CAREER

An eight-week series beginning September 9 will provide an extensive overview of the contemporary human resources function, including communication, legal compliance and training. This Employers’ Association series runs every Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Jameson Inn. Register early and receive a discounted price. Call 800-948-5700.

Join attorneys from Davis & Campbell LLC to eliminate confusion about the latest employment law developments. The event will take place September 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Country Club of Peoria. Register early and receive a discounted price. Call 800- 948-5700.

Employers’ Association is offering a human resources certification preparation course every Thursday from September 6 to November 15. Held at the Caterpillar Training Facility in East Peoria from 5 to 8 p.m., the course will include lectures, activities, discussions, study skills and exam strategies. Call 637-3333 or 800-948-5700 to register.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is holding an “Unemployment Insurance—Meeting Business Needs Workshop” on September 18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at InPlay in Peoria. For more information and to register, please call Donna Nelson from IDES at 671-3113, ext 259.

Learn to develop your leadership skills through two programs available from the Employers’ Association Workplace Learning Solutions. From Managing to Leading will take place September 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Jameson Inn and will cover skills needed to develop individuals and teams for the greatest results. Leadership for Leads Certificate Series runs September 18 and 25 at the Jameson Inn, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This series is designed for working leaders with supervising aspirations to become more effective and gain a helpful background. Call 637-3333 or 800-948- 5700 to register.

CONSTRUCTION

N.E. Finch Co. is proud to announce the promotion of Doug Wilson to the position of vice president with N. E. Finch Co. Wilson will be in charge of the construction division of the company. N.E. Finch Co. also announces the addition of Ron Witt to its team of construction professionals. An experienced engineer, Witt last worked for Walsh Construction on the I-74 renovation.

Peoria Metro Construction is pleased to report the hiring of Tim Driscoll as estimator/project manager.

EDUCATION

The Professional Development Institute at Illinois Central College announced a series of upcoming leadership workshops, including topics such as cultural storytelling, mentoring and emotional intelligence. Held at the Perley Building on Thursdays beginning September 13, the workshops can be taken individually, in clusters or for continuing education credit. Contact Sean McMurtry at 999-4567 or smcmurtry@icc.edu for more information.

Brooke Hunsicker was named director of the Cerf College Center and student activities at Eureka College. A Washington native, Hunsicker formerly worked as an assistant in the Office of Greek Affairs at Iowa State University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

The Cisco Networking Academy and its lead instructor at Illinois Central College were recognized with 2007 National Cisco Networking Academy Awards. Kim Cioni, instructor and regional coordinator for the Cisco Networking Academy in Peoria, developed a competition event that is now used internationally. Cioni was also chosen to represent Illinois at the Academy’s 10th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.

FINANCE

Commerce Bank announced a new ATM system that will make transactions more secure and accessible for the visually impaired. Commerce created the system to comply with updates to the Americans with Disability Act. The new ATMs require no envelopes or deposit slips and will print check images directly onto a receipt.

Michael A. Buckley of Clifton Gunderson was promoted to senior manager after serving as a manager for the Entrepreneurial Business Services team since 2006. Buckley is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a CPA and member of the Illinois CPA Society and is active in the Midwest with Christian organizations and the Home Builders Association of Greater Peoria.

Matthew G. Koch of Clifton Gunderson was promoted to senior manager after being with the company for six years. Koch has a master’s degree in accounting from Bradley University and is a CPA. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants.

Jeff Taylor of Clifton Gunderson was promoted to senior manager. Taylor graduated from the University of Illinois with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, with specialization in taxation. He is a certified public accountant and member of both the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants. He has been with the company since 2002.

Jeffrey R. Secord joined Clifton Gunderson Financial Services as managing director of the Downstate Illinois Client Service Center. Secord has more than 33 years of experience in the field, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Illinois State University. He is a certified financial planner and actively participates in various organizations.

Cheryl Dawson, vice president at Heartland Bank & Trust Co. in Peoria, was re-appointed to the Illinois Bankers Association Government Relations Committee for 2007-2008. Dawson’s duties include creating policy initiatives at the Association’s state and federal levels and advising the IBA on banking-related proposals from other organizations.

Clifton Gunderson announced the addition of Emily Rotherham as an assurance agent in its Peoria office.

RSM McGladrey welcomed Cheree Miller to its Peoria Physician Services office as a client service representative.

Goodfield State Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Schumacher as manager of the Investment Services Department. Schumacher works with individual and business clients to reach or exceed their financial goals through financial planning. He offers a wide range of stocks, bonds and other financial investments. He will also be offering educational seminars, free financial consultation and employer-sponsored retirement plans.

