CAREER
On January 18th, CareerTrack is holding a one-day seminar on “The Ultimate Supervisor: Bring Out the Best in Your Employees.” The seminar will be held at the Holiday Inn City Centre and will focus on becoming a more supportive coach, correcting poor performance and helping employees contribute effectively in the workplace. For more information, call 1-800-556-3009 or visit www.careertrack.com.
CareerTrack will hold two half-day seminars called “The Outstanding Receptionist” on January 23rd at the Holiday Inn City Centre. Participants can learn how to polish their image, perfect telephone skills and increase their value as a receptionist. Seminars will be held at 8:30am and 1:30pm. The seminar costs $129 per person. To register, call customer service at 1-800-556-3009 or visit www.careertrack.com.
Employers’ Association Workplace Learning Solutions offers the following programs in January: “Safety Fundamentals for Supervisors” with presenter Tom Grey on January 22nd from 8am to 4:30pm; “Time Management/Getting Organized” with presenter Lisa Plantamura on January 30th from 1 to 4pm; and “OSHA Update and OSHA Recordkeeping” with presenter Mark Briggs on January 31st from 8am to noon and 1 to 4pm. All programs are at the Jameson Inn. For reservations/information, call 800-948-5700 or email mkruse@eaconnect.com.
EDUCATION
Illinois Central College was honored as a 2007 WOW Academy of the Year by the nonprofit World Organization of Webmasters (WOW). The award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the web profession worldwide. ICC was one of just two colleges in the world to receive the honor.
Dr. Nicole Wood, principal at Northmoor Edison School, recently returned from the Edison Leadership Development Academy’s annual Edi Awards ceremony, where Northmoor Edison was recognized as a 5-STAR Edison School and received the Golden Apple Award. The awards were announced to staff, students and parents on November 20th.
W. Michael Bryant, Michael A. Landwirth, and Mel Smith were recently elected to six-year terms on the Bradley University Board of Trustees.
Eureka College will hold informational open houses about its weekend bachelor’s degree completion program in organizational leadership at 7:30pm on January 28th at Melick Library, Eureka College, and 7:00pm, Feb. 7th, in the Founder’s Room in the Academic Building at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. For more information, call 467-6678.
Jean Kraus of Washington, an administrative assistant in the Eureka College teacher education department, received the annual staff recognition award at the college’s Christmas party for faculty and staff. Kraus has worked at the college for three years.
The Dirksen Congressional Center invites applications for grants to fund research on congressional leadership and the U.S. Congress. A total of up to $30,000 will be available in 2008, with awards ranging from several hundred dollars to $3,500. All application materials must be received on or before February 1st, 2008. Awards will be announced in March. Complete information about eligibility and application procedures may be found at The Center’s website: www.dirksencenter.org/print_grants_CRAs.htm.
ENGINEERING
Terra Engineering welcomed Joe Jyawook, P.E., S.E. as chief structural engineer, David Albers, P.E. as senior project manager and Matthew G. Dawson, P.E. as senior project engineer. Jyawook brings 35 years of experience from the Illinois Department of Transportation and expertise in bridge design, review and inspection. Albers has over 25 years of experience, including the Upgrade 74 project and the I-355 extension south of Chicago. Dawson is a Bradley graduate with more than seven years of experience on engineering projects in Illinois.
Hanson Professional Services was named to the 2007 Zweig Letter Hot Firm List as one of the top 200 fastest-growing architecture, engineering and environmental firms in the U.S. and Canada. Hanson came in at number 197 on the list, with gross revenues increasing from $44 million in 2003 to nearly $61 million in 2006.
Farnsworth Group has been hired by the City of Pontiac to complete a Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Control Plan. The Water/Wastewater Group has also been hired by Oak State Products for the preliminary design of a wastewater pretreatment system.
FINANCE
Churchill Wealth Management Inc. announced that Jenni Kaeb was awarded the “Outstanding Sales Assistant” award by SII Investments. This award is presented annually to the person who has demonstrated exceptional customer service, leadership capabilities and dedication to the company.
