IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Ralph de la Vega, President/CEO of AT&T Mobility, has been selected as the Keynote Speaker and Special Guest of the 2014 Annual Gala of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC).
"We are honored to have Mr. de la Vega as our keynote speaker and special guest this year," said Lee Vasquez, Executive Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "On his path to success, he has encountered and overcome adversity along the way, and we look forward to the inspiring message he will share at this year's Gala."

The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) has reached a milestone of five years of operations. The 2014 Annual Gala, 5th Year Anniversary Celebration, will be held 5:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 18, 2014 at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., Bettendorf, IA. The theme for the evening is "Opportunities Realized." The 2014 Annual Gala is presented by State Farm.
The evening will be a celebration of the organization's accomplishments, members, and supporters. The event will feature entertainment, dinner, business awards, a silent auction, and networking with colleagues, clients, business leaders, community partners and GQCHCC members. Admittance for the event is $60 for non-members, $50 for members, and $45 for students. To find out more or to register for the event, visit www.gqchcc.com/2014Gala or call (309) 797-8650.
An Outstanding Career in Communications

Ralph de la Vega has held the position of President and CEO of AT&T Mobility since 2007. Under his leadership, AT&T Mobility has become one of the world's leading smartphone and mobile Internet providers and is expanding into new growth areas such as home security and automation; connected cars; and mobile payments. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life (Thomas Nelson, 2009).
Mr. de la Vega previously served as chief operating officer of Cingular Wireless, with responsibility for technology planning, network operations, marketing, sales and customer care. Before joining Cingular in 2004, he served as president of BellSouth Latin America. He started his career in 1974 with BellSouth (then Southern Bell) as a management assistant.
A strong believer in community service, he supports nonprofit and youth organizations, serving as chairman of Junior Achievement Worldwide and chairman of All-Markets Initiatives for the Boy Scouts of America. In 2013, he was honored with the Boy Scouts' highest commendation - the Silver Buffalo Award - recognizing his distinguished service to youth.
Mr. de la Vega has received numerous leadership awards, including inductions into the Atlanta Business Hall of Fame and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Alumni Hall of Fame. He was featured in the HBO documentary, The Latino List, which profiles influential Latinos in America. In 2011, he received the Global Innovation Award from the business school at Emory University. Also, he serves on the boards of New York Life Insurance Company, the Georgia Aquarium, Morehouse College and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. de la Vega has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a master's degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University. He completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia and received an honorary doctorate from FAU. A native of Cuba, Mr. de la Vega and his family live in Atlanta, GA.
For more information on the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gqchcc.com or call (309) 797-8650.
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ABOUT THE GREATER QUAD CITIES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) is the only organization in the Quad Cities created to address the specific needs of the Hispanic business community. The GQCHCC serves the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
The mission of the GQCHCC is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of local businesses, and to leverage the community's assets, contributions and unique Hispanic cultural identity to generate new business opportunities. The GQCHCC welcomes businesses, organizations, and individuals from any cultural background to join this community-minded organization.
In September 2012, the GQCHCC received national recognition as the winner of the 2012 Small Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) celebrated three Hispanic chambers from across the nation for their accomplishments, contributions, and commitment to helping the Hispanic-owned businesses in their communities.

DES MOINES - Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan, Senator Jack Hatch, Senator Steve Sodders, Representative Mark Smith, and Representative Pat Murphy filed suit in the Iowa District Court for Polk County to stop Governor Branstad's closure of the Iowa Juvenile Home.

The lawsuit, which was filed against Governor Terry Branstad and DHS Director Charles Palmer, seeks an injunction to prevent the closing of the Iowa Juvenile Home.

"The legislature passed and the governor signed into law legislation that provides funding for the operation of the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo in both Fiscal Year 2014 and Fiscal Year 2015. We believe it is unconstitutional and unlawful for the governor to close the Juvenile Home and disregard legislation that was passed by the Iowa House and Iowa Senate and signed into law by him," said AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan.

"Throughout Governor Branstad's time in office, he has demonstrated a pattern of blaming others for his decisions. He has refused to accept responsibility for the mismanagement of the Iowa Juvenile Home by his managers. He has tried to claim that the decision to close the home was a result of the Iowa Juvenile Home Protection Task Force's recommendations. However, the task force's report contains no such recommendation to close the Juvenile Home," added Homan.

