11 Dec 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 12/11/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

ANNOUNCEMENTS - 12/11/2015

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!

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

It is time to renew membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce for 2016! Membership letters and forms are in the mail. If you do not 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 12th - Riverside Foursquare Church Movie Night 6 p.m. Come join the fun and watch a movie come to life with an interactive Movie - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Newer Version) All are invited but if you are under the age of 6 you must have a parent/guardian with you. Any questions please contact April 920-287-8851

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 Celebration at Steventons 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 - More details to come. 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

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

11 Dec 2015

Gov. Branstad to become longest-serving governor in U.S. history

By Grassley Press

Video of the floor speech is available here.

Floor Statement of Sen. Chuck Grassley

On Terry Branstad as the Longest-serving Governor in U.S. History

Delivered Thursday, December 10, 2015

Mr. President, I'd like to recognize the Iowa governor, Terry Branstad, on a significant milestone.  On December 14, 2015, Governor Branstad will become the longest-serving governor in the nation's history.

That's a large feather in the cap of a farm kid from the town of Leland, population 289, in Winnebago County in northern Iowa.

In many ways, a small town farm background prepared Terry Branstad for his success as a state House member, lieutenant governor, and then governor in two separate tenures.

The farm crisis of the 1980s hit every farm state hard, and Iowa, at the heart of the nation's bread basket, suffered deeply.

All of us who lived in Iowa at the time saw friends and neighbors lose their family farms and struggle with what to do next to earn a living.

The state needed men and women with vision and ambition to pull the economy out of the doldrums.  It needed people who could see the potential for farmers to add value to their operations and for Iowa to diversify its economy.  Terry Branstad was one of those people.

He was at the forefront of creating a new environment to do business.  He welcomed and actively encouraged innovation that would capitalize on Iowa's bedrock work ethic and strong schools.

As a result, agriculture was and continues to be a mainstay of the Iowa economy, but agriculture more than ever is an engine for many other employment sectors:  renewable energy, manufacturing, crop research, insurance and financial services, and much more.

As governor from 1983 to 1999, Terry Branstad took the helm during some of the state's worst economic turmoil in decades and steered the ship toward impressive economic growth.  The unemployment rate went from 8.5 percent to a record low 2.5 percent.

The governor could have rested on those laurels and continued to work outside of state government, but he answered the call when the state needed him again in 2010.  He put the state of Iowa's interests ahead of his own and went to work for Iowans a second time, bringing his valuable leadership to the governor's office for another round.  That in a nutshell tells you everything you need to know about Terry Branstad.

The state of Iowa comes first for him.

Iowans are well-acquainted with Terry Branstad's accomplishments and work ethic.  It's gratifying to see those attributes get attention on a national scale and in the history books.  He's earned his place.  We're lucky to have him in Iowa.

-30-
11 Dec 2015

New Chair Focuses on Profit Opportunities for Soybean Farmers

By United Soybean Board
North Dakota farmer to drive checkoff investments in soybean innovation ST. LOUIS (Dec. 10, 2015) - Jared Hagert, soybean farmer from Emerado, North Dakota, has been elected by his fellow United Soybean Board (USB) farmer-directors to lead the national soy checkoff in 2016. Hagert will be the first chair to implement the board's new Long-Range Strategic Plan, which emphasizes soybean innovation for farmer profit opportunities, including continued high oleic development, soybean-meal-quality improvements and technological advances to maximize on-farm profitability.

"The best use of checkoff funds is to invest in programs that provide value back to all U.S. soybean farmers," Hagert says. "To maximize profit opportunities for our farmers, we need to look beyond the bushel and focus on our end users. Meeting their needs will help to drive demand for our crop now and in the future."

