03 Feb 2014

Quad-Cities Angle on Top National Automotive Story

By Mark McLaughlin
The move toward using aluminum in vehicles has become a hot topic in media outlets across the country:

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE:
"Ford says redesigned F-150 pickup body cheaper, easier to repair"

THE NEW YORK TIMES:
"The F-150's Aluminum Diet"
THE NEW YORK TIMES:
"Wheelies: The Calling All Aluminum F-150 Mechanics Edition"
TRIBLIVE NEWS:
"U.S. Steel, Alcoa compete as Ford pickup shifts from steel to aluminum"
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/5429575-74/aluminum-steel-ford#axzz2s1E26E00
Rob Woodall, Director of Manufacturing at Alcoa's Davenport Works, will be discussing this topic at a Think Tank session to be held 6 to 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 6 at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, IA. He will tell how this exciting new direction for the automotive industry could yield major benefits for the IA/IL Quad-Cities area. Think Tank is a new division of Results Marketing in Bettendorf, Iowa. The news release below tells more about this Thursday's session.
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - According to Rob Woodall, Director of Manufacturing at Alcoa's Davenport Works, the automotive industry will soon be taking an exciting new direction that could yield major benefits for the Quad-Cities area. Woodall will be discussing this topic at a Think Tank session to be held Feb. 6. Think Tank is a new division of Results Marketing in Bettendorf, Iowa.

"The goal of the Think Tank is to provide a forum for the Quad-City area's most compelling thinkers and doers," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "We are proud to have Rob Woodall as our first presenter and look forward to learning about his highly important topic." Results Marketing is also the creator of the Idea Lab, a progressive discussion group, and is the hosting sponsor of Leadercast in the Quad-Cities area.
The Think Tank session will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 6 at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf, Iowa. Cost of the session is $20 and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
"The Rivermont campus used to be the estate of Bettendorf's namesake, inventor William Bettendorf," Ashby said. "He was the creative force behind the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Co. and a key figure in the history of transportation in the Midwest, so it is especially fitting that Woodall's revolutionary message will be delivered on the Bettendorf family's former property."

This Think Tank session will be hosted by Scott Naumann, who served as host/emcee at Leadercast 2013. The presenting sponsor for this event is Dahl Ford, and the stage setting is provided by Abbey Carpet Gallery.
The Benefits of Aluminum

"The use of aluminum by the automotive industry is going to nearly double in the next decade," said Woodall, "and we are now at the threshold of the implementation of that plan. Some car and truck makers will be switching to aluminum because it will decrease the weight of vehicles while improving their fuel efficiency, safety, durability and performance."

Signs of the switchover to aluminum are already emerging in the automotive industry. For example, Ford recently announced it is converting its most popular truck to an aluminum intensive vehicle. Also, Alcoa has just completed a $300 million project here in the Quad Cities to make aluminum sheet for the auto industry.

At Woodall's presentation, he will discuss the many benefits of aluminum, and tell why this development will have positive ramifications in the Quad-Cities. "The switchover to aluminum will not be immediate," he said, "nor will it include all vehicles by all makers. But a major step-up in the process is on the horizon, and Alcoa stands ready to meet the demand. That step-up will bring welcome business growth to the Quad-Cities area."
To find out more or to register, call Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065 or email  Marcia@resultsimc.com. You can also follow the Think Tank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThinkTankQC.
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28 Jan 2014

Robots Coming to QC - To Help Kids Learn While Having Fun

By Mark McLaughlin

Boys and Girls Clubs to Receive LEGO® Mindstorms® Sets at Iowa and Illinois Presentations

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - On Wed., Jan. 29, 2014, in presentations on both sides of the river, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) will receive LEGO® Mindstorms® sets, which contain the essentials for designing and building robots. Young people who are BGCMV members will be able to use these sets during after-school hours at the Davenport and Moline Clubs.
"The Mindstorms® sets are being donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs by employees representing John Deere and Case New Holland (CNH), and we thank them for their incredible generosity," said Tim Tolliver, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley.

The sets are being presented through an initiative of National Instruments, a provider of test, measurement, and embedded systems for engineers and scientists, and the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the Council works with business, policy and education leaders from across the state to better position Iowa's young people and the state's economy for future success.

