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www.ivaced.org
CommunityLink.com
1 800-455-5600
production vp of production operations Amanda White director of publication design Kelly Friederich copywriting Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
photography coordinator/ copy consultant Jay Nehrkorn photography Kathleen Casstevens lead design Kacey Wolters cover design Kelly Friederich website creation & support Josh Chandler director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn
What’s Inside? ivac’s welcome, intro & purpose
It’s an honor and pleasure to have YOU visit the Illinois Valley!..........................................2
History of the Illinois Valley
The Illinois River and the Rich Soil of the Illinois Valley Attracted Early Settlers ............. 4 business development director of business development George Prudhomme
marketing consultant Joe Benninger
director of outside sales Debbie Moss
customer service director Kathy Risley
vp chief sales officer Tom Hoyt
customer service representative Jani Cidardi
business development manager Bonnie Ebers
ad traffic Carol Smith ad design Josh Mueller
administrative support administrative support Kathy Hagene Carol Smith account support Terri Ahner Tricia Cannedy
human resources assistant Teresa Craig mailroom technician Melinda Bowlin
Great Infrastructure
Outstanding Education
Convenient, Comprehensive Quality..................................................................................... 8
Committed Business & Industry
A Fortified Base for Our Community....................................................................................10
Reliable Utilities
Powering Illinois Valley...........................................................................................................12
information technology publishing systems specialist Christopher Miller
executive leadership chairman and founder Craig Williams
The Illinois Valley Is Centered in a Rapidly Growing Region.............................................. 6
Amenities Abound in the Heart of Illinois ............................................................................ 7
advertising ad research Mary Kopshever Amy SchwartzkoPf
Thriving Communities
chief financial officer Rhonda Harsy
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com.
FOR INFORMATION Illinois Valley Area Chamber of
Commerce and Economic Development, 300 Bucklin Street, La Salle, IL 61301, Telephone 815-223-0227, Fax 815-223-4827, www.ivaced.org © 2011 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.
Visit Illinois Valley online http://communitylink.com/illinois-valley-illinois/
Quality Medical Care
A Healthy Outlook..................................................................................................................13
Strong Local Government
In Service to Citizens.............................................................................................................15
Personalized Housing
Something for Everyone........................................................................................................16
Abundant Recreation
A Great Place to Play.............................................................................................................17
Devout Worship
Spiritually Centered................................................................................................................19
Places and Faces
Take a Look at Illinois Valley................................................................................................. 20
Index of Advertisers
Please Support the Advertisers Who Made This Publication Possible........................... 22
www.ivaced.org
IVAC’s Welcome, Intro & Purpose
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he Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development (IVAC) extends a gracious welcome to all who thumb through these pages, whether it be business, industry, or individuals.
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IVAC Board of Directors
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It’s an honor and pleasure to have YOU visit the Illinois Valley! T
Family, work, education, spirituality, teamwork and recreation are the spokes of the wheel that keeps the Illinois Valley in motion.
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VAC is proud of what we have to offer here in the Illinois Valley. You will find our people to be friendly, hard working, helpful and willing to share their time, talents and treasures. The quality of life is one you will be glad to experience, and one you won’t readily forget. Family, work, education, spirituality, team work and recreation are the spokes of the wheel that keeps the Illinois Valley in motion. You will find diversity in job opportunities, immense knowledge and commitment in our educators, a safe place to raise a family, solid religious base, numerous recreational activities, peaceful neighborhoods to enjoy and admire, quality health care, great shopping opportunities, beautiful change of seasons which the area is famous for, as well as much more. You won’t find the Illinois Valley growing old with the times. Many of its businesses have state-of-the-art structures and equipment, and we are always open to new technology, advancements in education, development and improvements, and growth in population and commerce. New talents and abilities are always well received. With warm smiles and firm handshakes, we welcome you! The Illinois Valley is comprised of a number of cities and villages in close proximity. IVAC’s service area encompasses 23 communities, four cities and 19 surrounding villages. (La Salle, Oglesby, Peru & Spring Valley, as well as Arlington, Cedar Point, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Granville, Hennepin, Hollowayville, Ladd, LaMoille, Lostant, Lowell, Mark, McNabb, North Utica, Seatonville, Standard, Tonica, and Troy Grove). Each community is independent and has its own personality, but remains close-knit and is seen as one large community — The Illinois Valley.
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
IVAC’s Welcome, Intro & Purpose
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IVAC Office: Always working toward the betterment of the area
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VAC was organized in 1911 in order to create jobs by bringing in new businesses and retaining current business — making this area a great place to live, work and play. IVAC is the area’s largest business organization with over 400 members, covering parts of three counties — Bureau, La Salle, and Putnam. IVAC’s main purpose is economic development. Our mission statement is “To promote the Illinois Valley by attracting new jobs, and enhancing existing business while valuing quality of life.” Our motto is “Doing things most people think just happen.” Over the years, IVAC has been involved and successful in a number of projects to grow the Illinois Valley Area. Some of our projects in the past involved initializing the fundraising, development and expansion for our regional airport; dedicating years of work to see that 51 miles of missing interstate (I-39) would be constructed in order that we could connect from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico; assisted in writing grants; worked diligently in landing more than 20 firms; provided background support in the location/expansion of 60 plus businesses; assisted in keeping a local bridge open, etc.
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urrently, IVAC is involved in a Retention/Expansion Program which involves visiting local business and industry in order to learn of their concerns, problems, achievements, and to build lasting relationships. Gathered information is recorded for trending purposes. We participate in marketing the I-39 Logistic Corridor; input updated community information on a State site called LOIS; market the Illinois Valley nationally and internationally through advertising and trade shows; continue to have working relationships with local, state and national elected officials; update community demographics; keep an inventory of over 60 available sites and buildings that are updated annually, and continue to work with prospects and consultants on possible relocation. IVAC also produces a quarterly newsletter; holds a number of fundraisers, business After Hours, Business Breakfast Seminars, and gets involved with a variety of other activities. Valuable information on the Illinois Valley can be found on our web site www.ivaced.org. Check us out on the web or stop by our office located at 300 Bucklin in La Salle.
