Tag Archives: Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Who thinks one-way streets are bad for business?

Who thinks one-way streets are bad for business? Mayor Ardis’s dad thought so.

In a March 9, 1966, Journal Star article, Mayor Jim Ardis’s father (who also served on the City Council), expressed his objection to the expansion of one-way streets in downtown Peoria:

James E. Ardis, who operates Ardis & Son Cleaners, 518 NE Monroe Ave., asserted that he formerly operated cleaning establishments on Southwest Jefferson avenue but was driven out of business when that street was made one-way, being effective as a freelancer>, learn about managing your warehouse.

Ardis charged that putting the one-way plan into effect would be “turning the city upside down” just to provide relief for morning and evening rush periods.

The City Council is looking at converting Adams and Jefferson streets to two-way from business viewpoint>. It was last brought up in the July 10 council meeting. At that time, city administration said they would present a cost analysis of the conversion in August, although that didn’t happen. A policy discussion that was scheduled for the last week of August was postponed.

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is opposed not only to the conversion, but even to studying the conversion. In an e-mail sent to council members on August 24, Chamber president Roberta Parks said:

It is our understanding that simply to study the issue of changing these streets from one-way to two-way could cost the city in the neighborhood of $200,00-$300,000 [sic]. All that would get you is a determination of how much it would cost to actually make the changes. We are concerned that the ultimate cost could be very high….in the millions. We simply do not think either of these expenditures is the highest and best use of the City’s limited resources….either money or people – it isn’t even the most pressing transportation or infrastructure issue facing the City. We clearly understand the interest of making both of those streets more pedestrian friendly. But we believe that can be done in far less costly ways. You can reduce lanes, add parking, increase sidewalk amenities, slow speed limits, etc. Some of those ideas (and there are surely more) have a cost but it surely would be far less than changing both streets to two-way streets. We would strongly urge you to NOT to commission this study.

The Chamber of Commerce is supposed to speak on behalf of businesses. But is this really what businesses on these streets want?

The Chamber’s missive to the Council doesn’t reflect the feelings of Tom Wiegand, co-owner of UFS, 1800 SW Adams. In a July 11 report, WMBD-TV reported:

…Wiegand has been pushing for the change for more than 30 years. “I think the street conversion project is not all about business, it’s about the community. It’s about the residential also. When you start bringing business back and it’s flourishing, there’s a natural spin-off into the community and people will want to come down here and live again,” he said….

…”I just hope that this is a serious endeavor by the city and they take it seriously. We really need to do something about this side, this end of town, in this part of Peoria.”

UFS is a member of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

From the beginning, businesses along these streets were opposed to making them one-way. The only business which has expressed its desire to see them remain one-way is Caterpillar, Inc. In 2007, Caterpillar presented a written statement to the Heart of Peoria Commission stating they wanted traffic patterns downtown to remain unchanged. “[A]ny revisions to the current traffic patterns on Adams, Jefferson, and Washington Streets in the downtown Peoria area would be detrimental to our employees and visitors,” they said.

Adams and Jefferson are one-way from the point they intersect by Komatsu in the north down to Western Avenue in the south–a distance of approximately four miles affecting hundreds of properties/businesses.

Campaign news: Guess who’s not endorsing me?

I received a nice letter from Business PAC of Central Illinois (Biz PAC) yesterday — this is the political action committee that used to be known as the Chamber PAC and was directly affiliated with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Now it’s just legally separate, but all the same people are involved, so nothing substantive has changed. Here’s what they said:

Thank you for participating in the Business PAC of Central Illinois survey and interview process. We very much appreciate your time and information, not to mention the commitment and energy running for office requires from you and your family. After careful consideration, we will not be supporting your candidacy at this time. We wish you well in your campaign.

This comes as no surprise. The Chamber has consistently advocated for non-essential projects involving vast sums of taxpayer money while actively lobbying against revenue enhancements for essential services such as police and fire protection. For example, they lobbied against raising property taxes to pay for police and fire protection just a few years ago, but have supported efforts to raise sales taxes both for the museum and the downtown hotel. I didn’t expect my basic-services platform would be very attractive to this group.

Nevertheless, as I told them in my questionnaire and interview, I believe my platform is business-friendly. “Safe streets and improved infrastructure benefit everyone in the City. When public services and incentives are provided in a fair and equitable manner, they give businesses an even playing field and set the table for economic development. Furthermore, by limiting government to its core function, taxes can be kept low.”

