From a press release:

ANNUAL AWARDS SPOTLIGHT AREA BUSINESSES!

Peoria, IL – Mark your calendars and join hundreds of business and community leaders as we “Excelerate For the Future” at the Peoria Civic Center September 18th at 7:30am during The Heartland Partnership’s Annual Meeting Breakfast.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce will present the 23rd annual outstanding small business awards. The chamber will also hand out the Athena Award to a woman who shows outstanding achievement in her profession and not only excels in her chosen field, but is always working to better her community. The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois will present two growth and development awards to companies that make significant contributions to area communities and demonstrate success and growth. The Heartland Partnership will honor a non-profit organization that strives to create a brighter future for our region with the Community Wealth Award.

In addition, we’ll share success stories of The Heartland Partnership Family of Companies and Ken Schmidt, former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, will shed some light on how he was able to turn the Harley-Davidson Motor Company around and create one of America’s most celebrated businesses.

Media Interview and Photo Opportunities:

Ken Schmidt, featured speaker
EDC Growth and Innovation Award winners
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award winners
Athena Award Winner
Community Wealth Award Winner
Jim McConoughey, President & CEO The Heartland Partnership
Vickie Clark, COO EDC
Roberta Parks, COO Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Steve Jaeger, Director TransPORT, the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District
Kyle Ham, President & COO Peoria NEXT

For more information please contact Renee Charles at 495-5905, 229-7791 or e-mail rcharles@h-p.org.