GOVERNMENT

The City of East Peoria promoted Steve Ferguson from water superintendent to public works director. Ferguson, who has been water superintendent since 1997, has more than 30 years of experience in engineering and project management.

East Peoria residents can now request department services or search the East Peoria Code of Ordinances on the city’s website, www.cityofeastpeoria.com.

Congressman Ray LaHood announced that he will not run for re-election at the conclusion of the 110th Congress in January 2009. After 30 years in public service, LaHood will retire with a legacy of area collaborations, including the LaHood Leadership Summit, the Peoria Riverfront Museum, I-74 reconstruction and community health clinics.

The 2007 Governor’s Conference on Management of the Illinois River System will be held October 2 through 4 at the Holiday Inn City Centre Hotel in Peoria. Themed “The Illinois River—Continuing Our Commitment,” the conference will include keynote speakers, discussion panels, exhibits and specialized workshops regarding river management and restoration. For more information, call 877- 455-2687 or visit www.conferences.uiuc.edu/ilriver.

HEALTH

Medication safety company InformMed, Inc. recently completed its first major clinical study at OSF Saint Francis. The company’s “pac2” solution, a hand-held computer developed right here in Peoria, was used to help nurses reduce the risk of medical errors in critical care situations. InformMed’s solution will be enhanced and used in other studies across the Midwest.

Lois Bale, RN, of the Wellness Center at Pekin Hospital, was awarded the Nursing Gold Star for June 2007. Bale earned the award for the professional, quality care she extends to patients and their family and friends. She has been employed by Pekin Hospital since 1967 and has served as director of the ICU, worked in Heart & Cardiac Rehab and was director of the Wellness Center until her retirement in 1998.

Four nurses in the Methodist Surgical Services Department received certification as Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurses by the American Board of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certification. Patricia Kolb, Jane Anderson, Kathy Dixon and Janice Willmon earned the certification through a minimum of 1,800 hours of perianesthesia nursing experience and completing a three-hour examination. Only 6,000 nurses across the nation have earned this distinction.

Methodist announced its three July Employees of the Month. Connie Stecher, RN was chosen for the category of nursing. Michele Davis was chosen for non-nursing support. Brenda Core was selected for patient care.

Two Methodist nurses were given June 2007 Nursing Excellence Awards. Jamie Schupbach graduated from ICC in 1998 and returned to Methodist in 2006 after working in several states. Maureen Schlinck began working for Methodist in 2001.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society presented its Commitment to Care award to Illinois Neurological Institute Multiple Sclerosis Center doctors Dennis Garsacki, Jorge Kattah, Sunil Chauhan, Mary Ann Cooper and Larry Wallden of the Greater Illinois Chapter (Peoria) of the MS Society. They were instrumental in upgrading the MS Clinic to an MS Center, which allows it to provide comprehensive care and earn grants for research.

The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital was given a Bronze Award from the Healthcare Marketing Report magazine. The Institute won the award for its program Don’t Gamble Away Our Future, which was shown to over 16,000 students in primary, middle and high schools through central Illinois.

Robert L. Stenander, staff member of the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor, was recently chosen to serve on the board of directors of the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley (Peoria) and the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board for Drug-Free Illinois Workplace Program (Springfield).

Proctor Hospital received a 2007 Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence from VHA, Inc., a national healthcare alliance. The award was extended for the hospital’s efforts in treatment for congestive heart failure.

The Heartland Community Health Clinic began seeing patients at its new East Bluff location, 2321 N. Wisconsin Ave., on August 15. The new facility was made possible by community gifts, including an anonymous $200,000 donation. According to Executive Director Joan Krupa, the site plans to serve 1,500 patients in its first year.

Great Plains Orthopaedic Group is commemorating 40 years of comprehensive care by combining all its names and logos into one. Eleven specialized physicians and three separate locations offer physician evaluation and treatment, testing, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services and sports performance programs.

Sandy Pryor, RN, was named the 2007 Healthcare Risk Manager of the Year by the Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Management. Pryor is the Patient Safety Coordinator and Risk Manager for Methodist Medical Center and was recognized for her involvement with the Society as a past president and current board member.

Nikki Baechler, clinical dietitian for Children’s Hospital, earned board certification as a specialist in pediatric nutrition. In order to achieve the distinction, Baechler met rigorous specialty practice requirements and passed a nationally administered exam.