Marci Duro, IVAC Executive Director/CEO www.ivaced.org
History of the Illinois Valley
The Illinois River and the Rich Soil of the Illinois Valley Attracted Early Settlers
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Illinois River
T
he first explorers to enter the Illinois Valley Area, which was inhabited by American Indians, were Louis Joliet, the famous Frenchman, and the missionary priest Father Jacques Marquette. After returning from their exploration of the Mississippi River in 1673, they stopped at the great Indian Village on the north bank of the Illinois River just above Starved Rock. In 1683, Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle and his men built a fort upon “Le Roches”, believed to be the present Starved Rock. Fort St. Louis was the base of La Salle’s activities in the west, and likewise, the base of Indian action in the west when Tonti, Lieutenant of La Salle, organized the Illinois Indians to help New France fight the Iroquois in the 1680’s. In
its strategic position, the fort controlled the passage from Canada to the southwest. Repeated raids by the Iroquois and pressure of the other tribes in the region caused the remnant of the Illinois to seek more sheltered habitations. After withdrawal of the Indians, Fort St. Louis was of little use to the French, who abandoned it in 1691. The Illinois Country remained under French rule until 1763, when France, defeated in the seven year war, ceded her North American possessions east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. During the thirteen years of British authority, Illinois was under military rule, and many influential French settlers left Illinois for St. Louis and New Orleans, rather than submit to British rules.
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Pioneers made little effort to settle the territory, and in the vast wilderness known as “The Illinois Country”, the only evidence of British possession was the few soldiers stationed at the forts, and a few fur traders along the rivers. In 1778, the Illinois territory was taken ‘without bloodshed’ by George Rogers Clark, in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1784, Virginia ceded possession of Illinois to the United States government, and under the ordinance act of 1787, Illinois became a part of the Northwest Territory. At this point, with the exception of the remaining French villages beside the Mississippi and the few pioneer settlements scattered along the banks of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers, the region within the present boundaries of the state was the
History of the Illinois Valley
Cherry Coal Miners in 1908
abode of the Indians, and northern Illinois was virtually an untrodden wilderness. The first pioneer settlers from the north and east arrived in the early 1800s. The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers to the areas which today make up La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties. The Cities of La Salle, DePue, Peru, Hennepin and Utica all had their beginnings between 1820 and 1840. As coal mining became a huge industry in this area, many laborers settled in the communities of Hollowayville, Lostant, Spring Valley and Arlington due to the amount of jobs available. In 1836, the hand digging of the Illinois & Michigan Canal from La Salle-Peru to the small Village of Chicago, brought a number of immigrants from Ireland where they were escaping the great potato famine. In the early 1850’s, work on two railroads, the Illinois Central and the Rock Island, added further impetus to the growth of the area. Coal mines, the building of railroads, along with the availability of zinc, combined with the Illinois & Michigan Canal (I & M), accounted for the very diverse ethnic base of the Illinois
Valley Area. This strong work ethnic has passed down through the generations. Because the increased population of these communities provided a good labor supply, with the railroads and the canal affording accessibility to distant markets, and the coal mines providing a cheap and efficient source of power, many manufacturing, processing and service industries were established. Some of the companies which were founded back then, are still in operation today: W.H. Maze Company, 1848; Putnam County Record, 1868; News Tribune,
1891; Unimin Corp., 1897; and American Nickeloid Company, 1898. Another manufacturing company, Carus Chemical Company (now known as Carus Corporation) made its appearance shortly after the turn of the twentieth century in 1915. The area continued to flourish, and the communities were busy for the first decades of that century, building churches, schools, etc., and installing water mains, sewers, paved streets and other facilities to serve the rapidly expanding population. The era of coal mining ended with the closing of most mines in the 1920s – an era that lasted for some 93 years. As a result, it was becoming apparent that further economic diversification was not only desirable, but necessary. So just as our pioneer forefathers met the challenges of their times, so the next generation of leaders met theirs, causing them to pool their knowledge, skills and resources, and work to attract new industry………………….. and history continues.
Maze Lumber
Mason accounting group, LLc C e rt i f i e d P u b l i C A C C o u n tA n t s 1025 Peoria Street • Peru, Illinois 61354
Tel: 815.223.8808 Fax: 815.220.3529 www.masonaccounting.com www.ivaced.org
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Thriving Communities
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The Illinois T Valley Is Centered in a Rapidly Growing Region Our future looks bright in the Illinois Valley, and we would happily share it with you!
land investors William Gahlberg Stephen Schuster Laura Kelly Smith
Woodland Path LLC 701 Harger Road Oak Brook IL 60523 630.575.2450
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
he heartbeat of the Illinois Valley is strong and vibrant. Population from the 2000 census shows La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties total 153,098. A nice blend of ages compliment the Illinois Valley, as does its ethnic background. The average median age is 36. La Salle County is the second largest county in the State of Illinois, bordering Kendall County which is the fastest growing county in the United States. Also bordering La Salle County are DeKalb County which ranks 8th and Grundy County which ranks 9th in fastest growing counties. New to the Illinois Valley are Marmon/Keystone, a 200,000 sq. ft. wholesale distributor of tubular products; ABC Wire, a manufacturer of copper wire; a 50-unit senior housing development complex; Canam Group, a manufacturer of steel decking; PetSmart; Holiday Inn Express; Hampton Inn; a 14,500 sq. ft. health center which is associated with St. Margaret’s Health; a Professional Complex; a Veteran’s Outpatient Clinic; seven new restaurants; two engineering firms; six retail establishments; three resale shops; a chiropractor; three pet grooming shops; a Mexican market and the list continues. Also taking place is a 15,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Illinois Valley Community Hospital; and 15,000 sq. ft. expansion of Pioneer Seed, both to be completed in 2011. Due to the rising need, some businesses are now open 24 hours. Tourism, i.e. attractions and events, have placed the Illinois Valley Area on the map. Starved Rock State Park draws approximately 2 million people to the Illinois Valley each year; the Hegeler Carus Mansion receives 1,500 - 2,000 visitors per year; the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center 50,000 – 60,000; and the Canal Boat, 14,000. Events such as the Burgoo Festival attracts 25,000, and the DePue Boat Races 35,000. Many more events and attractions held here keep people coming and going.
