Des Moines, Iowa – AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that will serve Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the state's new IA Health Link program beginning March 1, 2016, announced today that it has signed an agreement with UnityPoint Health® that will give AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa's members access to UnityPoint Health's hospitals, home care experts, primary care physicians and specialists throughout Iowa and the Illinois Quad Cities.

UnityPoint Health is one of Iowa's largest providers of hospital, home health, telehealth and other health care services. It includes more than 3,500 doctors and specialists, eight hospitals and clinics in Anamosa, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Quad Cities, Muscatine, Sioux City and Waterloo in Iowa, as well as Madison, Wis. and Peoria, Ill.

"We are excited to add UnityPoint Health to our network," said Cheryl Harding, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa. "For more than 30 years, our family of companies has specialized in helping individuals who are most in need to access quality health care and services. Our partnership with UnityPoint Health will allow our members throughout the state access to the more than 28,000 dedicated health care professionals who make UnityPoint Health one of the most respected health systems in the state."

"Establishing this new relationship with AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa enables us to ensure that the best access to health care services is available to our patients," said Brian Jones, vice president of payor innovation, UnityPoint Health. "In partnership with the State of Iowa, it allows us to continue to provide high-quality service to some of our most vulnerable patients at UnityPoint Health."

The new IA Health Link program will serve the majority of Iowa's Medicaid population, or about 560,000 Iowans, through select managed care plans. For more information about the IA Health Link program, visit http://dhs.iowa.gov/.

Des Moines, Iowa – AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, one of the Medicaid health plans selected to administer the  state's new IA Health Link program beginning March 1, 2016, and University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center announced today that they have signed an agreement that will give AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa members access to a health system recognized as one of the best health care providers in the United States.

University of Iowa Health Care, which is comprised of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Carver College of Medicine, and University of Iowa Physicians, includes a 730-bed hospital that annually admits more than 32,000 patients for in-patient hospital care. It also represents more than 200 outpatient clinics and care areas receiving just over 914,300 clinic visits. Together, these partners provide patient care, conduct biomedical research, and train the next generation of health professionals.

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa Market President Cheryl Harding was excited to share the news of another hospital system aligning themselves with the AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa team.  "University of Iowa Health Care will allow us to reach a tremendous number of Medicaid recipients at a hospital system that is committed to providing quality care and excellent service that produce exceptional outcomes," said Cheryl Harding, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa. "This is a winning situation for our members who need these services the most."

AmeriHealth Caritas has successfully implemented Medicaid managed care plans throughout the country that utilize its integrated model of care which includes physical and behavioral health, pharmacy benefit management and specialty pharmacy. AmeriHealth Caritas' unique model of care, along with more than 30 years of experience caring for populations with complex health conditions, confirms AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa is well-prepared to serve the individuals who will participate in IA Health Link.

About AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa
AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is one of the Medicaid managed care plans that will participate in IA Health Link beginning in March 2016. AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa will help Iowans get proper care and stay well, working with communities in need to achieve positive health outcomes throughout the state. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasia.com.

ANNUAL AWARDS

All Current LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Members are invited to vote for the 2015 Annual Awards recipients and for the 2016 LeClaire Chamber Board of Directors.

Please visit the Chamber website, www.LeClaireChamber.com to cast your vote or to write in your favorite! Click on 2015 Awards Ballot on the Homepage. The direct link to the ballot is:

http://visit.leclairechamber.com/2015-annual-awards-ballot.html Deadline to vote, December 28, 2015, 11:59 p.m. Only one vote allowed per membership.  Award Winners will be announced at the Annual Dinner, Saturday, January 30, 2016, Davenport Country Club. Invitations will soon be sent to Chamber Members, but anyone is invited to attend. Reservations are $35 per person, paid in advance. Please RSVP by January 22, 2016 to First Central State Bank 563-289-2265 or email dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com If you would like to donate items for the Silent or Live Auctions, please contact Debbie Mulvania (First Central State Bank), Kristen Underwood (Black Hawk Bank & Trust), or Dayle Hall.Thank you for your participation!