The presentations will be held at two locations on Wed., January 29, 2014. The public is welcome to attend both events:
From 2 - 2:30 p.m., a Mindstorms® set will be presented by a CNH representative to the Davenport Club, located at the First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Davenport, IA. Presenters will include Tim Tolliver; Tylor Svitak, CNH; Kristine Bullock, SE Iowa STEM Manager; and Liz Zimmerman, Program Director of the Davenport Boys & Girls Club.
From 3:30 - 4 p.m., a second Mindstorms® set will be presented by a John Deere representative to the Moline Club, located at 406 7th St., Moline, IL. Presenters will include Tim Tolliver; Kristen Schaeffer, John Deere; Kristine Bullock, SE Iowa STEM Manager; and Liz Zimmerman.
Since its introduction in 1998, the LEGO® Mindstorms® build-and-program robotics tool set has become the best-selling product in the LEGO Group's history.
Case New Holland is a maker of agricultural and construction equipment, while John Deere manufactures agricultural, construction and forestry equipment. Both companies operate on a global level and have a strong presence in the American Midwest.
Learning By Doing
"The LEGO® Mindstorms® sets are already extremely popular, and their popularity is bound to increase even more, with new movies like RoboCop and The LEGO Movie coming up," Tolliver said. "Our kids will have a lot of fun building these robots. Plus, they will gain self-confidence and valuable skills. That is why CNH and John Deere are providing kids with these sets: to help them to develop the skills that will make them the engineers of the future. We are especially pleased that Tyler Svitak and Kristen Schaffer chose to make these LEGO kits available to our club kids."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, as a chartered member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Federal law.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, please call (309) 757-5777 or visit www.bgcmv.org. 
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22 Jan 2014

Presentation Explores Passion, Purpose, and Time Management

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - "Life is an exhilarating journey. It is exciting to make new discoveries as we move forward and find new passions or re-discover passions we once had. But what is passion?"

That statement, with its compelling question, comes from Bill Davis, an instructor in Ashford University's Forbes School of Business. Davis will discuss the role of passion in life in his presentation, Passion, Purpose, and Time Management, hosted by the Idea Lab, a division of Results Marketing. The Idea Lab is dedicated to providing the Quad Cities area with unique learning opportunities.
Passion, Purpose, and Time Management will be held as a Lunch and Learn presentation from 12 to 1 p.m., Jan. 31, at the St. Ambrose Professional Development Center in the New Ventures Center, 331 W. Third St., Davenport, IA. Admission is $15 and the event will include a Chick-fil-A meal.
"Bill will tell how passion ties in with purpose and time management, creating the perfect environment for success to thrive," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "He has written on why passion is an important factor in reaching one's goals, and we are proud to offer his inspiring presentation as our first Idea Lab Lunch and Learn of 2014."
For more information or to register, please call Marcia Brandt at 563-322-2065 or email  Marcia@resultsimc.com. Feel free to follow the Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Idealabqc.
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20 Jan 2014

New Direction for Automotive Industry to Be Discussed at Think Tank Session

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - According to Rob Woodall, Director of Manufacturing at Alcoa's Davenport Works, the automotive industry will soon be taking an exciting new direction that could yield major benefits for the Quad-Cities area. Woodall will be discussing this topic at a Think Tank session to be held Feb. 6. Think Tank is a new division of Results Marketing in Bettendorf, Iowa.

"The goal of the Think Tank is to provide a forum for the Quad-City area's most compelling thinkers and doers," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "We are proud to have Rob Woodall as our first presenter and look forward to learning about his highly important topic." Results Marketing is also the creator of the Idea Lab, a progressive discussion group, and is the hosting sponsor of Leadercast in the Quad-Cities area.
The Think Tank session will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 6 at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf, Iowa. Cost of the session is $20 and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
"The Rivermont campus used to be the estate of Bettendorf's namesake, inventor William Bettendorf," Ashby said. "He was the creative force behind the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Co. and a key figure in the history of transportation in the Midwest, so it is especially fitting that Woodall's revolutionary message will be delivered on the Bettendorf family's former property."
The Benefits of Aluminum

"The use of aluminum by the automotive industry is going to nearly double in the next decade," said Woodall, "and we are now at the threshold of the implementation of that plan. Some car and truck makers will be switching to aluminum because it will decrease the weight of vehicles while improving their fuel efficiency, safety, durability and performance."

