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Illinois Valley, Illinois 2011 Community Profile and Resource Guide
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www.ivaced.org
1
ivac’s welcome, intro & purposeIt’s an honor and pleasure to have YOU visit the Illinois Valley! .........................................2
History of tHe illinois valleyThe Illinois River and the Rich Soil of the Illinois Valley Attracted Early Settlers ............ 4
tHriving communitiesThe Illinois Valley Is Centered in a Rapidly Growing Region ............................................. 6
great infrastructureAmenities Abound in the Heart of Illinois ........................................................................... 7
outstanding educationConvenient, Comprehensive Quality .................................................................................... 8
committed Business & industryA Fortified Base for Our Community ...................................................................................10
reliaBle utilitiesPowering Illinois Valley ..........................................................................................................12
Quality medical careA Healthy Outlook .................................................................................................................13
strong local governmentIn Service to Citizens.............................................................................................................15
personalized HousingSomething for Everyone .......................................................................................................16
aBundant recreationA Great Place to Play ............................................................................................................17
devout worsHipSpiritually Centered ...............................................................................................................19
places and facesTake a Look at Illinois Valley ................................................................................................ 20
index of advertisersPlease Support the Advertisers Who Made This Publication Possible .......................... 22
wHat’s inside?CommunityLink.com 1 800-455-5600
productionvp of production operationsAmanda White
director of publication design Kelly Friederich
copywritingIllinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
photography coordinator/ copy consultantJay Nehrkorn
photographyKathleen Casstevens
lead designKacey Wolters
cover designKelly Friederich
website creation & support Josh Chandler
director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn
business developmentdirector of business development George Prudhomme
director of outside salesDebbie Moss
vp chief sales officerTom Hoyt
business development managerBonnie Ebers
marketing consultantJoe Benninger
customer service directorKathy Risley
customer service representativeJani Cidardi
advertisingad researchMary KopsheverAmy SchwartzkoPf
ad trafficCarol Smith
ad designJosh Mueller
administrative supportadministrative supportKathy HageneCarol Smith
account supportTerri AhnerTricia Cannedy
human resources assistantTeresa Craig
mailroom technicianMelinda Bowlin
information technologypublishing systems specialistChristopher Miller
executive leadershipchairman and founder
Craig Williams
chief financial officer
Rhonda Harsy
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink
and distributed through the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of
Commerce and Economic Development. For advertising
information or questions or comments about this book,
contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at
FOR INFORMATION Illinois Valley Area Chamber of
Commerce and Economic Development, 300 Bucklin
Street, La Salle, IL 61301, Telephone 815-223-0227,
Fax 815-223-4827, www.ivaced.org
© 2011 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie
Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306,
618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this
book may be reproduced without the expressed written
consent of the publisher.
Visit Illinois Valley onlinehttp://communitylink.com/illinois-valley-illinois/
www.ivaced.org
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
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the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development (IVAC) extends a gracious welcome to all who thumb through these pages, whether it be business, industry, or individuals.
i VAC is proud of what we have to offer here in the Illinois Valley. You will find our people to be friendly, hard working, helpful and willing to share their time, talents and treasures. The quality of life is one you will be glad to experience, and one you won’t readily forget. Family, work, education, spirituality, team work and recreation are the spokes of the wheel
that keeps the Illinois Valley in motion. You will find diversity in job opportunities, immense knowledge and commitment in our educators, a safe place to raise a family, solid religious base, numerous recreational activities, peaceful neighborhoods to enjoy and admire, quality health care, great shopping opportunities, beautiful change of seasons which the area is famous for, as well as much more. You won’t find the Illinois Valley growing old with the times. Many of its businesses have state-of-the-art structures and equipment, and we are always open to new technology, advancements in education, development and improve-ments, and growth in population and commerce. New talents and abilities are always well received. With warm smiles and firm handshakes, we welcome you!
The Illinois Valley is comprised of a number of cities and villages in close proximity. IVAC’s service area encompasses 23 communities, four cities and 19 surrounding villages. (La Salle, Oglesby, Peru & Spring Valley, as well as Arlington, Cedar Point, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Granville, Hennepin, Hollowayville, Ladd, LaMoille, Lostant, Lowell, Mark, McNabb, North Utica, Seatonville, Standard, Tonica, and Troy Grove). Each community is independent and has its own personality, but remains close-knit and is seen as one large community — The Illinois Valley.
it’s an Honor and pleasure to Have you
visit tHe illinois valley!
IVAC’s Welcome, Intro & Purpose
Family, work, education, spirituality, teamwork and recreation are the spokes of the wheel that keeps the Illinois Valley in motion.
WELCO
ME
INTRO
IVAC Board of Directors
www.ivaced.org
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i VAC was organized in 1911 in order to create jobs by bringing in new businesses and retaining current business — making this area a great place to live, work and play. IVAC is the area’s largest business organization with over 400 members, cover-ing parts of three counties — Bureau, La Salle, and Putnam. IVAC’s main purpose is economic development. Our mission
statement is “To promote the Illinois Valley by attracting new jobs, and enhancing existing business while valuing quality of life.” Our motto is “Doing things most people think just happen.”
Over the years, IVAC has been involved and successful in a number of projects to grow the Illinois Valley Area. Some of our projects in the past involved initializing the fundraising, development and expansion for our regional airport; dedicating years of work to see that 51 miles of missing interstate (I-39) would be constructed in order that we could connect from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico; assisted in writing grants; worked diligently in landing more than 20 firms; provided background support in the location/expansion of 60 plus busi-nesses; assisted in keeping a local bridge open, etc.
