Peoria is more than a stepping stone to career greatness. Peoria is also a destination for potential leaders, as indicated by the current number of young entrepreneurs in our community. In late 1994, WMBD Radio, Inter-Business Issues magazine, corporate sponsor Caterpillar Inc., and other area companies led the Tri-County in identifying and honoring 40 Leaders Under Forty throughout the Peoria area. The culmination of this community effort, which had people talking for months, was a list of 40 outstanding young business and community leaders.

The 1995 list of 40 Leaders Under Forty winners comprises another dynamic and talented team of young leaders devoted to utilizing their skills for the betterment of the community. Once again, these leaders have aptly demonstrated successful leadership qualities and accomplishments in the greater Peoria area. They have truly made a difference, best defining the new spirit of youthful initiative throughout the Heartland community.

These 40 leaders were honored at a prestigious awards reception (aired live on WMBD Radio) at the Pere Marquette’s Cotillion Ballroom on Wednesday, Nov. 1. This issue of Inter-Business Issues is devoted to the 40 winners; their profiles appear on the following pages.


Frank Abdnour

Frank Abdnour is founder and operator of The Spotted Cow, Inc., in Peoria Heights. He started as a one-man business eight years ago and has expanded the business to an 80-mile radius of Peoria. He employs as many as 30 during the summer months, hiring many local teens, and serving as a role model for a positive work ethic. Frank spearheaded the 1st Annual “Super Scooper Day” for Multiple Sclerosis and solicited donations from other ice cream vendors.

Frank is a board member of the MS Society and is actively involved in the Peoria Heights Merchants Association. He has donated the time and ice cream to various charity events including Race for the Cure, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, Easter Seals and many more. His ice cream was voted “Best Dessert” at the 1993 Taste of Peoria.


Raylana S. Anderson

Raylana S. Anderson is manager, Consulting Services, at McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Her duties include marketing, selling and delivery of human resources consulting services. In 1994 she was awarded the Athena Award, recognizing outstanding achievement by a Tri-County business woman. She has coauthored numerous books and articles, and is a seminar presenter. She is a Senior Professional in Human Resources, and a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist.

Raylana is a member of the American Cancer Society Board, the Central Illinois Private Industry Council, and the Peoria Fire & Police Commission. She is active in the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, having served as chair of the Community Leadership School, Chamber Ambassador, and Business Academy Advisory Board member.


Colette Bailey

Colette Bailey is associate attorney at Sonnemaker & Sonnemaker P.C., as well as an Assistant Peoria County Public Defender assigned to felony court. She has been actively involved in the Peoria County Pro Bono Plan, which is affiliated with the Prairie State Legal Services ,providing legal services to people who cannot afford counsel. She also serves as co-chair for the Continuing Legal Education’s Criminal Law Seminar.

Colette serves on the board of directors of the Peoria County Bar Association, the YWCA, the Women’s Fund for the Peoria Area Community Foundation, and on the Leadership Council for the Junior League of Peoria. In addition, she volunteers for the YWCA, Family House, the American Diabetes Association, Susan G. Komen Memorial Chapter of Peoria and WTVP-Channel 47/


Randy J. Belsley

Randy J. Belsley is Tazewell County Development Director for the Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area. In his four and a half years at EDC, he has secured nearly $4.9 million in outside grant funding, resulting in $17 million in total projects for a range of business and community development projects. A licensed realtor, Randy is one of only 17 Certified Economic Developers in Illinois, and is a member of American Economic Development Council, Illinois Development Council, National Council for Urban Economic Development, Tazewell County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, and Pekin Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee.

Randy volunteers for the American Heart Association and is on the board of Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, Inc.


Molly B. Burroughs

Molly B. Burroughs is a speech and drama teacher at Peoria High School, as well as a speech coach and director of the annual spring musical which involves a cast of over 50 students. Under her leadership as speech coach, Peoria High routinely qualifies many students for the Illinois High School Association State Speech Championships. She has received the Peoria Council of Exceptional Children Recognition Award for the Special Education Classroom Inclusion Program, the VFW Voice of Democracy Appreciation Award, and the Optimist Club Appreciation Award for Oratorical Contest.