"Over the past few weeks, the public has heard many testimonials from girls who resided at the Iowa Juvenile Home. These testimonials show how the staff of the Juvenile Home has made a positive difference in the lives of countless troubled Iowa youth. This lawsuit will hopefully allow the staff to be able to continue to carry on this important mission," added Homan.

AFSCME Iowa Council 61 represents many of the employees at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. Across the state, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 represents 40,000 public and private sector employees.

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Ms. Hunter:

The Des Moines Register's coverage of the exploratory announcement of Sen. Jack Hatch and the exploratory announcement of Jonathan Narcisse for the Democratic Party nomination raises grave concerns about both The Des Moines Register's agenda and continued bias.

The Des Moines Register states in your December 21st article: "Narcisse is best known for his contentious two years on the Des Moines school board. He faced censure from his peers following his string of stinging public criticisms about fellow board and school leaders."

Before I ask you why Sen. Hatch's controversies, including his formal Statehouse Press conference apology for his n-word tirade, were not mentioned in his announcement article on May 28th I have some questions for you:

Why does your publication call Narcisse controversial?

As a member of the Des Moines School Board Jonathan Narcisse always backed up his concerns with hard data and facts beyond refutation. For years your publication has labeled him even while ignoring so many of the very important data driven issues he raised.

How was Narcisse contentious?

Des Moines School Board meetings exist on tape - audio and video. An examination of the archived record proves he did not initiate conflict as a board member.

Does The Des Moines Register call him contentious because he said things his fellow board members didn't approve of despite their inability to factually dispute his statements.

One of the more prominent challenges to Narcisse came when he raised questions about security in the Des Moines School District following the shooting at Cleveland Tech. The response from board officers was that they were tired of hearing about school violence every time a kid got shot in America.

Another challenge to Narcisse was frustration with articles he published and radio commentaries advocating an end to social promotion in the Des Moines School District. At a board meeting a frustrated member said to Narcisse she was tired of him bringing up social promotion, asked what it is and stated it should be discussed once and never again.

Are those the contentious actions you are referencing?

One thing that was identified as contentious was when Narcisse emailed staff and conducted a survey asking them for their top academic reform priorities. Despite more than 2,000 staff responding to the survey it was reported a misuse of the District's email system by Superintendent Nancy Sebring and board members who later covered up her use of the District's email system to engage in inappropriate sexual activity.

At the board meeting where a vote was taken to ban Narcisse from emailing staff in the future the chair of the board stated "Mr. Narcisse may understand this technology but the rest of us do not."

Even your own editorial board encouraged the board not to vote on this item.

Another thing Narcisse did that was called contentious was conduct public hearings to listen to the concerns and priorities of his constituents even though he invited other board members to attend and participate in the well-attended hearings.

Again, are these the type of contentious activities you are referencing?

If not please state what his contentious actions were based on your article's pronouncement.

Ms. Hunter, Narcisse why is a non-existent censure mentioned in the article announcing Narcisse is exploring a run for Governor?

Again, JONATHAN NARCISSE WAS NEVER CENSURED!

Why does The Des Moines Register make reference to a non-existent censure?

Finally, why do you state the controversy, contentiousness and censure are the things he is best known for?

This characterization of Narcisse ignores the local, state and national recognition he has earned through three decades of activism that began with his election as Co-chair of the Polk County Democratic Party in the early 1980s to the present.

Narcisse earned national recognition for his statewide advocacy on urban affairs and for leading groundbreaking education and health hearings. This recognition included national media reports and a weeklong profile of Narcisse and his work on BET.

Your characterization ignores Narcisse's longstanding impact on education that pre-dated his joining the Des Moines School Board. It also ignores his activism on education issues after he left the board including his presence last year representing Iowa at a national education conference in Washington, D.C., where he was elected Chair of the Small States Caucus.

Narcisse is the youngest member of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame, a fraternity of less than 75 members that includes the likes of George Washington Carver, Alexander G. Clark and Dr. Simon Estes. It was not his so-called controversy or contentiousness that earned him induction in 2009 to the prestigious hall his final year on the Des Moines School Board.

Narcisse was a weekly fixture on television and radio in Des Moines, including WHO 1040 AM and also hosted various weekly radio shows in Waterloo including the Weekly Legislative Wrap. He has published various periodicals statewide, not just the Iowa Bystander and El Comunicador but Cyclone Nation and Hawkeye Times.

