WHAT IS THE PIA?

Many have asked “What is the PIA?”  We would like to share what the organization is about, what it has done for the Pecatonica community and what it is currently working on.

The Pecatonica Improvement Association (PIA) is a not-for-profit organization established on September 20, 1984 and serves Pecatonica in much the same way as a Chamber of Commerce.  The PIA MISSION STATEMENT reads: To promote the collective and individual property and civic interest and rights of all persons, firms and corporations owning property in the Pecatonica area; Promote and support Pecatonica, encourage growth, visitors and the quality of life. 

Membership in PIA is open to individuals, groups, church and civic organizations and business owners. The annual dues are: $25 for an individual, $50 for a business (or 2 years for $90), and $100 for a sustaining membership.  Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 AM in the Pecatonica Village Hall and are open to the public.

Here are examples of events and projects the PIA has done:

Signs and Promotion  

ü     Originated and gathered information for the Pecatonica Directory now published by the Gazette.

ü     Erected (and recently refurbished) the redwood “WELCOME” sign located in front of the Middle School.

ü     Placed the “DOWNTOWN” Pecatonica sign for patrons to see as they exit the Winnebago County Fairgrounds.

ü     Initiated and erected the large aluminized signs:

o        “VISIT PECATONICA” on the old wagon on Hwy 20 east of Pecatonica corners.

o        “SHOP DOWNTOWN PEC” located on the Pecatonica Equine Center property.

ü     Refurbished the “Oshkosh” ghost sign on the building at the corner of 4^th & Main.

ü     Promoted and advertised Pecatonica on TV.

ü     Advertised in local papers to support local businesses.

ü     Offered group Insurance rated to members.

ü     Offered the “Uni-Gift Certificate” for purchases at Pecatonica merchants.

ü     Recognized new business ground breaking with a “gold shovel”.

ü     Recognized business remodeling with a “gold hammer”.

Community Involvement  

ü      Hosted Auction to raise funds for PIA work.

ü      Donations to Pecatonica Public Schools

ü      Held a contest to design, manufacture and sell the Pecatonica Flag as a scout project.

ü      Designed and sold Pecatonica commemorative Christmas ornaments (6 years).

ü      Participated in Memorial Day parades.

ü      Created and sponsored “Dash for Trash” along with the Pecatonica FFA.

ü      Sponsored several community festivals:  “Warm and Fuzzie” in Feb., Autumn Harvest, Mid-Summer Madness, Hometown Christmas Walk, Crooked River Days.

ü      Recognized over 15 new or renovated “Home Improvement Award” winners.

ü      Hosted Historic Christmas Home Tours, Teas, Luminary, Wagon Rides, Living Nativity, and business open houses.

ü      Hosted “Community Recognition Dinners”, featuring popular speakers, for nominated leaders and volunteers in several categories.

ü      Continues the annual Pecatonica promotional display of community photos at the Winnebago County Fair.

Main Street

ü      Member of the National Historic Trust Main Street Program.

ü      Created displays for vacant Downtown stores.

ü      Provided Memorial benches.

ü      Purchased granite Trash containers.

ü      Purchased granite Flower planters

ü      Annually plant flower barrels with the help of the Pecatonica Garden Club.

ü      Annually put Christmas decorations in the flower barrels.

ü      Maintain and put up Christmas Wreaths on light poles.

ü      Put original streetscape outline of lights on business district buildings.

ü      Purchased and displayed “Welcome to Pecatonica” street banners on light poles.

ü      Developed the Memorial Clock Corner at 4^th and Main Street; put in plantings, clock, Deans Memorial Rock, lamps, water fountain.

ü      Raised money for the renovation of downtown sidewalks by selling memorial lamps and bricks.

ü      Initiated the “Welcome Center” in cooperation with the Pecatonica Heritage Museum (now located in the Village Hall)

New activity

ü      Hosting the second “Peeketolika Festival”

ü      Adding more, and replacing damaged, bricks at the corner of 3^rd and Main.

The PIA encourages everyone, and especially local businesses and organizations, to join the PIA, or renew their membership, so we can develop new opportunities to enhance and promote our community.  An active community is an involved community and a vibrant community is an active community, so please get involved and be a part of the fun.