design experience.

Engineering News Record released its Top Design Firms listing and Farnsworth Group was ranked No. 368, moving up eight spots in the last year.

Farnsworth Group announced the addition of Josh Harken as an engineer intern. Harken recently graduated from Bradley University with a degree in civil engineering and will be located in the Peoria office.

FINANCE

The Busey Bank announced the addition of two mortgage lenders to its staff. Milissa Welborn joined the Pekin staff and Mike Renner joined the Peoria staff at the Sheridan Road location.

CEFCU reported record gains for 2006. Assets increased to $3.3 billion, members’ savings increased to $2.7 billion and CEFCU’s total net worth went up 8 percent from 2005. CEFCU was also awarded a five-star rating, the highest possible, from BauerFinancial Reports Inc. The credit union also unanimously re-elected Eldon Arnold, Thea Robinson, Mark Spenny, Reed Stuedemann and Helen J. Young to its board of directors.

Karl B. Kuppler, board member of Better Banks, received the Peoria County Bar Association’s Distinguished Community Service award for volunteerism. Kuppler is involved in several organizations and is currently vice president of the Rotary Club.

GENERAL

The Fourth of July event at the Peoria Riverfront, formerly known as the SkyConcert, has been renamed “Methodist Red, White & Boom” in honor of the hospital’s sponsorship. This year, the cities of East Peoria and Peoria are collaborating on the event, along with JMP Radio Group, ensuring that the size, quality and intensity of the shared fireworks display will be taken to an unprecedented level.

In its first year, the Peoria Area Chamber’s Electricity Co-Op announced that it will save its members more than $825,000 in energy costs. The co-op’s members include more than 140 businesses that joined together and purchased independent power for greater price stability. For more information on the co-op or joining next year, call 495-5907.

GOVERNMENT

Congressman Ray LaHood (IL-R) received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber for supporting pro-growth business legislation during the second session of the 109th Congress. More than 300 members of Congress were given the award after voting 70 percent or greater on the Chamber’s priority issues last year.

The fourth annual Baseball-Hotdogs-Legislators event will take place August 7 at Peoria Chiefs’ O’Brien Field. State legislators will give an update beginning at 5:15 p.m., followed by a national legislative update by Ray LaHood. The cost is $35 per person, including game ticket and food. Call 800-948-5700 or email mkruse@eaconnect.com for more information.

HEALTH

Mary Jo Myers was named manager over the Intake Holding Unit at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Myers will oversee the day-to-day operations of the unit that accepts all non-ICU admissions that come to OSF Saint Francis. She has an associate’s degree in nursing and has been nursing for 30 years. She joined OSF in 2001.

Four Proctor Hospital employees were recent recipients of the 2007 Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary Scholarships. Rebecca Curless, CNA; Trudy Holmes, Support Services; Amanda Kieser, Exercise Specialist and Jamisin Maxwell, Medical Records, will receive scholarships to assist in their continued education in the health/nursing fields.

The Be A Buckle Buddy! program of the Children’s Hospital of Illinois is now featured on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Click It or Ticket” website: www.buckleupillinois.org. Material explaining the program and how it was developed is available on the site.

Christine Finley was named Director of Operations at the Methodist Orthopaedic Center. With more than 10 years of experience, Finely joins the Center from Methodist Medical Group. Finely is also serving her second term as a member of the Dunlap School Board.

Proctor Hospital announced that the 2007 Marcy Andrew Flashing Memorial Scholarship award winners are Jeanette Newnum and Kamdyn Philbee. Newnum, currently a certified pharmacy technician, is pursuing a dual major of nutritional science and nursing. Philbee is a unit secretary and certified nursing assistant.