Molly has directed and performed with the Peoria Players and Corn Stock Theater since the 1970s. She directs dinner theater at Scottish Rite, as well as summer productions for Children’s Community Theater.


Calvin G. Butler, Jr.

Calvin G. Butler, Jr., is staff attorney for CILCORP. He is corporate secretary for its first tier subsidiary, Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. (ESE). He played a major role in establishing a Comprehensive Compliance Program.

Calvin was Bradley University student body president (winning the Outstanding Senior Leadership Award) prior to graduating from Washington University Law School where he served as president of the Student Bar Association and vice president of the Black Law Student Association. He serves on the board of directors for Peoria Big Brothers/Big Sisters, is a business consultant for Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, a member of the Chamber Community Leadership School Steering Committee, and serves on the Bradley National Alumni Advisory Board.


Cal Cheney

Cal Cheney is president of Can Cheney & Associates, an investment firm associated with First Allied Securities, with offices in Peoria and Morton. A Registers Investment Advisory, he conducts over 30 public seminars annually on investing and retirement plans. Cal has ranked in the top 10 percent of all investment brokers nationally each of the past eight years, and is the number one mutual fund salesperson for a firm of 300 brokers. Before starting his own firm, he was a top producer at Edward D. Jones & Co.

For the past two years, Cal has been president of Morton Economic Development Committee. He is the past president of Morton Downtown Business Association, former chairman of Morton Community Leadership School, and former chairman of Morton United Way.


Timothy D. Church

Timothy D. Church is an attorney specializing in estate planning, corporate real estate and tax law at Keck, Mahin & Cate. Graduating with honors from Harvard Law School, he was appointed by Gov. Jim Edgar as Tazewell County’s Public Administrator and Guardian. Timothy redrafted the constitution and bylaws for the Tazewell County Republican Central Committee.

Timothy has offered his legal expertise on behalf of East Peoria Elementary School District #86 Foundation (where he serves as vice president), the Peoria Area Community Foundation, and Friends of the Peoria Public Library – handing legal filings, tax matters, bylaws reviews and contract relations. He’s a director for the Central Illinois Estate Planning Council, treasurer of East Peoria Rotary, and volunteers for Channel 47 and the Boy Scouts.


Stephen M Cicciarelli

Stephen M Cicciarelli is Vice President of The PIPCO Companies, Ltd., where he manages the Fire Protection Division and Insurance Programs, and serves as Safety Director. He opened markets for PIPCO outside of Peoria, negotiated and managed over $5 million in work at Diamond Star Motors, negotiated and managed over $4 million in work at Lafayette, Indiana’s Subaru/Isuzu plant, and helped evaluate PIPCO over the past 12 years into the top 200 mechanical contractors in the U.S.

Stephen is on the board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Susan G. Komen Memorial Chapter of Peoria. He has been an Easter Seals Telethon VIP for eight years, serving as cochairman of the program in 1994 and 1995. He is also a member of the City of Peoria Construction Commission.


James M. Corkery

James M. Corkery is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank One, Peoria. A graduate of Western Illinois University, DePaul University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, he is responsible for the leadership, direction, financial performance and community activities for the bank’s Peoria market. He has been with Bank One in different capacities for the past 15 years, and has gained recognition as a team contributor in a wide range of activities.

Jim is a board member of Proctor Hospital and the Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area. He serves as the 1995 Division Chair for the Heart of Illinois United Way and is a member of the Riverfront Development Commission. He is also a member of Rotary International and Young Presidents Organization, Inc.


Thomas J. Cunningham

Thomas J. Cunningham is the sales manager and sales recruited for BMA-Midwest Financial Group. Tom was nominated for the company’s Chairman Award of Excellence in his first full year with Midwest Financial Group for his efforts in unit production, recruiting and retention.