Great Infrastructure
Amenities Abound in the Heart of Illinois A
lthough the Illinois Valley isn’t considered a large metropolitan area, it certainly measures up quite nicely to larger cities in the arena of infrastructure. When location, time, availability, and convenience are of utmost importance, the means to accomplish this can be found right here in the Illinois Valley.
Highway The Illinois Valley is very accessible and in short driving distance to a number of larger cities. Chicago is 90 miles northeast, Rockford is 60 miles north, the Quad-Cities are 75 miles west, Joliet is 60 miles east, and Peoria and Bloomington are both 60 miles south. Geographically, the Illinois Valley is seen as the heart of Illinois, and is at the crossroads to the nation - due to the crossing of two major interstates. Interstate 80, an east/ west primary route, stretches from New York to San Francisco, and Interstate 39, a north/ south route, reaches from Winnipeg, Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Besides having two major interstates in the locale, U.S. route 6, a popular route, runs the width of the State as it continues on to reach east/west coastlines, and U.S. Rt. 52 serves the northern part of the area. State routes that cover the Illinois Valley include: IL Routes 351, 251 29, 18, 178, 89, 71 and 26.
Rail Rail is adequate, and meets the needs of those businesses requiring this type of
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Interstate 80
transportation. Railroads serving this area include: Iowa Interstate, Illinois Railway, PeruRail, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern.
Water The Illinois Valley is very fortunate to have the Illinois River, which is approximately 273 miles long, flow through our region. A number of barge facilities are located on the river, which accommodate the large amount of barge traffic that use this magnificent waterway.
Air Illinois Valley Regional Airport – Walter Duncan Field, has a 6,000’ x 100’ hard surfaced runway, and a 4,000’ x 75’ cross-wind runway. Both runways light. The airport also has a nondirectional beacon (NDB), DME and Localizer, terminal and hanger facilities, T-hangers and tie-downs for 60 aircraft, an AWOS, etc. The airport also offers a number of services and is equipped with a conference room. Although the Illinois Valley Regional Airport is not a commercial airport, it is capable of accommodating any size business aircraft. Cargo and charter planes are also part of its makeup. The airport sees an average of approximately 57 flights a day. O’Hare International Airport is approximately 99 miles away, and Midway is 90 miles. Other airports in closer proximity can be found in Rockford, the Quad Cities, Bloomington and Peoria.
Transport Individual means of transportation to and from places outside the area is easily accessible through Burlington Trailways. Their schedule of arrivals and departures in the Illinois Valley makes it very convenient. Burlington Trailways travels to many places throughout the West and Midwest, availing itself to transporting people on the move. Taxi cabs are another form of prompt service getting people to their destinations.
Amenities, Incentives and Workforce Available sites in the Illinois Valley have sewer, water, electricity and gas either on site, adjacent to the property, or within a short distance away. Established business and industrial parks are sprinkled throughout the area with room enough to grow. Various cities and villages offer incentives to businesses looking to locate. The Illinois Valley Enterprise Zone and TIF Districts are two local incentives that are available in the Illinois Valley, and are excellent means to provide business and local government with assistance. A workforce of approximately 84,265 skilled and semi-skilled workers live in the Tri-County Area of La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties. The Valley has a history of stable labor-management relations, long lengths of employment, and low tardiness and absenteeism.
www.ivaced.org
Outstanding Education
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Convenient, Comprehensive Quality As the saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” so we in the Illinois Valley place great emphasis on teaching, learning, and becoming the best we can be.
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e it on an individual, family or business level – learning is a top priority for citizens residing in the Illinois Valley. One community college; seven high schools; a career center; 28 elementary schools, which include both public and parochial; eight preschools; and one private day school, all contribute to the excellent educational resources offered and administered to children, adults and employees.
Higher Education Illinois Valley Community College Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) is a comprehensive, two-year institution with a reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and on the job. IVCC’s picturesque campus, set among some 400 acres of oak, walnut and pine forest, overlooks the beautiful Illinois River Valley.
IVCC’s long-held tradition of producing graduates who flourish at Illinois universities and elsewhere led to its popular slogan “No place so close can take you so far.” Highly qualified, experienced instructors make it their mission to produce extraordinary students. IVCC has a sterling reputation for offering courses that transfer to four-year universities and enrollments continue to rise. Along with its Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs, IVCC’s career programs award 22 Associate in Applied Science degrees and more than 45 certificate programs designed for employment after two years or less. Customized training for area businesses and industries is available through IVCC’s Business Training Center, a long-recognized leader in high technology training. In 2010, IVCC opened the first satellite center in its 86-year history. Ottawa Center
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
has allowed the college to reach students on the eastern side of its district who might not otherwise have been able to attend college due to distance and cost. The Center attracted over 400 credit and noncredit students in its first semester and an expanded 45-course schedule will be offered this spring. Construction on the college’s 76,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art Community Technology Center is expected to begin in 2011 with completion targeted for 2013.