The following farmer-leaders will be joining Hagert as executive committee members to oversee USB's profit-building programs:
- USB Vice Chair: John Motter, Jenera, Ohio
- USB Secretary and Oil Target Area Coordinator: Jimmy Sneed, Hernando, Mississippi
- USB Treasurer: Delbert Christensen, Audubon, Iowa
- USB Past Chair: Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kansas
- USB Meal Target Area Coordinator: Mike Beard, Frankfort, Indiana
- USB Sustainability Target Area Coordinator: Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
- USB Supply Action Team Lead: Bill Beam, Elverson, Pennsylvania
- USB Marketplace Action Team Lead: John Dodson, Halls, Tennessee
- USB Demand Action Team Lead: Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, South Dakota
- USB Audit & Evaluation Committee Chair: Keith Tapp, Sebree, Kentucky

Members of the Strategic Management Committee (SMC) will ensure that program goals align with the checkoff's strategic objectives. Farmer-leaders who will serve on the SMC include :
- SMC Chair: Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kansas
- Delbert Christensen, Audubon, Iowa
- Larry Marek, Riverside, Iowa
- John Motter, Jenera, Ohio
- Ron Ohlde, Palmer, Kansas
- Jacob Parker, Columbia, North Carolina

In addition to electing a new slate of officers, 17 checkoff farmer-leaders were sworn in. Five of these directors are new to the board, with 12 returning.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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11 Dec 2015

Iowa Department of Education announces 97 school districts added to Iowa's teacher leadership system

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise today announced the next group of school districts chosen to launch local teacher leadership plans through Iowa's Teacher Leadership and Compensation System.  Ninety-seven school districts have been added to the state system, bringing the total number of districts in the teacher leadership system to 295 (88 percent of Iowa districts).

"This system is about supporting teachers to do their best work so that our students can do their best work," Wise said. "Students and schools today face higher expectations, and we must support the critical and complex work of teaching in order to improve instruction. We're doing that through Iowa's teacher leadership system, and it's exciting that so many school districts share this commitment."

Iowa's teacher leadership system, which taps into the expertise of top teachers to improve classroom instruction and raise student achievement, is the centerpiece of Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds' landmark education reform package passed by the Legislature in 2013. It is the nation's most comprehensive teacher leadership system. About 25 percent of Iowa teachers will be in leadership roles when the system is fully phased in.

As of this fall, all 336 Iowa school districts had applied to join the teacher leadership system. The 97 newly accepted districts will implement their teacher leadership plans in the 2016-17 school year. The remaining 40 school districts will have an opportunity to refine and re-submit their plans for approval in the next two months. Wise said he is hopeful that all of Iowa's school districts will join the teacher leadership system by the 2016-17 school year.

School districts in the teacher leadership system are at varying stages. Some are in their second year, while others are gearing up for participation.

A recent report on the first year of Iowa's teacher leadership system found progress has been made toward each of the system's five goals, including attracting new teachers, retaining effective teachers, promoting collaboration, rewarding professional growth and effective teaching, and improving student achievement. In addition, students in the first 39 participating school districts saw a jump in proficiency rates on state math and reading tests.

School districts are chosen for the system based on recommendations of the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation, which evaluates applications.

The teacher leadership system cost nearly $50 million in fiscal year 2015. That amount is expected to grow to about $150 million annually by fiscal year 2017, which would enable all districts to participate.

The 97 newly accepted districts are:

AGWSR

Albert City-Truesdale

Algona

Anamosa

Ar-We-Va

Ballard

Bedford

Boyden-Hull

Boyer Valley

Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom

Central Lee

Central Springs

Charles City

Cherokee

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows

Clarksville

Clear Lake

Colfax-Mingo

Coon Rapids-Bayard

Corning

Denison

Easton Valley

Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont

Eldora-New Providence

Estherville Lincoln Central

Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton

Forest City

Fort Madison

Garner-Hayfield

Gladbrook-Reinbeck

Glidden-Ralston

Graettinger-Terril

Griswold

Grundy Center

Harris-Lake Park

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn

Howard-Winneshiek

IKM-Manning

Interstate 35

Jesup

Lamoni

Laurens-Marathon

Logan-Magnolia

Louisa-Muscatine

LuVerne

Lynnville-Sully

Madrid

Martensdale-St Marys

Mediapolis

Missouri Valley

Montezuma

Morning Sun

Moulton-Udell

Mount Ayr

Nashua-Plainfield

Newell-Fonda

Newton

North Butler

North Iowa

North Tama County

North Union

North Winneshiek

Osage

Paton-Churdan

PCM

Perry

Pocahontas Area

Postville

Prairie Valley

River Valley

Riverside

Ruthven-Ayrshire

Sergeant Bluff-Luton

Shenandoah

Sibley-Ocheyedan

Sidney

Sigourney

Sioux Center

South Central Calhoun

South Hamilton

South O'Brien

South Page

South Tama County

Southeast Webster Grand

Spirit Lake

Storm Lake

Treynor

Tri-Center

Twin Cedars

Villisca

Walnut

West Bend-Mallard

West Burlington

West Fork

West Harrison

Woodbine

Woodward-Granger

 