The Proctor Health Care Foundation received a gift of $88,103.46 from its Service Auxiliary at the Auxiliary’s Spring Luncheon. The Service Auxiliary, which operates the hospital gift shop, snack shop and fundraisers throughout the year, also announced its officers for 2007-2008: Betty Leach, President; Jerrene Elliot, President-Elect; Kathy Abbott, Vice President; Shirley Fuchs, Secretary and Shirley Presnell, Treasurer.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois recognized more than 800 employees at a dinner honoring those who reached service milestones of five-year increments. Dr. Jan Boundy, associate dean of the medical center’s College of Nursing, held the longest tenure of service at 45 years. Judi Bussman, Professional Development Dept.; Pam Hoogerwerf, Surgical Acute Care nursing unit and Peggy Reel, Coronary Care nursing unit, all celebrated 40 years of employment with OSF.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center announced nine new physicians joining its staff: Peter M. Ahlering and Ronald M. Cyr in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Anthony J. Cutinello Jr. and Yang Xie in Family Medicine; Pedro A. DeAlarcon in Pediatrics; Gloria Diaz in Internal Medicine and George A. Gentry, Clarissa F. Rhode, Steven A. Roat and Robert W. Schmidt in Radiology.

Methodist Medical Center announced three Employees of the Year and one Leader of the Year. Jen White, Leadership Development Coordinator in the Human Resources Department, was awarded Employee of the Year for Support Services. Rena Webster-Horton, who works in Patient Registration, was presented Employee of the Year in Patient Care. The Employee of the Year award for Nursing was given to Janice McSherry, an RN, BSN, with Methodist Medical Group Perinatology. Tammy Duvendack, RN, MSN, Ph.D. and Director of Acute Care Services and Clinical Practice and Professional Development, was named the Leader of the Year.

Kevin R. Andrews was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pekin Hospital after serving the position in Interim since March. Andrews has more than 30 years of healthcare experience and 15 years experience as a hospital CEO. He received a bachelor’s of business administration degree in management from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in health administration from Washington University. Andrews is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Two members of the President’s Society of the Methodist Medical Center Foundation were given awards at its annual dinner. Jane Benjamin was presented the 15th annual President’s Award in recognition of her efforts as a volunteer for the Service League of Methodist Medical Center for more than 15 years. Dr. Arthur Bishop was posthumously given the 10th annual Dr. Ward H. Eastman Award for his leadership and dedication to education of the Radiology Department of Methodist since 1983.

Robert W. Hancock, Director of Service Initiatives at Pekin Hospital, obtained recertification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Glyn F. Jones has joined Illinois Plastic Surgery’s team of physicians as a specialist in facial and body cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction after cancer and general reconstructive surgery. He graduated medical school with honors at the University of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), trained in South Africa and completed his residency at Emory University in Atlanta, where he taught full time for more than 10 years. He is on staff at the U of I College of Medicine as a Professor of Surgery (Plastic).

Lorrie Cowell, Endo Tech at Proctor Hospital, won the Proctor Employee Personified award for May. The award recognizes outstanding efforts in quality and leadership.

Methodist Medical Center announced three nurses who were selected as Mentors of the Year: Alyse Ringenberg, Carole Eatock and Gail Douglass. Mentee of the Year was nurse Ronald Brown. Each winner received a crystal award and $500 to be used for continuing education.

Deb Eminian was named Proctor Hospital’s Donna Jean Pauli Nurse of the Year for 2007. Employed by Proctor since 1990, Eminian won the award for leadership, dedication and passion in her work.

Representatives from the U of I College of Medicine at Peoria’s Donald E. Rager, MD, Clinical Skill Laboratory recently completed a study to determine the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical algorithm calculator created by InformMed of Peoria. Forty central Illinois nurses participated in the three-day study that hoped to find a reduction of medication dosage errors.

“Undercover”, the bicycle program of Children’s Hospital of Illinois, celebrates the completion of its sixth year. During the 2006-2007 school year, more than 2,200 bicycle helmets were distributed in K-5 schools of five central Illinois countries. More than 13,000 helmets have been given to students since the program begin in 2002.

Oncology Hematology Associates of Central Illinois recently received the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Clinical Trial Participation Award for 2007. The award was given to honor the associates’ dedication to enrolling cancer patients in trials that extended progress of cancer treatment.

Heather Larson, Cities Readiness Initiative public health nurse for the Peoria City/County Health Department, received her Master of Science degree this month from the University of Illinois.