Narcisse has received more than 400 awards and honors including being recognized by the Bush, Clinton and Bush administrations and the Branstad, Vilsack and Culver administrations. Two of his more prestigious national awards include The Washington Times Youth Service Award and The SBA Region VII Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award. He was also a national finalist for the SBA Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year award, nominated by the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Also in 2009, the time you describe as controversial and contentious, Narcisse received the Pinnacle Award for outstanding community service from the Culver Administration. Lt. Governor Patty Judge personally presented him the award.

Despite The Des Moines Register's misrepresentation Narcisse is clearly known at the local, state and national levels for many things beyond his so-called "controversy, contentiousness and non-existent censure."

Even before his election to the Des Moines School Board the Clinton Administration sought a collaboration with him, as did the Bush Administration, a fact your publication reported on. The Obama Administration's Department of Education also contacted Narcisse to tap into his insights and data regarding the state of education in Iowa.

Staff at the Register, including you, are aware of these facts yet the Des Moines Register not only went out of its way to dismiss his long list of accomplishments in its December 21st article it went out of its way to cast his time on the board in a negative light despite the evidence documenting the many positive changes that took place as a result of his service on the board.

Ms. Hunter please explain "controversial, contentious and the non-existent censure" and why they are part of this story.

The Des Moines Register's blatant attempts to diminish Narcisse, are not only unfair and unwarranted but they have the potential to detract from the very important points he is making about poverty, justice, education, and accountability.

Meanwhile The Des Moines Register is glowing in its coverage of Sen. Hatch's consideration of running in your May 28th article: "Why not Jack Hatch for governor...Bringing real business experience to Terrace Hill," "a governor who knows how to grow Iowa communities," "a nationally recognized leader in health care," "a leader who walks the walk in public service," "a leader with a distinguished legislative career," "a leader who fights for Democratic priorities."

What isn't in the article is mention of Hatch's controversies especially the Statehouse press conference he was forced to hold to apologize for his racist n-word rant. Senator Hatch did not spew his comments during a drunken rage, Mel Gibson style caught on a hidden smart phone. His n-word tirade took place during the legislative session, at the Statehouse, on the floor of the legislature. He was sober, he didn't hesitate, he wasn't remorseful, he meant every word he said when, out of frustration for stalled legislation he walked up to an African American legislator and said, as a part of his diatribe: "They are treating us like n-word up here, like masters and slaves..."

His comments were so vile and offensive an African American legislative staffer reported the incident to local community leadership whose subsequent outrage eventually forced Sen. Hatch to make his Statehouse Mea Culpa.

Ms. Hunter, please explain how a non-existent censure warrants mention in an exploratory announcement for Narcisse yet Sen. Hatch's official Statehouse press conference apology for his racist and incendiary rant didn't warrant a single mention?

Ms. Hunter, are we to believe had a Republican leader in the legislature, instead of a so-called liberal/progressive Des Moines Register favorite, gone into an n-word tirade he or she would have gotten off as easy as Jack Hatch?

Would Republican Senators such as Brad Zaun or Jack Whitver been pardoned so quickly by Des Moines Register editors and the editorial board had they flew into the rage Sen. Hatch did and started using the n-word and other racist imagery out of frustration? Or would they have been the subject of sustained editorial condemnation calling for a formal censure using such hateful language while in session?

Is your biased coverage confirmation of candidate preference? If The Des Moines Register is committed to Sen. Hatch winning the nomination just be upfront about it.

Or is an angry, racist rant in a formal setting such as the floor of the legislature by a so-called liberal/progressive favorite of your publication not considered "controversial and contentious" by the editors and editorial board at The Des Moines Register?

Please explain Ms. Hunter!

Bobby Young

President of the Iowa Urban Initiative

 

About Bobby Young

Bobby Young, President of the Iowa Urban Initiative, is also the President of the Pastor and Minister's Alliance of Greater Des Moines and Pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. He will also keynote the Annual MLK program on January 19th at Open Bible Church located at the corner of Beaver and Hickman in Des Moines.

About The Iowa Urban Initiative

The Iowa Urban Initiative is a grassroots organization focused on urban community empowerment focusing on voter education, political action, education, economics, health, family, faith, justice and leadership training and development.

