The 27th annual event hosted recently acknowledged businesses and organizations in our community for their innovation, successes and milestones. Those honored include the following:

Business Leader of the Year

Dr. Nicole Johnson, D.V.M.
Dr. Nicole Johnson, D.V.M., is the senior veterinarian and co-owner of Pekin Animal Hospital, where she has been caring for animals since 2008. Described by her colleagues as kind and caring to both staff and patients, Dr. Johnson goes above and beyond in the veterinary world, serving on several boards, including president of the ISVMA, and in our local community by allowing local students to shadow her and actively participating in several community events. Her commitment to education and community involvement not only enhances the lives of her patients but also inspires the next generation of veterinarians, making a lasting impact on both the profession and the community she serves.

Business of the Year

Excalibur Seasoning
2024 has been a landmark year for Excalibur Seasoning. Under the leadership of CEO Mike Shrier, the company has experienced unprecedented growth, securing major wholesale clients and acquiring 5 acres of land for a new research and development facility. Additionally, Excalibur has played a vital role in celebrating Pekin’s Bicentennial by creating “Dragon Dust,” a unique spice blend that embodies the spirit of the community. This combination of strategic expansion and community engagement positions Excalibur as a true leader in the industry. As they continue to innovate and connect with local traditions, Excalibur is not only enhancing its product offerings but also deepening its roots within the Pekin community.

Small Business of the Year

Coffee Connection
Coffee Connection, located in downtown Pekin, is dedicated to providing a space for the Pekin community to gather over a cup of coffee. Home to local group meetings, parties, and even a church service, Coffee Connection fosters a sense of belonging and connection among its patrons. Renowned for their exceptional service, they stand as a valued fixture of the downtown Pekin community. By offering a welcoming atmosphere and regularly hosting events, Coffee Connection not only serves great coffee but also strengthens the community’s ties, making it a beloved destination for all.

Business & Community Recognition Winners

Advanced Medical Transport
Advanced Medical Transport works hard to provide essential and life-saving care to our community. In collaboration with the Pekin Fire Department, AMT has achieved a sudden cardiac arrest survival rate over two times higher than the national average—a testament to their service to the community. 

Amanda Seeyle COUNTRY Financial
Dedicated to serving the Pekin community, Amanda Seeyle has worked hard to maintain exemplary customer service to clients, noted with over 150 five-star google reviews. Amanda’s passion for community engagement enhances her ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike, making her a true asset to the area.

Carle Health Pekin Hospital
During the past year, Carle Health Pekin Hospital has welcomed three new important volunteers—therapy dogs Jellybean, Luna, and Marcus, who, along with volunteer handlers, regularly visit acute inpatient care units and outpatient and ambulatory clinics, through the Pet Therapy program. The program has seen great success and is positioned for expansion in the coming years.

CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit
In 2024, CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit served 151 children involved in the Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Court System in Tazewell County, and 400 children in total across five counties. This year, CASA was awarded a Central Illinois Impact Grant to fund a volunteer recruitment campaign to hire 100 new volunteers to serve an additional 300 children in need.

Center for Prevention of Abuse
In 2024, the Center for Prevention of Abuse made remarkable strides in its expansion efforts, including the purchase of 1.8 acres of land in order to construct a new emergency domestic violence shelter. The purchase also allows for the expansion of the existing emergency shelter, the Carol House of Hope, through which comprehensive essential support services are provided.

Hometown Laundry
In its first year of operation in Pekin, Hometown Laundry has quickly established itself as an essential service provided to the community. With a focus on convenience and quality, the laundromat has become a go-to destination for residents seeking reliable laundry services. Its commitment to exceptional customer service has fostered a strong sense of community. 

Michelle Little, APN, OSF Healthcare
Michelle Little, APN, is celebrated for her unwavering dedication and exceptional care. Consistently exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, and ensuring that every patient feels valued and respected, Michelle has earned a reputation amongst patients and staff members as a healthcare professional who truly cares. 

Olivia’s Playhouse, LLC
Olivia’s Playhouse, owned by Lisa Fuller, enriches the downtown Pekin area by providing children with a vibrant space to shop, play, and explore. The Playhouse’s thoughtfully curated selection of toys, books, and games fosters creativity and inspires learning, making it a valuable resource for families in the community. 

OSF Center for Health Pekin
This past year, OSF Center for Health Pekin has demonstrated great care for its patients, with the purchase of vital equipment to better serve diabetic individuals within the Pekin community. By recognizing patients’ needs and navigating through strategic planning and innovative solutions, the project achieved success, ensuring that patients now receive the care they require.

Pekin Fire Department
The Pekin Fire Department has found innovative ways to equip front line staff with cost-effective refurbished fire engines that not only makes their jobs easier, but safer, highlighting their commitment to protecting the community and underscoring the role they play as local heroes. By finding smart ways to invest in state of the art equipment, they ensure safety and piece of mind. 

Pekin Insurance
At Pekin Insurance, innovation is a key component of expanding the business and its geographical footprint. In 2024, Pekin Insurance experienced significant success with the addition of the Product Development Department, which aims to balance the needs of the business with those of its customers, alongside a strategic expansion into Michigan.

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory
At Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, providing compassionate service is a passion that extends not only to families in their time of need but to the entire community. They are committed to supporting the Pekin community through volunteerism and sponsorships, and have just recently completed the expansion of the cremation garden at Prairie Haven cemetery. 

Veterans Memorial Arena
Pekin Park District’s Veterans Memorial Arena is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Season. The Arena operates in partnership with the Pekin Park District and the Tazewell County Veterans Memorial Fair Association, and is home to the Pekin Park District’s recreation department, several youth recreational programs, and a recently renovated ice skating rink. 

WCBU Peoria Public Radio
WCBU, Peoria Public Radio has been a leader in local nonprofit news since 1970. Committed to their mission of accessibility, WCBU news coverage is accessible to all, and operates without a paywall. This year, WCBU has expanded their coverage to include both Washington and Pekin, Illinois. 

YWCA of Pekin
The YWCA has served Pekin for nearly 100 years, offering needed services and community programs to both adults and children throughout the community. This past year, the Y has worked diligently to define its programs and align each department with the organization’s overall mission.