Central Illinois Perspective - July 23, 2008

News

In a time of economic uncertainty, Caterpillar Inc. is reporting all-time records for sales and revenues and profit per share in the second quarter. Profit per share for Q2 was $1.74, a 40 percent increase from one year ago. Sales and revenues of $13.624 billion were 20 percent higher, and profit of $1.106 billion was up 34 percent. The full-year outlook for 2008 reflects sales and revenues of about $50 billion, a goal which looks to be reached two years ahead of estimates.

Forty government teachers from 21 states are in Peoria this week to participate in the Congress in the Classroom program sponsored by the Dirksen Center and Bradley’s Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service. Various sessions include “Running for Congress: A Candidate’s Perspective,” with 2008 Congressional primary candidate Jim McConoughey; “From the Campaign Trail, Observations from a Reporter,” with WCBU reporter Tanya Koonce; and “Predicting the Outcome of the Presidential Election,” with the Dirksen Center’s Frank Mackaman, among many others.

Dr. Peter Johnsen, provost and vice president for academic affairs, is leaving Bradley University to become president of iNovaCom Partners, a new technology commercialization company specializing in biobased products for industrial applications. Johnsen has significant research and development experience in biobased products. Dr. Robert Bolla will serve as interim provost while a national search is conducted.

A 30-day public comment period on Peoria’s options for reducing sewer overflows to the Illinois River began Monday, July 21st. Information is available at peoriacso.org or at public meetings. Meetings are scheduled for August 6th at the Gateway Building (200 N.E. Water St.) and August 7th at the Neighborhood House (1020 S. Matthew St.). Meetings will be held from 4 to 8pm with 30-minute presentations scheduled at 5pm and 7pm.

Kudos

Peoria County was ranked seventh in the country on the annual survey from the Center for Digital Government that recognized innovation of governments for counties in the 150,000 to 250,000 population category. The County provides information online about Peoria County government, allows residents to pay bills online and features podcasts of meetings. Peoria County was the only county in Illinois to be recognized recently at a national awards ceremony.

40 Leaders Under Forty: Class of 2008

Coming soon…nominations for the 2008 class of 40 Leaders Under Forty!

Nominees must be 39 years of age and younger as of September 30, 2008. A panel of judges will carefully review the nominations and determine those leaders who most aptly demonstrate successful leadership qualities and accomplishments in the Greater Peoria Area—those who make a difference and best define the spirit of youthful initiative throughout our community.

We are searching for candidates who share a commitment to business growth, to professional excellence and to the community—those who are shaping the future of central Illinois.

Those 40 leaders will be honored at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Hotel Pere Marquette on Thursday, November 6, 2008. The November issue of iBi will profile the winners.

Nomination forms will be available on August 1st at peoriamagazines.com and will run in the August and September issues of iBi. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, September 15th.

Events

Thursday, July 24 @ Peoria Civic Center
The 110th Annual George Washington Banquet begins at 6pm in the Ballroom of the Peoria Civic Center. The featured speaker is Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. For ticket information, call 672-2267.

Friday, July 25 @ Not Your Average Joe, Dunlap
Local artists will showcase their works from 7 to 10pm during the second annual Evening of Art & Wine. The evening will include more than 20 wines from Vino100, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and can be purchased at Vino100, Not Your Average Joe or at operationsafe.org. All proceeds benefit Operation S.A.F.E., a spay/neuter assistance program. Call 453-8767 for more information.

Saturday, July 26 @ Jubilee State Pak at Quail Meadows, Brimfield
Whitney’s Walk for Life 2008 honors life by supporting programs for depression awareness and suicide prevention. The 4K trail run begins at 7am and is followed by the 5K walk at 8am. The focus of this year’s Walk For Life is recovery. For more information, contact the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley at 692-1766 or visit mhaiv.org.

Saturday, July 26 @ All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Peoria
A prime rib dinner to benefit the Family House will be held at 6:30pm. Dinner will include appetizer, salad, roast prime rib, potato, vegetable, beverage and homemade cream pies. The cost is a $50 tax-deductible donation. Seating is limited, so reserve your ticket by calling Family House at 685-5300.

Sunday, July 27 @ Artist-in-Residence house, Germantown Hills
The Prairie Center of the Arts will host its third annual Open House from 4 to 6pm on Sunday at the residents’ house at 1106 Woodland Knolls Rd. in Germantown Hills. Meet the current artists-in-residence through August 10th, Jonathan McFadden and Joe Lupo, at the open house. Call 673-5589 for more information.