ACCOUNTING

Clifton Gunderson named Chris Atkinson and Rusty Gibson as new partners in the firm’s Peoria practice.

Philip Schmidt has joined Heinold-Banhart, Ltd. as a senior accountant in the attest department.

BANKING

Commerce Bank joined Sallie Mae to offer the Smart Option Student Loan for families who need education funding after maximizing grants, scholarships and federal loans.

Associated Bank announced that Rodney A. Murray was named commercial banking middle market manager for Illinois.

Robert M. Swanson of Associated Bank was named senior vice president, commercial banking regional manager for the company’s south region.

Donna M. Smith of Associated Bank was named executive vice president, commercial banking director for the company’s south region.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Randy Belsley of Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. was approved for the Certified Economic Developer Emeritus designation by the International Economic Development Council, which recognizes a mastery of principal skills in economic development.

EDUCATION

Eureka College received a $460,665 bequest from the estate of Nelson J. and Janet A. Smith for scholarship support and building repairs. The college also received a $50,000 Walmart College Success Award from the Walmart Foundation and the Council of Independent Colleges to assist first-generation college students.

Cate Parish was promoted to library services director at Illinois Central College.

Bradley University announced that Bob Jacobs, professor of communication and director of the John C. Hench Production Art Studios at Bradley won two international awards for his television production work. He produces a bi-weekly news feature called “Postcards From Home” for WEEK-TV in Peoria.

Pete Fandel joined the agricultural faculty at Illinois Central College, where he will primarily teach agronomy and soils courses.

Nationally known sculptor and artist Preston Jackson was named artist-in-residence at Bradley University’s Inland Visual Studies Center.

Eureka College has been designated as a Campus Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

Dr. Timothy J. Bruce, professor and associate chair for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, was invited by John Wiley and Sons Publishers to produce a professional training program entitled “Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Treatment Planning.”

Mario Martinez, fourth-year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, was recognized at a Washington, DC awards gala where he received one of the annual Jefferson Awards, one of the nation’s highest honors for community service and volunteerism.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria announced the newest members of the Caterpillar Faculty Scholars Fellowship program: Dr. Amy Christison, Dr. Trina Croland, Dr. Karen Fernandez, Dr. Mauricio Flores, Dr. Agnieszka Kulikowska, Dr. Matthew Mischler, Dr. Priti Patel and Dr. Elsa Velazquez-Menendez.

ENGINEERING

Bryce Beckstrom, transportation engineer in Farnsworth Group’s Peoria office, passed the Professional Engineers exam.

The Rail Splitter Wind Farm operations and maintenance facility has been recognized as a “green” facility by earning the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

FINANCE

Savant Capital Management announced its expansion into the Peoria area with a new office headed up by financial advisor Daryl Dagit and Jim Foley, director of advisory and business development.

Northwestern Mutual has appointed both Shawn Mazander and Doug Shannon as financial representatives. Both are associated with the Waite Financial Group in Peoria.

CEFCU announced several recent management moves. Sara Clauser was named manager of the University of CEFCU department, Mark Geason became automated services operations manager, Doug Hanley was named a business loan officer, Doug Higgins was named credit manager, Jason Koch became consumer and visa collection manager, Lori MacDonald was named business relationship manager, Gary Moss became business services collection manager, and Jay Zentko was named mortgage loss prevention collection manager. Several others were promoted: Greg Jaeger to records center manager, Melody Malcom to manager of check processing, Lisa Rotermund to sales operations manager for the Chillicothe Member Center and Staci Wall to dealer credit manager.

CEFCU received a 5-Star “Superior” rating—the highest rating awarded by BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes the performance of financial institutions.

HEALTH

Advanced Correctional Healthcare announced the promotion of Sherri Miller to chief operations officer and Dr. Greg Rakestraw to regional medical director. In addition, Jim Thompson was recognized as the Top Mid-Year Program Consultant, and Juanita Coyle and Tammy Bardon were welcomed as new regional nurse managers.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare announced that Shelley Nilsson received her Senior Professional Human Resources certification and Nicole Neal received her Professional Human Resources certification.

Kevin Andrews, CEO of Pekin Hospital, was named CEO of the Year by Quorum Health Resources, the organization’s highest honor.

Seven Methodist Medical Center nurses completed training for nurse specialty certifications: Brooke Shaffer and Kelly Knobloch passed their critical care nursing certification, Melinda Hickey passed her wound certification exam, Paulette Hoyle and Cheryl Hamm completed their medical/surgical exam, Kelly James passed her inpatient OB exam, and Jeanine Spain passed her cardiovascular certification.

Dr. Wei Liu and Dr. Michael D. Spears joined the Peoria Tazewell Pathology Group.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center announced that Advanced Practice Nurse Dean Schmidt won the DAISY Award, which recognizes outstanding nursing care.

OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital and HeartCare Midwest announced that Dr. John Rashid and Dr. Sudhir Mungee were inducted as Fellows by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital and HeartCare Midwest announced that Dr. Nabeel Rana is now board certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery.

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation congratulates several individuals: Tailetha McClinton received her doctorate in physical therapy from Washington University; and Clara Conway, PTA, and Carol Sauder, PT, received the Proctor Hospital “Y.E.S. Indeed! Commendation” for excellent customer relations.

Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus was selected as a Featured Author by the Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria.

The Human Resource Certification Institute has awarded Lynn Hardy, Jennifer White and Linda Moore with certifications as senior professionals in human resources.

Midwest Orthopaedic Center announced that Derek Armstrong has been named CEO.