Signs of the switchover to aluminum are already emerging in the automotive industry. For example, Ford recently announced it is converting its most popular truck to an aluminum intensive vehicle. Also, Alcoa has just completed a $300 million project here in the Quad Cities to make aluminum sheet for the auto industry.

At Woodall's presentation, he will discuss the many benefits of aluminum, and tell why this development will have positive ramifications in the Quad-Cities. "The switchover to aluminum will not be immediate," he said, "nor will it include all vehicles by all makers. But a major step-up in the process is on the horizon, and Alcoa stands ready to meet the demand. That step-up will bring welcome business growth to the Quad-Cities area."
To find out more or to register, call Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065 or email  Marcia@resultsimc.com. You can also follow the Think Tank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThinkTankQC.
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13 Jan 2014

Lunch and Learn Sessions Offer Leadership Insights

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - In February, March and April, Results Marketing and St. Ambrose University will offer Lunch and Learn Recap sessions covering vital leadership concepts, provided through videos of last year's Leadercast presentations.

"At the Lunch and Learn Recap sessions, empowering videos will be shown of the top 2013 Leadercast speakers, as determined by attendee survey results," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. Results Marketing is the hosting sponsor of Leadercast in the Quad-Cities area and St. Ambrose University is a presenting sponsor.
Leadercast Lunch and Learn Recap sessions will be held noon to 1 p.m. on February 7, March 7, and April 4, at the St. Ambrose University Downtown Education Center, located in the New Ventures Center at 331 W. 3rd Street, Davenport, IA 52801. Everyone at the Lunch and Learn events will have a chance to discuss the concepts being presented as they enjoy a delicious Chick-fil-A lunch.
Leadercast is a day-long annual leadership seminar held in Atlanta, Georgia, with simulcasts in key locations worldwide. Last year, nine acclaimed speakers shared their insights about leadership at Leadercast 2013. Results Marketing hosted the simulcast in the Quad-Cities, and has done so for the past four years. More than 200 Quad-Citians attended the simulcast, which was held at the iWireless Center in Moline.
"Past Leadercast attendees have told us that they enjoy reviewing and discussing the information," Ashby said. "At the Recap sessions, a St. Ambrose faculty member will lead the discussion. People who couldn't attend the 2013 event can also attend, if they'd like to find out more about Leadercast."
One Lunch and Learn session featuring best-selling author John Maxwell has already been held this year. Speakers for the remaining 2014 Leadercast Lunch and Learn Recap sessions will be:
February 7: Dr. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist, author and leadership consultant.
March 7: Andy Stanley, best-selling leadership author and communicator.
April 4: LCDR Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie, Act of Valor.

Cost of each Leadercast Lunch and Learn Recap session is $15 and includes a complimentary Chick-fil-A lunch.
"We invite Quad-Citians to join us on May 9 at Leadercast Quad Cities 2014," said Ashby. "This year's event will feature a fresh slate of speakers and new content for participants to enjoy."
To find out more or to register online, visit www.qcleadercast.com. To register by phone, call Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065. You can also send an email for more information to marcia@resultsimc.com. Feel free to keep in touch with Leadercast online at www.facebook.com/qcleadercast.
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16 Dec 2013

Boys & Girls Club Provides Vital Resources for Quad-Cities Young People

By Mark McLaughlin

Lagomarcino's Big Check to Boys & Girls Clubs

The Lagomarcino's Cocoa Beano 5K Hot Chocolate Run, held in Moline, raised $9,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley. 