OSF St. Francis and Children’s Hospital of Illinois recently recognized employees for excellence and service in 2007. For Excellence in Nursing: Lenette Barth, Inpatient RN Clinical Practice; Lynne Reiner, Inpatient RN Leadership; Carol Egan, Inpatient RN Educator; Yvone Smith, Outpatient RN of the Year; Mae Roberts, LPN of the Year; and Jamie Riggenbach-Hays, Advance Practice Nurse of the Year for 2007. Employees recognized for service to others received the Heart of St. Francis Award: Susan Eaton, Bobbie Everett, Luann Garza, Louise Nevitt and Melva Taylor. Suzanne Faulkner, manager of Transplant Services at OSF, received the Leader of the Year Award.

Fifty-three students graduated with science degrees in nursing from the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. Julie Jockisch, Sheryl Sons and Faye Bergman Yetton earned Master’s degrees. Out of 50 undergraduate students, 19 graduated with honors. Earning summa cum laude: Amanda Anderson, Tara Arevalo, Rachel Ellerbroek, Jennifer Lee, Ashley Mahaffey, Christopher Malin, Sabrina Marlin, Kelly Owdom and Amy Schafer. Earning magna cum laude: Erin Breese, Janette Chambliss, Kate Doran, Jennifer Kennelly, Amanda McCurdy, Stephanie McWhirter and Deborah Ostrowski. With cum laude: Jamie Dienslake, Heather Greiner and Stephanie Martin. Doran was also the recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Award.

Area Wal-Mart stores raised $2,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois with a recent softball tournament. First place went to the Morton store, and second place was awarded to the Pekin store. For 20 years, area Wal-Marts and Sam’s Clubs have supported the Children’s Miracle Network and the Children’s Hospital.

The OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital has been formally recognized by the Illinois Heart Association for exceeding the “gold standard” for rapid heart attack. Excellence in this area requires moving a heart attack patient from an emergency department to a cath lab and opening the blocked artery within 90 minutes; according to the association’s report, OSF has an average of 65 minutes for this process.

The Institute of Physical Medication & Rehabilitation welcomes new staff members: Tailetha Clinton, physical therapist; Stephen Winterroth and Libby Kelly, physical therapist aides and Amanda Turner, speech pathologist.

Sue A. Behren, manager of Trauma Services for OSF, received board certification as a clinical nurse specialist. Behren earned the designation after completing her Master of Science degree in nursing, which included more than 500 clinical hours of training. She has worked with OSF since 1987.

Andey Scholl, clinical educator for the Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit at OSF, received board certification as a clinical nurse specialist. A graduate of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Scholl completed her master’s degree in nursing at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing to achieve certification. Scholl has been with OSF since 2000.

The Children’s Hospital of Illinois’ pediatric intensive care unit was recognized in the Wall Street Journal as being one of the top three units in the U.S. for reducing bloodstream infections. The unit also won top honors at the recent Resident Physician and Nursing Research Day for its study regarding nursing acuity models.

The National Congressional Committee announced that Debbie Davison has been appointed to serve on the Business Advisory Council in recognition of valuable contributions to healthcare. Davison and her husband, who own Home Health Care Plus, will attend the President’s Dinner and a Congressional Town Hall meeting in Washington, D.C.

The Peoria City/County Health Department announced its May Employee of the Month was Jason Taylor, custodian. He has been with the department since July 2004.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria honored 25 faculty physicians. Richard C. Anderson earned Faculty of the Year. Recognized for outstanding research: Ken-ichiro Fukuchi, John W. Hafner, John W. Kugler and Sanjeeva Mohanam. Recognized for outstanding service: Peter Alahi, Thomas R. Rossi and Leonard W. Scheibel. Recognized for outstanding teaching: Roger Geiss, Glenn Miller and John Rogers. Recognized for outstanding clinical, technological or scholarly achievements applied to medical research: Christopher Gondi and G. Stephen Nace. Community-based faculty awarded for outstanding teaching and service: Violette S. Hnilica and Trent D. Proehl. The Golden Apple Award was earned by Pushpa Joseph. Teaching excellence certificates were given to: Timothy Bruce, Subramanyam Chittivelu, Roger Geiss, James Graumlich, Meena Gujrati, Frederick Horvath Jr., Stephen Lasley, Vijaya Somaraju, Gregory Tudor and Michael Tudor.