 

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11 Dec 2015

Putnam Museum in Davenport, Iowa hosting 64 FIRST LEGO League teams competing to qualify for the State Championship along with 33 FIRST LEGO League Junior Teams with Expos

By Christine Cournoyer

FIRST ® LEGO® League: Come see Local Children Aged 9 to 14 Apply Research and Robotics To Explore the hidden but fascinating world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production and reuse  with FIRST ® LEGO® League "TRASH TREK?" Challenge. The must also invent a solution to help our trash problem and create their own LEGO MINDSTORMS robot to accomplish trash-themed "missions" on a playing field, and show how well they practice FRIST LEGO League Core Values.


FIRST ® LEGO® League Junior: Come see Local Children Aged 6 to 9 discover the hidden (or not so hidden) world of trash exploring the real-world theme of sustainability. Teams will learn about simple machines as they display a model they built of LEGO elements with a motorized part. They will illustrate and present information through a Show Me Poster during the FIRST LEGO League Junior Expos.

The non-profit Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is proud to be the organizer for the 8th annual event hosted at the Putnam Museum & Science Center in Davenport.  Since 2009 when the first QC Tournament was held in Davenport with 13 teams, the program has continued to grow. In 2015-2016, there are 13 FIRST Robotic events being held in the Quad Cities reaching over 150 teams with 1,400 K-12 students supported by 300+ volunteers.

This is a fast-paced, high energy event that will be enjoyed by all ages and expose everyone to the exciting world of robots, engineering, computer program, creative problem solving and most importantly, TEAMWORK!

The events are free and open to the public.  Further information including a listing of 97 teams is available at:  http://www.qcesc.org/FLL/FLL-QC-Davenport-Coaches.html

Background:
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $22 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and FIRST LEGO League Junior (FLL Jr.) for Grades K-3 Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Today, over 400,000 students in 87+ countries participate in FIRST. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is in its 53rd year of operation as a non-profit, umbrella organization representing ~20+ engineering, science and technical societies in the Quad City area with approximately 3,000 associated professional members.  The QCESC mission is "To Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in Quad City Region and To Encourage and support students to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields"..  Further information available at www.qcesc.org.

# # #
11 Dec 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 12/10 - 12/17/2015

By QC Chamber
One holiday event you won't want to miss is Ballet Quad Cities' enchanting production of The Nutcracker featuring live music by Orchestra Iowa! This well-known holiday classic comes to life this weekend on the Adler stage with a cameo appearance by the Quad City Symphony's Children Choir.

The RME Community Stage has a busy week ahead beginning tonight with Jazz Jam with the North Scott Jazz Combo and continuing tomorrow with a live lunch by Tony Hoeppner. Holiday Concerts by QC Homeschool Band and A Soul Purpose happen this weekend, too. The community stage is a great place to support local talent and all of the events are free!

Another must-stop in your holiday adventures is the German American Heritage Center. Two special exhibits, Winterscapes and Amazing Advent Adventure - A Christmas Exhibit, are open until January 3rd. Saturday, enjoy free samples of sausage provided by Jerry's Market in Moline. Drive past the Center at night to see the Living Advent Calendar.  Each night, a new image will be revealed in the windows until Christmas Eve!

Speaking of window displays this holiday season, our downtown retailers have a friendly competition going on to see who has the best decor! Head over to our Facebook page and check out the photos. Make sure to like your favorite so they can earn bragging rights! While you're there, check out the daily #downtowngiftguide posts that highlight all the fun & unique gifts you can find downtown!

A spotlight has been shining on Crafted QC lately and we couldn't be happier for all the press the shop has received. Radish Magazine is the latest to highlight the cozy shop packed with eclectic handmade goods.  Read up; it's a great story describing how owner Mary Talbert got her start. 

L&D15 will host a new style-event this week with Saturday Night Social beginning at 7 p.m. Inspired by salons, soirees and the speakeasy, this event incorporates shopping, sipping and socializing. It's a unique retail experience and chance to see the great collection of apparel, accessories and home items at L&D15!  

