Downtown Pekin: Open for Business

The Pekin Main Street board would like to attract more businesses to the downtown, so they’re calling on building owners who have vacancies to participate in an open house later this month. The event is designed to show prospective business owners the benefits of operating a business in downtown Pekin, which is becoming a destination to eat, shop and play with new restaurants, businesses and waypoint signage.

A variety of resources will be available for those interested in taking the next step toward business ownership. “We plan to have bankers in attendance discussing loan options, City of Pekin officials to discuss code requirements, builders on construction build-out and more,” explains Pekin Main Street board president Baylee Gambetti. “We want to make it easy for them to consider opening a business.”

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will serve as a resource hub for the event and provide a map of properties available to view. Gambetti is urging businesses in the area to extend their hours, offer specials or host special events that evening. The downtown open house runs from 4 to 7pm on September 26. Business owners interested in hosting visitors should email bayleegambetti@gmail.com or call (309) 241-7700. PM