Tom graduated from the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School and was a charter member and first chairman of the Chamber’s “SALES Team.” Cofounder of the Peoria Business Club, he has served as a board member and officer for Peoria Noon AMBUCS, and is on the Board of the Peoria Life Underwriters Association. He has served on the St. Vincent de Paul school board, and volunteers with Easter Seals, Peoria Notre Dame, and Peoria Youth Athletics.

Denis Cyr

Denis Cyr is the General Manager of the Peoria Rivermen hockey team, the International Hockey League’s winningest team over the pats five years. His management and promotional efforts have led to substantial increases in game attendance for hockey in Peoria – the smallest city in the league.

Denis was the MVP of the 1984-85 Rivermen Turner Cup team and received the Andy Mulligan Trophy for Executive of the Year in 1990=91 (a Turner Cup championship year). Nationally recognized for his transition from player to front office, he was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Denis is involved in Easter Seals, Children’s Miracle Network, Children’s Hospital of Illinois, St. Jude, and Peoria Youth Hockey. He coordinates and runs the Peoria Rivermen Hockey Camp.


Rod Getz

Rod Getz is president of Getz Fire Equipment, which was founded by his father, Melvin Getz, in 1956. Rod is actively involved in finding new safety products to offer to the community and keeps abreast of updates and enhancements of current codes and materials relating to the fire industry.

Past president of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, Rob is a board member of the Central Illinois Better Business Bureau, Central Illinois Hospitality Association, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association on Portable Fire Extinguishers, United Fire Equipment Association, Reliable Fire Equipment, Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Advisory Board, and is past president of National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors. Rod is also a business consultant for Junior Achievement.


Marsha Goodale

Marsha Goodale, past chair of the Junior League of Peoria’s Christmas in April, launched and administered Peoria’s first city-wide, volunteer-based housing renovation project to preserve housing stock and improve aging neighborhoods. For the past two years, Marsha has been responsible for over 1,400 volunteers, creating community advisory and working board. She wrote Community Development Block Grant applications for funding, and created a local video showcasing the program. She organized local companies to participate in the Adopt-A-House program to renovate 23 Peoria homes, one homeless shelter, The Children’s Home and Family House. Under Marsha’s leadership, the Christmas in April-Peoria project received the CBS Excellence in Community Service Award-Special Partners Category special merit award.


Robert G. Haight

Robert G. Haight is the executive director of the Heart of Illinois United Way, which provides support to 39 other member agencies and 77 funded programs. His responsibilities include fundraising, strategic planning, and financial management. He created the HOIUW Strategic Planning Committee, Vision 2010; facilitated the joint YMCA/YWCA transitional housing program; and provided guidance for mergers between the Illinois Sight Center and Tazewell County Resource Center, and Boys and Girls Club of Peoria and Harrison Youth Center.

Bob organized and coordinated the members of Peoria’s Teen Pregnancy Task Force. He serves on the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Government Committee, and is a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.


Michelle M. Heiden

Michelle M. Heiden is Support Service Administrator for the American Red Cross Blood Center in Peoria, which employs a staff of over 300. She recently coordinated the complex move to the new Red Cross facilities in Southtown while ensuring quality assurance regulations and uninterrupted services. She was selected to serve on a National Work Team with consultants to reinvent human resources within the Red Cross.

Shelly was the recipient of the Red Cross managers Tiffany Award for Employee Excellence in 1990. She is deeply involved in the Junior League of Peoria, where she helped organize the first Peoria Riverwalk, and serves on the Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School Steering Committee. She is also on the board of Friendship House of Christian Service.


Jon A. Henderson

Jon A. Henderson is general manager of MassMutual Financial Services in Peoria, providing leadership for 55 sales associates and a support staff of 20, as well as recruiting and training new associates. His career has evolved from agent to district manager to general agent with credentials of Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Masters in Financial Services. He is one of only three MassMutual general agents recognized as Investment Registered Principal. He won the National Management Award for four years, and MassMutual’s Quality Business Leading Agency in 1991.