Everyone's favorite monthly shopping event, Third Thursday, returns next week! It's easy to find unique, special and handmade gifts for the holidays downtown. Not sure what to buy? Many shops are offering great deals on gift card purchases! If you need a lift on Third Thursday you can hop in the Convention & Visitors Bureau SUV for a FREE ride to your next stop.

Santa Claus will be appearing around downtown that evening, too.  When you find him, take a selfie using #thirdthursday and tell him what you want for Christmas! A pop-up shop with Wild Cherry Spoon Company will be at Crafted QC, Infinity Salon will have free 5 min chair massages and $5 brow waxes, and Oh So Sweet will feature holiday face painting and samples of Santa's favorite cookies. Check out our event on Facebook for a full list of participating businesses and specials.

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.

Future Events:
11 Dec 2015

Another Shutdown?

By Rep. Dave Loebsack
As you may have heard, there are only a few days left until the federal government may be forced to shut down all because of unnecessary political brinksmanship.

With so many critical issues facing the country, threatening to shut down the government is the height of irresponsibility. The health of our economy should not be a partisan issue, and Congress must do its most basic job of funding our government. All Members, regardless of party, must work together to put a responsible budget in place and put an end to the repeated manufactured crises that threaten economic growth and job creation.

I do not believe that shutdown theatrics should be a normal function of our government, which is why I am an original cosponsor of the Hold Congress Accountable Act. This legislation would cut off pay for Members of Congress for each day the government is shutdown. I am also a cosponsor of the No Budget, No Pay Act, which would stop member pay if Congress fails to pass all of its budget and spending bills on time.  

After the last shutdown, which I strongly opposed, I saw first-hand the impact of congressional inaction as I met with furloughed workers, small business owners, research faculty, veterans, and workers across our state. I heard directly from you about how Washington needs to step up and do its job.  

I fought to keep the government open in September, and I'm working around the clock to find practical solutions to make sure we do not shut down this time either. Please know that I will continue to keep you updated on this important issue moving forward.

Sincerely, 

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

11 Dec 2015

SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PARTNER WITH IOWA ABD FOR TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE AND VAPOR PRODUCT EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa (December 09, 2015) - The Scott County Sheriff's Office has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Scott County youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa's tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Due to a change in Iowa law, alternative nicotine and vapor products are now considered age-restricted products and will be part of the I-PLEDGE program's compliance initiatives this year. Since the program's inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 93%. By participating in the program, the Sheriff's Office has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale. Although not required to retake the training if currently certified, ABD encourages clerks to repeat the training after October 3rd, in order to familiarize themselves with the newly age-restricted products.

"I-PLEDGE's retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales," Sheriff Dennis Conard said. "The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment."

Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.

"By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community," Sheriff Conard said. "Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Iowa's youth."

To take the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records go to www.iowaabd.com.

11 Dec 2015

Hatch, Grassley, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Address Puerto Rico Debt Crisis

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - As part of their ongoing effort to provide a fiscally responsible solution to the growing financial, debt and economic crises in Puerto Rico, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced the Puerto Rico Assistance Act of 2015.  The bill provides both responsible tax relief to workers and transitional relief to the Commonwealth without adding to the federal deficit or debt. Additionally, the legislation includes financial oversight intended to help Puerto Rico attain financial and economic stability, while respecting Puerto Rico's autonomy.

"Puerto Rico's financial and economic challenges, fueled by a sagging economy and dysfunctional bureaucracy, have been years in the making," Chairman Hatch said.  "And despite repeated attempts by Congress to clarify how the interplay between federal tax, healthcare and pension policies affect the territory's economy, we have been unable to receive audited financial statements from Puerto Rico or adequate information from federal health officials.  Federal taxpayers and the Puerto Rican people deserve better.  With this bill, we use what limited information we have to lay out a sustainable framework to improve Puerto Rico's finances and its economy by providing responsible tax relief to workers and transitional assistance to the territory's government.  The Commonwealth's problems will not be solved overnight, and I am hopeful the Administration and the leaders of Puerto Rico work with Congress to provide more transparency as we work to further address the current financial challenges."