Additional Options Advanced education within a 60-mile radius includes Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, and Bradley University in Peoria. Vast educational resources are also available at the University of Illinois in Chicago, which is approximately 90 miles away.
Outstanding Education
2576 State Route 178 Ogelsby, IL 61348 815-667-4452 fetchingfrieda@att.net Full-Service Grooming Self-Service Dog Wash Holistic Pet Care Products All-Natural Grain-Free Pet Foods & Treats Apparel & Bedding Doggie Day Care & Puppy Playground Boarding Pet Taxi Service
Class in session at St. Bede Academy
www.fetchingfreidasdoggiedayspa.com
Career Center The LaSalle-Peru Area Career Center (LP-ACC) serves nine high school districts. Students are given employment training in areas of: Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Child Care/Early Childhood Education, Drafting, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electronics, Graphic Communication, Health Occupation, Machine Technology and Welding. The LP-ACC also partners with IVCC in transferring some credits.
High Schools The Illinois Valley is home to seven excellent high schools, which teach the necessary educational skills needed for immediate placement into the workforce after graduation and/or prepare individuals for further education. La Salle-Peru Township High School (L-P) is the area’s largest high school, serving students from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and surrounding communities; St. Bede Academy, founded in 1891, is a Catholic high school; Hall High School serves students from Bureau County; Putnam County High School serves students from Putnam County; DePue High School and LaMoille High School both serve their local communities; and LaSallePeru Christian High School is a ministry of the First Baptist Church in La Salle.
Special Learning A private day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Lighted Way Association, Inc., provides service to students from LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Livingston and DeKalb Counties. The school is designed to help students from ages 3 through 21 who have developmental disabilities or special learning needs due to physical and mental impairments.
High Schools
DePue High School
815-447-2121 | www.depueschools.org
Hall High School
815-664-2100 | www.hallhighschool.org
LaMoille High School 815-638-2144
LaSalle-Peru Christian High School 815-223-1037 | www.lpchristian.org
La Salle-Peru Township High School 815-223-1721 | www.lphs.net
Putnam County High School
815-882-2800 | www.pcschools535.org
St. Bede Academy
815-223-3140 | www.st-bede.com
College & Universities
Bradley University
309-676-7611 | www.bradley.edu
Illinois State University
309-438-2111 | http://illinoisstate.edu
Illinois Valley Community College 815-224-2720 | www.ivcc.edu
Illinois Wesleyan University 309-556-1000 | www.iwu.edu
Northern Illinois University 815-753-1000 | www.niu.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago 312-996-7000 | www.uic.edu
www.ivaced.org
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Committed Business & Industry
Marmon/Keystone – wholesale distributor of tubular products
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W A Fortified
Base for Our Community
What the Illinois Valley has to offer is a favorable business climate that allows people to live comfortably. Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
hen an adequate number of business and industry have been around for years on end and others are popping up here and there, that’s a good sign of commitment, satisfaction and a favorable market area. The Illinois Valley has a wide variety of businesses that take pride in what they sell, serve, service and produce.
Retail & Hospitality Retail is big. The Peru Mall houses 65 stores in a one-story, 400,000 sq. ft. facility, and is home to four anchor stores – Bergner’s, JC Penney, Sears and Marshalls. Other retail establishments found in the Illinois Valley include K-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Menards, Super Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Dollar General, MC Sports, Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, PetSmart, four strip malls, as well as downtown shopping in each community. With more than ten motels, eight being major chains; two bed and breakfast; a number of cabins and two lodges, overnight accommodations, whether for business or pleasure, are adequate. A number of different size meeting rooms are also available. Many times the location of the Illinois Valley is found to be the mid-point of travel, and is therefore marked as the ideal place to convene. If good food is one of your top ten favorite things, you’ve found a gold mine in the Illinois Valley. Over 110 eating places from fine dining restaurants to fast food can be found and enjoyed.
Committed Business & Industry
Industry Industry is strong. A number of firms that located here in the late 1800s and early 1900s, still remain, and many new ones have arrived. Companies such as American Nickeloid; Carus Chemical; W.H. Maze Nails; Tee Group Films; Illinois Cement; Badge-A-Minit; Cookie Kingdom; Cougar Industries (now known as Cougar Vibrations Division of Martin Equipment); Eakas Corporation; James Hardie Building Products; Flints Hills; O’Neal Inc.; P.Q. Corporation; Unytite, Inc.; MetoKote Corporation; Canam Group; Hoover Manufacturer; Illinois Valley Container; C-F Industries; Hart Electric; Brewer Company; Pretium Packaging and more, all provide a fortified base for our communities.
Agriculture Agriculture and agri-business also play an important role in the fabric of the Illinois Valley. The number of farms in production in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties total 2,978, with corn and soybeans being the main crops. Several large grain terminals maintain elevators and ship thousands of tons of grain by barge and truck to many parts of the country and the world.
Services, Media & Distribution Businesses involved in services ranging from computers, to travel, to hair salons, to CPAs, heating and air conditioning, real estate, insurance, banking, sales, food, mechanics, and everything in between, all help in the building of an even stronger and healthier commerce. Seven local radio stations broadcast AM and FM programming which lends coverage on national and community events. Cable television receives major networks from Chicago, Peoria and the Quad-Cities, providing a variety of movies, news and entertainment channels. One local paper with a circulation of 17,600 is published every day, except on Sundays, and reports local, state, national and international news. Three smaller papers also service parts of the Illinois Valley. Distribution and call centers lace the Illinois Valley, and are an asset to the area. These include Advantage Logistics, Wal-Mart, J.C. Whitney & Company, Officemax and Marmon/Keystone.
www.ivaced.org
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Reliable Utilities
Powering Illinois Valley U
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tility companies in the Illinois Valley make it their business to provide high performance. Ameren Illinois, Commonwealth Edison, Peru Municipal, Oglesby Municipal, and Ladd Municipal, all supply electricity to various parts of the Illinois Valley. AmerenIP and Nicor supply natural gas. The City of Peru has its own Hydro Plant which is located on the Illinois River at Starved Rock Lock and Dam. It has four turbine units that generate, on an average, about half of the residential load. It provides green power and reusable energy - a plus in protecting the environment. A T & T, Comcast, and Frontier serve area customers with telephone service. A T & T, IVnet, Comcast and Frontier provide internet service, and Comcast and Frontier supply cable TV.
