BizPac of Central Illinois

03/17/2026

Today is election day! Vote for Doug Shannon and Andres Diaz for Peoria Public School Board! Bring your family and encourage some friends!

03/16/2026

BizPAC is proud to endorse Doug Shannon and Andres Diaz for Peoria Public School Board. This is a very important election for the future of Peoria! Please vote for Doug Shannon and Andres Diaz!

Prominent local politicians and businessmen have waded into the Peoria school board races, contributing endorsements and money. Here's a closer look.

03/02/2026

02/27/2026

Vote Doug Shannon for Peoria Public School Board, District 3!

02/27/2026

Proud to endorse Andy Diaz for District 2, Peoria Public School Board!

02/18/2026

BizPAC Endorses Andres Diaz and Doug Shannon for Peoria Public School Board

(Peoria, IL, February 17, 2026) – The Business PAC of Central Illinois (BizPAC) proudly endorses Andres Diaz (District 2) and Doug Shannon (District 3) for the Peoria Public School Board. BizPAC is a non-partisan group of Central Illinois business leaders committed to improving opportunities and outcomes for citizens and businesses in Greater Peoria.

Andres Diaz, a respected local business and community leader — and father of current PPS students — has made a lasting impact in his North Valley neighborhood through grassroots efforts and dedicated advocacy. “Andres is known for speaking up when it matters and getting things done,” said Sean Garrett, current BizPAC President. “He’s a team builder, solution-oriented, and driven by a genuine desire to serve his community.”

Doug Shannon, a Peoria small business owner and father of two PPS students, brings valuable financial expertise and a strong record of community involvement. A regular presence at School Board meetings and a dedicated substitute teacher, Shannon has demonstrated his commitment to Peoria’s students and teachers by gaining firsthand experience in the classroom.

“Doug’s financial insight is impressive, but what stands out most is his dedication to students,” said BizPAC President Garrett. “He’s deeply engaged, understands the challenges from multiple perspectives, and is passionate about finding real solutions to boost student achievement.”

Peoria Public Schools are central to our community’s future, and the business sector is deeply invested in helping students achieve success. BizPAC believes Diaz and Shannon will be effective, professional advocates for students and families.

All Peoria Public School Board candidates were invited to participate in BizPAC’s endorsement process, which included written questionnaires and in-person interviews.

BizPAC gives its full endorsement to Andres Diaz and Doug Shannon for the Peoria Public School Board. Election Day is March 17, 2026.

About Business PAC of Central Illinois
The BizPAC of Central Illinois is a political action committee organized to promote and support candidates who pursue growth policies and practices. Its Board of Directors is comprised of local business owners and managers who volunteer their time to meet with candidates and advocate on behalf of the business community. For additional information on the Business PAC of Central Illinois visit www.businesspacofcentralillinois.com.

02/11/2026

Today BizPAC interviewed candidates for Peoria Public School Board. We were grateful to the candidates that spent the time to answer our questionnaire and come in for an in person interview to discuss how to improve the student and community outcomes.

Thank you to David Daye (District 2 candidate), Andres Diaz (District 2 candidate), and Doug Shannon (District 3 candidate). It was great to hear their plans.

Sarah Howard (District 3 candidate) elected not to participate.

We will be making endorsements soon!

04/01/2025

Today is election day! The BizPAC has endorsed the following pro-business, pro-jobs candidates in the City of Peoria: John Kelly for Mayor, James Kemper District 1, Alex Carmona District 2, Jamie Messmore District 4, and Denis Cyr District 5.

03/27/2025

The BizPAC proudly endorses Denis Cyr 5th District of Peoria for 5th District. He has been a tremendous advocate for small business and was previously recognized as BizPAC's Business Champion of the Year for having such a strong pro-business voting record. It is imperative that we keep Denis on the Council. Vote Denis Cyr for 5th District!

Incumbent city councilman Denis Cyr is defending his seat against retired Caterpillar scientist Hind Abi-Akar in Peoria's 5th District.

03/06/2025

BIZPAC ENDORSES ALEX CARMONA
PEORIA CITY COUNCIL’S 2ND DISTRICT SEAT

(Peoria, IL, March 6, 2025) – The Business PAC of Central Illinois (BizPAC) is proud to endorse Alex Carmona for the 2nd District seat on the Peoria City Council. BizPAC is a diverse, non-partisan organization of Central Illinois business leaders dedicated to making Peoria more business-friendly and fostering job growth in our community.

Alex Carmona is a strong advocate for economic growth and job creation. He is committed to ensuring small businesses have a voice on the City Council and will work tirelessly to support their success. This endorsement follows a thorough evaluation of all District 2 candidates, including their responses to BizPAC’s questionnaire and in-person interviews.

“Alex Carmona will bring a fresh perspective and creative problem-solving skills to the City Council,” said BizPAC President Sean Garrett. “He understands that businesses need strong core services and a competitive tax environment. As a father of young children, Alex is also invested in Peoria’s long-term future—working to create a city where his kids and others can build their careers and raise families. His innovative thinking and artistic background will add a valuable new dimension to the Council.”

As a successful artist with an international following, Alex has demonstrated expertise in marketing and finding unique opportunities— skills that Peoria needs to attract businesses and residents. Having relocated his family from the thriving Denver area to Peoria, Alex recognizes the city’s tremendous potential. His firsthand experience in recruiting other families to Peoria makes him an asset in positioning the city as a prime destination for both people and businesses.

Peoria has significant strengths, but it needs a fresh approach in promoting itself. Alex Carmona is the right leader to help the City Council identify and seize new opportunities to drive job growth and economic prosperity.

BizPAC is confident that Alex Carmona will be a dynamic and effective advocate for Peoria’s business community, and we proudly support his campaign for City Council.

Thank you,

BizPAC of Central Illinois

About Business PAC of Central Illinois
The BizPAC of Central Illinois is a political action committee organized to promote and support candidates who pursue growth policies and practices. Its Board of Directors is comprised of local business owners and managers who volunteer their time to meet with candidates and advocate on behalf of the business community. For additional information on the Business PAC of Central Illinois visit businesspacofcentralillinois.com.

02/25/2025

Don't forget to vote today! BizPAC has endorsed John Kelly for Mayor. BizPAC will also be evaluating an endorsement after the primary between two great pro-business candidates running in District 2. We encourage voters from District 2 to do their own research on these two pro-business candidates: Alex Carmona and Krista Wresinski. Your vote matters!