Midwest Orthopaedic Center announced that Dr. John D. Mahoney became an active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Dr. Patrick O’Leary, a specialist in the treatment of conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine in adults and children, joined Midwest Orthopaedic Center’s team of orthopaedic surgeons.

Quality Quest for Health of Illinois added new quality reports to its website at qualityquest.org. The Stay Healthy Report helps consumers see how medical practices in 36 central Illinois counties compare on nationally standardized preventive care and diabetes management measures, while the Get Better Report compares practices in the same counties.

OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Bronze Performance Achievement Award, which recognizes the Heart Hospital’s commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.

HOSPITALITY

Hampton Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie earned an Outstanding Performance ranking on the Hilton brand’s quality assurance survey.

INSURANCE

Mark Whitlock, ARM-P, AIS, CLCS has joined Summer & Associates, a division of R.W. Troxell & Company, as account executive. Whitlock specializes in commercial property/casualty insurance and surety bonding for businesses.

LAW

John K. Kim of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC was appointed to serve as vice chair of the Standing Committee on Judicial Evaluations Outside of Cook County.

Caterpillar Inc. was awarded the 2010 John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award by the Illinois State Bar Association for the company’s formal program to make pro bono activity a permanent part of its corporate culture.

Sonni C. Williams, assistant corporation counsel for the City of Peoria, received the 2010 Board of Governors Award from the Illinois State Bar Association for significant service to the profession and the public.

MANUFACTURING

Caterpillar Inc. announced an increased commitment to mining customers by producing a full range of mining shovels, ranging from a 125-ton model to an 800-ton model. The company also announced capacity expansion plans for trucks in Decatur, which will increase capacity at the facility by nearly 30 percent. Capacity for 60 and 100-ton trucks in Chennai, India, will also be expanded, more than doubling truck production capabilities in India.

Caterpillar Inc. announced plans to expand the company’s excavator facility near Xuzhou, China. By the time plans are completed in 2014, the company will have increased its China-based excavator capacity by 400 percent.

Caterpillar Inc. announced plans to expand its manufacturing presence in Brazil with the construction of a new facility to further position the company to meet growing customer demand across Latin America. A final location is expected to be announced later this summer.

MARKETING

InfoCom Marketing has opened an office in Schaumburg, where Tommy Ponsot will join the sales and marketing team.

Simantel is pleased to announce the addition of four new employees: Fred Nichols, Trevor Brooks, Annette Zehner and Courtney Heinzmann.

MEDIA

TJ McKimmey, Morton native and recent graduate of the Columbia College Film School in Chicago, has joined the Water Street Media Works team as the director of graphics and animation.

NOT FOR PROFIT

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra named George Stelluto as its new music director. He will take the podium at the opening of the 2010/2011 season in September.

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Department of Labor to continue its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

Peoria’s City Hall, once considered “the finest city hall in the nation for a small-sized city” is the centerpiece of ArtsPartners’ new publication, Peoria City Hall: A Visitor’s Guide of Peoria’s Greatest Treasure.

The Dirksen Congressional Center’s Endowment Fund membership elected new members and officers to the board of directors at its annual meeting. Joining the board are Dr. Michael D. Danner, Barbara Drake, Lincoln C. Hobson and Gregg Ratliff. Jim McConoughey and James S. Wolf were elected to second terms. The following directors were elected as officers: President Brian Lee, Vice President Drew Leman, Secretary William T. Fleming and Treasurer Jim Wolf. Three individuals retired from the board: John F. Gilligan, D. Neale “Buster” Hanley and Peggy Meisinger.

The Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund Board installed its officers for 2010-2011. Eric Johnson was named president; Sheila Wambold, vice president; Greg Strickfaden, secretary; and Mary Kurka, treasurer. Other board members include: Jack Desatnick, Charlene Glore, Jayne Henneberg, Debbie Henry, Jody Maske, David Newell, Dr. Ben Pflederer, Mary Reichel, Mikie Shadid and Kerri Welch.

The Junior League of Peoria announced its 2010-2011 board of directors as follows: President Kelly Walz, President-Elect Kris Coulter, Vice President of Fundraising Holli Heinz, Vice President of Projects Mandy Watson, Vice President of Membership Angela Fritch-Milton, Vice President of Communications Erin Scherbinske, Recording Secretary Sara McKee, Treasurer Carey Mayer and Placement Chair Mary Horst.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria congratulated Mary Beth Zelenski on receiving the 2010 Dedicated Service Award and Sue Hirschman for receiving the 2010 Dedicated Leadership Award.

Heart of Illinois Harvest accepted a grant award from The Thomas & Ellen Foster Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Tri-County Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals announced its 2010-2011 officers: President Judy Zimmerman,

Vice President Karen Haensel, Treasurer Tammy McBride, Recording Secretary Jannise Bush and Correspondence Secretary Barb Atkins.

RECREATION

Chuck Weaver was re-elected as president of the Governors of the United States Polo Association.

RETAIL

Ronda Daily of Bremer Jewelry was named president of the Continental Buying Group during the group’s annual meeting in Las Vegas.

SERVICES

Grimm Interiors launched its first official website at grimminteriors.com.

Confidential On-Site Paper Shredding announced that Sean Caldwell and Michael Mize were named authorized representatives for the National Association for Information Destruction Information Destruction Policy Compliance Toolkit.

TECHNOLOGY

CSE Software announced that Christy Beiermann was promoted to director of CSE Operations and Stacey Burris will step into the role of New Business Development.

IPICO Sports was selected as the exclusive official supplier of RFID data collection technology for the Virgin London Marathon and all other London Marathon Ltd. events for five years.

Pearl Companies promoted David Schudel to director of infrastructure services. He has led the organization’s infrastructure team for more than three years. iBi