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

It is time to renew membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce for 2016! Membership letters and forms have been mailed. If you did receive one, please contact the Chamber, LeClaireChamber@gmail.com or 563-289-9970 and one will be sent to you. Or, you can go to www.LeClaireChamber.com and renew online using PayPal. Thank you for your membership, and we wish everyone a great 2016!

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The December Issue of the Chamber Newsletter has been mailed out to over 2500 recipients in the 52753 zipcode area!  Go to www.leclairechamber.com to view it online.

CITY COUNCIL VACANCY

Due to the results of the recent City elections a vacancy will occur on the City Council effective as of January 1, 2016. At this time the LeClaire City Council intends to fill this vacancy by appointment. All persons interested in being appointed to this vacancy and to be considered for such must submit a standard City committee membership application form (available at City Hall or on the City' website, "Board & Committee Membership Application", along with a general letter of interest (resume) to the City Clerk at 325 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, Iowa 52753 by the close of business (5:00 p.m. local time) on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Notice is further given that this appointment shall be for the period until the next pending election (November 8, 2016). Prospective candidate/applicants review and interviews have been tentatively set by the City Council for their Committee-of-the-Whole meeting to be held on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.  This appointment is expected to be formally considered at the Council meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016. The electors of the City of LeClaire have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by a special election. A valid petition requesting a special election to fill the vacancy must be filed with the LeClaire City Clerk within fourteen days after the publication of the official "Notice of Vacancy" or within fourteen days after the appointment is made, whichever is later. If you have any questions, please contact the LeClaire City Clerk's office at 563-289-4242.

CALENDAR

Now Through January 3rd - Enright's Le Claire Super Wash Annual Holiday Promotion Has Started! Automatic carwash tokens on sale 5 for $20, each token a $6.50 value. Tokens may can be purchased with cash, check, or credit card and make Great Holiday Gifts!  Sign up to win car washes and the "Blue Super Wash Wagon".   Weekly winners posted on our reader board.  Attendants on duty 8:30-10:00, Monday thru Friday and 8:30 to 3:00, on weekends. All attendant hours are subject to weather.

December 18th - Blue Iguana - It's National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Join in the fun and wear your most festive holiday outfit!

December 18th - Snow Lodge #44 Monthly Dinner 6:30 pm 113 S. Cody Rd. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, pie & drink. OPEN TO ALL $7.00 donation

December 20th - Blue Iguana - It's National Sangria Day! $4 pints & $14 pitchers.

December 20th - Celebrate Christmas at Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton Sunday School Christmas Program - 4 p.m. Children ages 4-12 will perform a Christmas pageant followed by Christmas cookies and punch.

*(No Economic Development Meeting in December)

December 22nd - Blue Christmas Worship Service - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton 7 p.m. This contemplative service is especially for those grieving and for all who find Christmas to be a difficult time. A time of fellowship will follow the worship service.

December 24th - Asbury United Methodist Church - Christmas Eve Candlelight Services - 5pm Family Style, 7:30pm Cantata, and 10pm Communion. 1809 Mississippi Blvd, Bettendorf, 563-355-5218, asbury@asbury-bett.org

December 24th - Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton. 5 p.m. This traditional Christmas service is for all who enjoy singing Christmas carols and hearing the good news of Christ's birth.

December 31st - New Year's Eve at The Crane and Pelican Café Check out the menu for our special New Year's Eve dinner on our website. 6pm & 8pm seatings will fill up fast so make your reservation today! (563)289-8774 http://www.craneandpelican.com/menu/newyearseve2016.pdf

December 31st - New Year's Eve at The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits 2 seatings, 6p.m. & 8:30p.m.  5 Courses/$75 per person. Menu available at www.faithfulpilot.com - Call 563-289-4156 for reservations!