Marcia Gronewold has joined the Churchill Wealth Management team. She is security licensed and brings over 18 years of experience in the financial service industry.
Clifton Gunderson LLP announced the addition of Gary Adelman to the firm as a business retention specialist. In this role, Adelman will be working throughout downstate Illinois to align business development strategies as they relate to sourcing new clients and retaining current ones. Adelman has more than 20 years of experience in the field. Clifton Gunderson also welcomes Jason Shaw to its Peoria office as a tax associate.
Heinold-Banwart, Ltd. announced that Glen E. Birnbaum and Jodi M. Hollaway have earned the Accredited Member (AM) designation of the American Society of Appraisers. Heinold-Banwart now employs three CPAs who also have business valuation certifications from the American Society of Appraisers, the most of any such firm downstate.
CEFCU’s Board of Directors announced that an extraordinary dividend of $6 million has been distributed to CEFCU member/owners. The dividend was based on members’ savings and loan activity during the year 2007, with $3 million going to borrowers and $3 million to savers. The amount each member received was determined by dividends earned and interest paid as of November 30th.
McGladrey and Pullen welcomed two new employees to their Peoria office. Andrew Ryon, a graduate of the University of Iowa, has accepted a position as an audit associate. Kim Nemec, a certified public accountant, has accepted a position as an audit supervisor. Nemec received a Master of Professional Accountancy as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
HEALTH
Methodist Medical Center announced the November 2007 Employees of the Month as LuAnn Clark for the category of nursing, Robin Bott for non-nursing support and Ann Hall for patient care. Clark serves as a nurse in the Medical Imaging Department, Bott is an employee in the Central Billing Office and Hall works in the Emergency Department.
OSF Saint Francis Professional Medical Staff announced new staff members in November. The staff positions were granted to eight physicians and three mid-level providers. The new physicians include Anil Achaen, M.D. in internal medicine with Methodist Medical Center; Swapna Chalasani, M.D. and Samer A. Fahmy, M.D. in internal medicine with the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria; Abraham R. Frenkel, M.D. in psychiatry with OSF Medical Group Psychology and Behavioral Health; Bradley H. Gleason, M.D. in neurology with INI Sleep Center at OSF Saint Francis; Srilakshmi Maguluri, M.D. in surgery with Bond Eye Associates; Jayaraj Salimath, D.O. in surgery with Mid-Illini Surgical Associates; and Zissin Vesoulis, M.D. in pathology with Central Illinois Pathology SC. The mid-level providers include Julie M. Horn, PA-C and Wendy B. McVay, APN, CNP in surgery with Peoria Surgical Group; and Cynthia D. Read, APN, CNP in pediatrics with Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis.
Methodist Medical Center was honored by the Healthcare Internet Conference with an award for Best Overall Internet Site. The award was presented at the 11th annual Healthcare Internet Conference in Las Vegas on November 4th. The website, www.mymethodist.net, was selected as Best Overall Internet Site for a hospital with 200 to 399 beds.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois inducted four employees into their Heritage Hall of Fame. Chris Lofgren, public relations director, Mari Osborne, annual fund and special events manager of the Foundation Office, and Jerry Storm, pharmacy director, were all inducted as Legends—individuals who have made lasting contributions and are set apart by their achievements. Julie O’Brien, an advanced practice nurse for the Diabetes Resource Center, was inducted as a Champion—an individual who demonstrates an ongoing commitment and works continuously at a high level. The induction took place November 15th.
Candy Kramer was announced as the winner of the Proctor’s PEP Award for November 2007. Kramer works as a CNA in the Ortho-Neuro Department at Proctor Hospital. The PEP award honors an employee each month for his/her quality and leadership.
Mark Roberts, director of advancement and community relations for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP), has been named a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). CFRE International grants the three-year certification based on a series of standards, including tenure in the profession, education and a commitment to not-for-profit service. Roberts joined UICOMP in November of 2006.
Six medical students from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) are participating in the 2007-2008 Rural Student Physician Program (RSPP): Melissa Davis, Miguel Escalon, Christopher Johnson, Debia Kim, Brent Rocke and Danielle Tomevi. The program guidelines require each student to live, work and learn in a rural Illinois community for 28 weeks. The goal is to encourage future physicians to consider practicing medicine in these areas. In addition, each participant must complete a comprehensive research project focused on a relevant community-health issue or practice-based clinical concern.