Area Utilities
Ameren Illinois
815-224-6200 | www.ameren.com
AT&T
815-987-3697 | www.att.com
Comcast
866-553-4448 | www.comcast.com
Commonwealth Edison www.comed.com
Frontier
www.frontier.com
IVNet
815-223-1052 | www.ivnet.com
Ladd Municipal Utilities
815-894-2806 | www.vil.ladd.il.us
Nicor
888 642-6748 | www.nicor.com
Oglesby Municipal
815-883-3389 | www.oglesby.il.us
Peru Municipal Electric Department 815-223-0044 | www.peru.il.us
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Quality Medical Care
A Healthy Outlook Q
uality health care is a major vein essential to a community, and we are fortune to have this vein running through the Illinois Valley. Over 100 physicians practice medicine in the Illinois Valley which encompasses: General Practice, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry, Dentistry, Chiropractic, etc. Also, two well-equipped hospitals with the latest technology are located in the Illinois Valley.
Illinois Valley Community Hospital Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH) is a 72-bed general medical and surgical hospital which is located in Peru. IVCH receives high patient satisfaction scores on surveys, and is ranked by HealthGrades™ as one
Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH)
of the top five hospitals in Illinois for joint replacement surgery. The IVCH Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatics, at the Illinois Valley YMCA, is regarded as one of the best rehab facilities in northern Illinois. The Women’s Health Care Center at IVCH has a staff of three obstetrician/gynecologists and three nurse midwives. IVCH FastCare is a walk-in retail health clinic at the Peru Wal-Mart open seven days a week.
St. Margaret’s Hospital St. Margaret’s Hospital operates a 92-bed, acute care facility located in Spring Valley. The hospital includes a newly renovated 52-bed medical/surgical unit, a 6 bed ICU, a Level II nursery with 6 LDRP rooms and a skilled nursing facility. In addition to acute care departments, St. Margaret’s Hospital’s specialty care for the region includes a Cancer
and Outpatient Treatment Center, Skilled Care Unit, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services, Same Day Surgery, Cardiopulmonary Services and Hospice Services. State-of-theArt diagnostic services include: MRI, PET and Spiral CT Scanning, Gated-SPECT Nuclear Medicine, FDA-Approved Mammography and Laboratory Services including microbiology and pathology and picture archiving and computer system (PACS). A life flight helicopter serves both hospitals when medical emergencies demand patients be seen at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.
Healthcare Facilities
The Hygienic Institute
815-223-0196 | www.thehygienicinstitute.org
Illinois Valley Community Hospital 815-223-3300 | www.ivch.org
St. Margaret’s Hospital
Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle 815-223-0303
North Central Behavioral Health Systems Inc. 815-224-1610 | www.ncbhs.org
St. Margaret’s Hospital
815-664-5311 | www.st-margarets.com
www.ivaced.org
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Quality Medical Care
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Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle The Illinois Veterans’ Home at LaSalle opened on December 12, 1990, to provide skilled nursing care for 120 Veterans including 18 special needs beds for Veterans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. In 2005, the General Assembly appropriated funding to construct an 80-bed addition to the LaSalle facility, boosting capacity to provide skilled nursing care to 160 Veterans and special needs care to 40 Veterans with varying dementia. The project began in April 2006 and construction was finished in FY08. In January 2009, the facility and its programs passed the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognition survey. Veterans moved into the new rooms in February 2009, allowing minor improvements to the rooms in the Home’s original wings in preparation for admitting new residents. The goal of the Illinois Veterans’ Home is to provide to all eligible veterans at the skilled nursing level, a comprehensive quality of care in a holistic manner, through a director nursing service with the goals to be at the highest level of potential functioning. A full range of rehabilitation services are available to assist the Veteran to meet that goal. The LaSalle Home has a complete staff of medical, nursing, social service, and activity personnel. Ancillary services such as physical, speech and occupational therapies are available at the Home through contractual arrangements with specialists in the community. The United State Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center at Edward Hines Jr. Hospital is the hospital of jurisdiction for the LaSalle Home.
Additional Medical Services The Hygienic Institute, founded in 1941 by a local resident, is a not-forprofit agency that is affiliated with Illinois Valley Community Hospital. The institute offers non-emergency primary health care services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents of the Illinois Valley. As an official Registrar, the institute also issues certified records of births and deaths occurring in La Salle, Peru and Oglesby. North Central Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. serves residents of all ages and covers an area of seven counties. A professional staff provides outpatient services for both mental health and substance abuse. Four nursing homes can be found in the Illinois Valley, as well as assisted care facilities and home health agencies for personalized medical care, companionship, house cleaning, running errands, paying bills and more. Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Strong Local Government
In Service to D Citizens
ue to teamwork, dedication, loyalty and commitment, municipal governments in the Illinois Valley emerge strong and productive. They work well with their neighboring communities and the end result is a mutual benefit. The area’s municipal governments are made up of the Mayor/ Village President and Aldermen/Commissioners. Together they make the necessary decisions in keeping their communities running smoothly. Various committees such as Finance, Economic Development, Water Works, Grants, Building Codes, Wastewater/ Environment, Streets, Allies and Traffic, Park Board, etc. were formed for the betterment of the community. Well-equipped and highly trained, full-time and volunteer firefighters provide reliable protection. When needed, area fire departments provide assistance to neighboring communities at no charge. Well-staffed police departments keep the crime rate low, and the Cities of La Salle, Peru, Utica and Spring Valley Police Departments operate a canine unit to better serve and protect their citizens. Headquartered in La Salle near I-80 is District 17 of the Illinois State Police. By having both local and state police in the locale, a sense of comfort is given to its citizens.