December 31st - New Year's Eve Celebration at Steventon's There will be live music by North of 40, a variety of hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Please call ahead to reserve your tickets! ($75) 563.289.3600

SAVE THE DATE

January 30th, 2016 - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club. Invitations will soon be sent to Chamber Members, but anyone is invited to attend. Reservations are $35 per person, paid in advance. Please RSVP by January 22, 2016 to First Central State Bank 563-289-2265 or email dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com If you would like to donate items for the Silent or Live Auctions, please contact Debbie Mulvania (First Central State Bank), Kristen Underwood (Black Hawk Bank & Trust), or Dayle Hall.

FYI

First Central State Bank announces that the Ohnward Bancshares, Inc. summer intern leadership program will start on June 13, 2016 and is open to any college student who is either entering their junior or senior years in college for the fall semester of 2016.   Applications will be available after January 1 on the organization's website at www.ohnward.com Interns have the opportunity over the eight week time period to learn from executive management on the topics of banking and financial management.  The program is a unique eight week mix of financial literacy, business acumen, leader-ship coaching and community engagement.  Ohnward Bancshares Inc. is a billion dollar bank holding company with 23 financial offices in Eastern Iowa. Ohnward employs over 220 full time employees and is locally owned by shareholders.  Bank management's focus continues to be helping clients and communities grow and prosper. The banks have a strong record of community, economic development, educational and cultural support within the markets they serve.

Congratulations to Artswork, the Winner of the First Annual Holiday Decorating Contest sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce! Artswork was awarded $200 in Chamber Bucks as the winner chosen over Christmas in LeClaire weekend.  Thank you to all who decorated - there were so many wonderful store fronts and windows, it was not an easy choice for the judges, so great job everyone! Same time next year!

Big Dave & Holly's has Christmas decorations for sale! Wreaths, centerpieces, small trees, etc!

Jones St Java House has its new fall menu now available! Stop in for one of our delicious wraps made fresh while you wait! We have amazing soups available as well. Our Barista's have been busy making new festive coffee flavored too- come in and try a Mistletoe latte or a Salty Snowman- you won't be sorry! Jones St Java is now open extended holiday hours! M-F 6-5 Sat 7-5 and Sunday 8-5 through Dec 24th.

Steventon's Holiday Hours:

Christmas Eve - Closed

Christmas Day - Closed

New Year's Eve - Open

New Year's Day - Closed

Blue Iguana Holiday Hours:

Christmas Eve- Closed

Christmas - Closed

New Year's Eve- Close at 5pm

New Year's- Closed

Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center - Coming in January - All Ages PLAY Cafe where you can "Play.Gather.Create" with friends, neighbors and family.  Play Cafe will be open two Saturdays or more each month starting in January.  Details on our website.

Reusable Usables will be offering some amazing new classes and events in our new studio space, facilitated by talented local artist.  Looking for people like you to share your passion and teach a class/workshop in our new studio. visit www.reusableusables.org