IVAC’s Welcome, Intro & Purpose
IVAC OFFICe: Always working toward the betterment of the area
c urrently, IVAC is involved in a Retention/Expansion Program which involves visiting local business and industry in order to learn of their concerns, problems, achievements, and to build lasting relationships. Gathered information is recorded for trending pur-
poses. We participate in marketing the I-39 Logistic Corridor; input updated community information on a State site called LOIS; market the Illinois Valley nationally and internation-ally through advertising and trade shows; continue to have working relationships with local, state and national elected officials; update community demographics; keep an inventory of over 60 available sites and buildings that are updated annually, and continue to work with prospects and consultants on possible relocation. IVAC also produces a quarterly newsletter; holds a number of fundraisers, business After Hours, Business Breakfast Seminars, and gets involved with a variety of other activities.
Valuable information on the Illinois Valley can be found on our web site www.ivaced.org. Check us out on the web or stop by our office located at 300 Bucklin in La Salle.
Marci Duro,IVAC Executive Director/CEO
PURP
OSE
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
4
the first explorers to enter the Illinois Valley Area, which was inhabited by American Indians, were Louis Joliet, the famous
Frenchman, and the missionary priest Father Jacques Marquette. After returning from their exploration of the Mississippi River in 1673, they stopped at the great Indian Village on the north bank of the Illinois River just above Starved Rock.
In 1683, Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle and his men built a fort upon “Le Roches”, believed to be the present Starved Rock. Fort St. Louis was the base of La Salle’s activities in the west, and likewise, the base of Indian action in the west when Tonti, Lieutenant of La Salle, organized the Illinois Indians to help New France fight the Iroquois in the 1680’s. In
its strategic position, the fort controlled the pas-sage from Canada to the southwest.
Repeated raids by the Iroquois and pres-sure of the other tribes in the region caused the remnant of the Illinois to seek more sheltered habitations. After withdrawal of the Indians, Fort St. Louis was of little use to the French, who abandoned it in 1691.
The Illinois Country remained under French rule until 1763, when France, defeated in the seven year war, ceded her North American possessions east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. During the thirteen years of British authority, Illinois was under military rule, and many influential French settlers left Illinois for St. Louis and New Orleans, rather than submit to British rules.
Pioneers made little effort to settle the terri-tory, and in the vast wilderness known as “The Illinois Country”, the only evidence of British possession was the few soldiers stationed at the forts, and a few fur traders along the rivers.
In 1778, the Illinois territory was taken ‘without bloodshed’ by George Rogers Clark, in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1784, Virginia ceded possession of Illinois to the United States government, and under the ordinance act of 1787, Illinois became a part of the Northwest Territory. At this point, with the exception of the remaining French villages beside the Mississippi and the few pioneer settlements scattered along the banks of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers, the region within the present boundaries of the state was the
tHe illinois river and tHe
ricH soil of tHe illinois valley
attracted early settlers
History of the Illinois Valley
Illinois River
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abode of the Indians, and northern Illinois was virtually an untrodden wilderness.
The first pioneer settlers from the north and east arrived in the early 1800s. The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers to the areas which today make up La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties. The Cities of La Salle, DePue, Peru, Hennepin and Utica all had their beginnings between 1820 and 1840.
As coal mining became a huge industry in this area, many laborers settled in the com-munities of Hollowayville, Lostant, Spring Valley and Arlington due to the amount of jobs available.
In 1836, the hand digging of the Illinois & Michigan Canal from La Salle-Peru to the small Village of Chicago, brought a number of immi-grants from Ireland where they were escaping the great potato famine. In the early 1850’s, work on two railroads, the Illinois Central and the Rock Island, added further impetus to the growth of the area.
Coal mines, the building of railroads, along with the availability of zinc, combined with the Illinois & Michigan Canal (I & M), accounted for the very diverse ethnic base of the Illinois
Valley Area. This strong work ethnic has passed down through the generations.
Because the increased population of these communities provided a good labor supply, with the railroads and the canal affording acces-sibility to distant markets, and the coal mines providing a cheap and efficient source of power, many manufacturing, processing and service industries were established. Some of the com-panies which were founded back then, are still in operation today: W.H. Maze Company, 1848; Putnam County Record, 1868; News Tribune,
1891; Unimin Corp., 1897; and American Nickeloid Company, 1898. Another manufac-turing company, Carus Chemical Company (now known as Carus Corporation) made its appearance shortly after the turn of the twenti-eth century in 1915.
The area continued to flourish, and the communities were busy for the first decades of that century, building churches, schools, etc., and installing water mains, sewers, paved streets and other facilities to serve the rapidly expanding population.
The era of coal mining ended with the closing of most mines in the 1920s – an era that lasted for some 93 years. As a result, it was becoming apparent that further economic diversification was not only desirable, but nec-essary. So just as our pioneer forefathers met the challenges of their times, so the next generation of leaders met theirs, causing them to pool their knowledge, skills and resources, and work to attract new industry………………….. and history continues.
History of the Illinois Valley
Cherry Coal Miners in 1908
Maze Lumber
www.masonaccounting.com
Cert if ied Publ iC ACCountAnts1025 Peoria Street • Peru, Illinois 61354
Tel: 815.223.8808Fax: 815.220.3529
Mason accountinggroup, LLc
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
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the heartbeat of the Illinois Valley is strong and vibrant. Population from the 2000 census shows La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties total 153,098. A nice blend of ages compliment the Illinois Valley, as does its
ethnic background. The average median age is 36. La Salle County is the second largest county in the State of Illinois, bor-
dering Kendall County which is the fastest growing county in the United States. Also bordering La Salle County are DeKalb County which ranks 8th and Grundy County which ranks 9th in fastest growing counties.
