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The Central Illinois Section of the Mercedes Benz Club of America was founded in July 1985. Paul Cochran, a local business man who owned PiP Printing - which is still in business on Allen Road near Autohaus of Peoria, invited Mercedes Benz enthusiasts to a meeting at the Ramada Inn to initiate conversation about starting a Mercedes Benz Club in Central Illinois. Paul Cochran was the first president and remained active until his health failed and was fondly known as the Father of the Mercedes Benz Club. The license plate on his Mercedes was “Pip Pop”.

Sponsored initially by Mid-Town Imports in Pekin, sponsoring dealerships throughout the years have included Suds and now Autohaus of Peoria, our current Peoria dealership. The Central Illinois Section has mainly been a social group enjoying technical sessions, driving events, theater and dinner events. But with new leadership brings new interests - and the current Leadership Team, made up of a dedicated group of Section Officers and Board Members are introducing the Section to local car shows as well as Regional and National events.

Today the Central Illinois Section boasts a membership roster of over 80 members. Geographically the Central Illinois Section covers a vast territory. Spreading out from the center of Illinois to the Chicago suburbs in the east. Stretching north to LaSalle/Peru, west to Moline/Rock Island and the Iowa state line and then as far south as the State Capital, Springfield.

Our Leadership Team is working hard to plan events that will be of interest to everyone and to spread these events throughout the year. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the Section, planned events or ideas for future Section events.