"Puerto Rico's fiscal problems are the result of too much government spending and mismanagement," Chairman Grassley said.  "So, the question has always been how we help Puerto Rico help itself, with the information we've been provided, while ensuring that people like the 16,000 Iowans who invested their hard-earned money in Puerto Rico's tax free electric utility bonds, for example, aren't left holding the bag.  We need to make sure that Puerto Rico doesn't find itself in the same situation in the future.  This comprehensive bill should help ease the current liquidity crisis while creating a path that can lead Puerto Rico back to long-term fiscal responsibility."

"The Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority contained in this bill strikes the appropriate balance between respecting Puerto Rico's sovereignty and providing a firm backstop to ensure the necessary financial reforms are implemented," Chairman Murkowski said. "This will not only help Puerto Rico meet its immediate liquidity issues and give it the tools necessary to restructure, but also protect investor confidence."

Earlier this year, the Senate Finance, Judiciary and Energy and Natural Resources Committees held congressional hearings to examine the debt crisis in Puerto Rico and gain a better understanding of the territory's financial health. Despite repeated calls for audited financial statements, limited information regarding the fiscal and financial state of Puerto Rico has been available. The Puerto Rico Assistance Act of 2015 works to address the current financial crisis and provide relief to the people of Puerto Rico. The provisions were based on currently available financial data and information from federal health officials for the territory.

Bill text for the Puerto Rico Assistance Act of 2015 can be found here.

A summary of the bill can be found here.

-30-
11 Dec 2015

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa Signs Provider Contract to Serve Iowa's Medicaid Population

By Joshua Brett

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa and Genesis Health System Sign Provider Contract to Serve Iowa's Medicaid Population

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 January 2016, and Genesis Health System, a premier health system serving a 12-county, bi-state region of the Quad cities metropolitan area and the surrounding communities of Iowa and Illinois, announced today that they have signed an agreement that will give AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa's members access to one of the nation's top 100 health systems.

As one of the region's largest and most comprehensive health networks, Genesis Health System has more than 100 locations, including six hospitals, three convenient care locations, 32 Genesis Health Group sites, 15 physical rehabilitation clinics, and multiple outpatient service centers. Genesis Health System and its affiliates provide compassionate, quality health services to all those in need through a full continuum of care including home health and nursing home care, hospice, rehabilitation, long-term care and the Genesis Cancer Care Institute.

"We are excited that Genesis Health System has joined our provider network," said AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa Market President Cheryl Harding. "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. We know that Genesis shares our commitment to removing barriers to care and services and to creating an even healthier Iowa. Our providers are the backbone of our programs, and as our partners, they are a critical component to our ability to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families and communities in Iowa."

AmeriHealth Caritas has successfully implemented Medicaid managed care plans throughout the country based on an 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, affirms AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa as well-prepared to serve the individuals who will participate in the IA Health Link program.

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other integrated health care solutions for those most in need.

"We are pleased to announce this agreement because of what it means to our patients,'' said Doug Cropper, president and CEO, Genesis Health System. "Our goal was to create minimal disruption in care for our patients who have Medicaid benefits.  AmeriHealth Caritas is a trusted national leader in solutions for some of the most vulnerable patients served by healthcare providers.''

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa and Optimae Sign Provider Contract

 

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 January 2016, and Optimae Life Services , a provider of health and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness in 28 Southeastern and Central Iowa counties, announced today that they have signed a contract to care for Optimae's clients who are covered by Medicaid. Through this arrangement, AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa's members in Southern, Central and Eastern Iowa with mental health and/or intellectual challenges will have access to Optimae's community support, home health, mental health and supportive employment services.

"Our providers are our partners, and we are pleased to partner with Optimae to meet the mental, home and behavioral health needs of our members," said Cheryl Harding, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa. "Optimae's reputation in Southern, Central and Eastern Iowa is well known. Collaborating with organizations like Optimae is a critical piece of our efforts to treat the whole person."

"Many of our customers are covered by Medicaid, and they will be in good hands with AmeriHealth Caritas," said William Dodds, president of Optimae. "AmeriHealth Caritas' expertise in managing Medicaid recipients' physical and mental health needs will benefit our clients and their families."

The new IA Health Link program will serve the majority of Iowa's Medicaid population, or about 600,000 Iowans, through select managed care plans. For more information about the IA Health Link program, visit: http://dhs.iowa.gov/.

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 January 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.

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