Members of the U of I College of Medicine at Peoria’s Civil Service Employees Council raised $1,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and presented it during the annual telethon.

Fourteen physicians at the U of I College of Medicine received faculty teaching awards: Wm. Gregory Nulty, Troy Cutler, David Trachtenburg, Larry Lindahl, Jacqueline Fischer, Clark Rians, Jorge Kattah, Giuseppe Lanzino, Yolanda Renfroe, Christine Buehler, Timothy Drew, Kevin Fahey, J. Stephen Marshall and Gregg Stoner.

INSURANCE

At its annual May meeting, Pekin Life Insurance Company reported a record net income of more than $14 million and that life insurance in the force exceeded $9.6 billion in the year 2006. Premium income increased by 5.2 percent to more than $199 million. Three new directors were elected to three-year terms: Scott A. Martin, Paul A. Tornatore and R. Michael Weir. The company also declared a June quarterly dividend of $.0575 per share to shareholders of record May 1, a 7 percent increase over the share paid in March.

Pearl Insurance recently achieved Preferred Vendor status with GMAC Real Estate. This classification provides Pearl with exclusive access to more than 1,300 GMAC franchise offices and their 22,000 sales associates.

MANUFACTURING

IMEC President Bob Weinstein was named the Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s Champion of the Year, a position earned for his commitment to business growth and U.S.-based manufacturers. Working with more than 500 Illinois manufacturers, Weinstein helped IMEC to distribute valuable solutions in areas such as cost containment, technology and quality.

Caterpillar announced that it completed the purchase of Eurenov S.A.S., a manufacturer of engines, transmissions and components for leading European automotive manufacturers. The purchase will allow Caterpillar Remanufacturing to expand into Eastern Europe.

Caterpillar held the world’s largest construction industry trade show the week of April 23. With an estimated 400,000 visitors, the show boasted new products on display and customer services to European, African, Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States markets.

Caterpillar was awarded the 2007 Corporate Health Achievement Award from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The award recognizes outstanding dedication to environmental quality and product safety in the communities where the company operates.

Caterpillar announced at its annual meeting of stockholders that 2006 was the company’s third consecutive year of record sales and profitability and fourth-straight year of double digit profit growth. For 2007, Caterpillar expects full-year sales and revenues to reach between $42 and $44 billion and profits to reach $5.30 to $5.80 per share. Caterpillar shareholders will receive an increased quarterly cash dividend on July 20. The board of directors voted for a six-cent increase, bringing dividends up to $0.36 per share of common stock.

MEDIA

The Peoria Zoo and WTVP announced a “Natural Partnership” in which the award-winning PBS series Nature will be presented in partnership with the zoo, promoting nature education and learning. The partnership is made possible as part of a $100,000 financial commitment by local businessman and philanthropist Lee Graves.

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria announced its May Employee of the Month was Jason Parkinson. Parkinson has been with the company two years as a graphic designer and on-air personality. Regent also announced its Sales Representative of the Month was Lindsay Slater. She has been a Senior Account Manager with Regent since 2003 and has been in the radio industry for more than eight years.

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria announced the addition of Senta Rigenberger as an account executive. Rigenberger previously worked with WIXO 105.7 as a promotions specialist and is a native of central Illinois.

NOT FOR PROFIT

The Junior League of Peoria recognized these Shining Star award winners for their “above and beyond” service to the League: Tracey Greenwood, Charity Schultz, Juli Leruli, Susan Crisler, Lisa Abraham, Michelle Winkler, Rachel Bradford, Jackie Codevilla, Nicole Gualandi and Angela Fritch Milton.

Dr. Andrew Morgan, Medical Director for the Peoria/Bloomington Easter Seals, was recently honored with the Lou Lowenkron Program Innovation Award by National Easter Seals. Morgan, a professor at U of I College of Medicine and Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, earned the award for his community theater program called The Penguin Project. Lead roles in the project’s productions are taken by K-12 students with developmental delays and disabilities and are supported by peer mentors.