Chamber endorsements always a mystery

The Journal Star is wondering why the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce PAC endorsed Jehan Gordon over Jim Montelongo. I suspect it has everything to do with Montelongo’s vote against the Wonderful Development back in May. The Journal Star didn’t mention that the Chamber PAC also endorsed Lynn Pearson for County Board over Karrie Alms, even though Pearson is also a Democrat and no friend to business. Why? Alms is opposed to the current plan for the museum, which the Chamber supports, and Pearson was for it.

It appears to me that the Chamber has a litmus test for candidates. You have to endorse the Chambers’ pet projects or you will not be endorsed by their political action committee. Your philosophy or record on business issues is irrelevant to them.

Chamber wants to take Peoria business leaders to Red China

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a trip to China for a low package price of about two grand, not including transportation from Peoria to Los Angeles. But why? For what purpose? The Journal Star reports:

A visit to China will not only open the eyes of business leaders, but their minds, said Rob Parks, president of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

The article doesn’t say specifically what Ms. Parks believes business leaders have their minds closed to. The rest of the article just quotes her saying that the country is very old, very populous, and very friendly. Participants will get to tour the usual sights (e.g., the Great Wall), but will also hear from “Chinese business leaders.”

I wonder if there will be anyone from Amnesty International to speak to our business leaders about China’s widespread human rights violations. It bothers me that the Chamber is cheerleading for doing business in/with a nation where “torture and other ill-treatment continue[s] in prisons, police stations, Re-education through Labour camps, and other unofficial detention facilities” and where hundreds of thousands of people are incarcerated by police without trial, to name just a few human rights abuses.

On the other hand, human rights abuses effectively keep labor costs down. And heaven knows we’ve got to compete with Wal-Mart and other superstores who already exploit cheap Chinese labor. So I guess it’s best not to think about things that might prick the conscience. It’s not good for business.

Chamber says thanks for not raising (some) taxes

In Tuesday’s Peoria Journal Star, I saw that the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce took out a small ad (image at right) on the front of the Business section. It says, “The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce says THANK YOU to Peoria city and county leaders, their administrators and partners for balancing their budgets without any tax increases. This is a huge benefit to our regional businesses and residents!”

Brought to you by an organization that supported (or didn’t oppose):

  • raising sales taxes to build a museum downtown
  • raising property taxes to expand the Peoria Public Library
  • District 150’s “efforts to make tough decisions,” including raising property taxes and closing schools
  • establishment of a charter school which will lead to higher taxes at least in the short run

Some taxes hurt “regional businesses and residents,” but others don’t. Only the Chamber can tell the difference. And did you notice that the Chamber is representing regional residents now? I guess they think they speak for everyone.

If I might be allowed to speak for myself — as not just a “regional” resident, but an actual Peoria city and county resident — a static tax rate is not a “huge benefit” when it’s coupled with continued cuts in service. Who wants to keep spending the same amount for fewer and fewer benefits? Nor does a static tax rate mean that taxes were not raised. The tax rate is a percentage of the equalized assessed valuation of property within the city/county. If the property values go up and the tax rate remains constant, guess what? We’re paying more in taxes!

State of the City Address preview

This year’s State of the City address will be at the Holiday Inn City Centre, 11:45 a.m., January 26. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce has published a video preview of the event:

Notable this year: It won’t only be the state of the city, but also the state of District 150. Interim superintendent Norm Durflinger will be presenting along with Mayor Ardis. If you want to attend, you can register here. Cost: $50 for non-members of the Chamber, $35 for members. For those of you who don’t want to spend the cash (like me), the city usually posts a copy of the speech to the city’s website immediately following the event. It’s free.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Oddities

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce has been making some strange moves lately, even for them.

They got behind an effort to bring — of all people — Karl Rove to town, ticking off Democrats on the County board — which is to say, almost the whole board. To add insult to injury, Jim McConoughey, head of the Chamber’s umbrella company Heartland Partnership, sent an e-mail that was perceived as very derogatory toward organized labor. They’ve since backpedaled on both fronts, but it may be too late. The County board might consider “ending the county’s $113,000 annual contract with the Economic Development Council, said Peoria County Board member Allen Mayer, who chairs the Tax/EDC committee,” according to the Journal Star.