IA/IL QUAD CITIES - Steve Howard, 52, is a single grandfather who has adopted and is raising his five grandchildren. He takes pride in his grandkids and encourages their interests. And like any good parent, he wants his children to be able to spend time with friends in a safe social setting. For Steve's kids, the Boys and Girls Club is a place that fills that vital role.
Steve's five grandchildren live with him in his Davenport home: four granddaughters, Fantayshia, 14; Eunesheah, 12; Timeah, 11; and Timeka, 10, and one grandson, Brandon, 13.
"I don't want the kids in the house more than I am, just watching TV," Steve said. "The Boys & Girls Club is a safe place with supervision where the kids can go right after school. When I'm at work, it's good to know they are at the Club, learning among their friends."
Steve Howard was born in Hannibal, Missouri, and raised in Peoria, Illinois. When circumstances made it necessary for the children to have a new home, Steve and his wife welcomed all five into their lives. When Steve and his wife divorced two years later, he continued to raise the children by himself. He has been doing it for ten years and along the way, he adopted them. "I've been raising the youngest since she was six months old," he said.
All five children are members of the Lutheran church. The oldest, Fantayshia, attended a National Lutheran Youth Convention this summer. All of Steve's children have their own unique interests. Eunesheah plays the clarinet and piano. Timeka plays violin and sings in the chorus. Timeah enjoys Lego Robotics and plays the trumpet. Fantayshia is in her school's Drama Club and Brandon is into basketball. "It's important that they pursue interests they like," Steve said. "They get good grades and their interests really keep them focused."
Steve's grandchildren have all attended the Boys & Girls Club's Davenport Club, located in the First Presbyterian Church on Iowa Street. Steve sees the Davenport Club as a valuable addition to their formal education. "The Club provides scheduled, organized activities," he said. "They can play games, work on the computers there, and even get help with their homework."
Steve noted that his family is only one of many in the community that benefit from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley. "I know a lot of the other families in the area whose children go to the Club," he said. "Most people don't realize how many families are helped by the Club. There are hundreds and they are all very grateful."
A Look Back at 2013
According to Tim Tolliver, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, 2013 was a busy year for their organization. "We maintain a regular schedule of fundraising events to help meet the needs of young people, like Steve Howard's kids and many others," Tim said.
Tim noted that the efforts of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley help many families having difficulty making ends meet. "Across the Quad-Cities, there are young people who don't always have enough to eat," he said. "Many have no one to greet them when they come home from school. Some have no idea what the future holds for them, so they turn to gangs or crime, hoping to find answers there. These young people need more options for their future. They need the support and guidance of the Boys & Girls Clubs."
This year's fundraising events started with the 2013 Golf Outing in July at Short Hills Country Club in East Moline. "The support of Group O and all our other sponsors make this year's event a real success," Tim said.
In September, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley held a ribbon-cutting for The Club, a new Teen Center located in the Floreciente neighborhood at 1122 5th Ave., Moline, and celebrated with two days of public events, including a Reception and a special Day for Kids. "The ribbon-cutting was a memorable event for the community and our organization," Tim said. "It represented the culmination of years of hard work and planning."
The Lagomarcino's Cocoa Beano 5K Hot Chocolate Run, held in Moline this October also proved successful, raising $9,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley. "We had an awesome course and sunny skies," Tim said, "as well as hot chocolate and Lago's famous Turtle candy at the finish line. A big 'Thank you!' goes to the Lagomarcino family for sponsoring several of our Club members who participated in their first 5K race through the 'Race For Great Futures' initiative. The money provided by Lagomarcino's is greatly appreciated."
At the 2013 Steak & Burger Dinner, held in November at the iWireless Center in Moline, key volunteers were recognized for the assistance they provide to the Boys & Girls Clubs. "We appreciate the time and skills our faithful volunteers provide," Tim said. "They make it possible for us to meet many of our objectives while staying within our budget."
Tim stated that the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley is deeply appreciative of the time, funds and support provided by the community. "We thank everyone for their help," Tim said, "and we hope the community will continue to remember the Boys & Girls Clubs as they consider their options for charitable giving this holiday season. The membership fees for the Davenport and Moline Clubs are $12 per year, and the fee for the Teen Center in Moline is $25 per year, but no child has ever been turned away because of a lack of funds. Also, those membership fees do not cover the majority of expenses. The actual cost of helping one child for a year is about $1,000. When you give to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, you are investing in the future of the Quad-Cities."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, as a chartered member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Federal law.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, please call (309) 757-5777 or visit www.bgcmv.org.
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14 Nov 2013

In the Workplace, A Smile May Not Be Enough

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - We've heard it for years: "Service with a smile!" It is a positive-attitude statement to which many members of the business community aspire without question.
However, that smile can quickly fade when one is faced with uncertainty in today's business climate. It's hard to smile and offer great customer service when you're overwhelmed. Attitude alone will not get the job done.