Local Government Arlington
Mark
Cedar Point
McNabb
815-638-2329
815-446-5681
Cherry
815-894-3338
Dalzell
815-663-1514
DePue
815-447-2177
Granville
815-339-2454
815-882-2278
North Utica
815-667-4111 www.utica-il.com
Oglesby
815-883-3389 www.oglesby.il.us
Peru
815-339-2480
815-223-0061 www.peru.il.us
Hennepin
Seatonville
815-925-7138
Hollowayville 815-894-2637
Ladd
815-894-2081
Spring Valley
815-664-4221 www.spring-valley.il.us
815-894-2440 www.vil.ladd.il.us
Standard
LaMoille
Tonica
815-638-2242
LaSalle
815-223-3755 www.lasalle-il.gov
815-339-6784
815-442-3104 http://villageoftonica.com
Troy Grove
815-539-7159
Lostant
815-368-3461
www.ivaced.org
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Personalized Housing
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H
Something for Everyone
ere in the Illinois Valley, as many as there are people with different likes and personalities, there are different styles of homes. Homes range from as small as a one-bedroom with a single-car garage, to a medium size house with three bedrooms, adequate size living room, deck, finished basement and two car garage, to a luxurious twenty-five room house with a five car garage, greenhouse, swimming pool, exercise room, etc. Here you will find
cozy bungalows on quiet streets, century old mansions atop steep hills, townhouses, apartments, and custom built homes. Homes are constructed of brick, wood siding, fiber-cement siding, wood shingles, stucco, pebble-dash and glass-dash. The development of new subdivisions and the building of new homes seem to be an ongoing occurrence. Liberty Village, a relatively new and stylish complex, caters to senior citizens. Their
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
campus includes apartments, duplexes, villas, assisted living and a nursing home facility. (Liberty strives to make the golden years comfortable and worry free.) Whether housing is being sought by singles, newly married couples, senior, or those seeking freedom from the drudgery of maintaining a home, the Illinois Valley offers something for everyone. Come and see!
Abundant Recreation
Hegeler Carus Mansion
A Great Place to Play R
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Recreation does not get slighted in the Illinois Valley. Come join us for some fun!
ecreation and the 4th of July………. both are explosive when you experience them in the Illinois Valley. All ages find something that amuses them, and we’re positive you’ll find something too.
Attractions Sampler State Parks Three state parks: Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo enhance the Illinois Valley. Besides walking the serene trails at all three State Parks, Starved Rock hosts Veranda Parties on the patio during the summer months, offers a variety of singing performances, storytelling, tours on the trolley, bird watching, holds the Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage each year, etc. Matthiessen State Park is a great place for crosscountry skiing and new to the park is mountain biking. History & Leisure The Hegeler Carus Mansion, built in 1874 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, gives tours through the mansion, and is always holding a variety of unique activities throughout the year. The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is a neat place where you can actually see boats getting channeled through the locks. The Canal Boat, pulled by mules, provides rides on the I & M Canal, taking a person back to years gone by. La Salle County Historical Museum is a good reminiscing place for older adults and a fun place for the younger generation to see “how things used to be”. The Hennepin Canal National Recreation Trail provides many miles of trail recreation for biking, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and paddling along a historical canal corridor. www.ivaced.org
Abundant Recreation
Stage 212 production
Recreational Contacts
Buffalo State Park
815-433-2224 | http://dnr.state.il.us
Hegeler Carus Mansion
815-224-6543 | www.hegelercarus.org
Hennepin Canal
815-454-2328 | http://dnr.state.il.us
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Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra www.ivso.org
Illinois Valley YMCA
815-223-7904 | www.ivymca.com
Illinois Valley Youth Choirs
www.invisualtechnologies.com/ivyc/index.html
For those who enjoy walking or biking, the I & M Canal Towpath and Baker’s Lake are two ideal places to go.
Drive-in Breakfast; Lostant Fall Festival; Jazz ‘n the Street; Burgoo Festival; Oglesby Turkey Trot; a Bridal Show and much more.
Illinois Valley Youth Symphony
The Arts Performances are enjoyed at concerts presented by the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Valley Youth Symphony, and Illinois Valley Youth Choir. Local high school productions and a theatrical playhouse known as Stage 212 are highly entertaining as well.
Family Recreation Youth football, classes in arts and crafts, Little League, dance, soccer, tennis, swimming, tumbling, sledding, softball leagues, ice skating, etc. all keep area children very active. The Illinois Valley YMCA has a large selection of activities and programs geared toward men, women, children and families. Three swimming pools inside the “Y” provide the fun intended. Other recreational activities famous in the Illinois Valley are golf, bowling, horseback riding, rafting, camping, boating, stock car racing, fishing, paintballing, archery, hunting, waterskiing, racquetball and more.
815-667-4054
Events A number of major events are held each year which include the Bald Eagle Watch; the Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor and Christmas Parades; Masters Walleye Tournament; Car Shows; 4th of July Celebrations; Ladd Summerfest; National Championship Boat Races; Fly-in
Gromann Service Company 4165 East Second Road Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-9381
“Quality Lubricants From North American Crude Oil” Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
www.ivyouthsymphony.org
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center La Salle County Historical Museum
815-667-4861 | www.lasallecountymuseum.org
Lock 16 Visitor Center
815-223-1851 | www.lasallecanalboat.org
Matthiessen State Park
815-667-4868 | http://dnr.state.il.us
Stage 212
815-224-3025 | www.stage212.org
Starved Rock State Park
800-868-ROCK | www.starvedrockstatepark.org
Devout Worship
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Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine
Spiritually Centered Church doors are open wide to welcome newcomers.
