Pekin, IL 0418ce

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CommunityLink.com 1 800-455-5600

production

production manager MATT PRICE

director of media & content DIANA VAUGHN copywriting PEKIN AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

copy editor LAURA WILCOXEN

proofreader CHRISTINA REESE

director of photography LISA LEHR

photography ROB CLIFTON

KATHERINE FORTUNE

DRAGON'S DOME

creative director CRAIG WILLIAMS

director of publication design CLINT EILERTS

lead design CLINT EILERTS

marketing design ERIN GRAY

business development

director of sales operations DEBBIE MOSS

vp of business development GEORGE PRUDHOMME

business development manager BONNIE EBERS

sales representative EDWARD COHOON

customer service managers JUDY PRESSWOOD

KATHY RISLEY

customer service representative JUDY PRESSWOOD

advertising

ad research JOYCE PYATT

AMY SCHWARTZKOPF

KATHY SCOTT

ad traffic CAROL SMITH

ad design BECKY TRAIL

KACEY WOLTERS

administrative support

administrative support KATHY HAGENE

CAROL SMITH

account support TERRI AHNER

TRICIA CANNEDY

human resources assistant TERESA CRAIG

information technology

publishing systems coordinator CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership

chairman and founder CRAIG WILLIAMS

chief financial officer RHONDA HARSY

ON THE COVER The beautifully restored 100-year-old

pavilion at Mineral Springs Park is the most identifiable

landmark of the Pekin community.

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink

and distributed through the Pekin Area Chamber of

Commerce. For advertising information or questions or

comments about this book contact CommunityLink at 1

800-455-5600 or by e-mail at [email protected]

FOR INFORMATION The Pekin Area Chamber of

Commerce, 402 Court St., P.O. Box 636, Pekin, IL 61555,

(309) 346-2106, Fax (309) 246-2104, www.pekin.net.

© 2006 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.

Pekin: What a Pleasant Surprise! .....................................2You’re Invited to Live, Visit and Enjoy Pekin, Illinois — the Marigold City

Location, Location, Location ........................................... 4Central to the Best of the Midwest

A Look at Area Businesses ............................................. 6Pekin Enjoys a Solid Economic Base

A Well-Rounded Community ............................................ 8Service Businesses, Shops and Restaurants Make Life Both Easy and Enjoyable in Pekin

Setting the Standard .................................................... 10Pekin Has a Long History of Great Leadership That Continues Today

Taking Care of Our People ............................................ 12Pekin’s Health Care Providers Meet the Health and Wellness Needs of the Community

Pekin … Where the Heart Is ......................................... 14Coming Home to Pekin

Preparing for the Future … Educating Generations ......... 18The Entire Pekin Community Benefits From Outstanding Educational Opportunities

How We Play in Pekin ................................................... 22Enjoy the Great Outdoors — and Indoors — in Pekin

Pekin’s Calendar of Events ............................................ 25Year-Round Fun for Everyone!

Come Worship With Us ................................................. 26Enjoy the Blessings of Spiritual Communion

Getting the Specifics .................................................... 28Fast Facts and Important Numbers

We Can’t Wait to Meet You ........................................... 30Make Pekin Your Home Today

Index of Advertisers ..................................................... 32Please Support These Advertisers

What's Inside >> A Peek in Pekin� � � � � � � ��

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Whether you stay a few days or a life-

time, for business or pleasure, we’re sure your stay will be a pleasant one. Quiet and scenic, safe and convenient, Pekin is a community of volunteers, civic leaders and businesses who work together to face the challenges of the new millennium.

There are a number of assets that make Pekin special. We hope you’ll read about them in this publication, and then call or write with any questions. Better yet, come to Pekin and see for yourself why 35,000 people are proud to call Pekin their home. You’re in for a pleasant surprise …

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Pekin:What a Pleasant Surprise!

>> You're Invited to Live, Visit and Enjoy Pekin, Illinois — the Marigold City

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LocationLocation, Location,

>> Central to the Best of the Midwest

Every good Realtor is taught this principle: location is key to sales. Fortunately for Pekin, we have a lot of “location” to represent this

community. Pekin is comfortably situated along the eastern shore of the scenic Illinois River. Conveniently located just 165 miles northeast of St. Louis and 163 miles southwest of Chicago, Pekin also has the advantage of having all modes of trans-portation available, including major roadways, air, rail and water.