New to the Illinois Valley are Marmon/Keystone, a 200,000 sq. ft. wholesale distributor of tubular products; ABC Wire, a manufacturer of copper wire; a 50-unit senior housing development complex; Canam Group, a manufacturer of steel decking; PetSmart; Holiday Inn Express; Hampton Inn; a 14,500 sq. ft. health center which is associated with St. Margaret’s Health; a Professional Complex; a Veteran’s Outpatient Clinic; seven new restaurants; two engineering firms; six retail establishments; three resale shops; a chiropractor; three pet grooming shops; a Mexican market and the list continues. Also taking place is a 15,000 sq. ft. expan-sion of the Illinois Valley Community Hospital; and 15,000 sq. ft. expan-sion of Pioneer Seed, both to be completed in 2011. Due to the rising need, some businesses are now open 24 hours.
Tourism, i.e. attractions and events, have placed the Illinois Valley Area on the map. Starved Rock State Park draws approximately 2 million people to the Illinois Valley each year; the Hegeler Carus Mansion receives 1,500 - 2,000 visitors per year; the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center 50,000 – 60,000; and the Canal Boat, 14,000. Events such as the Burgoo Festival attracts 25,000, and the DePue Boat Races 35,000. Many more events and attractions held here keep people coming and going.
Thriving Communities
tHe illinois valley is centered
in a rapidly growing
regionOur future looks bright in the Illinois Valley, and we would
happily share it with you!
land investorsWilliam GahlbergStephen SchusterLaura Kelly Smith
Woodland Path LLC701 Harger Road
Oak Brook IL 60523630.575.2450
www.ivaced.org
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a lthough the Illinois Valley isn’t considered a large metropolitan area, it certainly mea-sures up quite nicely to larger cities in the
arena of infrastructure. When location, time, availability, and convenience are of utmost importance, the means to accomplish this can be found right here in the Illinois Valley.
HighwayThe Illinois Valley is very accessible and in
short driving distance to a number of larger cities. Chicago is 90 miles northeast, Rockford is 60 miles north, the Quad-Cities are 75 miles west, Joliet is 60 miles east, and Peoria and Bloomington are both 60 miles south.
Geographically, the Illinois Valley is seen as the heart of Illinois, and is at the cross-roads to the nation - due to the crossing of two major interstates. Interstate 80, an east/west primary route, stretches from New York to San Francisco, and Interstate 39, a north/south route, reaches from Winnipeg, Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Besides having two major interstates in the locale, U.S. route 6, a popular route, runs the width of the State as it continues on to reach east/west coastlines, and U.S. Rt. 52 serves the northern part of the area. State routes that cover the Illinois Valley include: IL Routes 351, 251 29, 18, 178, 89, 71 and 26.
RailRail is adequate, and meets the needs
of those businesses requiring this type of
transportation. Railroads serving this area include: Iowa Interstate, Illinois Railway, PeruRail, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern.
WaterThe Illinois Valley is very fortunate to
have the Illinois River, which is approxi-mately 273 miles long, flow through our region. A number of barge facilities are located on the river, which accommodate the large amount of barge traffic that use this magnificent waterway.
AirIllinois Valley Regional Airport – Walter
Duncan Field, has a 6,000’ x 100’ hard surfaced runway, and a 4,000’ x 75’ cross-wind runway. Both runways light. The airport also has a non-directional beacon (NDB), DME and Localizer, terminal and hanger facilities, T-hangers and tie-downs for 60 aircraft, an AWOS, etc. The airport also offers a number of services and is equipped with a conference room. Although the Illinois Valley Regional Airport is not a commercial airport, it is capable of accom-modating any size business aircraft. Cargo and charter planes are also part of its makeup. The airport sees an average of approximately 57 flights a day. O’Hare International Airport is approximately 99 miles away, and Midway is 90 miles. Other airports in closer proximity can be found in Rockford, the Quad Cities, Bloomington and Peoria.
TransportIndividual means of transportation to
and from places outside the area is eas-ily accessible through Burlington Trailways. Their schedule of arrivals and departures in the Illinois Valley makes it very convenient. Burlington Trailways travels to many places throughout the West and Midwest, availing itself to transporting people on the move. Taxi cabs are another form of prompt service get-ting people to their destinations.
Amenities, Incentives and WorkforceAvailable sites in the Illinois Valley have
sewer, water, electricity and gas either on site, adjacent to the property, or within a short distance away. Established business and industrial parks are sprinkled throughout the area with room enough to grow.
Various cities and villages offer incentives to businesses looking to locate. The Illinois Valley Enterprise Zone and TIF Districts are two local incentives that are available in the Illinois Valley, and are excellent means to provide busi-ness and local government with assistance.
A workforce of approximately 84,265 skilled and semi-skilled workers live in the Tri-County Area of La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties. The Valley has a history of stable labor-manage-ment relations, long lengths of employment, and low tardiness and absenteeism.
amenities aBound in
tHe Heart of illinois
Great Infrastructure
Interstate 80
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
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B e it on an individual, family or business level – learning is a top priority for citizens residing in the Illinois Valley. One commu-
nity college; seven high schools; a career center; 28 elementary schools, which include both public and parochial; eight preschools; and one private day school, all contribute to the excel-lent educational resources offered and adminis-tered to children, adults and employees.
Higher EducationIllinois Valley Community College
Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) is a comprehensive, two-year institution with a reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and on the job. IVCC’s pic-turesque campus, set among some 400 acres of oak, walnut and pine forest, overlooks the beautiful Illinois River Valley.
IVCC’s long-held tradition of producing graduates who flourish at Illinois universities and elsewhere led to its popular slogan “No place so close can take you so far.” Highly qualified, experienced instructors make it their mission to produce extraordinary students. IVCC has a sterling reputation for offering courses that transfer to four-year universities and enrollments continue to rise.
Along with its Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs, IVCC’s career programs award 22 Associate in Applied Science degrees and more than 45 certificate programs designed for employment after two years or less.
Customized training for area businesses and industries is available through IVCC’s Business Training Center, a long-recognized leader in high technology training.