Shawn Langan and Jeno Berta, two highly successful Quad-City businessmen, understand that success in business takes more than just a smile. For lasting success, business owners and managers need systems to help their companies to run and grow. Together, Langan and Berta have developed a program entitled Systems, Not Just Smiles, which offers key insights on business systems they have developed throughout their careers.
The Idea Lab, a division of Results Marketing, will host a Lunch & Learn presentation of Systems, Not Just Smiles from 12 to 1 p.m., Nov. 22, at the New Ventures Center, 331 W. Third St., Davenport, IA. Admission is $15 and the event will include a catered Chick-fil-A meal. Pre-registration is required.
"The Idea Lab is dedicated to providing the Quad-Cities area with cutting-edge learning experiences," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "We've asked past event participants what kind of programs they wanted to see from us. Many expressed an interest in live events, so Systems, Not Just Smiles will be our first, with more to come."
About the Presenters
According to Langan and Berta, systems are simply a tool, not a cure-all. But when they are used effectively, stress is reduced, productivity increases, and skills are sharpened. Systems create a win-win situation for everyone involved. Business owners do not have to rush from crisis to crisis and can spend more time being leaders.
Shawn Langan has been in the retail flooring business for 30 years, starting as a teenager working for his father. He has been a store owner with the Carpetland brand and along with his wife, Janelle, owned GCO Flooring. He recently formed a strategic alliance with Floor Trader. Shawn is passionate about customer service, and believes every customer deserves it and any motivated salesperson can give it.
Jeno Berta is an attorney and a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a former prosecutor and has practiced law in the private sector. His military service includes active-duty time, both overseas and at stateside bases. Jeno believes everyone is a leader at some point in life. Leaders are not born, nor are they made: they are simply people who accept the responsibility of showing others how to achieve a goal.
For more information or to register for Systems, Not Just Smiles, contact Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065 or  Marcia@resultsimc.com. Attendees can select from a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich meal or a veggie-wrap meal. Feel free to befriend The Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/idealabqc.
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01 Nov 2013

The Idea Lab Presents: The Sociology of Success

By Mark McLaughlin

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - For the past four years, Results Marketing of Bettendorf, IA, St. Ambrose University and select sponsors have been bringing the annual Leadercast event to the Quad-Cities. Recently, Results Marketing expanded its leadership scope and branched out with a new division called The Idea Lab, which is now preparing for its second educational offering to the community.

"Leadership is our passion, as many Quad-Citians know from our involvement with Leadercast, and we started The Idea Lab because we wanted to provide the community with a wide spectrum of interactive, engaging learning experiences," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "The Idea Lab is a place to share thoughts, concepts, procedures, and success stories. We invite the community to join us on this ongoing educational initiative."
The Idea Lab has completed the first course of an ongoing educational offering called Krypton Community College, a free online/offline project based on a simple idea: We learn better when we do it together. Every four weeks, Krypton Community College presents a different course, based around the work of an acclaimed author / teacher / scholar / speaker - someone with something to say and a track record doing it. The first course, No. 001, was based on the works of acclaimed leadership expert Seth Godin.
From noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 5, The Idea Lab will present the first session of four-week course No. 002 of Krypton Community College. "We are happy to announce that the second course, The Sociology of Success, comes from the works of Malcolm Gladwell," Ashby said. "This course draws from Malcolm's writings about how the society we build influences who we become, the heroes that lead us, and the choices we make."
Like the first course, course No. 002 will be held at the historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion on the Rivermont Collegiate campus, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf, IA. "What a unique opportunity this is, for adults to be able to gather and learn in a space where intellect, character and creativity are normally fostered in children," Ashby said.
The course is held at lunchtime, so The Idea Lab makes group arrangements for those who wish to order lunch. Lunch is catered by Chick-fil-A, and attendees can pick from either a chicken sandwich meal or a veggie-wrap meal. The cost for the lunch is $10 per person per session.
About Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell searches for the counterintuitive in what others take to be the mundane. According to Gladwell, "There is more going on beneath the surface than we think, and more going on in little, finite moments of time than we would guess."
A staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996, Malcolm Gladwell is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, including The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference (2000); Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (2005); and Outliers: The Story of Success (2008). His latest book, David and Goliath (2013) was an instant bestseller.
How It Works...
Ashby explained how Krypton Community College works. "With every course, we meet each Tuesday for lunch for four weeks," he said. "Everyone who enrolls in the course gets a PDF document with links to articles and other resources. We come together to discuss and encourage each other to dive deeper into the work."
Unlike traditional school, there are no tests and no memorization, Ashby noted. "Instead, we put together a group of forward-thinking individuals who share their experiences and grow from the information being offered," he said. "We're truly excited to be hosting this empowering course."
To enroll in Krypton Community College, contact Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at marcia@resultsimc.com or 563-322-2065. Also, please let her know if you will be ordering a chicken or veggie-wrap meal. Feel free to befriend The Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/idealabqc.
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01 Nov 2013

