The Peoria Area Chamber hit the ground running with a membership drive like none other.  For two days (August 24-25), nearly 200 volunteers worked against the clock and against each other to sign up over 250 new chamber members and create a greater awareness of the important role the chamber plays in our region.  Congratulations and thank you to  everyone involved.  If you want to know why people were dressed in Zoot Suits and tutu's for this event .... you'll have to get involved because "It's a Chamber Thing!"

Watch video here

Peoria's Quest Charter Academy is officially open for school.  August 24th marked the first day of classes for 225 students at Peoria's first math, science and technology based charter school.  The day was marked with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by charter school board members and students. Click icon to watch video from the event. 

Small businesses that create new jobs between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 may be able to take advantage of a $2,500 tax credit for new hires. The Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, proposed and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn earlier this year, targets the 500,000 small businesses across the state.

The 2010 Heartland Partnership Annual Meeting is October 6th at 11:30 at the Peoria Civic Center.  The program will feature announcements of our 2010 business and community award winners and key speaker Tom Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Plus we'll update you on the family of companies' accomplishments over the past year and we'll have details on the I'm Stepping Up Campaign.

Click here to order your tickets.  Table sponsorship are available for $1250.  Click here to become a sponsor or call Patty at 495-5904 for details.