Centrally located, Pekin businesses have one-day trucking access to markets throughout the Midwest. Three interstates (I-74, I-474, I-155) and seven major highways serve the two local carriers and 47 intrastate carriers operating in the region.

Air travelers and freight shippers make use of the Greater Peoria Airport, which is only nine miles from downtown Pekin. Six commercial airlines oper-ate 26 daily flights to seven of the nation’s major hubs. The Pekin Municipal Airport, located just four miles from Pekin, has a 5,000-foot lighted runway, charter service, private storage, and maintenance and fuel facilities. Plus, the Bloomington/Normal Central Illinois Regional Airport is only 45 minutes away, offering residents an additional 20 daily flights to five major cities.

Seven different railroad companies use the tracks that traverse the Pekin area, with piggyback and container services just five miles from town. Using the Illinois River, barges hauling heavy grain and products to and from Pekin access the nation’s water-ways throughout the year.

Pekin lies 482 feet above sea level, and its latitude/longitude coordinates are 40.56744 N by 89.62433 W. The annual mean temperature is 50.3 degrees, with summer months averaging 73 degrees and winter months averaging 25. Average annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with an average annual snowfall totaling 21.7 inches.

>> Miles to CitiesChampaign, IL ........................93Chicago, IL ............................163Indianapolis, IN ....................212Nashville, TN ........................463Quincy, IL ..............................123Paducah, KY ..........................333Springfield, IL .........................67St. Louis, MO ........................165

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Pekin is part of a large and growing industrial sector. The Pekin-Peoria Metropolitan Service Area, with a population of 347,387, is home to

a number of industries. One of the area’s largest employers is Caterpillar, with approxi-mately 8,000 employees working in several local facilities.

Pekin has a solid base of industrial and manufacturing jobs as well. In fact, 19 percent of Pekin residents are employed in the manufacturing industry. Two of the largest indus-trial employers in Pekin are Aventine Renewable Energy, which is the second-largest pro-ducer and marketer of ethanol in the United States, and MGP Ingredients, a producer of alcohol products and food ingredients. Other large employers located near the south side of Pekin include Tazewell Machine Works, Excel Foundry and Midwest Generation,

Riverway Business Park, located on the south side of Pekin, is the site of several light industrial manufacturers, including Hanna Steel, Elecsys, Excalibur Seasoning, PAL Health Technology and the Federal Correctional Institution, a medium-/minimum-security federal facility. Other residents of Riverway Business Park include Gallatin River Communications, the local telephone service provider, and NTS Services Corp, Illinois’ largest electronic return originator and the nation’s third-largest third-party electronic tax filer.

A number of tool, pattern, machining and fabrication shops are also based in the Pekin area. Other products originating in the Pekin area include various concrete products, industrial gases, agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, paperboard, aluminum castings, field seed, and hybrid corn.

In addition, Tazewell County has more than 1,200 farms growing corn, wheat and soybeans, as well as raising livestock. Area farmers and production facilities produce nearly all of the nation’s canned pumpkin, as well as a large amount of specialty crops like popcorn, green beans and a variety of melons.

>> Pekin Enjoys a Solid Economic Base

Area Businessa Look at

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Pekin is home to a variety of businesses that support

the community and provide employment for residents. Pekin Insurance, a regional insurance provider, is one of the area’s largest employers, while Pekin Hospital, local school districts, the City of Pekin and Tazewell County are some of the other large, non-manufacturing employers in Pekin.

No less than a dozen banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations serve the Pekin community. From large regional banks to locally owned and oper-ated facilities, these institutions provide a strong financial foundation that encour-ages community growth and development. The employees of these financial institu-tions also lead by example as active corpo-rate citizens in the community.

Pekin residents enjoy a variety of distinct shopping districts that are both wide-rang-ing and convenient, including downtown,

Derby Street, Broadway Road, Auto Row and the entire Court Street corridor.

Visitors and tourists will find accommo-dations to suit their needs and budgets at local facilities that feature nicely decorated rooms with data ports, lavish Jacuzzi suites, pools, business centers and meeting rooms.

Dozens of restaurants serve fare from fast food to exquisite cuisine. Ethnic delights from around the world are a specialty in Pekin. Whether it’s Mexican, Italian, Oriental or American cooking, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with all Pekin has to offer.

