Wednesday, October 1, 2025
YouTube is the second-largest search engine—and it’s now feeding AI tools directly. Learn how to create trust-building, searchable video content that boosts authority, leads, and visibility.What You’ll Learn:
- How AI pulls video content into search results and overviews
- The structure of a trust-rich YouTube channel
- Smart topics and titles that support visibility and authority
- Easy repurposing workflows for long-form and shorts
- How to tie video into your SEO and visibility system
Built for:
• Business owners, educators, and marketers who want to expand visibility using AI-optimized video content on YouTube
Presented by: Maria Elena Duron, Championing the mission "Helping businesses GET FOUND," Maria Elena Duron has helped over 12,400 small businesses grow with Google by simplifying digital marketing, search visibility, and AI-powered strategies. Recognized by the Texas Governor’s Office and commissioned by the Grow with Google Program, she is an industry leader in SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and online visibility strategies.
Maria Elena doesn’t just teach theory—she delivers practical, actionable training designed to help businesses stand out in search, connect with the right customers, and turn visibility into revenue. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business, a service provider, or an online brand, Maria Elena ensures that your marketing works smarter, not harder.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
What is #GIRLSDAY? Started by Marie Morris, #GIRLSDAY strives to build a community where individuals feel safe to be who they truly are, embracing the good, the bad and the ugly. #GIRLSDAY raises funds for the Center for Prevention of Abuse, which provides 100% free and confidential services to help all people live free from violence and abuse. It’s not easy to talk about abuse, assault, violence, and harassment. The conversations can feel uncomfortable because it never seems like the right time to discuss it. That’s why the Center for Prevention of Abuse is here. To help survivors. To build a safe community. To start the conversation.
Join a community of friends and supporters as we honor the resilience of survivors, learn about available resources and how to offer unconditional and nonjudgmental support and understand what you can do to help. Enjoy fun, hands-on activities, delicious food and camaraderie. Make connections and take part in a #GIRLSDAY with old and new friends.
Monday, October 6, 2025
We are hosting a Blood Drive. Join us on October 6 to make a life-saving donation. Your contribution can potentially save up to three lives. Please click the link below to schedule your appointment. https:tinyurl.com/ys6wdxtu
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
This training provides ecommerce businesses with the strategies and tools to increase revenue and expand their reach. Topics covered include website optimization, effective marketing campaigns, social media engagement, customer service and retention, and data analytics. This training is designed to help ecommerce businesses thrive and succeed in a competitive online marketplace.Presented by: Maria Elena Duron, Championing the mission "Helping businesses GET FOUND," Maria Elena Duron has helped over 12,400 small businesses grow with Google by simplifying digital marketing, search visibility, and AI-powered strategies. Recognized by the Texas Governor’s Office and commissioned by the Grow with Google Program, she is an industry leader in SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and online visibility strategies.
Maria Elena doesn’t just teach theory—she delivers practical, actionable training designed to help businesses stand out in search, connect with the right customers, and turn visibility into revenue. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business, a service provider, or an online brand, Maria Elena ensures that your marketing works smarter, not harder.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
This workshop is for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn all the components of how to start a successful business in Illinois. Get a realistic view of the requirements to start a business and the resources available to support your new venture. While attending this no cost 2-hour workshop, you will learn how to get your business name registered, where to obtain a tax ID number, which legal form to choose, business planning, taxes, financing options and much more. After attending the workshop, our team of certified business advisors are available to work with you, one-on-one, to navigate the process and help you succeed! This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University and co-sponsored by Morton Community Bank. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email.Thursday, October 16, 2025
Tariffs, tariffs and more international tariffs! If you are getting confused, don’t worry. The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship is pleased to host a 30-minute webinar covering the basics of international trade tariffs, how to find the tariffs, and what you can do to lower your tariffs. We will review both U.S. import tariffs and tariffs applied by other countries to U.S. exports.TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: In this fast-paced 30-minute webinar, we’ll cover:
Understanding the four types of U.S. import tariffs.
Where to find U.S. import tariff rates.
Understanding tariffs applied to U.S. exports and where to find the current rates.
Steps you can take to lower tariffs on imports or exports.
Resources to support making smart tariff decisions.
Q&A: The presenter will be available after the presentation at 12:30 pm for Q&A from the participants.
OUR SPEAKER/s:
Name,
James Foley
Bradley University
Jim Foley is the director of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University. He is also the Director of International Programs for the Foster College of Business and the Director of Business and Nonprofit Partnerships for the university.
