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News
Last week, Peoria NEXT announced Grant Brewen as its new CEO. Brewen is currently head of the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation (BRDC), housed at the USDA’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Lab in Peoria since 1988. He will continue in that position, as well as his new role at the helm of Peoria NEXT. BRDC, under Brewen’s leadership, was one of a dozen anchor organizations involved when Peoria NEXT was formed in 2001.
Caterpillar Inc. recently announced plans for significant new investments in its manufacturing facilities in Decatur and East Peoria. The company plans to invest nearly $300 million to increase capacity for large mining trucks produced in Decatur. An additional capital investment of about $340 million is planned for production of large track-type tractors in East Peoria. The company expects the additional truck capacity in Decatur to be installed by 2016. The work to expand large track-type tractor production in East Peoria is expected to be completed by 2015.
The Morton Chamber of Commerce announced the development of Leadership Morton, a new local leadership program. Leadership Morton will begin on January 11, 2012, and end on March 14th, meeting weekly from 7:30am to 10am. The program will incorporate leadership skills education and provide a broad understanding of public issues, workings of state and local government, civic challenges, and the role the community and organizations play in problem solving. To register or for more information, go to mortonchamber.org/leadership-morton, or call (309) 263-2491.
The Salvation Army held a ribbon cutting last week to open its Veterans Outreach Center. Its staff, with the support of groups like the Veteran’s Outpatient Center, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, VFWs, and American Legions, will provide services for homeless and at-risk veterans. The Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 to 2pm. For more information, call (309) 655-7272.
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Events
Thursday, November 17th @ Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
NOVUS presents “Protecting Innovation – A Patent Primer,” with Leroy Hagenbuch of Phillipi Hagenbuch, an inventor with over 50 patents. The event takes place from 5:30 to 8pm; $10 admission includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. To register, visitnovusnetworking.com.
Friday, November 18th @ Embassy Suites
The public is invited to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Thanksgiving Day Luncheon at 11:45am. The featured speaker will be Ed Rapp, group president and CFO of Caterpillar, Inc., and the annual Tom Connor award for community service will be presented by WestPoint Financial Group. Visitpeoriachamber.org/event/36th-annual-community-thanksgiving-luncheon to reserve your table or seat.
Friday, November 18th & Saturday, November 19th @ The Motherhouse
A variety of handmade and other items will be available at the annual fall bazaar sponsored by The Sisters of The Third Order of St. Francis. All proceeds will assist the poor. The sales runs Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 2pm at The Motherhouse, 1175 St. Francis Lane in East Peoria (access road #14 off Route 116). Call (309) 655-3897 for info.
Saturday, November 19th @ W.H. Sommer Park
The Peoria Park District’s Sommer Park will host a Civil War Winter Quarters construction from 10am to 5pm. Living historians in authentic uniforms will use period tools and construction methods to prepare for their winter encampment. Admission is $5/vehicle. Call (309) 691-8423 for more info.
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