I really wonder how the Chamber makes its decisions. I theorized once that they used a magic 8-ball, given their inconsistency on tax increases. They’ve now supported a property tax increase for the library expansion and a sales tax increase to benefit the proposed downtown museum. Yet they have traditionally opposed any tax increases that would go toward basic services, such as poublic safety (police, fire), even when the proposed increases were less than the taxes they’ve supported. That kind of inconsistency earned them no small amount of criticism from former City Councilman Bob Manning, who also called them the “Peoria Area Chamber of Some Commerce” — a reference to the fact that they only seem to really represent certain large employers in the area.

As part of their effort to support the museum, you may recall that they sent letters to Peoria County public school superintendents asking them not to request a sales tax increase for school purposes the same time the museum’s sales tax referendum was going to be on the ballot. They also supported District 150’s “efforts to make tough decisions,” and spoke in favor of District 150 closing schools at a recent School Board meeting. The Chamber’s strange alliance with District 150 has also cost them some members, from what I’ve heard.

All of this makes me wonder… Do they really speak for Peoria business people when they issue these press releases? Do they take a poll of their membership before speaking for them? Do Peoria business people, by and large, support higher taxes for museums and libraries, but oppose them for police and fire protection? Do Peoria business people, by and large, support closing public schools and increasing class sizes? Do Peoria business people, by and large, have antipathy toward organized labor? Are Peoria business people, by and large, Republican?

I can’t help but get the impression that perhaps the Chamber is just a little out of touch with the people they say they represent.

Chamber supports D150 “efforts to make tough decisions”

Here’s a curious press release I received today:

Chamber Supports District 150’s Difficult Decisions

Peoria (January 23, 3009) –District 150 has some difficult decisions ahead due to significant budget deficit predictions. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce supports the district’s efforts to make those tough changes for the future of our educational system.

Members of the school board and the Chamber board met this morning at the Heartland Partnership office to discuss the status of District 150. Superintendant [sic] Ken Hinton said the district ended the 2007-2008 school year last July with a very small surplus (for the first time in nine years) of $300,000 on a budget of $140+ million.

They approved a balanced budget that same July for the 2008-2009 school year but almost overnight, the economic downturn set in and now there is a projected $9 million budget deficit for the 2010 school year due to a variety of funding changes.

Hinton acknowledges that some very tough choices will have to be made including whether to close or merge schools. While that is not a popular topic among many in the community, Chamber Board Chairperson Deb Ritschel says change is inevitable.

“We must focus on the long term effects this decision will have and the overall big picture.” Ritschel went on to say “Many people are emotional about the thought of closing or merging schools, but we have also [sic] look at the realities and focus on the business perspective of this issue which means dealing with capacity issues and matching revenues and expenses.” The goal, Ritschel noted, is to balance the business side of things while continuing focus on student achievement.

The Chamber Board was asked to help by getting community leaders to be a voice of this effort in hopes of changing the perception of the public schools in Peoria. Ritschel responded saying “The Chamber will support the district as it positions itself to ensure children today and children in the future have a stable school system providing a quality education.”

This raises a number of questions, so I’ll just start rattling them off: Which school board members met with the Chamber of Commerce? Was the Open Meetings Act followed (i.e., was the meeting properly noticed)? Who initiated the meeting, District 150 or the Chamber? Why?

And what is it with the tortured language of this press release? I’m having a hard time figuring out exactly what they’re trying to communicate. Can anyone explain to me what these two statements mean?

  • “The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce supports the district’s efforts to make those tough changes for the future of our educational system.” There’s bureaucratic doubletalk if I ever heard it. What they’re literally saying is this: They’re not supporting any specific decisions, but just generally supporting the district’s efforts to make “tough decisions.” Way to go out on a limb. For the record, I support elected bodies’ efforts to make tough decisions, too. In fact, I support everyone’s efforts to make tough decisions. I mean, we all face tough decisions at some point in our lives, and, darn it, I support your efforts to make them.
  • “The Chamber Board was asked to help by getting community leaders to be a voice of this effort in hopes of changing the perception of the public schools in Peoria.” What exactly do they want community leaders to do here? Inform the community that District 150 is trying to “balance the business side of things while continuing focus on student achievement”? (I think we sort of expect that out of District 150; I mean, that is their job, is it not?) Or “[support] the district’s efforts to make those tough changes”? (See the previous bullet point.)