Mr. Foley is a frequent speaker on international trade issues and teaches International Business courses at Bradley University. Mr. Foley is the author of The Global Entrepreneur 4th Edition, which discusses techniques to expand exports. He is also the co-author of the eleventh edition of International Marketing by Vern Terspstra. Jim has received numerous recognitions, including the Illinois Governor’s Export Award, the IATTO Lifetime Achievement Award, and the John Otis Lifetime Achievement Award, Nasbite International’s highest recognition. In 2009, Bradley’s International Trade Center was awarded the President of the United States’ E Award. Jim serves as a member of the Illinois District Export Council. Prior to joining the trade center, Mr. Foley worked in the computer industry, living in Los Angeles and London. He has an MBA from the London Business School at the University of London and a B.A. from Knox College.
Outside cosponsors: i.e. GPEDC, FTZ #114, MBDC, SCORE, Hispanic Chamber, Peoria Chamber
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics celebrate businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to ethics and integrity in all their business interactions. The program not only emphasizes the importance of building trust but also recognizes the efforts of outstanding organizations in contributing to an honorable marketplace.Friday, October 17, 2025
Join us for a Fish Fry dinner benefiting Carol House of Hope. The dinner includes fish, fries, coleslaw and dessert. A kids meal of hot dog, fries and dessert is also available. The event includes dinner, dessert, raffle baskets and live music! Purchase your tickets online today or get your tickets at the door.
For additional questions please contact marketing@centerforpreventionofabuse.org.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Come on down to your local DQ Friday Nights this football season for some great deals! Come make a memory!Valid at participating locations!
Peoria, East Peoria, Bartonville, Creve Coeur, Morton Dairy Queen locations!
$1 Dilly Bars, $2 Soft Pretzels, $3 Small Blizzards
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Please join the Endeavor Team at Oaklawn Estates for a walk through of brand new single & double wide homes!. You will learn about the many financing options, enjoy light refreshments, spin the prize wheel, and learn about October Specials. Stop by the Oaklawn Office to begin the tour.Sunday, October 19, 2025
Bring your crew & make a memory at your local DQ! Seasonal Treat - Spooky Sundaes! For one day only, you can come make your own Spooky Sundae! Includes 1 syringe of strawberry, candy eyeballs & spooky sprinkles! Thanks, neighbors!Cost - $5.84 + tax.
No registration necessary, just come on in & start at the front counter! Let them know you're here for the Spooky Sundae event & they will get you set up!
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.
What You’ll Learn:
Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Content Creation
Week 2: Copilot + Microsoft Designer – Visuals & Graphics
Week 3: Copilot + Excel – Data Entry & Analysis
Week 4: Copilot + Excel & PowerPoint – Reports & Presentations
Week 5: Copilot Studio – Creating Your First Agent
Week 6: Copilot Studio – Building Smart Workflows for Repetitive Tasks
Course Format & Flexibility:
Classes on Tuesdays from 4- 5:30pm starting Oct. 21 - Dec. 2 (no class Nov. 25)
Hybrid: Attend in person at Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center | 1130, live via Zoom, or watch the weekly recordings
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Being found online is no longer just about keywords. It’s about showing up everywhere AI looks. This session walks you through the visibility layers that matter now—and how to build a presence that sticks.What You’ll Learn:
- Where AI search pulls from and how to be listed, ranked, and cited
- The role of Google, directories, and structured content in modern search
- How to build authority across your digital footprint
- What makes your profile and site “AI-citable”
- Visibility audits and quick wins for multi-platform search
Built for:
• Experts, consultants, and local businesses ready to optimize for human search, machine learning, and future-facing platforms
Presented by: Maria Elena Duron, Championing the mission "Helping businesses GET FOUND," Maria Elena Duron has helped over 12,400 small businesses grow with Google by simplifying digital marketing, search visibility, and AI-powered strategies. Recognized by the Texas Governor’s Office and commissioned by the Grow with Google Program, she is an industry leader in SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and online visibility strategies.
Maria Elena doesn’t just teach theory—she delivers practical, actionable training designed to help businesses stand out in search, connect with the right customers, and turn visibility into revenue. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business, a service provider, or an online brand, Maria Elena ensures that your marketing works smarter, not harder.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
In this powerful and practical keynote, Maria Elena Duron shares the personal story of the opportunity she missed - the chance to buy into eBay at $1/share - and uses it to deliver a critical message: we’re standing at the edge of the next eBay moment... and this time, it’s AI.But unlike AI keynotes that focus on tech jargon or speculative futures, this talk is rooted in real transformation: helping business leaders, service providers, and entrepreneurs understand AI as the new operating system for visibility, trust, and authority.
What the Audience Will Walk Away With:
- Why AI is becoming the new OS for how people (and machines) search, choose, and trust.
- What the real risk of doing nothing looks like (hint: invisibility).
- The 3 practical moves every business leader must make to become unmissable in the age of AI.