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A Well-Rounded>> Service Businesses, Shops

and Restaurants Make Life Both

Easy and Enjoyable in Pekin

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Robert de La Salle, with a fleet of canoes and

33 men, is believed to be one of the first European explorers to visit the area. In 1680, his crew constructed a winter refuge in what is now the southeast quarter of sec-tion one in Pekin Township. Although trav-elers and Native Americans frequented the area, it was not until the summer of 1824 that Jonathon Tharp built a small log cabin on the high east bank of the Illinois River and encouraged his father, friends and other family members to follow him. The local Native American residents, the Pottawatomi Indians, and their Chief, Shawubena, were friendly with these settlers.

In 1849, with a population of 1,500, the city incorporated and received its City Charter. Residents adopted a mayor/aldermen form of government, which was later abandoned in 1911 for the commis-sion form. Since 1995, a council-manager system has governed Pekin and helped to set the city’s standards. The City Council consists of a mayor and four council members, who are elected to staggered four-year terms. In addition, a profes-sional city manager is hired by the City Council to manage the daily operations of city government.

A Look at the City’s ServicesCitizens of Pekin enjoy a number of

services provided by the city, including:

• Groundwater Guardian Team• Recycling Program, with weekly

curbside pickup• Garbage Removal, with weekly

curbside pickup• Yard Waste Removal, with weekly

curbside pickup between April and January

• Designated snow routes• Daily bus service, including service

to the Peoria County Courthouse and Illinois Central College

Founded in 1860, the Pekin Fire Department is a 49-member, multi-service emergency response and life safety organi-zation. The Pekin Fire Department is an ISO class 3 fire department. All members are full-time employees of the city and are trained in the latest emergency medical technologies, including the basic defibril-lator level. In fact, 28 of the city’s current firefighters are further certified at the inter-mediate or paramedic level. The depart-ment also staffs a Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Team and provides water rescue/emergency services to area lakes and portions of the Illinois River. The department conducts CPR classes, fire extinguisher training and other edu-cational programs, as well as routine fire safety inspections.

Pekin’s citizens are protected by 54 police officers. These include investigators,

drug task force officers, a school liaison officer, a crime prevention officer, K-9 offi-cers and a D.A.R.E. officer.

Since 1849, Pekin has served as the county seat for Tazewell County, which has a population of 128,485. As the hub of county government, Pekin enjoys the convenience of hosting the state attorney’s offices, the County Health Department, the sheriff ’s office and the new Tazewell County Justice Center. Pekin is also home to other county offices, including those of the auditor, the regional superintendent of schools, the county clerk, the county treasurer, the county coroner and the cir-cuit clerk, as well as facilities for the County Board, the Zoning & Land Use Office, the Jury Commission, and the Court Services Office.

The State of Illinois Office Building, located on South 2nd Street in downtown Pekin, includes several state agencies in one convenient location. Built in 1986, this office building houses the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Career Link, the Department of Public Aid, the Secretary of State Drivers License Facility, the Department of Human Services and United Workforce Development. In addition, our state legislators have local offices in Pekin.

StandardSetting the

>> Pekin Has a Long History of Great Leadership That Continues Today

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Pekin residents have access to a wide variety of physi-

cians, surgeons, dentists and counseling services. Pekin also has several short-term and long-term care nursing homes.

Pekin HospitalPekin Hospital has been serving the local

community since 1913 and has continued to expand and develop services to meet the area’s health requirements. Progressive and state-of-the-art, Pekin Hospital’s medical community has committed professionals who provide the comfort and care to heal.

Pekin Hospital’s new Fast Track out-patient imaging caters to patients’ busy schedules by ensuring on-time appoint-ments and minimal wait times. In addition, Pekin Hospital’s Urgent Care is now staffed by four well-respected and experienced physicians who are accessible when your regular physician may not be.

The Women’s Diagnostic Center contin-ues to be a highly sophisticated health care facility dedicated solely to women’s health. The Baby Place has recently been expanded and renovated to combine the comforts of home with the personal care you need. The newly completed labor, delivery and

recovery (LDR) suites, complete with Jacuzzi tubs for hydrotherapy during labor, will make the childbirth experience a posi-tive, joyous occasion. Additionally, there is a newly constructed nursery.

An MRI center is also part of the Pekin Hospital campus, as is a cancer treat-ment center. In partnership with OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, this center pro-vides local residents with the treatment they need, without having to leave town.

