Video to come soon:

Nearly 50 people joined the CIRCLE coalition (Central Illinois Regional Chambers Legislative Effort) on a trip to the state capital to meet with legislators on issues affecting this region.

The Chambers of Commerce in Chillicothe, East Peoria, Morton, Pekin, Peoria and Washington created the coalition to focus on five key issues that affect the region's business climate: pension reform, funding of the capital bill, worker compensation, timely payments to vendors from the state, and education. CIRCLE members plan to work closely with legislators in Springfield to bring about forward movement on those topics.
On the trip to Springfield, participants were able to meet with 11 different legislators from in and outside of our region as well as a variety of staffers. Those in attendance said it was very educational and there were "very lively discussions on all topics." Roberta Parks with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce said "This was a great way for people to get in front of these legislators, ask questions and get answers right then and there."
The CIRCLE coalition members hope to make this an annual trip.