Steak & Burger Dinner Event Opens Doors for QC Young People

By Mark McLaughlin
MOLINE, IL - On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi (BGCMV) will hold their annual fundraising event, the 2013 Steak & Burger Dinner. The theme of this year's event will be Open the Door to a Great Future and according to Tim Tolliver, the new Chief Professional Officer of the organization, "I can tell you from firsthand experience that opening doors for young people is what the group is all about."
The fundraising event will be held at the iWireless Center, 1201 River Dr., Moline, IL. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a program at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 each. Individual tickets and tables for groups are available by calling (309) 757-5777.
"The program for the event will include a new video featuring Club youth with their parents, teachers and other significant adults who shape a kid's experience during a typical Club day," Tolliver said. Club members representing the Davenport and Moline Clubs, as well as the Teen Center, will entertain with song, dance and skits. Adults will dine with the young performers and get to know more about their lives and club activities. Also, awards will be presented to volunteers, and staff members will be recognized for their dedication to the mission of the organization.
Tolliver, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, was selected as Chief Professional Officer after the organization's Board of Directors conducted a nationwide search to fill the position. "We hope that many Quad-Citians will come to our event to meet Tim and welcome him to the community," said Chris Johnson, President of the BGCMV Board. "Tim was once a Club kid himself, as was his son. He truly represents how involvement in the Boys and Girls Clubs can help families and lead to a better future for young people."
"The Boys & Girls Clubs helped to ensure my success in life," Tolliver said. "I was raised in a dangerous neighborhood, and the Boys & Girls Clubs helped me to realize there was a big world beyond that neighborhood. It also taught me that life is about helping others."
Daily Support for the Community

Johnson noted that the funds raised through the Steak & Burger Dinner help the BGCMV to continue to offer daily support to the community. "For some of the kids who come to our clubs, the food they get when they visit may be the only meal they can really count on that day," he said. "The funds raised through this annual event do much to improve our community's future and quality of life."
The BGCMV is funded by individual and corporate donations, grants and special events. Proceeds from the annual Steak & Burger Dinner supplement the organization's operational budget by approximately $40,000. Typically, the Clubs of the BGCMV serve about 250 kids each day.
Sponsors of the Steak & Burger Dinner include Founding Sponsor, Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.; Leadership Partner, Modern Woodmen; Platinum Partners, DHCU Community Credit Union, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, iWireless Center, and McDonald's; Gold Partners, UnityPoint Health, Willis, and Group O; and Silver Partners, the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hanson Watson, Genesis Health System, First Trust & Savings Bank, and Bush Construction.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, as a chartered member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Federal law.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, please call (309) 757-5777 or visit www.bgcmv.org.
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SIDEBAR:
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Boys and Girls Clubs?
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national organization that provides affordable out-of-school programs for youth ages 6-18. Located in all 50 states and on military bases throughout the world, Boys and Girls Clubs is consistently ranked as one of the best organizations for youth in the country. Nationwide, BGCA serves more than 4 million youth in 4,000 Clubs. The local chapter in the Quad Cities is the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV).
Where are the Boys and Girls Clubs locations in the Quad-Cities?

Moline Club, 406 7th Street, Moline, IL
Teen Center, 1122 5th Avenue, Moline, IL
Davenport Club, First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa Street, Davenport, IA
Administrative Office, 338 6th St., Moline, IL 61265
What are the hours of operation for the BGCMV?

