Candidate’s Forum to be held on March 13, 2025
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Candidate Forum for individuals running for Pekin City Council. This event provides an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the candidates about their platforms, priorities, and vision for the city. The Candidate Forum will feature moderated discussions where candidates will answer questions on key local issues. The event aims to inform voters ahead of the upcoming election and encourage civic engagement within the Pekin community. The forums are designed to educate voters on the candidates’ positions and foster a transparent, informed election process. The Chamber believes in promoting civic involvement and providing a platform for open dialogue on community issues.

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Event Host: Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with WCBU. The League of Women Voters has been invited to partner as well.

Moderator: Chris Kaergard, Communications Director and Historian, Dirksen Congressional Center

Location: Pekin Public Library, Community Room (2nd Floor) Doors Open at 5:30 pm, Event 6:00-7:40 pm

2025 Business After Hours Dates Available
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” events are typically held on the second Thursday of each month. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity for local business professionals to network in a relaxed setting. As of now, the Chamber is actively scheduling hosts for the 2025 calendar year, specifically April and June 2025. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming “Business After Hours” event, please contact Amy McCoy to schedule a date. 

“Business After Hours” events are open to all Chamber of Commerce members and any invited guests of the hosts. 

Community Prayer Breakfast 
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its annual Community Prayer Breakfast, a special event dedicated to unity, reflection, and inspiration. The breakfast will take place on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 am at Grace United Methodist Church. This cherished tradition brings together local leaders, business professionals, and residents for a morning of fellowship, prayer, and uplifting messages. 

Featured speakers will include Chaplain, Capt. Benjamin A. Brown. He serves as a Chaplain at the 182d Airlift Wing located in Peoria, Illinois. In this capacity, Chaplain Brown provides spiritual care for members and their families by conducting religious observances and services, providing crisis counseling, advising leadership, advocating for religious accommodations, and through visitations. Rev. Benjamin A. Brown also serves as Lead Pastor at Havana Church of the Nazarene, where his primary focus is to exalt Jesus Christ through preaching the Gospel and calling people to look to Jesus and be satisfied by faith unto salvation and sanctification. Ben is married to Manda Brown and they have three children: Josh, Bekah, and Jessie. They both grew up in Central Illinois and have lived in Pekin, Illinois since 2002.

Attendees will enjoy a delicious breakfast while joining in a spirit of hope and community. All are welcome to attend. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. For more details or to RSVP, please visit www.pekinchamber.com or contact Amy McCoy at [email protected].

Join us as we come together in faith and unity at this meaningful event!