Jon is vice president of Central Illinois Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters and Chartered Financial Consultants. He serves on the Peoria Symphony Orchestra board and is a trustee of the Peoria Public Library.


Richard L. Horndasch, M.D.

Richard L. Horndasch, M.D., an advocate for children’s health in Central Illinois, is assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Clinical Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. His Board Certifications include Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and he has achieved Board Eligibility in Adolescent Medicine.

Richard was the 1987 Resident of the Year at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, where he also won the 1994 Pediatrics Teaching Award. He serves as attending physician at Youth Farm, Bradley University, the Peoria County Department of Public Health, and the Pediatric Resource Center; and is the medical director for the Camp Granada Summer Camp for Children with Diabetes (American Diabetes Association Downstate Illinois Chapter).


George F. Jacob

George F. Jacob is vice president and general manager of Brewers Distributing Company, the Anheuser-Busch distributor for five counties in Central Illinois. For two years, as title sponsor of the Michelob Golf Classic to Benefit Easter Seals, his leadership has helped transform the benefit into a lead special event netting over $50,000 for children and adults with disabilities.

George received the Hardee’s Hometown Hero Award (presented by Gov. Edgar), the Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Brewers Distributing from Easter Deals, the MDA Gold Award, and Dimensions of Excellence Bronze Eagle Award from Anheuser-Busch. He is on the boards of the Illinois Associate Beer Distributors, Steamboat Classic and Neighborhood House; and he co-founded the Moonlight Basketball League.


Lynne M. Jalovec, M.D.

Lynne M. Jalovec, M.D., is president of Associated Midwest Surgeons, Ltd., where she specializes in general and vascular surgery with a special interest in breast surgery. In addition, she is clinical assistant professor, Department of Surgery, at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Lynne has educated the community on the option of breast conserving surgery in the treatment of breast cancer, and is a frequent public speaker on breast cancer and women in medicine.

Lynne is Illinois State Chairman of the Cancer Liaison Physicians for the American College of Surgeons, cancer liaison physician for Methodist Medical Center of Illinois, and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She has served as the program chairperson for the Illinois Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Meeting.


Richard M. Joseph

Richard M. Joseph is an attorney and partner at Miller, Hall & Triggs, concentrating on municipal, real estate and general business law. His responsibilities include providing legal services to a number of public agencies, such as the Fon du Lac Park District, the City of Henry, and the City of East Peoria. One of his biggest accomplishments was obtaining $7 million in FmHA grants and IEPA loans, enabling the construction of a city-wide sewer system for the City of Henry. He was instrumental in facilitating the Fon du Lac Park District’s issuance of bonds and obtaining a lease necessary to construct a state-of-the-art aquatic complex at EastSide Centre.

Richard is chairman of the East Peoria Youth Coalition and has served as president of both East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of East Peoria.


Timothy W. Kirk

Timothy W. Kirk is director-general counsel for Central Illinois Light Company, responsible for the coordination of legal services for the company. Supervising three company attorneys and 15 outside attorneys, he has direct legal responsibility for CILCO in the areas of compliance, regulatory affairs and litigation.

From 1983 to 1987 Timothy served as the Tazewell County Bar Association Treasurer, and was treasurer of the Morton Rotary Club from 1985-1985. He is currently president of the board for Counseling & Family Service where he led the organization’s most significant capital campaign to date – an effort to raise $500,000 for a much-needed building. Over the past 10 years, he has been an account volunteer for the Heart of Illinois United Way.


Karl Kuppler

Karl Kuppler is a partner at Hasselberg, Rock, Bell & Kuppler, practicing primarily in the areas of real estate and corporate law, and estate planning. He is a frequent lecturer on tax and estate planning topics and is the coauthor of “Estate Planning: A Basic Guide,” published by the American Bar Association. In 1992, Karl was named the Outstanding Young Business Professional by the Peoria Jaycees; and in 1991, he and his wife Cheryl were named Outstanding Young Alumni by their alma mater, North Central College.