In 2010, IVCC opened the first satellite center in its 86-year history. Ottawa Center
has allowed the college to reach students on the eastern side of its district who might not otherwise have been able to attend col-lege due to distance and cost. The Center attracted over 400 credit and noncredit stu-dents in its first semester and an expanded 45-course schedule will be offered this spring. Construction on the college’s 76,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Community Technology Center is expected to begin in 2011 with completion targeted for 2013.
Additional OptionsAdvanced education within a 60-mile radius
includes Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, and Bradley University in Peoria. Vast educational resources are also available at the University of Illinois in Chicago, which is approximately 90 miles away.
convenient, compreHensive
Quality
Outstanding Education
As the saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” so we in the Illinois Valley place great emphasis
on teaching, learning, and becoming the best we can be.
www.ivaced.org
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Career CenterThe LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center
(LP-ACC) serves nine high school districts. Students are given employment training in areas of: Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Child Care/Early Childhood Education, Drafting, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electronics, Graphic Communication, Health Occupation, Machine Technology and Welding. The LP-ACC also part-ners with IVCC in transferring some credits.
High SchoolsThe Illinois Valley is home to seven excellent
high schools, which teach the necessary educa-tional skills needed for immediate placement into the workforce after graduation and/or prepare individuals for further education. La Salle-Peru Township High School (L-P) is the area’s largest high school, serving students from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and surrounding communities; St. Bede Academy, founded in 1891, is a Catholic high school; Hall High School serves students from Bureau County; Putnam County High School serves students from Putnam County; DePue High School and LaMoille High School both serve their local communities; and LaSalle-Peru Christian High School is a ministry of the First Baptist Church in La Salle.
Special LearningA private day school approved by the Illinois
State Board of Education, the Lighted Way Association, Inc., provides service to students from LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Livingston and DeKalb Counties. The school is designed to help students from ages 3 through 21 who have developmental disabilities or special learning needs due to physical and mental impairments.
Outstanding Education
High Schoolsdepue High school815-447-2121 | www.depueschools.org
Hall High school815-664-2100 | www.hallhighschool.org
lamoille High school815-638-2144
lasalle-peru christian High school815-223-1037 | www.lpchristian.org
la salle-peru township High school815-223-1721 | www.lphs.net
putnam county High school815-882-2800 | www.pcschools535.org
st. Bede academy815-223-3140 | www.st-bede.com
College & UniversitiesBradley university309-676-7611 | www.bradley.edu
illinois state university309-438-2111 | http://illinoisstate.edu
illinois valley community college815-224-2720 | www.ivcc.edu
illinois wesleyan university309-556-1000 | www.iwu.edu
northern illinois university815-753-1000 | www.niu.edu
university of illinois at chicago312-996-7000 | www.uic.edu
Class in session at St. Bede Academy
2576 State Route 178Ogelsby, IL 61348
Full-Service GroomingSelf-Service Dog Wash
Holistic Pet Care ProductsAll-Natural Grain-Free Pet Foods & Treats
Apparel & BeddingDoggie Day Care & Puppy Playground
BoardingPet Taxi Service
www.fetchingfreidasdoggiedayspa.com
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
10
when an adequate number of business and industry have been around for years on end and others are popping up here and there, that’s a good sign of commitment, satisfaction and a favorable market area.
The Illinois Valley has a wide variety of businesses that take pride in what they sell, serve, service and produce.
Retail & HospitalityRetail is big. The Peru Mall houses 65 stores in a one-story, 400,000
sq. ft. facility, and is home to four anchor stores – Bergner’s, JC Penney, Sears and Marshalls. Other retail establishments found in the Illinois Valley include K-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Menards, Super Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Dollar General, MC Sports, Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, PetSmart, four strip malls, as well as downtown shopping in each community.
With more than ten motels, eight being major chains; two bed and breakfast; a number of cabins and two lodges, overnight accommodations, whether for business or pleasure, are adequate. A number of different size meeting rooms are also available. Many times the location of the Illinois Valley is found to be the mid-point of travel, and is therefore marked as the ideal place to convene.
If good food is one of your top ten favorite things, you’ve found a gold mine in the Illinois Valley. Over 110 eating places from fine dining restau-rants to fast food can be found and enjoyed.
a fortified Base for our
community
Committed Business & Industry
What the Illinois Valley has to offer is a favorable business climate that
allows people to live comfortably.
Marmon/Keystone – wholesale distributor of tubular products
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Committed Business & Industry
Services, Media & DistributionBusinesses involved in services ranging from computers, to travel,
to hair salons, to CPAs, heating and air conditioning, real estate, insur-ance, banking, sales, food, mechanics, and everything in between, all help in the building of an even stronger and healthier commerce.
Seven local radio stations broadcast AM and FM programming which lends coverage on national and community events. Cable television receives major networks from Chicago, Peoria and the Quad-Cities, providing a variety of movies, news and entertainment channels. One local paper with a circulation of 17,600 is published every day, except on Sundays, and reports local, state, national and international news. Three smaller papers also service parts of the Illinois Valley.
Distribution and call centers lace the Illinois Valley, and are an asset to the area. These include Advantage Logistics, Wal-Mart, J.C. Whitney & Company, Officemax and Marmon/Keystone.
IndustryIndustry is strong. A number of firms that located
here in the late 1800s and early 1900s, still remain, and many new ones have arrived. Companies such as American Nickeloid; Carus Chemical; W.H. Maze Nails; Tee Group Films; Illinois Cement; Badge-A-Minit; Cookie Kingdom; Cougar Industries (now known as Cougar Vibrations Division of Martin Equipment); Eakas Corporation; James Hardie Building Products; Flints Hills; O’Neal Inc.; P.Q. Corporation; Unytite, Inc.; MetoKote Corporation; Canam Group; Hoover Manufacturer; Illinois Valley Container; C-F Industries; Hart Electric; Brewer Company; Pretium Packaging and more, all provide a fortified base for our communities.