The Junior League of Peoria announced 20 new active members, which requires training and volunteering for a year: Susana Achterberg, Jamie Blaine, Rachel Bradford, Lynne Buell, Andrea Burgess, Ma-Ria Cathcart, Kathy Duscher, Darcy Gibson, Amanda Graham, Katie Hanlon, Nikki Headington, Kim Liddell, Katie Marshall, Jennifer Mellon, Sherri Myers, Michelle Pericak, Christy Purvis, Megan Russo, Erin Scherbinske and Michelle Winkler.

Contributing more than 8,050 hours of service to the community, the following members of the Junior League of Peoria were U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award winners. In the Gold Category: Emily Cahill, Trish Redman, Julie Balkema, Brenda O’Russa, Elaine Wild and Lucinda McArthur. In the Silver Category: Sarah Oakford, Sara McKee, Jacqueline Mauer, Michelle DellaValle and Jami Begole. In the Bronze Category: Kelly Walz, Brenda Wilson, Pamela Roberts, Wendy Thomasson, Mary Elizabeth Cooper, Laura Petelle, Donna Pritchard, Roslyn Adams and Jennifer Brooke. Pamela Roberts, active member since 1999, was also given the 2006-2007 Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the Keepsacks for Kids project.

Goodwill Industries announces its July employee anniversaries: Brice Painter has been with shopgoodwill.com for four years, and Angel Payne has served for eight years at the War Memorial branch.

The Cancer Center for Healthy Living announced that its website has a new look. Visit www.cchlpeoria.org to learn about programs and services available for cancer patients, survivors and their family and friends.

The Central Illinois Center for Independent Living announced a change of name, logo and location. Due to a misconception that the Center is living facility, the company changed its name to Advocates for Access. For more information on the changes, call 682-3500.

ArtsPartners announced that its Executive Director, Suzette Boulais, was selected by the Illinois Arts Council to serve on a statewide grants committee for arts service organizations. Boulais will serve on a panel with seven other art representatives from around the state to determine grant allocations for over 13 arts service organizations.

Fayette Companies announced the promotion of two employees to management positions: Queena Howard, LPC, at White Oaks Youth and Community Services, and Minnie Smith, LCPC, at White Oaks Knolls men’s residential treatment center. Two staff psychiatrists were promoted to new appointments at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Narayana Reddy, psychiatrist, was promoted to associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Arun Pinto, vice president and chief medical officer, was promoted to professor in the same department.

Tom Simpson, president/owner of AAA Certified Confidential Security Corporation, was elected as the National Association of Information Destruction Board’s President. Simpson, who has based his shredding company in Peoria for more than 20 years, will serve the Board as President Elect for 2007-2008, President for 2008-2009 and Past President for 2009-2010.

Claudia Emken was promoted to Associate Director of Conservation Programs in the Illinois chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Emken has been with the Conservancy for 10 years.

The Children’s Home received an $810 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. The grant will be used to offer the “Freedom Troupe,” a group for girls at the home between 11-17 years old, eight weekly sessions of dance instruction. The Troupe plans to teach its new dance skills to its peers and then perform in the community.

Easter Seals in Peoria named Millie McFall as Rehabilitation Coordinator. McFall has a degree in sociology and was previously employed by Child and Family Connections in Peoria. Jessica Brack was named Administrative Assistant for Programs and Services. She holds a family studies and human services degree and was previously a public health educator and child health coordinator for the Kansas Department of Health.

The Children’s Hospital of Illinois presented its Community Advocacy Awards. Lynn Goffinet received the Bill Houlihan Professional Award for her work with children as Lutheran Social Services Director and statewide adoption director. Dawn Kocher won the Christine Zak-Edmonds Volunteer Award for her efforts in enhancing childrens’ fitness levels while building their self-confidence at her Jump Start Gymnastics and Kids Activity Center. She also founded and coordinates the annual St. Jude benefit meet, which has raised more than $750,000. Kelsey Clemson was presented the Joey Stowell Youth Award for her time spent improving the literacy and lives of children through her summer reading program, Teens Teaching Tots. The Junior League of Peoria was also honored for its commitment to the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Farrell Davies has been named Executive Director at Crittenton Centers. Farrell’s social service career spans over 30 years, most recently her position as Director of Community Affairs at Children’s Home in Peoria. Farrell received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois.