Karl has served as president of the board of Crittenton Care & Counseling Center, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Estate Planning Council of Central Illinois. On the Planning Committee for the Heart of Illinois United Way, he is active in Rotary Club of Peoria and Northminster Presbyterian Church.


Janet M. Lange

Janet M. Lange is executive director of the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Bradley University. Her leadership has resulted in an 83 percent increase in enrollment in continuing education programs. Janet is chair of the Continuing Education Task Force of the Central Illinois Higher Education, board member of the Illinois Council for Continuing Higher Education, regional representative for the National University Continuing Education Association, and advisory board member for the University of Illinois Biennial Conference for Working Women. She served as chair for the Pekin Public Library District Referendum Advisory Council, and has worked with Pekin Union Mission, Heart of Illinois United Way, Peoria 1691 Education Committee, and the American Cancer Society.


Michael E. Leali

Michael E. Leali is vice president, financial consultant and retail coordinator at Merrill Lynch in Peoria. He has been recognized nationally as a leader in opening new accounts for the company and has increased the company’s national rank dramatically over the past three years. He was a member of the exclusive Chairman’s Club at Merrill Lynch in 1987, 1992, 1993, and 1994.

Mike has served the Salvation Army as Tree of Lights chair, and currently serves as chairman-elect for the Salvation Army Advisory Board. In 1993, he was the recipient of the Salvation Army William Booth Award. An Easter Seals Advisory Board member since 1987, Mike is currently chairman of the board for Easter Seals for the second year, helping to raise over $3 million for the Easter Seals capital campaign.


Kevin W. Lyons

Kevin W. Lyons is Peoria Count State’s Attorney, prosecuting all crimes within Peoria County, and representing all elected county officials in civil, labor and administrative matters. He serves as vice president of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association, chair of the Illinois State Bar Committee on Prisons, and as instructor for Illinois Prosecutor’s Training Program and the National College of District Attorneys. Kevin is currently co-chairman of the Illinois Child Death Review Board and chairman of the Law Enforcement Committee on Domestic Violence. He received the Illinois Award for Excellence in Child Support Enforcement in 1994 and 1995. He chaired the American Cancer Society Jail and Bail in 1993. Kevin is a director of Counseling and Family Services and has served as a trustee for Judson College since 1985.


Lauren Malmberg

Lauren Malmberg is manager of the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter. She directed the construction of the new animal shelter in Peoria, and improved the quality and quantity of programs offered to the community. Under her management, PAWS has been recognized as one of the leading shelters in the state and throughout the Midwest.

In 1992 Lauren received the management award from the City of Peoria and developed a sterilization program for adopted animals with other community organizations. She is a board member of the Center for Prevention of Abuse where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 1990-1991 and has chaired the annual Duck Race since 1991. She also volunteers at the United Way, WTVP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Children’s Miracle Network, and Youth Literacy Program.


John D. Morris

John D. Morris is director of development at Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, where he serves as chief fundraiser, manages the major gifts program, and works with businesses and individuals to underwrite major exhibitions. John is a board member of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, the Peoria Area Community Foundation, the United Way and St. Jude. A member of the Rotary Club of Peoria, John earned a B.A. and master of public administration degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he was student body president in 1991. He was the recipient of the George Washington Award and Congressional Award for Community Service. As student body president of Richwoods High School in 1986, he worked with Mayor Jim Maloof to establish the “Mayor’s Younger Buddies.”


Kelli Nichols

Kelli Nichols is manager of food and nutrition services for Saint Francis Medical Center, responsible for an operating budget of $7.2 million and serving over 3,000 meals a day to patients, employees and visitors. She has expanded the revenue base of the department by providing new services outside the medical center such as Meals on Wheels and professional dietary consulting services to corporations. She was instrumental in developing an in-house GED program for Saint Francis employees.