Narcisse Article:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20131222/NEWS09/312220060/Narcisse-sets-sights-on-another-run-for-governor?Frontpage

Hatch Article: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/05/28/democrat-jack-hatch-on-running-for-governor-its-really-likely/article

(DES MOIES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad has co-written a bipartisan governors' letter urging President Obama and Congress to make forward progress on three trade agreements that have great potential to open up foreign markets to U.S. exports and to encourage further investment in the U.S.

The letter is joined by a bipartisan group of governors because state leaders understand the importance of opening up foreign markets to empower American businesses, workers, and agricultural producers to effectively compete in a dynamic, global economy.

"With an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important for President Obama and Congress to break-down barriers to international trade," said Branstad. "Trade helps drive economic growth through high-paying jobs for American workers and increased opportunities for American businesses and agricultural producers."

"Governor Branstad and I understand the importance of these trade agreements to Iowa businesses," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Iowa has many innovative companies and agricultural producers that depend on foreign markets for their long-term success and international buyers recognize Iowa as a provider of world-class, high-quality products."

Iowa's economic growth is closely linked to international trade and the State's job and income growth goals:

  • In 2012, Iowa exported over $14.6 billion worth of goods to countries around the world.
  • From 2011 to 2012, Iowa exports grew by almost 10%, compared to national export growth of just 4.5%.
  • More than 2,500 companies in Iowa export products around the world.
  • Iowa's farmers and agribusinesses rely on international trading agreements to open the door for Iowa's grain and meat products.
  • Based on U.S. Department of Commerce estimates and export statistics, Iowa's exporting companies supported approximately 73,000 jobs in 2012.

*Statistics Reference:  www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/newsdetails/5654

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey voiced his support for trade progress stating, "Iowa agriculture has seen tremendous benefits from free trade and there is potential for even more growth if these trade agreements are finalized.  Our farmers do an amazing job producing safe, affordable food and what they need is fair access to additional markets."

Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, stated the following: "International trade helps grow the Iowa and U.S. economy.  The recent bipartisan agreement between congressional committee leaders on Trade Promotion Authority is a positive step for removing governmental hurdles to private sector trade.  Movement on these trade agreements would help enable Iowa's agricultural producers and manufacturers to compete on a level playing field."

Teresa Wahlert, Director of Iowa Workforce Development added:  "We also encourage the Federal government to empower the states with flexible workforce programs, including support for innovative programs like the Skilled Iowa Initiative, to ensure American workers have the skills needed to compete globally."

The below 15 governors signed the letter:

State/Territory 

Governor's Name 


Alabama

Gov. Robert Bentley (R)


Arkansas

Gov. Mike Beebe (D)


Florida

Gov. Rick Scott (R)

 

Indiana

Gov. Mike Pence (R)


Iowa

Gov. Terry Branstad (R)


Kansas

Gov. Sam Brownback (R)


Mississippi

Gov. Phil Bryant (R)


Nebraska

Gov. Dave Heineman (R)


Nevada

Gov. Brian Sandoval (R)


New Mexico

Gov. Susana Martinez (R)

 

Northern Mariana Islands

Gov. Eloy Inos (I)

 

Oklahoma

Gov. Mary Fallin (R)


Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Corbett (R)

 

Rhode Island

Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D)

 

Utah

Gov. Gary Richard Herbert (R)


The full text of the letter can be read below:

Dear Mr. President, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Boehner, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Pelosi:

As chief executives of their states and territories, governors have a unique perspective regarding the importance of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) on our respective economies.  Governors are actively promoting our businesses globally because over ninety five percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States.  We also recognize that FDI creates high paying jobs in our states that support lasting careers in our own communities.  Following the strong bi-partisan support for trade in recent years, we ask you to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and the Trade in Services (TISA) agreements, which have great potential to help our country compete in a dynamic, global economy.

These robust international trade agreements will enhance and expand economic partnerships and diplomatic relationships between the United States and participating countries.  Reductions in trade barriers and increased market access allows our businesses, workforce, agricultural producers, and service sectors to compete on a more level playing field to help drive economic growth and increase family incomes.  We are encouraged by the comprehensive nature of these agreements, but we do want to underscore that the primary purpose of the agreements should be to increase market access, including improved access for US agricultural and manufactured goods abroad, while establishing ambitious rules to protect intellectual property, empower American workers, ensure fair competition with state-owned enterprises, and foster the digital economy.