AgricultureAgriculture and agri-business also play an important
role in the fabric of the Illinois Valley. The number of farms in production in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties total 2,978, with corn and soybeans being the main crops. Several large grain terminals maintain eleva-tors and ship thousands of tons of grain by barge and truck to many parts of the country and the world.
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
12 u tility companies in the Illinois Valley make it their business to provide high performance. Ameren Illinois, Commonwealth Edison,
Peru Municipal, Oglesby Municipal, and Ladd Municipal, all supply electricity to various parts of the Illinois Valley. AmerenIP and Nicor supply natural gas.
The City of Peru has its own Hydro Plant which is located on the Illinois River at Starved Rock Lock and Dam. It has four tur-bine units that generate, on an average, about half of the residential load. It provides green power and reusable energy - a plus in protect-ing the environment.
A T & T, Comcast, and Frontier serve area customers with telephone service. A T & T, IVnet, Comcast and Frontier provide internet service, and Comcast and Frontier supply cable TV.
powering illinois valleyReliable Utilities
Area Utilitiesameren illinois815-224-6200 | www.ameren.com
at&t815-987-3697 | www.att.com
comcast866-553-4448 | www.comcast.com
commonwealth edisonwww.comed.com
frontierwww.frontier.com
ivnet815-223-1052 | www.ivnet.com
ladd municipal utilities815-894-2806 | www.vil.ladd.il.us
nicor888 642-6748 | www.nicor.com
oglesby municipal815-883-3389 | www.oglesby.il.us
peru municipal electric department815-223-0044 | www.peru.il.us
www.ivaced.org
13
Q uality health care is a major vein essen-tial to a community, and we are fortune to have this vein running through the
Illinois Valley.Over 100 physicians practice medicine
in the Illinois Valley which encompasses: General Practice, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry, Dentistry, Chiropractic, etc. Also, two well-equipped hos-pitals with the latest technology are located in the Illinois Valley.
Illinois Valley Community HospitalIllinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH)
is a 72-bed general medical and surgical hos-pital which is located in Peru. IVCH receives high patient satisfaction scores on surveys, and is ranked by HealthGrades™ as one
of the top five hospitals in Illinois for joint replacement surgery. The IVCH Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatics, at the Illinois Valley YMCA, is regarded as one of the best rehab facilities in northern Illinois. The Women’s Health Care Center at IVCH has a staff of three obstetrician/gynecologists and three nurse midwives. IVCH FastCare is a walk-in retail health clinic at the Peru Wal-Mart open seven days a week.
St. Margaret’s HospitalSt. Margaret’s Hospital operates a 92-bed,
acute care facility located in Spring Valley. The hospital includes a newly renovated 52-bed medical/surgical unit, a 6 bed ICU, a Level II nursery with 6 LDRP rooms and a skilled nursing facility. In addition to acute care departments, St. Margaret’s Hospital’s specialty care for the region includes a Cancer
and Outpatient Treatment Center, Skilled Care Unit, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services, Same Day Surgery, Cardiopulmonary Services and Hospice Services. State-of-the-Art diagnostic services include: MRI, PET and Spiral CT Scanning, Gated-SPECT Nuclear Medicine, FDA-Approved Mammography and Laboratory Services including microbiology and pathology and picture archiving and computer system (PACS).
A life flight helicopter serves both hospitals when medical emergencies demand patients be seen at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.
a HealtHy outlook
Quality Medical Care
Healthcare Facilitiesthe Hygienic institute815-223-0196 | www.thehygienicinstitute.org
illinois valley community Hospital815-223-3300 | www.ivch.org
illinois veterans Home at lasalle815-223-0303
north central Behavioral Health systems inc.815-224-1610 | www.ncbhs.org
st. margaret’s Hospital815-664-5311 | www.st-margarets.com
St. Margaret’s Hospital
Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH)
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
14
Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalleThe Illinois Veterans’ Home at LaSalle opened on December 12, 1990,
to provide skilled nursing care for 120 Veterans including 18 special needs beds for Veterans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. In 2005, the General Assembly appropriated funding to construct an 80-bed addition to the LaSalle facility, boosting capacity to provide skilled nursing care to 160 Veterans and special needs care to 40 Veterans with varying dementia. The project began in April 2006 and construction was finished in FY08. In January 2009, the facility and its programs passed the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognition survey. Veterans moved into the new rooms in February 2009, allowing minor improvements to the rooms in the Home’s original wings in preparation for admitting new residents. The goal of the Illinois Veterans’ Home is to provide to all eligible veterans at the skilled nursing level, a comprehensive quality of care in a holistic manner, through a director nursing service with the goals to be at the highest level of potential functioning. A full range of rehabilitation services are available to assist the Veteran to meet that goal. The LaSalle Home has a complete staff of medical, nursing, social service, and activity personnel. Ancillary services such as physical, speech and occupational therapies are available at the Home through contractual arrangements with specialists in the community. The United State Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center at Edward Hines Jr. Hospital is the hospital of juris-diction for the LaSalle Home.
Additional Medical ServicesThe Hygienic Institute, founded in 1941 by a local resident, is a not-for-
profit agency that is affiliated with Illinois Valley Community Hospital. The institute offers non-emergency primary health care services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents of the Illinois Valley. As an official Registrar, the institute also issues certified records of births and deaths occurring in La Salle, Peru and Oglesby.
North Central Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. serves residents of all ages and covers an area of seven counties. A professional staff provides outpatient services for both mental health and substance abuse.
Four nursing homes can be found in the Illinois Valley, as well as assisted care facilities and home health agencies for personalized medi-cal care, companionship, house cleaning, running errands, paying bills and more.
