Learn how to effectively use email in business with a short workshop on August 2. From 1 to 4 p.m. at the Jameson Inn in Peoria, develop strategies for sending and receiving the email responses you desire. Register early for a lower fee; call 800-948-5700.
Dealing with Difficult People: How to Communicate with Tact and Skill, a one-day seminar sponsored by CareerTrack, is coming to Peoria August 15. Join others at the Holiday Inn City Centre and learn why “problem people” target others and how to respond so that you can enjoy your workday. Visit www.careertrack.com or call 800-556-3009 to enroll.
Wellness programs after the final HIPAA nondiscrimination regulations will be debriefed in a three-hour session on August 15 at the Jameson Inn. Employers and plan service providers will learn what the regulations for health plans permit and what is being offered in the marketplace. Call 800-948-5700 or visit www. eaconnect.com for more information.
An Identity Theft breakfast briefing will take place August 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Peoria. Sponsored by the law firm of Davis & Campbell L.L.C. and the Employers’ Association, the session will include employment law briefing on identity theft as well as discussion. Reservations must be made by August 10. Call 800-948-5700 or visit www.eaconnect.com.
On August 23 at the Jameson Inn, join Employer’s Association’s Liz Pollack for a workshop regarding legal issues in employment. Issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, documenting employee action and harassment and discrimination will be covered. Register in advance for a lower fee; call 800-948-5700.
CONSTRUCTION
River City Construction L.L.C. announced the addition of Scott Fairfield as Vice President of River City Design Group, a subsidiary of River City Construction L.L.C.
ENGINEERING
Farnsworth Group attended and exhibited at the Illinois Hospital Association Small & Rural Conference June 19 to 21 in Chicago. Dave Burnison and Steve Smith attended the conference.
Farnsworth Group is pleased to announce the addition of Janelle Payne as an interior designer, John Leesman as a structural engineer and Daniel Holland as a member of its Survey crew.
FINANCE
CEFCU announced the hiring and promotion of several employees. Melody Filarski, Chief Technology Officer; Mark Hoffmire and Jeff Thomas, Vice President positions; Shadia Alwan, Jason Anderson, Tammy Fletcher, Marlon Jones, Kerstin McGowan and Nicole Perry, management positions; Brenda Dunbar, Alyicia Hightower, Wyatt Wolven, Jennifer Cunningham and Lynn Johnston, new management positions.
Troy W. Alexander, member of the Principal Financial Group, will now be offering fee-based financial planning at his office in Washington. Alexander’s services include retirement planning, saving for major expenses (college funding, purchasing a home, etc.), asset allocation and tax and estate planning.
RSM McGladrey welcomed Ross E. Hewitt III to its firm as a tax director specializing in the financial institutions industry. Hewitt has more than 14 years of experience. He is a member of both the Illinois Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and serves as Treasurer of the Illinois State Museum Society.
CEFCU announced the retirement of Terry Turner. Turner was an employee of CEFCU for 33 years, last serving as the Airport Member Center Manager.
Clifton Gunderson LLP welcomed two new hires to its Peoria office: Mark Dalbey, Tax Senior Manager, and Trevor Ziegler, associate for the Tax Efficiency Services team.
CEFCU announced a new loan product for its members: “Quick Advance.” This product offers an affordable short-term alternative to payday loans, including a low interest rate and no fees.
McGladrey & Pullen LLP welcomes Dan Myers to its Peoria office. A graduate of Illinois State University, Myers accepted a position as an audit associate.
GOVERNMENT
An evening of food, fun, baseball and legislators will take place August 7 at the Peoria Chiefs’ O’Brien Field. Join U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood for a national legislative update and state legislators for informal discussion during the game. Call 800-948-5700 for more information.
HEALTH
Leslie Babcock, Community Outreach Director at Morton Villa/ Morton Terrace Care Centers, was awarded the 2007 State of Illinois Continuity of Care Organization Award for Distinguished Member of the Year. Babcock serves as treasurer for the Heart of Illinois Chapter and is the 2007-2008 Chairman for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee.
Beth Thomas, director of Patient Safety/Quality Initiatives at Pekin Hospital, obtained certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality from the National Association of Healthcare Quality. Thomas has served in her current position since 2002 and joined Pekin Hospital staff in 1991.
Methodist Medical Center announced its three June Employees of the Month: Mary Bliss, for nursing, Laura Hahn, for non-nursing support and Chris Maloney, for patient care.
The Peoria Medical Society Alliance announced three scholarship recipients awarded by its educational and charitable foundation: Molly McMorrow, a first-year medical student at U of I at Urbana- Champaign; Nicole Nauyalis, a clinical doctorate student at Bradley University and Heather Wilcoxen, a second clinical doctorate student at Bradley.