Davenport and Moline Club: After-school until 6:00 p.m.
The Club: After-school until 6:30 p.m.
Summer Hours, Early Dismissals, and No School Days vary.
What makes BGCMV different from other after-school programs?
There are characteristics that touch most youth agencies; however, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley demonstrates these unique characteristics:

Building Centered: BGCMV is a place, an actual building designed for youth programs and activities.

For All Boys and Girls: BGCMV serves all boys and girls, ages 6-18.

Daily Access to Programs: BGCMV locations are open when youth need them the most. They are open Monday through Friday, when youth have free time and need positive alternatives. They are also open on non-holidays when members are not in school.

Affordable: Members pay no more than $25 per program and no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

Accessible and Community Based: BGCMV locations are found in neighborhoods where kids need them the most and similar resources are not available.

Trained Professional Staff: Trained and caring youth development professionals provide daily guidance and supervision to Club members and serve as role models and mentors.

Tested, Proven Curricula: BGCMV members participate in a variety of programs in the areas of: Education and Career Development; Character and Leadership Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
Is BGCMV the same as Big Brothers Big Sisters?

No, Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program pairing adult volunteers with individual youth. BGCA is a comprehensive youth development program that serves all its members in one place during out-of-school hours.
What is a typical day at BGCMV like?
During the school year, all members are expected to complete their homework daily during Power Hour. Staff and volunteers are on hand to assist with any questions members may have.
After that, members participate in different activities. BGCMV has a wide variety of programs in five Core Program Areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. BGCMV also provides guest speakers, special events, and field trips to members.
After program time, members have Social Recreation time, where they can learn recreation games such as pool or ping pong, play video games, finish art projects, and have free time with their friends. All BGCMV clubs provide free snacks and meals to members daily.
Who can belong to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley?

Any child between the ages of 6 to 18 years old who is currently enrolled in school.
How much does it cost to be a member at the BGCMV?

Davenport and Moline Clubs: $12 per year
Teen Center "The Club": $25 per year
Additional fees may apply to Summer Programs (generally $20)
Why are BGCMV fees so low?
Fees are kept low so that the BGCMV is accessible to all children. The target population is those who are most at risk.
How is the BGCMV funded?

All funding comes from individual and corporate donations, grants and special events.
How does the BGCMV keep so many children in its program?

BGCMV is NOT a court-ordered program. Members come to BGCMV locations because they want to. The number 1 reason kids come to Club is to have FUN. This is a drop-in program so they can leave at any time. The BGCMV keeps it fun so that kids want to stay.
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23 Oct 2013

Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate the Addition of Hilton Garden Inn to the Quad-Cities

By Mark McLaughlin

BETTENDORF, IA - A groundbreaking ceremony will be held 10 a.m., Oct. 24 to celebrate the addition of the Hilton Garden Inn, a new hotel from the Hilton brand line, to the Quad-Cities. The ceremony will be held at 959 Middle Road, Bettendorf.

Construction of the new hotel is being managed by Bush Construction, replacing the two-story HomeRidge Inn & Suites and its onsite Bennigan's Grill & Tavern. The facility was built in 1971 and for many years was a Holiday Inn with an adjoining nightspot called Sebastian's.

Hilton Garden Inn

"The new hotel will be a five-story structure with a total of 119 guest rooms," said A.J. Loss, President of Bush Construction. "It will have a very polished, contemporary look. The first floor will include the lobby, meeting rooms, offices, kitchens, a bar, a restaurant, and a pool area. Floors 2 through 5 will feature the guest rooms."

The Hilton Garden Inn is owned by Kinseth Hospitality Companies, which also owned the HomeRidge Inn & Suites. Founded in 1963, Kinseth Hospitality Companies is headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa.

Demolition of the HomeRidge Inn hotel to make way for the new structure began in August 2013. According to Loss, the structure of the building will be erected through the winter, and project completion is scheduled for fall 2014. The 79,000-sq.-ft. Hilton Garden Inn has a construction budget of $9 million.

"Having a Hilton line hotel in the Quad-Cities will certainly be a welcome addition to the community," Loss said.

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