Rhonda Washer, founder and director of Lifepath Center for Therapeutic Massage and Wellbeing, earned board certification as a Holistic Health Counselor and Practitioner from the American Institute of Holistic Health & Wellness.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria announced Dr. Christina Nulty was named director of the Combined Medicine/Pediatrics Residency program. Nulty received her medical degree from the College of Medicine in Rockford and completed her residency at OSF in Peoria. She is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and is a member of the Medical Education Committee of the American College Health Association. Nulty has been the medical director for Bradley University’s Health Services since 1997.

Harold “Skip” Alwes was named director of Security Services at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Alwes earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Park University and graduated from the Kansas City Missouri Police Academy. As director, he will oversee 24-hour security on the 33-acre downtown campus of OSF and Children’s Hospital.

Pekin Hospital announced its elected medical staff offices for 2007-2008: cardiologist Dr. James R. Smalley, president; family practitioner Dr. John E. Lovell, past president/president-elect; and pediatrician Dr. Terry Tosi, secretary/treasurer.

A new Methodist Medical Group physician office is slated to open in February 2008 at 3334 N. Sterling Ave. The 6,000-plus square-foot office will offer state-of-the-art equipment and service from Dr. Chad Conklin and Dr. Darren Conklin.

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing announced that it has received approval to offer the clinical nurse leader (CNL) track in its Master of Science in Nursing program. This 35-credit hour course is designed to provide the baccalaureate prepared nurse with in-depth preparation to become a leader in an integrated healthcare system.

During “Child Abuse Prevention Night at the Ballpark,” Kohl’s donated $52,657 to Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Pediatric Resource Center. The Peoria Chiefs players each donated their jerseys and signed a themed jersey for a fundraising auction during the event, which raised another $5,000.

Gastroenterology Ltd. and Methodist Medical Center announced a new partnership: the Central Illinois Endoscopy Center LLC. The center, which will be located in the Illinois Medical Center at 1001 Main St., will be a regional, comprehensive, single-specialty gastroenterology center supported by the state.

Paul Kortz, RN, BSN, CFCP and coordinator of the OSF Saint Francis FertilityCare Center, earned certification as a FertilityCare educator. Employed by OSF for 11 years, Kortz also serves on the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals as president-elect, and will become president later this year.

Dr. Stephen Hippler, medical director of the OSF Medical Group Clinical Research Center, co-authored an article that appeared in the June 23 issue of The Lancet, an internationally known medical journal. The article reported the findings of a multi-center study focusing on the effects of hypertension (high blood pressure) on diastolic dysfunction.

The Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation welcomed new staff members: Andy Champion, PTA; Carla Nellum, CNA; and Donna Schwab, Assistant Controller.

Methodist Medical Group announced the addition of Family Medicine/Geriatrician Dr. Gregory Johnson. Johnson received his training and completed a geriatrics fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and completed his family practice residency at the Sioux Falls Family Practice Residence Program in South Dakota.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria officially announced plans to begin construction on a downtown, 20,000- square-foot cancer research facility. The $12 million collaboration among the University of Illinois; Caterpillar Inc.; OSF Saint Francis Medical Center; Methodist Medical Center; various federal, state and local government entities; and private donors will generate approximately $34 million for Peoria’s economy.

Sharon A. Adams, MBA, CPC, was appointed vice president of Physician Services at Pekin Hospital. With 24 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Adams is a member of the federal and state Medical Group Management Associations, Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management and the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Former executive director of the Methodist Medical Center Foundation, Marsha Swardenski, was announced the new Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs for the Methodist College of Nursing. A Peoria native, Swardenski successfully served in her previous position for over nine years.

Peoria City/County Health Department’s July employee of the month is Deb Flanagan. Fellow employees commended her for her tendency to complete not only her own duties, but more, as well as her personable actions toward others.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center has named Michael A. Cruz, M.D. as the assistant administrator for quality and safety. Dr. Cruz has been an emergency medicine physician at OSF since 1987, also serving as a clinical associate professor of surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Cruz will now oversee the Quality and Safety Department while continuing to work one day a week in the Emergency Department.

INSURANCE

Pearl Insurance announced the creation of a new unit—Pearl Specialty Underwriters. PSU will specialize in providing comprehensive insurance solutions for businesses that fit outside of Pearl’s standard professional liability program parameters.

Pearl Insurance recently acquired the exclusive marketing rights for the CAN Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance program in Kansas and Oklahoma, adding to their CAN-exclusive states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Illinois Mutual introduced a new comprehensive workplace product portfolio called Voluntary Benefits at the Workplace. The new line includes interest-sensitive whole life insurance, short term disability insurance and accident insurance to help accommodate the personal needs of individuals through the workplace.