T
he citizens of the Illinois Valley hold on to the faith that has been passed down to them through the centuries. God has truly blessed us, and for that we are grateful. Twenty-one different denominations can be found here. Congregations provide stability and fellowship. Church doors are open wide to welcome newcomers to join us in prayer, in the sharing with those less fortunate, and in being apart of our spiritual and social programs offered to all ages.
www.ivaced.org
Places and Faces
Take A Look At Illinois ValleY
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Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Places and Faces
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Amici Ristorante in Peru offers authentic Italian cuisine amid an artistic atmosphere with painted murals floating clouds, starlight ceilings, cascading florals, and vibrant colors. The menu features traditional Italian dishes for the whole family.
Great fishing is available on the Illinois River, which features bluegill, carp, catfish, bass, walleye, crappie, perch, and other species.
The Illinois Valley Youth Football League allows area kids to participate in gridiron action.
State Route 89 crosses the Illinois River at Spring Valley via this picturesque bridge.
This memorial honors the victims of the Cherry Coal Mine Disaster in Bureau County. On November 13, 1909, the Cherry Coal Mine caught fire, taking the lives of 259 miners. The disaster prompted the Illinois State Legislature to pass a workmen’s compensation act and to establish stricter mining regulations.
Horseback riding is open at all three area state parks – Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and Buffalo.
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Appropriately, Buffalo Rock State Park is home to a pair of American bison, who can be observed in their grazing area daily.
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The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center interprets the history of water transportation in Illinois. Exhibits highlight the flatboat, canal boat, and steamboat eras and conclude with modern transportation.
The LaSalle-Peru Township High School, built in 1897–98, is the area’s largest high school, serving
students from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and surrounding communities.
Beautiful Starved Rock Lodge in Starved Rock State Park offers cabins in the woods, an indoor pool, a hot tub, saunas, a full-service restaurant, a bar, a café, and a gift shop, all under one roof. The lodge’s veranda features panoramic views of the Illinois Valley.
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The Illinois-Michigan Canal revolutionized Illinois’ transportation system and helped establish Chicago as a passageway for travel throughout the continent, cementing its future as the Midwest’s dominant city.
www.ivaced.org
Index of advertisers
Accountant
Mason Accounting Group, LLC — Page 5
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1025 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-8808 Fax 815-220-3529 masonandassociates@comcast.net www.masonaccounting.com
Dentistry
Dr. Curtis R. Imel D.D.S., P.C. — Page 18 2050 Marquette Road Peru, IL 61354 815-224-2355 Fax 815-224-2258
Creating smiles for a lifetime — we provide orthodontic care (braces) for children and adults.
Adult Care/Senior Living Home Instead Senior Care — Page 11 1222 Shooting Park Road Peru, IL 61354 815-223-7970 www.homeinstead.com/536
Our communities’ trusted solution in helping seniors to remain living independently in their own homes. We provide nonmedical home care and personal services for a few hours a week up to 24 hrs/7 days. Caregivers are trained, insured, bonded.
Liberty Village of Peru — Page 14 1107 31st Street Peru, IL 61354 815-224-2200 Fax 815-220-1581 www.simplythefinest.net
Liberty Village offers “Simply the Finest” in retirement lifestyles. We are the Illinois Valley’s only full continuum of care retirement campus. At Liberty Village, we take great care to balance the independence that our tenants desire with the support they need.
Education Peru Public Schools District 124 — Page 23 1800 Church Street Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0486 Fax 815-223-0490 www.perued.net
Established in 1840, Peru Public Schools has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence through a strong curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, and an outstanding fine arts program.
Super Bowl Family Entertainment — Page 21 4242 Mahoney Drive Peru, IL 61354 815-223-5085 Fax 815-223-5651 www.ivsuperbowl.com
Employment Agencies B.E.S.T., Inc. — Page 18 3691 Cougar Drive, Suite B Peru, IL 61354 815-224-1586 TTY/TTD 800-526-0844 www.best-inc.org
901 N. 2129 Road Tonica, IL 61370 815-442-8453 Fax 815-442-8433 kishauwau@tonicacom.net www.kishauwau.com
A 1.5-hour drive southwest of Chicago (convenient to I-80 and 39), Kishauwau on the Vermilion is ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
Computers Connecting Point — Page 14 1622 Fourth St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1052 cpointcc@cpointcc.com www.cpointcc.com
Not-for-profit cooperative owned by its members and has a volunteer board. These factors allow the credit union to offer lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and fewer service fees.
Spring Valley City Bank — Page 19 315 N. Cornelia Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 815-663-2211 www.svcb.com
We have served the entire Illinois Valley since 1905. We offer a full range of modern banking services. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to handle all your banking needs.
Government 316 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL 61354 815-339-6333 Fax 815-339-6608 villageofgranville@mchsi.com
Health Care Health Directions — Page 14
Chamlin & Associates, Inc — Page 3 3017 Fifth Street Peru, IL 61354 815-223-3344 www.chamlin.com
With over 50 years in the engineering business, Chamlin & Associates takes pride in our contribution to expanding our local cities and neighborhoods in the Illinois Valley.