Kelli received the Excellence in Performance award at SFMC, and was elected leader of the OSF Corporate Dietary Division. She is hospitality chairman for Illinois Veterinary Auxiliary and is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Administrators. She is also active in the Heart of Illinois Harvest.


Michael D. Platt

Michael D. Platt is executive director of Heartland Water Resources Council, responsible for coordinating efforts to protect the resources of the Illinois River. He has generated federal, state and local funds to remedy urban erosion problems and promote environmental education. Mike received endorsements from Gov. Edgar and the Illinois Farm Bureau for his concept for a set-aside swap for conservation, and he testified before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture regarding converting farm subsidies into block grants.

Mike has won numerous awards for his efforts in water and soil conservation, including special recognition from the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Land Use Council 16. He served on Lt. Gov. Justra’s Illinois River Strategy Team in 1994.


Jonathan W. Rocke

Jonathan W. Rocke is president and CEP of Rocke’s Meating Haus, Inc., managing two retail operations, located in Morton and at Peoria’s Metro Centre. His efforts have included a newsletter for store patrons and a small eat-in lunch area for store customers. Jon is treasurer of the National Association of Meat Purveyors. He was won 1st and 3rd place awards in Peoria’s annual mayor’s Rib Cookoff.

From 1990-1993 Job served as ambassador for the Morton Chamber of Commerce, and is a leader in the annual Morton Pumpkin Festival. He is assistant baseball coach for Peoria Christian High School, where he served as chairman of the Christian Education Board in 1990-1994. He is actively involved in his church; and writes, sings, and records songs with the Christian group Pentella.


Dr. Laura J. Schelly

Dr. Laura J. Schelly owns and operated Schelly Chiropractic, started in 1951 by her father. The first female chiropractor to set up practice in Peoria, she is a member of the Tri-County Chiropractic Society, the American Business Women’s Association and The Peoria Woman Community Advisory Board. As a representative for the Tri-County Chiropractic Society, Laura attends the board meeting of the Illinois Chiropractic Society and Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Society.

From 1992-1994, Laura served as president of Peoria Arts and Sciences Council, and is a past bard member of Lakeview Museum, the Philharmonic Chorale, and the Peoria Ballet Company. She has volunteered for St. Jude, Arthritis Foundation, March of Dimes, Children’s Home, Neighborhood House, WCBU, WTVP, and Peoria Civic Opera.


Mark Schleder

Mark Schleder is founder, co-owner and president of Midstate Ag Inc., a consultant and distributor of agricultural and industrial bioremediation products; and partner in Schleder Farms, a 1,800-acre corn and soybean farm. He is the president of Farm For Profit, Inc., and an international consultant on soil remediation. Mark helped develop a program for Farm For Profit designed to sustain the farmer and aid in the production of quality food in the U.S. and Canada.

Mark has been recognized by the National Corn Growers Association Yield Contest each year since1992 for demonstrated efficiency and lower inputs to produce abundant crop yields. He is an active member of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, the Illinois Soybean Association, Tazewell County Corn Growers Association, Farm Bureau, and Delavan FFA.


Pamela A. Schubach

Pamela A. Schubach, executive director of the YWCA of Peoria, turned a deficit operation around in her four years with the agency. She was able to secure a $1.5 million grants from the federal government to expand operations for a women’s shelter, and she pioneered the first domestic violence shelter in Bloomington. Serving on the Homeless Youth Coalition, Pam helped establish the only walk-in emergency shelter for youth.

Pam has chaired the Take Pride in Peoria Commission and Peoria Area Community Events, and has twice chaired the “Taste of Peoria.” In April 1995, she was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Peoria. She has volunteered for the United Way, chaired the first WomenStrength Duck Race in 1991, and is a member of the Riverfront Advisory Committee.