The OSF Saint Francis Professional Medical Staff has installed new officers for the year. The officers include Barry Clemson, M.D., as president; Denise Mammolito, M.D., as vice president; Michael Leonardi, M. D., as credentialing chair; Michael Cruz, M.D., as quality safety officer; and Gary Zwicky, M.D., as immediate past president. The new officers were installed on October 10th. The president and vice president serve two-year terms while the other officers are elected to three-year terms.
The Peoria City/County Health Department announced that October’s Employee of the Month was Shirley Moore-Hogan, and that November’s was Brook Lampkin.
Methodist Medical Center has been awarded the 2007 Summit Award by Press Ganey Associates, Inc. The Summit Award recognizes top performing facilities that sustain the highest level of customer satisfaction for three or more consecutive years. The Press Ganey Summit Award is the health care satisfaction industry’s most coveted symbol of achievement bestowed annually, and Methodist is just one of eight national organizations to receive this prestigious honor for outpatient services in 2007.
Dr. Kay Saving, Pediatric Resource Center medical director and professor of pediatrics for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP), and Dr. Michael Tarantino, associate professor of pediatrics for UICOMP, have been elected to the Society for Pediatric Research. Successful applicants must have past success in research and publication and be sponsored by two current members in good standing. Membership benefits include international recognition as a pediatric investigator, participation in a special research program that supports medical students, representation on the Federation of Pediatric Organizations and abstract sponsorship opportunities.
The latest winners of the quarterly Outstanding Physician and House Staff Angel Award, presented by OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, were announced in November. The two honored were Dr. Edward Rick, a dentist, and Dr. Zachary Young, an internal medicine resident physician. The Angel Awards recognize both resident and attending physicians who consistently go above and beyond in their service to patients and families. The Physician Choice Awards are opportunities for physicians to recognize staff who consistently go above and beyond in service to others. The two most recent winners were Darla Heuermann, RN, a nurse on the Cardiac Stepdown Unit, and Cammi Fiddes, a lead tech in Diagnostic Radiology.
Children’s Hospital of Illinois and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center have had their designations as a Pediatric Critical Care Center (PCCC) and Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) renewed for a three-year period by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Inc. magazine ranked Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. at No. 604 on its first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the country, and No. 38 in the fastest-growing healthcare company. The Inc. 5,000, an extension of Inc.’s annual 500 list, catches many businesses that are too big to grow at the pace required to make the Inc. 500, as well as a host of smaller firms. Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc., owned and operated by Dr. Norman and Brenda Johnson, was established in May 2002 to provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services to the county correctional environment.
On November 15th, several physicians and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria employees were honored at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria’s 11th annual Faculty-Staff Appreciation Dinner for the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. David Trachtenbarg was recognized for 30 years of continuous teaching service. Drs. James Ausfahl, David Schlagcheck, David Springer and Gregg Stoner were recognized for 25 years of continuous teaching service. Drs. Thomas Goleman and Glenn Miller were recognized for their promotions to the position of Professor of Clinical Family Medicine. Dr. Craig Griebel was recognized for his promotion to the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine. Drs. Katherine Austman and Sean McCain were recognized for their promotions to the position of Clinical Assistant Professor. Drs. Daren Conklin, Jessica Higgs, Kerry Hinks, Timothy Lyons, Amy Matheis-Soliman, Mark Mroczko, Daren Rauch, Jeff Ripperda and Brad Stoecker were recognized for their promotions to the position of Clinical Instructor. During the ceremony, Department Chairman Dr. John Halverson announced the establishment of an annual staff award for sustained commitment and dedicated service performed with excellence. This year’s recipient was Administrative Assistant Lora Murphy, who has served the department since 1997. The annual award will be named the Lora Murphy Award in her honor.