- How to simplify and align your business with how AI sees and recommends.
Presented by: Maria Elena Duron, Championing the mission "Helping businesses GET FOUND," Maria Elena Duron has helped over 12,400 small businesses grow with Google by simplifying digital marketing, search visibility, and AI-powered strategies. Recognized by the Texas Governor’s Office and commissioned by the Grow with Google Program, she is an industry leader in SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and online visibility strategies.
Maria Elena doesn’t just teach theory—she delivers practical, actionable training designed to help businesses stand out in search, connect with the right customers, and turn visibility into revenue. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business, a service provider, or an online brand, Maria Elena ensures that your marketing works smarter, not harder.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Come on down to your local DQ Friday Nights this football season for some great deals! Come make a memory!Valid at participating locations!
Peoria, East Peoria, Bartonville, Creve Coeur, Morton Dairy Queen locations!
$1 Dilly Bars, $2 Soft Pretzels, $3 Small Blizzards!
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Come in this Saturday from 9 to 3 come to Morton VFW for your third annual flea market. There will be one more after this one on November 22nd. It’s time to clean out your garage and get all that ball things done that you need to make room for coming from the holidays. Come check out all our vendors.Saturday, October 25, 2025
🧛♂️🧙🥷👻👻🎃 Bring the whole family and join us for a magical evening of community fun that will uplift and inspire! Kids and families are invited to come in costume, enjoy decorated trunks, collect treats. This event is free and open to the community—everyone is welcome. 👻 Don’t forget your costume and your candy bag!Saturday, October 25, 2025
🧛♂️🧙🥷👻👻🎃 Bring the whole family and join us for a magical evening of community fun that will uplift and inspire! Kids and families are invited to come in costume, enjoy decorated trunks, collect treats. This event is free and open to the community—everyone is welcome. 👻 Don’t forget your costume and your candy bag!Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish.In this session we’ll show you how to:
- Create or claim your Google Business Profile.
- Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps.
- Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers.
Presented by: Maria Elena Duron, Championing the mission "Helping businesses GET FOUND," Maria Elena Duron has helped over 12,400 small businesses grow with Google by simplifying digital marketing, search visibility, and AI-powered strategies. Recognized by the Texas Governor’s Office and commissioned by the Grow with Google Program, she is an industry leader in SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and online visibility strategies.
Maria Elena doesn’t just teach theory—she delivers practical, actionable training designed to help businesses stand out in search, connect with the right customers, and turn visibility into revenue. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business, a service provider, or an online brand, Maria Elena ensures that your marketing works smarter, not harder.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Are you confident you truly understand how credit card payments work for your business? From the moment a customer swipes their card (or enters it online) to the moment the funds reach your bank, there are multiple players, costs, and compliance rules at work. For many small business owners, this process can feel confusing, overwhelming, and expensive.This workshop is designed to demystify payment processing and empower you to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first payment solution, or an established business searching for better pricing and smoother operations, this session will give you the knowledge you need to manage transactions confidently and cost-effectively.
What You’ll Learn:
The lifecycle of a payment: from swipe to settlement
Card-present vs. card-not-present transactions
Best pricing options and how to avoid hidden fees
POS tools, demos, and what to look for in equipment
Free merchant statement analysis to spot savings
Best practices and pitfalls to avoid in payment processing
By the end of this one-hour session, you’ll have a complete picture of how payment processing works and what steps you can take to save money, improve efficiency, and protect your business. You’ll also receive a handy resource handout, Payment Processing for Small Business, to keep as a reference guide.
Take the mystery out of credit card transactions and leave with practical tools you can apply right away. Payment processing doesn’t have to be confusing—it can be a strategic advantage for your business. for your payment system, cut costs, and run transactions with confidence. Take the mystery out of credit card processing and turn it into a strategic advantage for your business.
Our Speaker: Justin Sawier is the President of Electronic Commerce Payments, based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Justin was educated in Ireland where he obtained a Degree in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Justin comes with a wealth of international experience in the financial services sector, where he worked for America’s top-tier banks – Bank of America and PNC Bank – in the Business banking division for over 10 years specializing in Payments for Businesses. Justin was born in Dublin, Ireland, and opened up his own payments business to deliver a 5-star customer experience and deliver outstanding products and pricing to compete with America’s top-tier banks.
This will be a hybrid event, you can attend in-person at Bradley campus or via Zoom.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Come on down to your local DQ Friday Nights this football season for some great deals! Come make a memory!Valid at participating locations!
Peoria, East Peoria, Bartonville, Creve Coeur, Morton Dairy Queen locations!
$1 Dilly Bars, $2 Soft Pretzels, $3 Small Blizzards!