Complete prescription services, cardio-pulmonary services, outpatient surgery, tests, numerous education programs on a variety of health issues, and even a deli-cious piece of pie are also available at the hospital. Pekin Hospital is small enough to remember a patient prefers red JELL-O® with his dinner, yet large enough to have the latest in CT scanning technology.

Methodist Medical CenterMethodist Medical Center’s facility,

Methodist at Pekin, provides family practice and urgent care physicians, with specialty care physicians available by appointment. This facility has the ability to do X-rays, lab work, bone density testing and counsel-ing services.

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Taking

of Our PeopleCare

>> Pekin’s Health Care Providers

Meet the Health and Wellness

Needs of the Community

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If home is where the heart is, then many people find their hearts in Pekin.

With homes that are as diverse in style as their residents are in age and occupation, Pekin homes represent a wide range of ages and styles — from brand new subdivisions to older, more established neighborhoods. In fact, you can almost tell the history of the city by studying the residential market here.

Housing costs range from moderate to upper-end. If you are seeking a starter home or looking to upgrade to more space, there is a neighborhood that will meet your needs and budget. New subdivisions under construction have all of the city services you would expect, along with a stunning

beauty that will surprise you. These subdivisions range from moderate to high-end construc-tion. Some are built around small lakes, while others have a wooded view where you can enjoy wildlife from your deck.

If you prefer an older, established neigh-borhood, the choices are many. The city has several areas that reflect the eras of population growth. From stately turn-of-the-century homes on tree-lined streets (even some streets that are brick), to bun-galows that were built in the 1920s, to

the brick ranch homes of the 1950s and beyond, there are a variety of houses in a price range to meet everyone’s budget.

If you’re a golfer, there are plenty of homes located on or near Lick Creek Golf Course, Pekin Country Club and Sunset Hills Golf Club. Many neighborhoods offer easy, safe walking access to shopping, rec-reation and parks.

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>> Coming Home to Pekin

Pekin ...

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Pekin Public School District 108Pekin Public School District 108 is recognized

throughout the State of Illinois as a high-quality school system for students in preschool through eighth grade. The district serves approximately 3,900 students on 11 campuses. There are many reasons why our school system has earned the respect of the education community:

• Student performance at all grade levels is above the achievement goals set by the State of Illinois in the areas of reading, mathematics and writing.

• The district was awarded a $3.5 million U.S. Department of Education Technology Challenge Grant to create an electronic learning community that serves as the regional framework for numerous school districts and other not-for-profit organizations.

• The district was named as the National School Board Association’s Elementary Technology District of the Year for its innovative use of technology for instruc-tion. The district continues to lead by seeking new and improved uses of tech-nology as an instructional tool.

• The Illinois Taxpayers Federation and SchoolSearch have recognized the district as a bargain for performance results com-pared to per-pupil expenditure.

• Two schools have been awarded the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon of Excellence award.

• Employees in the district have been recognized as leaders at local, state and national levels.

• Students demonstrate success by capturing individual and team state and world com-petition titles (Band, Suzuki Orchestra, Scholastic Bowl, Athletics, Destination/Imagination, Young Authors).

• The district has comprehensive systems (Induction and Mentoring, Professional Development Academy, Professional Development Center, Systems Check, Critical Friends Review Cycle) that encour-age both individual and organizational innovation and excellence.

• The district values stakeholder feedback and uses that feedback to guide improve-ment efforts.

• The district received a Bronze Award from the Illinois Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence, a division of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Pekin Community High School District 303

Pekin Community High School (PCHS) District 303 operates a comprehensive four-year secondary education program accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can choose from over 125 different academic courses and more than 45 career-oriented courses. College Prep stu-dents will find a variety of Advanced Placement

>> The Entire

Pekin Community

Benefits From

Outstanding

Educational

Opportunities

Preparing for the Future …

Educating Generations

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Educating

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and Dual Credit courses, which allow them to earn college credit while still in high school. College Prep coursework prepares students for entrance into selec-tive universities.

Students can choose from a wide vari-ety of elective coursework, including four foreign languages, Java programming, psy-chology, advanced biology, music theory and a variety of others. Career/Technical students have the opportunity to gain certification in programs such as cer-tified nursing assistant (CNA), CISCO networking, A++ computer repair, child development assistant (CDA) and a host of others. Students also have opportuni-ties for extended campus at Caterpillar Inc., ATS, Morton Metalcraft and other area businesses.