The OSF Saint Francis Center for Breast Health was the first facility in the United States to be a pilot site for determining certification criteria by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The OSF Center for Breast Health will be eligible for full three-year accreditation as a Comprehensive Breast Evaluation and Management Center.
Methodist Medical Center has announced the December 2007 Employees of the Month. Shannon Wood of Morton was selected for the category of nursing. She works as a nurse on 7 Crescent. Also selected was Maria Miranda of Peoria for non-nursing support. Miranda works at Methodist Family Medicine. Brian Valentine was selected for the category of patient care. He works in the Information Technology Department.
INSURANCE
The RLI Corp. Board of Directors increased the company’s previously announced stock repurchase program by $100 million, for a total of $200 million of RLI common stock. The current $100 million stock repurchase program was announced in May 2007, and through November 14th, $81.3 million of stock has been repurchased. The stock repurchase program will be conducted on an ongoing basis and will be subject to availability of stock, market conditions, the trading price of the stock and the company’s financial performance.
Pekin Life Insurance Company announced that James Petrov, an owner of Petrov Lawrence Reed Insurance Services, Inc. in Tremont, has been named Health Agent of the Month for October 2007. Petrov has represented the Pekin Insurance companies for nearly 19 years.
The Insurance and Financial Communicators Association’s (IFCA) 2007 Awards Competition recently recognized Illinois Mutual for the second year in a row. Illinois Mutual won multiple awards, including “Best in Show” for their 2007 Customer Service Week and “Best in Show” for their Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) trade advertisement and bellyband. Illinois Mutual also received an “Award of Excellence” for the 2007 calendar, created with photos by policy owners, agents and employees and for the 2006 LIAM promotion campaign. “Honorable Mention” was given to Illinois Mutual’s New Life Events brochures and to the Company’s 2006 report.
Pearl Companies won gold at the 2007 Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA) MarkeTech Marketing Methods Competition, which recognizes excellence in marketing materials. Pearl also brought home two bronze awards and an honorable mention, earning each of their entries a place in the competition’s roster of winners.
MARKETING
Simantel Group announced the promotion of Chris Moehn to Creative Director. Moehn has been a member of the Simantel team for 20 years. Mike Stone, who has served as the agency’s controller since 1994, accepted the position of Media Director. Simantel also announced the addition of Erin Reid as Senior Art Director and Deanna Ryan as administrative assistant.
Simantel Group announced the addition of Andrew Tuma to its creative team, where he will lead all interactive and multimedia functions within the agency. Tuma brings 13 years of experience in website development, graphic design and video production.
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois presented the Louis B. Neumiller Founder’s Award to Simantel Group, Ltd., on November 8th. The award is granted to Junior Achievement volunteers for longstanding service and fundraising efforts.
MEDIA
Regent Broadcasting announced that November’s Employee of the Month is Brent Roos and Sales Representative of the Month is Dawn Bahan. A graduate of Robert Morris College, Roos is the interactive program director at Regent. Bahan has worked in the radio industry for over eight years.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Crittenton Centers announced the following appointments to its Board of Directors: Denise Jacobus, Kuhl & Company; Hope McAllister, Herget Bank; and James G. Sherman, retired CEO of Children’s Home Association of Illinois.
On October 14th, the Peoria Humane Society held its 11th annual Bark in the Park on the Peoria Riverfront. The event was attended by nearly 1,000 exuberant canines and their owners. Proceeds from the event help fund numerous programs the PHS provides to benefit animals throughout the Peoria area, including humane education, community awareness and low-cost spaying and neutering.
The Junior League of Peoria announced The Caterpillar Foundation as the latest addition to its list of major supporters of The Peoria PlayHouse. The Foundation has pledged to match gifts by Caterpillar employees and retirees that were made in support of the In This House Campaign, and has made those matches retroactive to qualifying donations made since January 2006.
Goodwill Industries announces its January Anniversaries. Mary McElhaney celebrates three years with the company, Angela Hadsall marks five years and Randy Witte and Carolyn Allison both reached a milestone of seven years working for Goodwill.
