PRESS RELEASE: Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 2025 Thanksgiving Luncheon Presented by Caterpillar and Heyl Royster
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2025
PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES 2025 THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY CATERPILLAR AND HEYL ROYSTER
Bradley University President James Shadid Featured as Keynote Speaker and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 IACCE Large Chamber of the Year
[PEORIA, IL] The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Thanksgiving Luncheon presented by Caterpillar and Heyl Royster at the Peoria Civic Center. More than six hundred members from across the business community gathered to celebrate a Positive Peoria, recognizing today’s wins and investing in tomorrow’s impact.
Bradley University President James Shadid served as the keynote speaker, sharing his vision for Bradley University and the Peoria region while offering attendees a preview of what lies ahead for the institution.
Two community impact awards were presented during the luncheon. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce awarded the Tom Connor Service Award to Dr. James L. McGee, M.D., MHCM, FACRO. This award honors a Tri-County individual whose long-term volunteer leadership and service have made a measurable and lasting impact on the community. The Chamber also presented the Above and Beyond Award to Prairie Home Alliance in recognition of its significant community contributions, economic vitality, workforce development efforts, and commitment to making the region welcoming for both residents and visitors.
“Dr. McGee’s leadership at OSF and his commitment to Peoria exemplify the spirit of the Tom Connor Service Award. We are thrilled to honor his lifesaving work and innovation. We are also proud to recognize Prairie Home Alliance as this year’s recipient of the Above and Beyond Award. Prairie Home Alliance is a cornerstone of Greater Peoria, and this award acknowledges both their business success and their notable contributions to our community,” said Chamber President and CEO Jessica Linder-Gallo.
During the event, the Chamber also announced that it has been named the 2025 Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Large Chamber of the Year.
“Receiving the 2025 Large Chamber of the Year Award from IACCE is a wonderful acknowledgment of the accomplishments of this past year. One year ago today, we launched our rebrand and invited our members to join us in our best year yet. Our members propel our work, and it is because of their dedication that our team can celebrate this award and continue working for the betterment of Greater Peoria’s business community,” Linder-Gallo said.
This year’s luncheon also featured a new interactive art installation highlighting the evolution of Peoria’s business community from past to present. The exhibition invited attendees to share how they plan to shape the region’s business future.
Those interested in learning more about the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce can visit www.peoriachamber.org. The community is also encouraged to engage with the Chamber on Facebook (@PeoriaChamber) and LinkedIn (Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce).
Media Contact:
Savana Nelson
VP of Marketing & Member Relations
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The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization representing more than 900 companies in the Peoria region. The Chamber’s mission is to serve as the leading voice and resource for local businesses. It advocates for a vibrant business community and works to foster a strong, competitive business climate throughout the Peoria metropolitan area.