The Women’s Fund of the Peoria Area Community Foundation awarded a $2,822 grant to Dress for Success Peoria. The donation will enable the Professional Woman’s Group to provide meetings for the dress program for an entire year as well as provide additional resources and materials to its members. The PWG provides Dress for Success Peoria clients career advancement, support and networking instruction.

Common Place, a social service agency in Peoria that helps people overcome poverty and injustice through education, celebrated 40 years with a reception and dinner. Retired Executive Director Nancy Rakoff was honored for her years of dedication and service to the community.

The Heart of Illinois United Way gave an $8,500 grant to the Career Center for Healthy Living, allowing the Center to provide health presentations and cooking demonstrations to cancer patients and the general public. The programs are free and open to the public; more information is available at www.cchlpeoria.org.

The 22nd annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon raised a record $2,906,412 for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Since the telethon was first held in 1986, more than $22 million has been raised, all of it staying in central Illinois to support the Children’s Hospital.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Public Relations Association of Central Illinois announces its Board of Directors for 2007-2008. President: Rhonda Parker of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA. Vice President of Membership: Jill Peterson of the City of East Peoria. Vice President of Programming: Mike Badgerow of the Morton Chamber of Commerce. Treasurer: Kristen Berchtold of the Peoria YMCA. Communications Manager: Gretchen Shearer of the Peoria Park District. Member-at-large (a two-year term): Jenny Zinkel of Peoria County. Serving his second year as a Memberat- large is Dr. Mike Thurwanger of Bradley University. The past president is Trisha Noack of the Peoria Public Library.

The Tri-County Chiropractic Association elected officers at its spring meeting: Dr. B. Michael Higgins, president; Dr. Mark Zimmerman, vice president; Dr. Joe Esposito, secretary; and Dr. Daniel Joseph, treasurer. Executive Committee members include Dr. Robert Benningfield, Dr. C. Michael Buescher, Dr. Jerry Carter and Dr. Brian Frank.

Barbara Duncan received the Peoria Chamber of Commerce’s 2006-2007 Ambassador of the Year award. Duncan earned the award for her volunteer work with community organizations and investment in Chamber activities. Duncan is a Direct Access Network Specialist for OSF Health Plans.

Bruce Alkire, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Devonshire Commercial Realty in Peoria, was elected as Chairman of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC). Alkire was also elected to the Board of the Heartland Partnership, parent organization to the EDC.

REAL ESTATE

Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty received the Five Star Circle of Excellence Award for exceeding its individual objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker closings in the past calendar year. The award was presented by the Cartus Broker Network during its international conference in April.

Jonathan Yoder of Century 21 Lincoln National Realty in East Peoria recently completed the Century 21 MatureMoves certification program. As a MatureMoves Specialist, Yoder is able to assist homebuyers and sellers approximately 60 to 70 years of age in locating the perfect home for their lifestyle.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty was honored with the Commercial Elite Award for the third consecutive year. The award is given to the top 15 Coldwell Banker Commercial affiliated companies in closed adjusted gross commission income, and CBCDR is ranked No. 8 globally. Linda Shelby, Bruce Alkire and Joseph Gehrig were all recognized at the bronze level of producers for the company.

Amy Munson, team leader and REO Manager at Jim Maloof/ Realtor, recently attended the National REO Broker’s Association conference in Denver. Munson has been active in the REO field since 2002, is a recognized debt resolution counselor and is certified in loss mitigation.

RECREATION

Wildlife Prairie State Park is offering free admission for active military personnel, veterans and their families on select patriotic holidays: Independence Day (July 4), Patriot Day (September 11) and Veteran’s Day (November 11). While military guests with official identification can always enter the park for free, they can now bring up to four guests at no charge on these dates. The park is also offering military guests the opportunity to register to win a replica of the War Dog Memorial bronze statue located in the park; entry forms can be picked up at the Visitor’s Center.