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

On November 30, 2015, Isabel Bloom presented $10,000 donation to Operation Smile American Picker's Mike Wolfe and his family took part in the presentation along with Operation Smile Nurse Volunteer, Connie Chiles. A reception was held at the Isabel Bloom Production Facility, 736 Federal Street, Davenport, Iowa, to present Operation Smile with a $10,000 donation as a result of the collaboration between Isabel Bloom and Mike Wolfe, creator and executive producer of History Channel's TV series American Pickers to create the sculpture Charlie's Smile. The reception featured a short presentation and display of Charlie's Smile sculptures, and was attended by Mike and Jodi Wolfe and their daughter Charlie, Connie Chiles from Operation Smile, along with Isabel Bloom owners, Cathy Nevins, Donna Young and Bill Barrett and Isabel Bloom employees. The original, handcrafted sculpture, Charlie's Smile, was created by Isabel Bloom artist, Donna Young, and is named for American Picker Mike Wolfe's daughter, Charlie, who was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Mike and Jodi Wolfe discovered their daughter's cleft during a routine ultrasound before Charlie's birth in January 2012. During their research, the Wolfes learned that cleft lips and/or cleft palates are the fourth most common birth defect in the U.S. Globally; a child born with a cleft has twice the odds of dying before reaching their first birthday. Their own experience has prompted them to advocate for Operation Smile. "We are so happy to be able to advocate for an organization that makes such a difference for those born with the same condition as Charlie," Wolfe said. "Helping give a healthy life and new smile to children who would otherwise not have it is just wonderful. Operation Smile: Connie Chiles, PACU RN at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa, Iowa began volunteering with Operation Smile in 2000 after attending a nursing conference where a nurse spoke about her experience. It was then that she decided to pursue her dream of mission work. Months later, Connie was invited to join a medical mission to Russia and in her own words, "was hooked." She has since been on 27 medical missions, the most recent in Malawi. "Each medical mission is as special as the one before and I'm still in awe of what we do as a team," says Chiles, "There is no greater feeling on a mission than watching mom and dad see their child for the first time after surgery." "Everyone at Operation Smile wants to thank Mike and Jodi Wolfe and everyone at Isabel Bloom for their compassion and generosity," says Bonnie Keuhne, Operation Smile Development Officer, Community Relations, "This donation will help provide surgery for waiting children and will help them lead lives free from the pain and the stigma of cleft. We are incredibly grateful." About Operation Smile Operation Smile is an international medical charity whose global network of thousands of credentialed medical volunteers from more than 80 countries is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children from more than 60 countries. Since its founding in 1982, Operation Smile has provided more than 240,000 free surgical procedures for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. To build long-term sufficiency in resource poor environments, Operation Smile trains doctors and local medical professionals in its partner countries so they are empowered to treat their local communities and help others around the world.

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

January 30th - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

To be announced for 2016!

NASHVILLE, TN (12/17/2015)-- Belmont students performed recently in the "Christmas at Belmont" concert at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a performance which was taped live and will air nationally this holiday season on PBS. Participating students include :

Kellen Moss, Music Education major of Eldridge, IA

Nicholas Boyd, Commercial Music major of Rock Island, IL

Hosted by two-time Grammy winner Kathy Mattea, more than 700 student musicians joined the Belmont School of Music faculty and the Nashville Children's Choir for the taping of "Christmas at Belmont." The annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites, produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), will premiere on PBS on Mon., Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. central with an encore broadcast Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. central. This is the 13th consecutive year "Christmas at Belmont" has been seen by a national audience on PBS (check local listings for dates and times in your area).

This year's edition of "Christmas at Belmont" features the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Strings, University Singers, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band, Jazzmin, Southbound and Company, as well as mass choirs. The performance includes both classic holiday music such as "Carol of the Bells" and "Little Drummer Boy," and festive seasonal songs such as "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Deck the Halls," to name a few.

"'Christmas at Belmont' is an amazing opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent of our faculty and students," said Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. "We're incredibly grateful for our partnership with NPT that brings that talent to a broader audience, and we're delighted to have an artist of Kathy Mattea's caliber at the helm this year."

"NPT is excited to once again partner with Belmont University to bring one of Nashville's great holiday traditions to the entire nation on PBS," said Beth Curley, president and CEO of NPT, which has won 46 Midsouth Emmy Awards since 2001. "I am always amazed at the depth and range of talent Belmont's School of Music is nurturing--truly making a mark on Nashville's music and performance scenes. With 2015's all-new production of 'Christmas at Belmont,' we continue a vital part of NPT's mission, which is to share these unique talents with a national audience."

Ranked No. 5 in the Regional Universities South category and named as a "Most Innovative" university by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is celebrating its 125th anniversary in academic year 2015-16. Founded in 1890, the University consists of more than 7,400 students who come from every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 80 areas of undergraduate study, 22 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.