LAW

Attorney Patrick T. Chambers joined the law firm of Johnson, Bunce & Noble, P.C. as counsel. Chambers will practice in the firm’s residential and commercial real estate group and assist in general business and estate planning matters.

MANUFACTURING

CompTIA, located in Oakbrook Terrace, announced that manufacturing companies across Illinois are now eligible for financial assistance to have their technology workers trained and professionally certified through the company. The assistance is available through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s ETIP program. Grants are administered through the University of Illinois Business and Industry Services in Naperville. CompTIA certification programs are the recognized industry standards for a broad range of skills.

Top White House Advisor on Environment James Connaughton accompanied several representatives of Caterpillar to the Sihe Coal Mine, the largest coal methane power plant in the world. The plant will use 60 Caterpillar methane-gas-powered generator sets to produce power. Caterpillar has also been selected to provide an additional 31 generators to two other coal mines in the same city.

MARKETING

The League of American Communication Professionals named the RLI Corp. annual report, written and designed by Converse Marketing, the No. 1 report in its class and one of the Top 100 annual reports of 2006. “Owners’ Manual: The Principles that Drive Our Success,” was one of an unprecedented 2,500 entries representing 21 countries in the annual LACP Vision Awards competition. The report earned perfect scores for its letter to shareholders, report narrative, financials, message clarity and creativity.

MEDIA

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria announced its June Employee of the Month: Diane Burden, business manager with the company since 2006. Lindsay Slater was awarded Sales Representative of the Month and has been with the company since 2003.

Regent Broadcasting of Peoria announced that WVEL-AM is a finalist for the Marconi Award for Religious Station of the Year and WIXO-FM (105.7 the X) a finalist for Rock Station of the Year. The awards are presented by the National Association of Broadcasters.

NOT FOR PROFIT

Goodwill Industries announced its local September employee anniversaries. Tonya Orr has worked in East Peoria and Estrillita Algood-Barnes has worked in Washington for three years. Tim Pease has spent nine years working at the War Memorial branch. Bonnie Beachler has spent 19 years working at the Pekin branch.

The Cancer Center for Healthy Living recently awarded two women for helping those touched by cancer live life to the fullest. Rhonda Washer received the Volunteer of the Year Award, and Peg Ramsey received the Barbara Walvoord Inspirational Award. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois gifted $1,400 to the Cancer Center for Healthy Living to increase outreach and services directed at the minority and underserved population of Peoria.

The Community Workshop & Training Center (CWTC) recognized its employees who have served for 15 years or more: Gail Leiby, 1977; Velma Baior, 1978. Marcia Huenefeld, 1983; Debra Cline, 1984; Bill Adams, Joe Bennett, Bob Craig, Wendy Culp, Mona Robinson and Sue Wujek, 1985; Adrianne Crook, Marsha Goss, Marsha Hines and Linda Jackson, 1986; Connie Carranza, Robert Carter, Patti Gratton and Jim Simkins, 1987; Theresa Appleyard, Quinn Bailey, Leslie Buhl, Mike Grane, Rod Joos, Nate Pankey, Betty Scott, John Sutton, Peggy Underwood, Ellie Vaughn and John Whitfield, 1988; Sandy Sheckler, 1990; and Brenda Alexander, Karen McMenamin and Teri Vermillion, 1991.

The eighth annual Maui Jim/Children’s Home Charity Golf Classic held July 9 raised $350,000 for the Children’s Home. Proceeds from the event help the agency to protect, teach and heal the children of central Illinois.

Crittenton Centers Crisis Nursery received a $3,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for the “Adventures in Reading” project. Children from birth to six years of age will be introduced to reading by enjoying literary-rich play opportunities, activities stimulating the imagination, early literary education and improved potential for healthy parent-child relationships.

Crittenton Centers announced its 2007-2008 Board of Directors officers: Bill Engelbrecht, president; Bill Pape, vice president; Bernie Drake, treasurer; Dick Serrahn, assistant treasurer; and Sue Young, secretary. Crittenton also welcomes Johna Purcell, employee of the Caterpillar Legal Services Division, to the board.

For the 21st consecutive year, Division 20 of the Illinois-Iowa Kiwanis Clubs donated car seats to several organizations for parents who are unable to purchase them. The clubs were able to offer 102 car seats this year, totaling nearly 1,000 car seats in the fundraiser’s history.