Quality Medical Care
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d ue to teamwork, dedication, loyalty and commitment, munic-ipal governments in the Illinois Valley emerge strong and pro-ductive. They work well with their neighboring communities
and the end result is a mutual benefit.The area’s municipal governments are made up of the Mayor/
Village President and Aldermen/Commissioners. Together they make the necessary decisions in keeping their communities run-ning smoothly. Various committees such as Finance, Economic Development, Water Works, Grants, Building Codes, Wastewater/Environment, Streets, Allies and Traffic, Park Board, etc. were formed for the betterment of the community.
Well-equipped and highly trained, full-time and volunteer firefighters provide reliable protection. When needed, area fire departments provide assistance to neighboring communities at no charge.
Well-staffed police departments keep the crime rate low, and the Cities of La Salle, Peru, Utica and Spring Valley Police Departments operate a canine unit to better serve and protect their citizens. Headquartered in La Salle near I-80 is District 17 of the Illinois State Police. By having both local and state police in the locale, a sense of comfort is given to its citizens.
in service to citizens
Strong Local Government
Local Government
arlington815-638-2329
cedar point815-446-5681
cherry815-894-3338
dalzell815-663-1514
depue815-447-2177
granville815-339-2480
Hennepin815-925-7138
Hollowayville815-894-2637
ladd815-894-2440 www.vil.ladd.il.us
lamoille815-638-2242
lasalle815-223-3755 www.lasalle-il.gov
lostant815-368-3461
mark815-339-2454
mcnabb815-882-2278
north utica815-667-4111 www.utica-il.com
oglesby815-883-3389 www.oglesby.il.us
peru815-223-0061 www.peru.il.us
seatonville815-894-2081
spring valley815-664-4221 www.spring-valley.il.us
standard815-339-6784
tonica815-442-3104 http://villageoftonica.com
troy grove815-539-7159
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H ere in the Illinois Valley, as many as there are people with different likes and person-alities, there are different styles of homes.
Homes range from as small as a one-bed-room with a single-car garage, to a medium size house with three bedrooms, adequate size liv-ing room, deck, finished basement and two car garage, to a luxurious twenty-five room house with a five car garage, greenhouse, swimming pool, exercise room, etc. Here you will find
cozy bungalows on quiet streets, century old mansions atop steep hills, townhouses, apart-ments, and custom built homes. Homes are constructed of brick, wood siding, fiber-cement siding, wood shingles, stucco, pebble-dash and glass-dash. The development of new subdivi-sions and the building of new homes seem to be an ongoing occurrence.
Liberty Village, a relatively new and styl-ish complex, caters to senior citizens. Their
campus includes apartments, duplexes, villas, assisted living and a nursing home facility. (Liberty strives to make the golden years com-fortable and worry free.)
Whether housing is being sought by singles, newly married couples, senior, or those seeking freedom from the drudgery of maintaining a home, the Illinois Valley offers something for everyone. Come and see!
sometHing for everyone
Personalized Housing
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recreation and the 4th of July………. both are explosive when you experience them in the Illinois Valley. All ages find something that amuses them, and we’re positive
you’ll find something too.
Attractions SamplerState Parks
Three state parks: Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo enhance the Illinois Valley. Besides walking the serene trails at all three State Parks, Starved Rock hosts Veranda Parties on the patio during the summer months, offers a variety of singing performances, storytelling, tours on the trolley, bird watching, holds the Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage each year, etc. Matthiessen State Park is a great place for cross-country skiing and new to the park is mountain biking.
History & LeisureThe Hegeler Carus Mansion, built in 1874 and listed on
the National Register of Historic Places, gives tours through the mansion, and is always holding a variety of unique activi-ties throughout the year.
The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is a neat place where you can actually see boats getting channeled through the locks. The Canal Boat, pulled by mules, provides rides on the I & M Canal, taking a person back to years gone by. La Salle County Historical Museum is a good reminiscing place for older adults and a fun place for the younger genera-tion to see “how things used to be”.
The Hennepin Canal National Recreation Trail provides many miles of trail recreation for biking, hiking, snowmo-biling, horseback riding, and paddling along a historical canal corridor.
a great place to
play
Abundant Recreation
Recreation does not get slighted in the Illinois Valley.
Come join us for some fun!
Hegeler Carus Mansion
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For those who enjoy walking or biking, the I & M Canal Towpath and Baker’s Lake are two ideal places to go.
The ArtsPerformances are enjoyed at concerts
presented by the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Valley Youth Symphony, and Illinois Valley Youth Choir. Local high school productions and a theatrical playhouse known as Stage 212 are highly entertaining as well.
EventsA number of major events are held each
year which include the Bald Eagle Watch; the Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor and Christmas Parades; Masters Walleye Tournament; Car Shows; 4th of July Celebrations; Ladd Summerfest; National Championship Boat Races; Fly-in
Drive-in Breakfast; Lostant Fall Festival; Jazz ‘n the Street; Burgoo Festival; Oglesby Turkey Trot; a Bridal Show and much more.
Family RecreationYouth football, classes in arts and crafts,
Little League, dance, soccer, tennis, swim-ming, tumbling, sledding, softball leagues, ice skating, etc. all keep area children very active.
The Illinois Valley YMCA has a large selection of activities and programs geared toward men, women, children and families. Three swimming pools inside the “Y” provide the fun intended.
Other recreational activities famous in the Illinois Valley are golf, bowling, horseback riding, rafting, camping, boating, stock car racing, fishing, paintballing, archery, hunt-ing, waterskiing, racquetball and more.