The Peoria Park District was designated as a 2007 Take Me Fishing Park Community and has accepted a $1,000 grant from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the National Recreation and Park Association. The Park District currently offers two programs related to fishing. The Fishing Derby is an annual event held at the Glen Oak Park Lagoon that has been offered for the past 36 years. The Loan-A-Pole program provides rods and reels to area residents and their families for free. Parents can check them out for their children under the age of 16 for a period up to three days.

The Creve Coeur Club of Peoria donated $10,000 to the Wildlife Prairie State Park and the Forest Park Foundation. The funds, donated in celebration of the Club’s 109th George Washington Banquet, will appropriately be used to rehab the park’s American bald eagle enclosure.

RETAIL

Randy Corwin, first-year employee of Office Max, was recently honored with the National Sales Council award. Corwin was recognized in Scottsdale, Ariz. for being one of the top 13 commercial representatives in the nation.

SERVICES

The Velde Ford Dealership in Pekin celebrated its 50th anniversary with a presentation by community officials and Ford Motor Company dignitaries in May. Less than 5 percent of all Ford dealers worldwide can claim a 50-year relationship with the Ford Motor Company. The dealership, located on Auto Row along Highway 29, is owned by Bruce Saurs and his son Tim Saurs.

Green View Landscape Design-Build received five Excellence in Landscape awards from the Illinois Landscape Contractor’s Association earlier this year. The company’s Oswego, Normal and Springfield locations were honored for the professional quality of their work.

CDSC Legal Video of Peoria announced the certification of professional videographer Hugh McGowan as a Court Video Specialist by the American Guild of Court Videographers. In addition, both CDSC President Chuck Hurn and McGowan were accepted as fellows into the same Guild after completing certification for every aspect of legal videography.

The eco-friendly franchise Cartridge World recently opened a location in the Metro Centre. The company promotes recycling and waste reduction by refilling laser and inkjet printer catridges, which saves consumers and businesses up to half the cost of purchasing new ones. Call 689-8INK for more information.

Marilyn Crain, designer for the Do-it-Yourself clients at Hoerr Nursery, was awarded her arborist certification through the International Society of Arboriculture.

Shear Creations announced the additions of Jessica Myers and Chrissy Fisher as hair stylists and Debbie Schneider as a nail technician.

Mr. Handyman of Greater Peoria LLC opened on June 1, allowing busy homeowners to take advantage of its professional home maintenance and repair service. Call 550-5137 for a trained technician to complete your weekend fix-it list.

Hoerr Nursery announced the grand opening of its new GardenHouse, a 10,000-square-foot greenhouse that holds large plant displays, especially annuals and hanging baskets.

William Carter, general manager of the Hotel Pére Marquette, was the recipient of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s General Manager of the Year Medium Size Property award. Carter began working at the Hotel Marquette in 1983 as convention coordinator and became general manager in 1986.

TECHNOLOGY

CSE Software Inc. of Morton announced the addition of Matt Martin as Chief Operating Officer. Martin is responsible for positioning the company to grow in the future by focusing on internal improvements, customer development, new product and service development and acquisitions. He comes to CSE after having served at SC2 in various management and executive positions, and he is a member of the 2004 class of 40 Leaders Under Forty.

TRANSPORTATION

Allegiant Air, LLC announced a new twice-weekly, nonstop flight from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport to Orlando, Fla. One-way flights begin at $79 each and seats may be booked now, but the service does not begin until November 16. Reservations may be made through www.allegiantair.com or by calling 702-505-8888.

Northwest Airlines announced it will resume two daily roundtrip flights between the Greater Peoria Regional Airport and the Detroit WorldGateway, which connects throughout North American, Europe and Asia. The flights will be offered beginning August 21 but can be purchased now at www.nwa. com or by calling 800-225-2525.

The Illinois Alliance of Byways, including the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, was given an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Offi cials award for Sustainable Organizations. The Alliance earned the 2007 honor for its creative approach toward funding and marketing as well as its partnership with byway organizations and state and federal governments. IBI