We believe that the national and global economy can grow at a more robust pace and that trade liberalization will be a key component of that future growth.  Enacting comprehensive agreements improves the economic standing of all parties.  International trade is not a zero sum game and regulatory cooperation, done properly, can improve the efficiency of our regulatory agencies.

As governors, we strive to create a healthy economic environment in which our citizens can thrive.  We strongly favor the continued pursuit of comprehensive trade agreements with TPP, T-TIP, and TISA countries that focus on market access and establishing rules and disciplines that address emerging challenges to the global trade system.  We encourage forward progress on these trade initiatives to enable our citizens to compete fairly in the world market.

We stand ready to support efforts to educate and inform our friends and allies on these promising agreements.

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.

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Lost in translation: Once-supportive Hispanics turning backs on Obama, ACA

They were among President Obama's best supporters, but support for the president and his signature health insurance scheme is quickly dying among Hispanics.

A recent Gallup poll showed Obama's approval rating among Hispanic down 23 percent, to 52 percent in November from 75 percent in December 2012.
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NPR more than capable of standing on its own
The network draws 4.6 percent of its revenue directly from the government ? federal, state and local ? and an additional 11.4 percent from the federally-funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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Volunteer firefighters battle IRS, Obamacare on Capitol Hill
Volunteer firefighters are fighting back against IRS mandates that they be classified as employees subject to Obamacare mandates.
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December 11, 2013 - Cypress, CA - Trident University International (TUI), a leader in online education offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees, has announced that Mr. George Harbison has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Harbison has an extensive finance background, including many years of CFO-level experience in the education services sector. Andy Vaughn, President and CEO, states, "Trident is fortunate to have secured the services of such an experienced and well-respected financial executive. I look forward to working with George and the rest of TUI's team to grow the University by successfully providing academic excellence and compassionate commitment to 8,000 students currently enrolled in one of Trident's three Ph.D. programs, seven graduate programs, five undergraduate degrees, or 21 certificate programs."

Most recently, Mr. Harbison served as Chief Financial Officer of I Drive Safely, LLC, a Carlsbad, CA based eLearning company that provides online driver's education, traffic school, and automobile safety programs nationally.

In 2003, Mr. Harbison entered the education services sector when he was named Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Education Corporation (USEC), a newly formed, private-equity backed company involved in the acquisition and operation of postsecondary schools. From 2003 to 2008, USEC grew from seven to sixteen campuses, with annual revenue growing from $32 million to over $170 million. In September 2008, USEC was sold to Chicago-based DeVry Inc. for $290 million.

In 2010, Mr. Harbison was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer of DeVry's Healthcare Group, consisting of USEC (subsequently renamed Carrington Colleges Group, Inc.), Ross University (owner of Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, both located in the Caribbean), Chamberlain School of Nursing, and American University of the Caribbean (located on the island of St. Maarten). DeVry Healthcare Group revenue exceeded $550 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Harbison was CFO of Real Mex Restaurants (owner of the El Torito, Acapulco, and Chevy's Mexican restaurant brands). He was also CFO of London-based Hilton Group PLC's U.S. gaming company (Ladbrokes USA). At the time, Ladbrokes USA was the largest operator of pari-mutuel gaming venues in the United States with annual handle in excess of $1 billion.

Mr. Harbison is an honor graduate of Kenyon College, and holds an MBA (with honors) from the University of Michigan.

About Trident University International
Founded in 1998, Trident University International (TUI) is a leading online postsecondary university serving all adult learners. Trident uses traditional case-based learning in a proven online setting to teach critical thinking skills so students earn high-quality baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. TUI offers academic excellence: over 90% of its faculty members have doctoral degrees. TUI offers a real-world, practical curriculum that provides students with the tools to enhance their lives and help further their careers. Please visit www.trident.edu, join our Facebook page or call Trident University International at (877) 664-1202 to learn more about Trident's wide range of bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs.


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CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement on the passing of President Nelson Mandela:

"Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.'  Few 20th century figures changed the world as much as Nelson Mandela.

"Despite 27 years behind bars as a political prisoner, Mandela never lost his optimism, his resolve or his generous heart. A hero of democracy, he earned the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, 2002 U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and eternal gratitude of freedom-loving people everywhere.

"As President, Mandela guided his nation out of the darkness of apartheid, provided free healthcare for children and opposed the death penalty. He could have been content after his Presidency to enjoy much-deserved time with friends and family, but he continued crusading for better schools, AIDS awareness and democracy across Africa.