Abundant Recreation
Recreational ContactsBuffalo state park815-433-2224 | http://dnr.state.il.us
Hegeler carus mansion815-224-6543 | www.hegelercarus.org
Hennepin canal815-454-2328 | http://dnr.state.il.us
illinois valley symphony orchestrawww.ivso.org
illinois valley ymca815-223-7904 | www.ivymca.com
illinois valley youth choirswww.invisualtechnologies.com/ivyc/index.html
illinois valley youth symphonywww.ivyouthsymphony.org
illinois waterway visitor center815-667-4054
la salle county Historical museum815-667-4861 | www.lasallecountymuseum.org
lock 16 visitor center815-223-1851 | www.lasallecanalboat.org
matthiessen state park815-667-4868 | http://dnr.state.il.us
stage 212815-224-3025 | www.stage212.org
starved rock state park800-868-ROCK | www.starvedrockstatepark.org
Stage 212 production
Gromann Service Company
4165 East Second RoadMendota, IL 61342
815-539-9381
“Quality Lubricants From North American
Crude Oil”
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the citizens of the Illinois Valley hold on to the faith that has been passed down to them through the centuries. God has truly blessed
us, and for that we are grateful. Twenty-one different denominations can be found here. Congregations provide stability and fellowship. Church doors are open wide to welcome new-comers to join us in prayer, in the sharing with those less fortunate, and in being apart of our spiritual and social programs offered to all ages.
spiritually centered
Devout Worship
Church doors are open wide to welcome newcomers.
Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine
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take a look at illinois valley
Places and Faces
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Places and Faces
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Amici Ristorante in Peru offers authentic Italian cuisine amid an artistic atmosphere with painted murals floating clouds, starlight ceilings, cascading florals, and vibrant colors. The menu features traditional Italian dishes for the whole family.
Great fishing is available on the Illinois River, which features bluegill, carp, catfish, bass, walleye, crappie, perch, and other species.
The Illinois Valley Youth Football League allows area kids to participate in gridiron action.
State Route 89 crosses the Illinois River at Spring Valley via this picturesque bridge.
The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center interprets the history of water transportation in Illinois. Exhibits highlight the flatboat, canal boat, and steamboat eras and conclude with modern transportation.
This memorial honors the victims of the Cherry Coal Mine Disaster in Bureau County. On November 13, 1909, the Cherry Coal Mine caught fire, taking the lives of 259 miners. The disaster prompted the Illinois State Legislature to pass a workmen’s compensation act and to establish stricter mining regulations.
Horseback riding is open at all three area state parks – Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and Buffalo.
Appropriately, Buffalo Rock State Park is home to a pair of American bison, who can be observed in their grazing area daily.
The LaSalle-Peru Township High School, built in 1897–98, is the area’s largest high school, serving students from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and surrounding communities.
Beautiful Starved Rock Lodge in Starved Rock State Park offers cabins in the woods, an indoor pool, a hot tub, saunas, a full-service restaurant, a bar, a café, and a gift shop, all under one roof. The lodge’s veranda features panoramic views of the Illinois Valley.
The Illinois-Michigan Canal revolutionized Illinois’ transportation system and helped establish Chicago as a passageway for travel throughout the continent, cementing its future as the Midwest’s dominant city.
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ACCoUnTAnTMason Accounting Group, LLC — Page 51025 Peoria St.Peru, IL 61354815-223-8808Fax 815-220-3529masonandassociates@comcast.netwww.masonaccounting.com
ADULT CARE/SEnIoR LIVInGHome Instead Senior Care — Page 111222 Shooting Park RoadPeru, IL 61354815-223-7970www.homeinstead.com/536
Our communities’ trusted solution in helping seniors to remain living independently in their own homes. We provide nonmedi-cal home care and personal services for a few hours a week up to 24 hrs/7 days. Caregivers are trained, insured, bonded.
Liberty Village of Peru — Page 141107 31st StreetPeru, IL 61354815-224-2200Fax 815-220-1581www.simplythefinest.net
Liberty Village offers “Simply the Finest” in retirement life-styles. We are the Illinois Valley’s only full continuum of care retirement campus. At Liberty Village, we take great care to balance the independence that our tenants desire with the support they need.
AMUSEMEnTS/RECREATIon/EnTERTAInMEnTSuper Bowl Family Entertainment — Page 214242 Mahoney DrivePeru, IL 61354815-223-5085Fax 815-223-5651www.ivsuperbowl.com
CABIn REnTALSKishauwau on the Vermilion — Page 5901 N. 2129 RoadTonica, IL 61370815-442-8453Fax [email protected]
A 1.5-hour drive southwest of Chicago (convenient to I-80 and 39), Kishauwau on the Vermilion is ideal for a weekend get-away or a longer vacation.
CoMPUTERSConnecting Point — Page 141622 Fourth St.Peru, IL [email protected]
Connecting Point Computer was established in 1978 as a solution-based company. Connecting Point is able to resolve technology problems and make your company profitable.
DEnTISTRyDr. Curtis R. Imel D.D.S., P.C. — Page 182050 Marquette RoadPeru, IL 61354815-224-2355Fax 815-224-2258
Creating smiles for a lifetime — we provide orthodontic care (braces) for children and adults.
EDUCATIonPeru Public Schools District 124 — Page 231800 Church StreetPeru, IL 61354815-223-0486Fax 815-223-0490www.perued.net
Established in 1840, Peru Public Schools has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence through a strong curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, and an outstanding fine arts program.
EMPLoyMEnT AGEnCIESB.E.S.T., Inc. — Page 183691 Cougar Drive, Suite BPeru, IL 61354815-224-1586TTY/TTD 800-526-0844www.best-inc.org
EnGInEERInGChamlin & Associates, Inc — Page 33017 Fifth StreetPeru, IL 61354815-223-3344www.chamlin.com
With over 50 years in the engineering business, Chamlin & Associates takes pride in our contribution to expanding our local cities and neighborhoods in the Illinois Valley.
FInAnCIAL InSTITUTIonSEureka Savings Bank — Page 24250 Marquette St.La Salle, IL 61301815-223-0700Fax 815-223-1930www.eurekasavings.com
Financial Plus Credit Union — Page 21800 Chestnut StreetOttawa, IL 61350815-433-1496www.financialplus.org
First Federal Savings Bank - ottawa IL — Page 9633 LaSalle St.Ottawa, IL 61350815-434-3730 Ext. 3284Fax 815-431-2129www.firstfedsavingsbank.com
Illinois Valley Credit Union — Page 202107 Marquette RoadPeru, IL 61354815-224-2666Fax 815-224-2691www.ivcu.com
Not-for-profit cooperative owned by its members and has a volunteer board. These factors allow the credit union to offer lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and fewer service fees.