Teaching faculty at PCHS are student-centered and well-trained in their respec-tive fields. Well over 60 percent of the teaching faculty have a master’s degree. Students benefit from quality instruc-tion and achievement — the Prairie State Achievement Exam shows the majority of PCHS students meet or exceed Illinois state standards. In fact, PCHS is one of the few schools in the area to provide summer instruction for students trying to get ahead or catch up on their studies.

With the completion of a $16 million addition, the campus now covers over 550,000 square feet and is considered one of the premier school facilities in the Midwest. It includes two large gyms and an eight-lane swimming pool. PCHS students are able to participate in over 20 interscholastic sports

and more than 25 other clubs and activities. They have garnered national recognition in band, choral music and speech/debate. The school is represented in many of the state series playoffs in sports every year.

Private/Parochial OptionsPekin parents also have access to several

excellent parochial schools as an alterna-tive to public education. These schools offer a well-rounded education program based on a religious foundation.

Pekin is also home to a number of high-quality, licensed preschool and child-care centers.

Higher EducationContinuing the excellence, top-quality

higher education is within easy commut-ing distance.

Across the river in Peoria, you’ll find Bradley University, the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Midstate College and two nursing colleges. Illinois Central College, a two-year community college in East Peoria, strives to enable students to reach their educational potential and serves as a resource for the educational and cultural needs of the community.

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There are at least 10 additional colleges, universities and institutions of higher learning within 45 minutes of Pekin.

Community Educational Resources

The Pekin Public Library serves as the community’s information center and gathering place. Its standard of excellence is to offer a welcoming environment and to support the development of informed and enlightened citizens. Library cards are free to city residents. Services include free edu-cational programs for children and adults, public-use computers with access to the Internet and word processing programs, CDs, current movie titles on DVD and videocassette, an extensive reference col-lection, large-print books, a used book sale room, and a local history room. The library is staffed 65 hours per week with knowl-edgeable employees to guide residents to the right information, book or item.

The Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, educational research institu-tion. At the newly expanded Ehrlicher Research Center, the society houses over 4,000 volumes, including, but not limited to, research publications and Civil War records, including the 128-volume The War of Rebellion, the official records of the Union and Confederate armies.

The Tazewell County Museum of History, Arts, Science and Technology is located at 1408 Broadway Street. The museum offers many educational oppor-tunities to learn the history of Tazewell County, ranging from the Stone Age to the present. On display are items ranging from mammoth teeth and bones to memo-rabilia donated by Pekin native and NASA astronaut Commander Scott Altman.

For more than 30 years, The Dirksen Congressional Center’s educational and research programs have helped tens of thousands of Americans better understand the U.S. Congress, its personalities and procedures, and the public policies it pro-duces. A non-partisan, not-for-profit orga-nization, the center conducts programs for teachers, scholars and the general public in four areas:

• Grants — The center has awarded over $1 million

• Award-winning Web sites featuring comprehensive current and historical information about Congress

• Summer workshops that have trained more than 500 teachers from 250 school districts across the country

• Historical collections, including those of Everett M. Dirksen, Robert H. Michel and more than 125 related accessions

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>> The Tazewell County Museum makes learning fun for patrons of all ages.

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Pekin Park DistrictWhen it comes to recreational opportunities, Pekin is the envy

of virtually every community in Illinois. At its center is the Pekin Park District. Encompassing over 2,500 acres of land in 14 parks, it is the fifth-largest park district in Illinois. Most of the acreage is in four parks located on the outskirts of Pekin. These have been left mostly in their natural beauty, and some areas have been placed in a land and water reserve.

The showpiece of the Park District is Mineral Springs Park, which is located in the very heart of the city. Home to the beauti-fully restored pavilion that sits on the lagoon, Mineral Springs Park is also the home of Parkside Athletics, Memorial Arena, DragonLand Water Park, Magic Dragon Golf and Games, the Miller Senior Citizens Center, the World’s Greatest Sundial, and the Sunken Gardens.

Pekin’s newest park is a collaborative effort between the City of Pekin and the Park District. The Riverfront Park sits on 6 acres along the banks of the Illinois River. The park has several inter-active water features, an event meadow, festival plaza, a gazebo, shuffleboard courts, new riverboat playground equipment, a picnic area, a fishing pier, a vehicle overlook area, a shaded river overlook for pedestrians, and interactive signage.