"We join the people of South Africa and the world in mourning this great loss.

"The vision and spirit of Nelson Mandela live on."

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Gronau, Podhajsky and Rozenboom re-elected as district directors to board

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA -- Dec. 5, 2013 - Craig Hill of Milo was re-elected president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) at the organization's 95th annual meeting in Des Moines.  Delegates also re-elected three district directors to the board.  They include Doug Gronau of Vail, Nick Podhajsky of Traer and Calvin Rozenboom of Oskaloosa.

Hill's service to the Iowa Farm Bureau started at the county level. He was involved in various positions with the Warren County Farm Bureau board of directors. In 1989, he was elected as the District 8 representative on the state board of directors. He then served as the organization's vice president from 2001-2011 before being elected president.

As president, Hill serves as chairman of the board of FBL Financial Group, Inc., and serves on the American Farm Bureau board of directors. In addition, he serves on the Rain & Hail LLC board of directors.

Throughout his years on the IFBF board, Hill has been involved in a variety of projects. He was instrumental in the development of Revenue Assurance, a revenue-based crop insurance for corn and soybean farmers.  He also served as the first chairman of the Iowa Ag State Group, which consists of representatives from all sectors of Iowa's agriculture, and on the U.S. Grains Council. Hill was also appointed to Governor Vilsack's Strategic Planning Council in 1999 to help Iowa prepare for the future of our state in 2010.  In 2003, the AFBF named Hill to a 23-member national committee, Making Agriculture Productive and Profitable (MAPP).  The committee develops policy options for Farm Bureau to consider.

He and his wife, Patti, have two children.  Their son, Adam, is involved on the family grain and livestock operation.  Their daughter, Abbie, is an associate attorney with Gross & Welch in Omaha, Neb.

Gronau represents District 4, which consists of 11 counties in west central Iowa.  He was elected to the position in 2001.  Prior to his election to the board, he was vice chairman of the internal study committee.  Gronau has served in numerous Crawford County Farm Bureau leadership capacities.  He has served on several statewide environmental committees representing IFBF and was also a member of the IFBF Speaker Corps.  He has also been appointed to the Farm Bureau Life Insurance Board of Directors.  He currently serves on the Leopold advisory board.

Podhajsky represents District 6, which consists of 11 counties in eastern Iowa.  He was elected to the position in 2011.  Podhajsky was a 2010 Iowa delegate representative for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting and has served in many other elected positions in his county Farm Bureau office, including president and county voting delegate.

Rozenboom represents District 8, which consists of 10 counties in south central Iowa.  He was elected to the position in 2001.  Before that, he was very active in the Mahaska County Farm Bureau where he served as president and vice president.  He has also served as chairman of the IFBF swine advisory committee and as a member of the IFBF resolutions committee.  He was also a member of the AFBF swine advisory committee.  He has spent six years on the board of directors of CRWRC, an international relief agency which currently serves in 28 countries, primarily providing community development, health education, literacy services and disaster relief.

Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the AFBF annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 12-15, 2014.  They include : IFBF President Craig Hill, Vice President Joe Heinrich of Maquoketa, Doug Boland of Williamsburg, Cal Rozenboom of Oskaloosa, Dallas Johnston of Kent, Dave Kronlage of Dyersville, Gary Rayhons of Garner, Paul Gieselman of Morning Sun, and Dan Chism of Emmetsburg.

Dave Seil of Gowrie (Webster County) was elected to a three-year term on the IFBF internal study committee.   The internal study committee serves as a liaison between the county Farm Bureau voting delegates and the state board of directors.

-30-

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn today issued the below statement regarding President Obama's call to increase the national minimum wage:

"President Obama and I agree - no one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty.

"Increasing the minimum wage will ensure that workers get a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, while fighting poverty and bolstering our economy.

"Earlier this year, I called for increasing the minimum wage in Illinois to at least $10 an hour and I will continue to work with members of the General Assembly to make it happen."

 

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Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on President Obama's call for insurance companies to continue already cancelled plans for another year.

"For three years, the President has taken out his pencil and eraser and rewritten or delayed his law on the fly when it's not working. He's doing it again today. The insurance companies that sent four million cancellation notices did it to comply with his law. What will it take for the President to admit the law isn't working and at least call for a full delay?  The President should work with Congress on something bipartisan that would address health insurance problems without disrupting what does work in our health care system."

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