Linda Washkuhn received the Illinois State Medical Society Alliance’s 2007 Humanitarian Award in the non-member category. For 26 years Washkuhn has been committed to promoting breast cancer awareness, including involvement in a U.S./Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.
The Peoria Medical Society Alliance announced its officers for 2007-2008: Michele Marshall, President; Pete McClure, President Elect; Patti Russo, Vice President; Janice Anderson, Treasurer; Marilyn Bauer, Recording Secretary; Cindy Rashid, Corresponding Secretary and Julie Baylor and Jan Estes, Directors. Several members will also serve on the Illinois State Medical Society Alliance Board of Directors: Linda Couri, Central Regional Director; Julie Baylor, newsletter editor and Michele Marshall, county representative.
Local Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates raised more than $30,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and Children’s Hospital of Illinois in their fundraising campaign.
Janice Sligar was named Director of Business Development at Methodist Medical Center. A native of Peoria, Sligar previously worked at United Healthcare for six years in the sales and retention department. She also holds an insurance provider’s license in three states and is a member of the Central Illinois Health Underwriters.
Barbara Adams received the Peoria Medical Society Alliance’s Charlotte Barbour Award for 2007. Adams received the award for her outstanding service to the organization, including her roles as recording secretary and chair of numerous committees.
The Peoria Medical Society and Peoria Medical Society Alliance announced gifts totaling $3,400 from their charitable foundation to local organizations. Heartland Community Health Clinic, Tyng Primary School, Planned Parenthood, Bradley University Department of Nursing, Central Illinois Riding Therapy, Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Hult Health Education and Crittenton Centers all received funds.
The 2007 Miracle Mile, an event which is part of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon Celebration, raised nearly $3,000 for the organization. Designed for children through the eighth grade, the Miracle Mile awarded a blue ribbon to each child who finished the race and raised money through pledges, registration fees and area donations.
Paula Duckwiler was given the June Proctor Employee Personified award for her outstanding efforts in quality and leadership. Duckwiler is employed in the Work Control Center, Maintenance and Plant Operations.
Dr. David Wang, director of the OSF Stroke Center and OSF Stroke Network, was named to a team of nine national stroke experts who will focus on identifying the “best practices” for effective stroke treatment as well as education. Wang will represent the American Academy of Neurology.
CEFCU raised $43,000 during a year-long Children’s Miracle Network campaign for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis. The funds will be used to purchase new neo-natal and pediatric equipment, support an in-house school for patients, maintain a parent support fund and finance research.
Methodist Medical Center employees raised $137,571 during a two-week “Gifts from the Heart” campaign. A 14 percent increase from last year, the funds will support patient care programs and services at Methodist and the Methodist Employee Crisis Fund.
Pekin Hospital appointed two new members to its Board of Trustees: Janet M. Lange and Ward Sirotak. Lange has been the Executive Director of Continuing Education at Bradley University since 1989 and also spent 10 years working for the Dirksen Congressional Center. Sirotak has worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years and currently serves as American Regional Manager for its OEM Solutions Group business unit.
Timothy Drew, coordinator of the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Behavioral Services’ Child and Adolescent Program, was recognized for teaching excellence by the U of I College of Medicine’s Pediatric and Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency programs. Drew has a doctorate in education psychology and counseling from Northern Illinois University and has been with OSF for nine years.
Pekin Hospital Laboratory was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists. The hospital is now one of more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories in the nation.
Peoria City/County Health Department announced its June Employee of the Month, nutritionist Shannon Fowler. She has been employed with the group since September 2004.
Theresa Snell of Pekin Hospital was recently granted renewed status as a Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse by the American Board of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certification. Snell has been CAPA-certified since 1994 and has been employed with Pekin Hospital since 1975.
The Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation welcomed new staff: Dondra Keys, CNA; Majorie Bean, Patient Account Rep; and Kelly Griffin and Mary Elson, PT Aides.
Dr. Ronald M. Cyr joined the U of I College of Medicine at Peoria as a full-time visiting professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Cyr received his medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed residency programs at both University of Toronto and McGill University. He has national recognition as a fellow from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center/Children’s Hospital of Illinois inducted four current/former employees into their Heritage Hall of Fame. Fred Kalsbeek, director of Government Relations, and Dr. Don Rager, retired director of Medical Affairs, were inducted as Legends. Golda Ewalt, director of the Dietetic Internship Program and catering manager, and Ginny Pisano, supervisor for Clinical Utilization Review and Women’s and Children’s Case Management, were inducted as Champions.