There are also eight neighborhood parks located throughout the city. Mineral Springs Park is the site of many annual community

celebrations, including the Pekin Marigold Festival, Pekin Winter Wonderland and the Tazewell County 4-H Fair. Derby Days, another community festival, is held at the South Side Business Association Park.

Pekin residents have a wide variety of recreational activities available through the Park District, including hiking and biking trails, a bluebird trail, a remote-control airfield, a special children’s playground area, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, wallyball courts, outdoor basketball courts, a winter ice skating rink, soccer and football fields, an X-treme skating park for roller blade and skate boards, a sand volleyball court, softball diamonds, group

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>> Enjoy the Great Outdoors — and Indoors — in Pekin

We Playin Pekin

How

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camping, horseback riding stables, and a disc golf course. Whew! And if that isn’t enough, the Park District also offers over 150 programs and classes for the community, such as tumbling, dance and computer classes.

GolfPekin golfers have plenty of choices too,

including two Park District courses. The old-est local course, Parkview offers a challenging 18 holes that still remain popular for all skill levels. Lick Creek, which was ranked as one of the top 75 golf courses by Golf Digest maga-zine, provides a greater challenge.

Also open for public play is Sunset Hills Golf Course. The Pekin Country Club pro-vides yet another option for local residents seeking a challenging layout.

Illinois River RecreationFor the outdoor enthusiast, Pekin has

the good fortune to be located on the banks of the Illinois River, which provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to fish, boat, observe bald eagles or view an egret rookery. Many people just relax and enjoy the view from the riverfront pier, watching the tugboats that work the river.

Organizations, Sports Venues and Entertainment Hotspots

Pekin also has a number of other orga-nizations that coordinate recreational activ-ities, including the Pekin Union Mission, the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin and the Pekin YWCA. Boys and girls of all ages can participate in competitive youth sports programs, including baseball, softball, swimming, ice hockey, football, soccer and basketball. Over 100 different clubs and organizations are also part of the Pekin community. From social to fraternal, from business to hobbies, there is a group that will meet your needs.

The Dragon’s Dome is Pekin’s 75,000-square-foot, versatile sports complex. There is something for everyone, as the Dragon’s Dome plays host to soccer, softball and football leagues and tournaments, as well as trade shows, meetings and conventions.

Among the many entertainment offer-ings of the Pekin area, you’ll find the sym-phony, ballet, theater, opera, art museums, a planetarium, a zoo, professional sports, a riverboat casino and major-name concerts. Additionally, Pekin’s close proximity to a number of colleges and universities pro-vides even more cultural opportunities and entertainment options.

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>> Year-Round Fun for Everyone

A number of annual events in Pekin provide fun and enter-

tainment for residents and visitors.

January• Eagle Census Day

February• P ekin Community High School

Swing Choir Competition

March• IHSA Music Competition

April• Easter Egg Hunt

May• Derby Days• Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics

June• Pekin Main Street Cruise In

July• 4 th of July

Honor America Celebration• Farmers Market

August• Tazewell County 4-H Fair• Farmers Market

September• P ekin Marigold Festival

(first weekend after Labor Day)• Farmers Market

October• Halloween Parade

November• Winter Wonderland Parade

December• Winter Wonderland Activities• Christmas on Court• United Way Tour of Homes• P ekin Insurance Holiday

Basketball Tournament

Calendarof Events

Pekin’s

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The Pekin area is blessed with 55 churches practicing many different faiths. The beautiful architecture of the church

buildings is as diverse as the number of denominations.An active Pekin Area Ministerial Alliance brings the local religious

leaders together to strengthen the ties in the religious community.The Church Women United is a group of women of all faiths

gathered together to renew and share their faith in God. One of their projects is to gather supplies and make mini health kits, school kits, lap robes and layettes, which they then distribute to local organizations, nursing homes and hospitals.

A community-wide ecumenical service is held on Thanksgiving and Good Friday, with the host church inviting all to worship together as one.