Carol R. Sears

Carol R. Sears is partner and vice president at the firm of Small, Parker & Blossom, Inc., where she is in charge of pension administration service, serving approximately 1,000 plans. As the only Enrolled Actuary (EA) between Chicago and St. Louis, Carol has achieved national status in serving employers, attorneys, CPAs and a variety of organizations with pension and actuarial issues. In 1994 she implemented a team concept of management and improved office production by over 30 percent.

Carol was the fifth woman in the U.S. to receive the American Society of Pension Actuaries highest designation, “Fellow,” in 1989, and is the youngest person to be named General Chair to ASPA. She helped form the Heart of Illinois Employee Forum in 1992, serving as chair in 1994.


James E. Shadid

James E. Shadid is a practicing attorney and, while also serving as a public defender, has compiled an impressive record of “against-the-odds” victories. Jim maintains a full client schedule while simultaneously serving as president of the Greater Peoria Sanitary District.

Jim currently serves as a board member for the Peoria Association or Retarded Citizens (PARC), and the Pediatric Resource Center. In addition to his law practice and community service, James coaches Central Little League baseball. He was an outstanding athlete while a student at Bradley University, and was named All-American in baseball. In 1979 he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants Baseball Organization and in 1985 he was inducted into the Bradley University Athletic Hall of Fame.


Delayne Spain

Delayne Spain, owner of Delayne Spain Photography in Peoria Heights, has been professionally capturing photographic images since she was 16 years old. At age 22, she took over the family business, which has been steadily growing since. Delayne, who received the degree of Master of Photography in 1990, has twice been named one of the top ten photographers in the State of Illinois. She has won more than 50 awards in photographic competitions, including Best of Show and Best Portrait Honors. One of her portraits was selected to be on display at the Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla. She has presided as a judge in several “Professional Photographers of America” competitions.

Delayne has donated her services to the Junior League of Peoria, Peoria Civic Opera, Lakeview Museum and the Peoria Symphony.


Michael L. Stessman

Michael L. Stessman, Commercial Real Estate Manager at The Prudential Cullinan Properties, Ltd., is responsible for planning and budgeting the commercial department, as well as defining goals and objectives and identifying marketing and growth strategies. In 1993 he was awarded the Young Agent of the Year (with the James Unland Co.) by the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, chosen out of 1,700 member agencies.

Mike was instrumental in starting an Ambassador program for the Pekin Chamber of Commerce and served as a Peoria Chamber of Commerce Ambassador from 1989-1991. He has been a board member of the Pekin Boys and Girls Club for the past seven years, currently serving as president. A Dale Carnegie instructor, he is active in the United Way, Easter Seals and Susan G. Komen Memorial Chapter.


David Vroman

Dr. David Vroman is Bradley University Director of Band Activities and Music Department Chair, where he teaches and conducts numerous musical groups. He also conducts the Peoria Municipal Band in a summer schedule of 26 concerts. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Western Illinois University, and a M.S. in Music Education and an administrative certificate from the University of Illinois. In 1994, he completed his doctoral studies at the University of Illinois in Music Education.

David is highly regarded as a clinician, marching band drillwriter, adjudicator and conductor. In 1988 he received the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching at Bradley, and in 1992 was named Peoria Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator.


Craig S. Young

Craig S. Young is a partner at Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, concentrating his practice in the areas of workers’ compensation, employer liability, casualty and property law. He handles all aspects of Illinois workers’ compensation litigation including arbitrations, reviews and appeals, and supervises younger lawyers in the firm. Craig is a member of the Peoria County, Illinois State, and American Bar Associations, as well as the Abraham Lincoln American Inns of Court.

Craig was instrumental in forming the Teen Pregnancy Task Force in 1994 and he continues to work actively with the group to implement recommendations. He has served in numerous capacities for the Heart of Illinois United Way, served as president of the National Alumni Board of Directors for Bradley University, and as board member of the Lutheran Home. IBI