The U of I College of Medicine at Peoria announced six medical students from the class of 2008 who were selected for membership in the local chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Yolanda Chang, Kaci L. Dinga, Lester John Fahrner, Shaun Gabriel, Paul Jeziorczak and Manuela Vazquez were all selected for “outstanding humanistic activity.”
INSURANCE
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Peoria welcomes Chris Bealmer and Patrick Hanlon as new financial representatives. Erica Johnson, Wes Wrage, Jake Bice, Sean Samp, Kyle King, Connor Vance, Josh Durbin and Kevin Jones joined the company as college financial representatives.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Peoria congratulates Doug Leman. Through his excellent performance and outstanding achievement, Leman qualified for the Core Coalition, a program created to encourage the sale of various types of core insurance products. Northwestern Mutual also recognized John Dill as Most Valuable Producer, for his excellent performance and outstanding achievement. Finally, Sunil Oberoi received the Master Achievement Award and became a member of Forum for reaching a certain high level of achievement and excellence within the organization.
MANUFACTURING
Caterpillar has announced that William N. Ball has been promoted to manager of Social Responsibility Initiatives in Corporate Public Affairs. He succeeds Henry Holling, whose retirement after a prestigious 35-year career was announced in May. Will brings 21 years of Caterpillar experience to his new position. He and his wife Mimi and their three daughters, Alexis, Bria and Brooke, will move to the Peoria area sometime in August or September.
British energy firm Globe Energy plans to locate its U.S. manufacturing operations right here in Peoria. The company produces radiant heating systems for factories and warehouses which cut heating costs by 75 to 80 percent, saving companies millions of dollars and reducing the amount of fossil fuels wasted. Globe operates out of Pioneer Park and expects to employ 100 people by the end of the year and up to 600 in the next three years.
MARKETING
Image Element, a promotional service of Simantel, announced the addition of Joan Braden as a sales assistant. Braden received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Illinois State University and will work to fulfill the sales needs of clients.
The Service Station Advertising Agency announced that it received five Telly Awards for 2007, awards which honor local, regional and cable television commercials and programs as well as video/film productions. Two of the commercials the agency produced for clients were chosen as winners from over 14,000 entries nationwide.
The RLI Corp. 2006 Summary Annual Report, Owners’ Manual: The Principles that Drive Our Success, earned Best of Show honors in the 2007 IMCA Showcase Awards competition. The awards, sponsored by the Insurance Marketing and Communications Association, are considered the industry’s highest honors. RLI’s report was produced by the RLI communications department, with writing and design by Converse Marketing.
MEDIA
Regent Broadcasting of Peoria announced that two of its radio stations—105.7 The X ROCKS and 97.3 River Country—won Silver Dome awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. 105.7 was awarded Best Radio Self Promotion for its “Have a Harley Jolly Christmas” and also won Best Website in a medium-sized radio market. 97.3’s Morning Show host Lisa Franks won her first Silver Dome for Best Newscast in a medium-sized radio market.
Brad Creek was hired as Local Sales Manager for Regent Broadcasting of Peoria. Creek has more than 11 years of experience after working for the student radio station at Illinois State University, the Peoria Journal Star and as a Senior Account Executive for Regent. Creek is a Peoria-area native.
NOT FOR PROFIT
Goodwill Industries announced its August employee anniversaries: Patricia Whitman and Candis Murphey have been employed for three years. Cecilia Shipp, Dave Natof, Armando Padilla and Kelly Drebes have reached the four-year mark. Ruth Vasquez has served for five years, and Karla Thomas has served for 10 years.
The Tazewell Animal Protection Society will host its longest-running fundraising event, the Tailwaggers Classic, on August 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. Many demonstrations and contests, as well as a Doggone Flea Market, make this event a must for any pet owner. The Society is looking for businesses to join the fun and sponsor the event. Call 370-2016 or 346-8350 for more information.
For the second year in a row, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois (JA) is the fourth-fastest-growing JA office in America, according to Junior Achievement Worldwide. The growth is tabulated on classrooms and students served from 140 JA offices in the nation. JA topped the 11,000 student mark this past school year, making its student growth over 200 percent since the 2003-2004 school year.
PARC announced a host of local benefactors that have offered support. Area Knights of Columbus Councils donated funds: $350.00 from the St. Edwards Council and $684.63 from the Bishop Rosati Council. OSF Healthcare donated refurbished desktop computers and laptops. The men of Bradley University’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity built a wheelchair accessible deck and ramp at PARC’s Vonachen group home. The Caterpillar Foundation extended a $7,500 donation, continuing its frequent support. Finally, the Heart of Illinois United Way awarded $75,900 in grant designations for two of PARC’s programs, Early Intervention Services for Strengthening Families and Residential Services for Building Self-Reliance.