The Pekin area also boasts several faith-based schools covering all grade levels from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Worship Come

With Us

>> Enjoy the Blessings

of Spiritual Communion

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Specifics Getting to the

PopulationFrom the 2000 U.S. Census

Pekin .......................................... 33,857Tazewell County ....................... 128,485Pekin-Peoria MSA .................... 347,387Labor force ................................. 15,538

Important Telephone Numbers and Web SitesArea code is 309 unless otherwise indicated

Emergency ...................................................................... 911

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce .........................346-2106 ..............................www.pekin.netAdvanced Medical Transport (Ambulance) ..................347-6611 ................................. www.amtci.orgAmerenCILCO (Gas & Electric) ...........................888-672-5252 .................................www.cilco.com City of Pekin ................................................................477-2300 ............................www.ci.pekin.il.usGallatin River Communications (Phone) ..............800-223-1851 ......................www.gallatinriver.com Illinois American Water Company (Water) ..................346-2171 ............... www.illinoisamerican.com Insight Communications (Cable TV) ...........................347-7071 ..................... www.insight-com.com Methodist at Pekin ......................................................346-3416 .... www.methodistmedicalcenter.orgPekin Daily Times (newspaper) ...................................346-1111 .......................www.pekintimes.comPekin Fire Department (non-emergency) ....................477-2388 ............................www.ci.pekin.il.us Pekin High School District #303 .................................347-4101 ..........................www.pekinhigh.netPekin Hospital .............................................................347-1151 .................... www.pekinhospital.orgPekin Park District .......................................................353-5330 .....www.pekin.net/pekinparkdistrict Pekin Police Department (non-emergency) .................477-2132 ............................www.ci.pekin.il.us Pekin Public Library ....................................................347-7111 ......................www.pekin.net/libraryPekin Public School District #108 ...............................477-4740 .................www.pekin.net/pekin108Pekin Visitors Bureau ...........................................877-669-7741 ...................www.pekintourism.comPeoria Journal Star (newspaper) ..................................686-3000 ............................... www.pjstar.com Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility ...................346-6186 ............. www.cyberdriveillinois.comTazewell County ..........................................................477-2274 ........................... www.tazewell.comTazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society ....477-3044 ................................. www.tcghs.org U.S. Post Office ...........................................................346-7878 .................................www.usps.comVerizon Wireless (Cell Phones) ....................................346-0133 ................ www.verizonwireless.com

>> Fast Facts

and Important

Numbers

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PopulationFrom the 2000 U.S. Census

Pekin .......................................... 33,857Tazewell County ....................... 128,485Pekin-Peoria MSA .................... 347,387Labor force ................................. 15,538

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Now that you know a little bit about Pekin, we hope

you’ll want to learn more. We encourage you to call, write or visit our Web site. We’re confident you’ll find just what you need and want here … Pekin, what a pleasant surprise!

MeetWe Can’t

Wait to

You>> Make Pekin Your Home Today

>> Senator Everett Dirksen: one of Pekin's favorite sons.

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AdvertisersIndex of

>> Please Support These Advertisers

Advertiser Name .............................................................................................. Page NumberAboard the Ark, Inc. ...............................................................................................................24Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. ............................................................................................. 3Busey Bank ............................................................................................................................. 21CEFCU ................................................................................................................................... 32County Market ....................................................................................................................... 23Court Place ............................................................................................................................ 25Pat Crane ............................................................................................................................... 32Edward Jones — Charlotte Jibben ........................................................................................ 23Enviro Safe ............................................................................................................................. 23First Community Title ........................................................................................................... 20Greenhouse Flower Shoppe ................................................................................................... 20Holiday Inn Express/Concorde Inn & Suites .............................................. Inside Back CoverJim Maloof Realtors ............................................................................................................... 15Jost Becker Jost Architects ..................................................................................................... 31KCB Info Services .................................................................................................................. 24Liberty Village of Pekin ......................................................................................................... 20MGP Ingredients of Illinois, Inc. ........................................................................................... 31Midwest Generation, LLC ..................................................................................................... 21Monge Property Management Company ............................................................................... 24Moods by Michael ................................................................................................................. 31Newman & Ullman ............................................................................................................... 32Pekin Hospital ................................................................................................................. 16–17Pekin Insurance Company ...................................................................................................... 9Pekin MRI .............................................................................................................................. 13Pekin National Bank .............................................................................................................. 23Pekin Visitors Bureau ............................................................................................................ 25Schwartz Electric & Sign Company ........................................................................................ 5UAW Senior Citizen Center ................................................................................................... 20Udry Jewelers ........................................................................................................................... 5Velde GM SuperCentre .......................................................................................................... 27Wells Fargo ............................................................................................................................ 31YWCA of Pekin ..................................................................................................................... 32

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Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce402 Court Street

Pekin, Illinois 61555p. 309.346.2106 • f. 309.346.2104

www.pekin.net

Documents

Pekin, IL 0418ce