Spring Valley City Bank — Page 19315 N. Cornelia StreetSpring Valley, IL 61362815-663-2211www.svcb.com
We have served the entire Illinois Valley since 1905. We offer a full range of modern banking services. Our friendly, knowl-edgeable staff is ready to handle all your banking needs.
GoVERnMEnTVillage of Granville — Page 16316 S. McCoy St.Granville, IL 61354815-339-6333Fax [email protected]
HEALTH CAREHealth Directions — Page 142960 Chartres StreetLaSalle, IL 61301800-288-5912Fax [email protected]
Our licensed professional staff and life coaches provide ser-vices for anxiety, depression, stress, marital issues/divorce, family/parenting issues, substance use, and other emotional health and wellness issues — both online and in person.
Illinois Valley Community Hospital — Page Inside Back Cover925 West StreetPeru, IL 61354815-780-3521Fax 815-780-3661www.ivch.org
IVCH is a 71-bed general medical and surgical hospital ranked by HealthGrades™ as one of the top five hospitals in Illinois for joint replacement surgery.
St. Margaret’s Health — Page 1600 East 1st StreetSpring Valley, IL 61362815-664-1429Fax 815-644-1140www.aboutsmh.org
St. Margaret’s Health is an acute care hospital with an extensive list of physicians and a network of primary and specialty clinics, all using an electronic medical record for seamless care.
index of advertisers
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HoTELS/MoTELS/BED & BREAKFASTBaymont Inn & Suites - Peru IL — Page 165240 TrompeterPeru, IL 61354815-223-8585Fax [email protected]
• Indoor Pool• Free High-Speed Internet• Restaurants Nearby• Free Continental Breakfast• In-Room Coffeemaker, Hair Dryer, & Iron w/Board• Fitness Room• Free Local Calls
InSURAnCEShelldan Insurance Agency, Inc. — Page 231718 Peoria St.Peru, IL 61354815-223-1702Fax [email protected]
State Farm - Henry A Hackman, Agent — Page 111712 Fourth StreetPeru, IL 61354815-223-1900Fax [email protected]
MAnUFACTURInGJames Hardie Building Products — Page 2317 Unytite DrivePeru, IL 61354815-220-3000Fax 815-220-3097www.jameshardie.com
PET CAREFetching Frieda’s Doggie Day Spa — Page 92576 State Route 178Ogelsby, IL 61348815-667-4452fetchingfrieda@att.netwww.fetchingfriedasdoggiedayspa.com
• Full-Service Grooming• Self-Service Dog Wash• Holistic Pet Care Products• All-Natural Grain-Free Pet Foods & Treats• Apparel & Bedding • Doggie Day Care & Puppy Playground• Boarding• Pet Taxi Service
PETRoLEUM PRoDUCTSGromann Service Company — Page 184165 East Second RoadMendota, IL 61342815-539-9381
REAL ESTATEColdwell Banker — Page 52409 Fourth StreetPeru, IL 61354800-414-5788www.coldwellbankertoday.com
Since our beginning in 1982, Coldwell Banker Today’s Realtors has been the consistent leader in real estate sales in the Illinois Valley. We make real estate and relocation real easy.
United Country Starved Rock Reality — Page 6Dee BarreraP.O. Box 279Utica, IL 61373815-667-9990www.ucstarvedrockrealty.com
United Country Starved Rock Realty, specializing in our beauti-ful park-like properties with woods, water, farmettes, and commercial. Free buyers & sellers seminars. There IS a differ-ence in Realtors. “Over 2 millions visitors to area annually.”Call 815-667-9990.
Woodland Path LLC — Page 6701 Harger Road, Suite 190OakBrook, IL 60523630-575-2344Fax [email protected]
REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICEBiederstedt Appraisal Co. — Page 111105 Peoria St.P.O. Box 465Peru, IL 61354815-223-1212Fax [email protected]
RESTAURAnTSCajun Connection Taste of Louisiana — Page 19897 East US Hwy. 6Utica, IL 61373815-667-9855Fax 815-667-5183cajunconnection@hotmail.comwww.ronscajunconnection.com
Authentic Cajun food in the heart of the Illinois Valley.
RETAILDebo Ace Hardware — Page 201713 4th StreetPeru, IL 61354815-223-0461Fax 815-223-0573
Debo Ace Hardware provides shoppers with solutions to their everyday home improvement needs by having an extensive selection of quality products, along with friendly helpful service, in one shopping experience.
SERVICES - CUSToMERIllinois Valley Clean Team — Page 6P.O. Box 277Utica, IL [email protected]
Illinois Valley Clean Teamoffers the following residential and commercial cleaning services: • Residential Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Whitening • Pressure/Soft Washing • Commercial Cleaning
NorthviewElementary School
1429 Shooting Park Road
WashingtonElementary School
1325 Park Road
ParksideMiddle School
1800 Church Street
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LA SALLE250 Marquette St.La Salle, IL 61301
815-223-0700
MENDOTA1300 13th Ave.
Mendota, IL 61342815-539-5656
OGLESBY101 N. Columbia Ave.
Oglesby, IL 61348815-883-3354
PERU2959 Peoria St.Peru, IL 61354815-223-9400
www.eurekasavings.com24-Hour Banking 800-660-1719 or 815-223-1600
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illinois valley area cHamBer of commerce and economic development300 Bucklin Street • La Salle, IL 61301 • Telephone 815-223-0227 • Fax 815-223-4827 • www.ivaced.org