The Peoria Sertoma Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois awarded a $1,000 grant to Easter Seals and its Orthotics Clinic and Assistive Technology Clinic Services project.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater Illinois Chapter (Central Region) elected Ric Morgan to its local council. Morgan is the operations manager for Regent Broadcasting in Peoria. He was involved in the 2006 River Country MS Walk Team as Captain and participated in the 2007 MS Walk as well.

Dream Center Peoria is pleased to have partnered with area organizations, businesses and individuals to provide 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in the Peoria community and surrounding areas through its sixth annual Backpack Peoria event, held August 4th.

In July, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) hosted the 21st annual Elder Rights conference in Lincolnshire to increase awareness of elder abuse during Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Individuals from around the state were recognized by IDoA for their continued dedication and passion for elder rights. Honorary certificates were presented to the following local residents: Stasia Miller and Pat Willis of the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, and Judith Williams of the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging in Bloomington.

Junior Achievement of Central Illinois’ Larry Timm was chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award. The award is given to first-time JA presidents who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the organization. Timm, who has served as president for the past three and a half years, was chosen from six national finalists.

The Cancer Center for Healthy Living would like to thank Peoria Chiropractic for the fundraiser held on CCHL’s behalf. Peoria Chiropractic worked with their patients to raise over $1,500 to help those touched by cancer in the Peoria area.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Riverfront Toastmasters Club recognized outstanding achievement from 2006-2007 by awarding three of its members. Aloysia George of the Peoria Police Department was selected as Toastmaster of the Year. Pamela Creager of the Peoria Production Shop won the Spirit of Toastmasters award. Katherine Hubbard of Share Builders won the Most Improved Toastmaster award.

Proctor Hospital has joined Bureau, Fulton, Henry, Knox, Marshall-Putnam, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford County Farm Bureaus in creating an awards program that promotes health, safety, community involvement and leadership among young farmers. Nominees must be members of their respective farm bureau, between 18 and 35 years of age and proven leaders in the agri-community. Contact the respective bureau for a nomination form or more information.

The 474 Eastern Bypass Regional Coalition, Inc. announced its new Board of Directors and officers: Mike Godar, President; Ken Maurer, first Vice President; Steve Van Winkle, second Vice President; Dr. Jim Dunnan, Treasurer; and Kelly Stickelmaier, Secretary. Other board members include Dick Benson, Bill Dietrich, Gary Jones and Bill Mayo.

Employers’ Association will celebrate 90 years with a 90th Annual Membership Luncheon Meeting. The luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 24, in the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom.

REAL ESTATE

Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty announced that Don Lee joined its brokerage team. Lee graduated from the University of Illinois in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and was an advisor on Ryan Spain’s City Council campaign. Lee continues to work as project coordinator for the Heartland Partnership.

Jim Maloof Realtor announced that Janet Jordan was accepted as a candidate in the nationally recognized Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) Designation Program. The CRB designation distinguishes managers who have achieved an advanced level of education, experience and expertise in the real estate field.

SERVICES

Bradley graduate Tanja Hands and her husband/partner David will open two more locations of Great Clips for Hair in East Peoria and Normal. The salon has 2,750 locations nationwide, and the Hands plan to open 10 to 15 franchise locations.

Bard Optical was recognized by the Illinois Council on Economic Education for the financial support it has provided for more than 15 years. President and owner Diana Hall accepted the award, which was only given to three firms.

Jane Mason, Hoerr Nursery Marketing Director, was appointed to Pro-Hort, a statewide committee of the Illinois Green Industry Association. The committee will strive to bring educational opportunities to members of the horticulture profession in Illinois. In addition, Hoerr Nursery was named No. 57 out of 20,000 independent garden centers in the country and was recognized by Today’s Garden Center magazine as one of the Top 100 Revolutionary Garden Centers nationallly.

Chuck Gabbert, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Peoria, received the 2007 Builder of the Year Award for culminating the greatest number of sales of 110 locations in the country.

Wendy Adams-Good of Green View Companies received the Betty Comisky Community Service Award from the Lacon Area Community Center in recognition of her volunteer service. Good is an active volunteer for the Animal Recycling Kennel Animal Shelter, where she serves as a board member, coordinates volunteers, develops marketing and cares for the animals. She serves as network administrator at Green View and has been with the company for 17 years.

TECHNOLOGY

Firefly Energy Inc. was honored by R&D magazine with an R&D 100 Award for 2007. Known as the “Oscars of Invention” by the Chicago Tribune, the awards recognize the 100 most technologically significant products introduced worldwide over the past year. Firefly’s innovative carbon-graphite foam lead acid battery was selected for its extended battery life, environmentally-friendly components, reduced price and improved performance. IBI