Cabin Rentals Kishauwau on the Vermilion — Page 5
2107 Marquette Road Peru, IL 61354 815-224-2666 Fax 815-224-2691 www.ivcu.com
Village of Granville — Page 16
Engineering Amusements/Recreation/Entertainment
Illinois Valley Credit Union — Page 20
Financial Institutions Eureka Savings Bank — Page 24 250 Marquette St. La Salle, IL 61301 815-223-0700 Fax 815-223-1930 www.eurekasavings.com
Financial Plus Credit Union — Page 21 800 Chestnut Street Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-1496 www.financialplus.org
First Federal Savings Bank - Ottawa IL — Page 9 633 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-3730 Ext. 3284 Fax 815-431-2129 www.firstfedsavingsbank.com
Connecting Point Computer was established in 1978 as a solution-based company. Connecting Point is able to resolve technology problems and make your company profitable.
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
2960 Chartres Street LaSalle, IL 61301 800-288-5912 Fax 815-223-1634 Hhdirections@ncbhs.org www.healthdirectionsonline.org
Our licensed professional staff and life coaches provide services for anxiety, depression, stress, marital issues/divorce, family/parenting issues, substance use, and other emotional health and wellness issues — both online and in person.
Illinois Valley Community Hospital — Page Inside Back Cover 925 West Street Peru, IL 61354 815-780-3521 Fax 815-780-3661 www.ivch.org
IVCH is a 71-bed general medical and surgical hospital ranked by HealthGrades™ as one of the top five hospitals in Illinois for joint replacement surgery.
St. Margaret’s Health — Page 1 600 East 1st Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 815-664-1429 Fax 815-644-1140 www.aboutsmh.org
St. Margaret’s Health is an acute care hospital with an extensive list of physicians and a network of primary and specialty clinics, all using an electronic medical record for seamless care.
Hotels/Motels/Bed & Breakfast
Petroleum Products
Baymont Inn & Suites - Peru IL — Page 16
Gromann Service Company — Page 18
• Indoor Pool • Free High-Speed Internet • Restaurants Nearby • Free Continental Breakfast • In-Room Coffeemaker, Hair Dryer, & Iron w/Board • Fitness Room • Free Local Calls
Coldwell Banker — Page 5
5240 Trompeter Peru, IL 61354 815-223-8585 Fax 815-223-9292 baymontperu@yahoo.com www.baymont.com
Real Estate
Insurance Shelldan Insurance Agency, Inc. — Page 23 1718 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1702 Fax 815-223-2873 shelldaninsurance@comcast.net
2409 Fourth Street Peru, IL 61354 800-414-5788 www.coldwellbankertoday.com
Since our beginning in 1982, Coldwell Banker Today’s Realtors has been the consistent leader in real estate sales in the Illinois Valley. We make real estate and relocation real easy.
1712 Fourth Street Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1900 Fax 815-224-2779 henry.hackman.b0cc@statefarm.com www.henryhackman.com
1713 4th Street Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0461 Fax 815-223-0573
Debo Ace Hardware provides shoppers with solutions to their everyday home improvement needs by having an extensive selection of quality products, along with friendly helpful service, in one shopping experience.
23 Services - Customer Illinois Valley Clean Team — Page 6
United Country Starved Rock Reality — Page 6
P.O. Box 277 Utica, IL 61373 815-228-5273 ivcleanteam@gmail.com www.ivcleanteam.com
United Country Starved Rock Realty, specializing in our beautiful park-like properties with woods, water, farmettes, and commercial. Free buyers & sellers seminars. There IS a difference in Realtors. “Over 2 millions visitors to area annually.” Call 815-667-9990.
Illinois Valley Clean Team offers the following residential and commercial cleaning services: • Residential Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Whitening • Pressure/Soft Washing • Commercial Cleaning
Dee Barrera P.O. Box 279 Utica, IL 61373 815-667-9990 www.ucstarvedrockrealty.com
State Farm - Henry A Hackman, Agent — Page 11
Woodland Path LLC — Page 6
Manufacturing James Hardie Building Products — Page 23 17 Unytite Drive Peru, IL 61354 815-220-3000 Fax 815-220-3097 www.jameshardie.com
701 Harger Road, Suite 190 OakBrook, IL 60523 630-575-2344 Fax 630-571-0959 mstone@dpholdings.com
Real Estate Appraisal Service Biederstedt Appraisal Co. — Page 11
Pet Care Fetching Frieda’s Doggie Day Spa — Page 9 2576 State Route 178 Ogelsby, IL 61348 815-667-4452 fetchingfrieda@att.net www.fetchingfriedasdoggiedayspa.com
Washington Elementary School 1325 Park Road
1105 Peoria St. P.O. Box 465 Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1212 Fax 815-223-1193 dobappr@comcast.net
Restaurants Cajun Connection Taste of Louisiana — Page 19
• Full-Service Grooming • Self-Service Dog Wash • Holistic Pet Care Products • All-Natural Grain-Free Pet Foods & Treats • Apparel & Bedding • Doggie Day Care & Puppy Playground • Boarding • Pet Taxi Service
Northview Elementary School 1429 Shooting Park Road
4165 East Second Road Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-9381
Retail Debo Ace Hardware — Page 20
897 East US Hwy. 6 Utica, IL 61373 815-667-9855 Fax 815-667-5183 cajunconnection@hotmail.com www.ronscajunconnection.com
Authentic Cajun food in the heart of the Illinois Valley.
Parkside Middle School 1800 Church Street
www.ivaced.org
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LA SALLE 250 Marquette St. La Salle, IL 61301 815-223-0700
MENDOTA 1300 13th Ave. Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-5656
OGLESBY 101 N. Columbia Ave. Oglesby, IL 61348 815-883-3354
PERU 2959 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-9400
www.eurekasavings.com 24-Hour Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic DevelopmentBanking 800-660-1719 or 815-223-1600
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www.ivaced.org
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Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development 300 Bucklin Street • La Salle, IL 61301 • Telephone 815-223-0227 • Fax 815-223-4827 • www.ivaced.org
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development