The Peoria YWCA recently announced the newly-elected members of their Board of Directors. The following were elected to serve three-year terms, from 2007-2010: Kath Conver, Joy Duling and Judy K. Harrell. The following slate of officers was also elected to serve: Robin Barnes as chairperson, Myra Peitzmeier as chairperson-elect, Sherry Killian as secretary and Maureen O’Brien as treasurer.
The AT&T Foundation announced the Red Cross as a recipient of the 2007 Excelerator Grant at a recent press conference. As part of the grant, the Red Cross, in partnership with the Peoria-based OIC Group, will develop interactive web-based ways to communicate with community partners and the public.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria presented its annual Treasure Chest awards ceremony on November 9th. The Sanford D. Farkash Educational Service Award was given to Ron Murphy and Martha Burdess; the Patrick T. Sullivan Community Service Award was given to Mary Ulrich; the Caterpillar Children’s Charities Award was presented to Andrew Rand; and the IT MATTERS Citizen Award was presented to Mayor Jim Ardis. The annual event was attended by over 249 guests, raising more than $70,000.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
East Peoria City Clerk Berta Dinkins and Deputy City Clerk Paula Smart were elected officers of the Central Illinois Municipal Clerks Organization. Smart was elected CIMCO’s president and Dinkins will serve as treasurer.
Wayne Baum of CORE Construction received the 2007 Tom Connor Award for Community Service. This award honors an individual each year who has made a difference and improved the community, including the lives of the individuals who live in it.
REAL ESTATE
Keller Williams announced that Christine Schauble has completed a specialized real estate investment course, “Creating Wealth through Residential Real Estate Investments.” The course was conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of Realtors, and is designed for brokers who will eventually qualify for a Certified Residential Specialist, or CRS, designation.
SERVICES
S&L Hospitality, development and management company for the new Candlewood Suites under construction at 5300 W. Landens Way in Peoria, announced that Sara Simpson has been named director of sales and Tim Egan has been named general manager of the hotel. As director of sales, Simpson’s responsibilities include achieving hotel revenue, profit and customer satisfaction goals by developing and implementing strategies to increase profit awareness and hotel sales. As general manager, Egan is responsible for the successful operation of the hotel, overseeing staff and maintaining guest satisfaction.
Greg and Janet White, Steve Shostrom and Joy Kessler have announced the sale of Running Central, the Peoria area’s heritage running/walking specialty store. Adam and Ian White, the new owners, are experienced runners and heavily involved in central Illinois’ running community. The store will remain open with regular hours during the transition, and Store Manager Bob Padilla and staff will be retained.
On New Year’s Eve, Bud Grieves, former mayor of Peoria, opened Cracklin Jake’s Fine Food & Spirits, located along Illinois Route 24 in Banner. Ari Lleshi will run the kitchen and all culinary matters. The restaurant seats 130 in a log-constructed lodge with an antler chandelier and electric fireplace. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11am to 10pm, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 11pm. To make reservations, call 649-1111.
TECHNOLOGY
Alternatech Inc. would like to announce the opening of its new staffing division. Alternatech, a provider of IT sales, staffing and technical support for 18 years, has brought on a seasoned recruiter with 15 years of experience in a wide variety of areas.
ExplorePeoria.com announced the addition of video as an option for advertisers to include in their business directory listings. Videos appearing in a business listing can range from 30 to 60 seconds and must first be uploaded to YouTube, the popular video sharing website. Amy Blain, ExplorePeoria.com owner, said their video production partner can assist businesses who do not yet have a video.
TRANSPORTATION
CityLink announced that Doris Martin is their new assistant general manager. With an extensive background in transportation management, Marin brings over 20 years of experience to her new position. She most recently worked as the Springfield branch manager for Laidlaw Transit, Inc., where she managed the direct transportation for School District 186. Her duties included operations management, human resource management, safety and training, and contract management.
MANUFACTURING
On December 12th, Caterpillar, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of 36 cents per share on its common stock, payable February 20, 2008, to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 22, 2008. This dividend maintains the rate for the previous quarter and is 20 percent higher than the dividend paid one year ago. Caterpillar has paid a dividend every quarter since November 1933 (297 consecutive quarters), with higher dividends in each of the last 14 years. IBI