Elaine Manley received the President’s Award at PARC’s annual awards banquet. The award recognizes a citizen for extraordinary advocacy and support on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Business Partner of the Year went to the City of Peoria, Department of Public Works; Employer of the Year went to Scrip, Inc.; The Order of Alhambra, Ziryab Caravan #52 received the Friend of PARC Award; Joyce Stahl received the Advocacy Award; Shirley Autzen received the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award; the Master Gardeners of Peoria received the Organization Volunteer of the Year Award; Infinity Print Group was recognized as Corporate Sponsor of the Year; Mari Halliday received the Individual PARC Partner of the Year Award; the Par-A-Dice Hotel received the Corporate PARC Partner of the Year Award; and Connie Sawatzki received the Roger Harkin Award. Wayne Stogsdill was named Employee of the Year for his hard work and dedication.
PARC also announced the launch of its new website at www. PARCway.org. The site offers visitors easy access to information on PARC programs and services, the latest news and event information, ways to participate with PARC, online volunteer and event registration and a safe and secure platform for event ticket purchases and online donations.
The Peoria YMCA announced its officers, who will serve a two year term: Lisa Koenig, Chairman; Nathan Miller, Vice Chairman; Lou Tenarvitz, Vice Chairman; Charles Burke, Secretary and Andrew Cali, Treasurer. The following were elected to three-year terms as board members: Todd Morrow, Frank Rezac, Donald Rohn and Michael Swearingen.
Majors Charles H. Smith and Sharon Smith were appointed as the Divisional Commander and Director of Women’s Ministries, respectively, for the Heartland Division of the Salvation Army. The Smiths will be based out of Peoria and supervise activity in 71 counties throughout Iowa and Illinois.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Primetime Illiabwa Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association is awarding scholarships to the following: John Scudder (Bradley University), Colton and Megan Montgomery (Pittsburgh State, Univ. of Kansas), Amanda Barnabee (Southern Ill. Univ.) and Amy Barnabee (ICC).
The Peoria Riverfront Toastmasters Club elected its officers for a July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 term: Sarah Smiles, President; Rhonda Larsen, Vice President of Education; Aloysia George, Vice President of Public Relations; Pamela Creagerb, Vice President of Membership; Katherine Hubbard, Secretary/Treasurer and Gary Davis, Sergeant at Arms.
Bruce Bergethon, 17-year member of the Normal Rotary Club, was inducted into the group’s Hall of Honor. Bergethon is a Paul Harris Fellow and served as 2004-2005 President of the club. During this time he was instrumental in coordinating several Rotary Clubs in raising funds for the Easter Seals Camp Lodge at Timber Pointe. He continues to serve the club as a judge at weekly meetings, master of ceremonies at events and member of various committees.
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Central Illinois chapter awarded several individuals for their extraordinary service. Joy Duling, Becky Wood and Becky Davies were recognized as Unsung Heroes; Amy Barbier received Rookie of the Year; Diana Hall was awarded Team Builder; Doris Symonds was awarded Bridge Builder and Stephanie Calahan was given the Pioneer award.
NAWBO Central Illinois also announced its 2007-2008 board of directors: Diana Hall, president; Kim Farlin, past president; Della Snider, president elect; Becky Wood, secretary; Carol Hayse, treasurer; Joy Duling, public policy director; Melanie Spurgeon, corporate and economic development director and Becky Davies, membership director.
The Creve Coeur Club recently presented a gift of $10,000 to the Goodwill Home for Veterans in honor of the recent visit of Senator John McCain. The Home, which opened in May 2005, supports honorably discharged veterans in moving toward employment and self-sufficiency.
REAL ESTATE
RE/MAX Unlimited of Peoria and Morton received high rankings on national surveys of top real estate brokerages in the U.S. The firm rankings, from 2006, were 212 on the RIS Media Power Broker Survey and 214 on the REAL Trends 500 Survey. Only 500 brokerages of the 85,000 in the U.S. were ranked in the surveys.
Debra Paul, a Peoria-area realtor, was awarded the Certified Residential Specialist Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, a credential held by 4 percent of active Realtors worldwide. Paul earned the designation through completion of advanced courses and training and demonstrating professional expertise. Paul is a sales associate with Exit HOI Realtors in Peoria.
RECREATION
The Peoria Civic Center hired Vonda Neelly as Event Coordinator, a position that includes coordinating client needs, preparing event cost estimates and supervising staff. Neelly has seven years’ experience from her own in-house catering and event planning business.
SERVICES
Steve Hartseil and Katie Fiorelli received promotions at Hoerr Nursery in Peoria. Hartseil will serve as assistant manager of the StoneMarket and Fiorelli will serve as assistant manager for Garden Supplies and Inventory Analysis. IBI