More questions: How many of these Chamber Board members have children who are attending District 150 schools? How many of these Chamber Board members currently operate a business that “match[es] revenues and expenses” (i.e., has a balanced budget)? (Hint: we know one who doesn’t.)

Perhaps the biggest question is, shouldn’t the district be more interested in getting the parents’ support than the Chamber’s?

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce offers Candidate School

From a press release:

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate School

Date: November 8 & 15
Time: 8:00-12:30pm
Location: Peoria Area Chamber Office
100 SW Water St (Formerly Damon’s Restaurant)
Cost: $90
Includes: Light breakfast & class materials

Are you interested in running for political office? Do you want to be involved in a campaign? Would you like to learn more about this process? Register today for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate School. This is non partisan program facilitated by experienced people in this area. You will learn about the following topics.

Some of the topics in the campaign logistics will include information on campaign plans, timelines, yard sign strategy, precinct walking and meet and greets. Fundraising will include direct mail, PAC support, event based fundraising and campaign expenditures. Financial reporting will feature past campaign treasurers and details about required reporting. Polling, Internet research, meeting agendas, minutes and the importance of a kitchen cabinet will be reviewed in the session on research. Media opportunities, paid advertisements, candidate forums, creating an effective campaign brochure and the various types of political mailings will be discussed in the messaging segment of the School.

If you would like more information or would like to register for the Candidate School, please call Susan Stenger at 495-5907 or e-mail sstenger@chamber.h-p.org.

Peoria Chamber PAC endorses LaHood for State’s Attorney (UPDATED)

From a press release:

Peoria Chamber Backs LaHood for State’s Attorney
Economic development, home sales, quality of life all tied to sprawling crime problem

Peoria, IL – The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is the latest organization to announce public support for Darin LaHood in the Peoria County State’s Attorney race. This news came after a live-broadcast debate the business group hosted for LaHood and his opponent, an incumbent State’s Attorney of 20 years.

“Addressing crime in Peoria is the number one issue in this race. I have put forth a 5-point plan to combat this problem while my opponent has indicated his office would only offer more of the same,” explained Peoria County State’s Attorney candidate Darin LaHood during a live debate Wednesday morning at the Heartland Partnership office. “Every police organization – including six unions – has endorsed my candidacy along with eight members of the City Council and numerous community leaders. People understand that we need a new approach to fighting crime.”

Immediately following a spirited debate between the two contenders for the State’s Attorney’s office, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce announced that they, too, were behind LaHood in this race, calling for change in the top prosecutor’s office.

“The endorsement from the Chamber means a great deal to my campaign,” said LaHood. “I am thankful for all of my supporters – who may not always agree with one another on all the issues – but do agree that we need a change. The Peoria Chamber has flourished in the last ten years and understands that even better days are ahead if we can effectively combat crime. “I’ll restate it. As State’s Attorney, I will work with all citizens of Peoria and collaborate with groups and leaders from all sectors to make Peoria a safe place for our families.”

Before Chamber members present for the debate, LaHood discussed how the business community can continue to grow, greater economic development can take place, the City of Peoria can become the destination for home buyers in the area rather than more suburban developments and an overall quality of life can be achieved if crime is effectively addressed. That, said LaHood, has to be a priority of the County’s top prosecutor, something that has been lacking in the office for the last 20 years.

Forty-year old Darin LaHood presently practices law with the Peoria firm of Miller, Hall, & Triggs. Prior to that, he served as Chief Terrorism and Federal Prosecutor for four years with the U.S. Department of Justice in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaHood gained experience as a county prosecutor during the years he spent as an Assistant State’s Attorney in both Tazewell and Cook counties. LaHood and his wife, Kristen, are both Peoria natives and are raising three children. They are active in numerous Peoria charitable and civic organizations, and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. To learn more about Darin, volunteer opportunities, or to contribute to the campaign, visit Darin’s website.

Update: The LaHood campaign issued this correction to their earlier press release:

Previous release from October 1 was in error when referring to the Peoria Area Chamber Political Action Committee as the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. We apologize for the inconvenience and any misunderstanding the oversight may have cause.