Iowa is widely known for our first-rate hospitality, first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses and first-class production of corn, soybeans, pork and eggs. Fewer people may realize that our state also is a rising star in America's clean energy renaissance.

In fact, Iowa is leading America's strategic efforts to foster energy independence and secure affordable, reliable and renewable sources of clean energy. Our state is on track to generate nearly 30 percent of its electricity from wind. From supply chain to socket, Iowa wind energy creates good paying jobs and keeps electricity prices low for consumers.

Iowa's prized farm commodities also are being tapped to diversify and improve America's domestic, renewable fuel supply chain, including biodiesel and corn-based ethanol. Iowa's crop yields climb from one harvest to the next thanks to precision farming techniques, responsible soil stewardship and advances in bioseed technology.

Driving growth in America's energy renaissance can be credited with creating good jobs, revitalizing rural economies, boosting wage growth and farm income, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign fossil fuels and generating clean-burning fuels and pollution-free electricity, such as wind, solar and hydropower.

In the last three decades, Iowa's renewable fuels sector has gained tremendous momentum and growth. Federal tax and energy policies have encouraged the American entrepreneurial spirit, giving farmers, captains of industry and investors the green light to think big, dream big and go big.

In fact, from conception to commercialization, Iowa's newest ethanol biorefinery is a by-product of Iowa ingenuity, innovation and investment. The brand new, state-of-the-art, next-generation, $225 million cellulosic ethanol production facility is opening for business during the heart of harvest season right in the heart of Iowa.

DuPont expects its fully integrated production facility will convert 370,000 dry tons of corn stover to 30 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol each year. Corn stover is what's left-over from the harvest. Think cobs, leaves, husks and stalks. We're talking about adding value to organic crop waste. More than 500 local farmers from a 30-mile radius will supply the biorefinery with their "post-harvest" harvest each year.

Just think. Iowa is ground zero for next generation biofuels. According to DuPont, this biorefinery is the largest cellulosic ethanol facility in the world. It is a world-class model for next-generation, sustainable, clean energy. And it's right here in Iowa.

As an outspoken champion for rural America and a renewable energy policy leader in the U.S. Senate, I worked successfully a decade ago to secure passage of the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that planted seeds of opportunity for growth, innovation and stability in the marketplace. The RFS was created to help diversify and propel next-generation biofuels to market, give consumers a competitive choice of fuels at the pump, curb reliance on foreign fossil fuels and protect the environment.

Despite Big Oil's tricks to spin a web of misguided information and spook renewable fuels growth, investment and development, groundbreaking collaboration continued among scientists and researchers, as well as farmers, job creators and investors in the private sector. The brain trust masterminding the new world-class facility in Story County represents the best and brightest from leaders in agriculture, academia and industry.

In the meantime, I am continuing my clarion call in Congress to shake sense into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It got stuck in Big Oil's sticky web. Specifically, I have pressed the EPA to live up to its legal obligations to provide certainty to the biofuels industry and set robust RFS volume requirements that were passed by lawmakers elected by the American people.

The EPA's proposed volume requirements under the RFS program for 2014, 2015 and 2016 must be finalized by Nov. 30. It's disappointing the EPA ignored targets set by Congress. I will continue working to prevent Big Oil from hoodwinking the EPA so that critical investment in infrastructure will grow and allow American consumers to have clean energy choices.

Iowa's new cellulosic facility also will help dry up the crocodile tears spilled by Big Food that tries to assign blame to corn-based ethanol for rising food prices. Don't forget, the facility in Nevada will produce fuel-grade ethanol from crop residue, not corn kernels. As long as it takes, I will continue debunking myths from the cauldrons of Big Oil and Big Food and press the EPA to uphold the law.

As Iowa's senior U.S. senator, I welcome Iowa's shining new star to America's renewable energy constellation. Like the pioneers who made their mark generations before us, Iowa's 21^st century risk-takers and innovators are embracing environmental stewardship as they plow forward to achieve prosperity and work to make tomorrow even better than today.

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER ISSUE!

The December 2015 LeClaire Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be printed and delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. If you commit to all 4 quarterly issues, receive a 10% discount off each ad! Ads can be modified per issue. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. Low cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for THE HOLIDAYS!! Deadline Friday, November 6, 5:00 p.m.

RIBBON CUTTING!

November 6th- LeClaire River Retreat Guest Condo - 5p.m. Stephanie Graham, owner. 215 1/2 Cody Road, LeClaire. leclaireriverretreat@gmail.com, www.leclaireriverretreat.com A modern, chic and newly updated condo with accommodations for up to six guests. Enjoy a beautiful open floor plan featuring a great room with hardwood floors and gas fireplace, kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, two walls of windows to enjoy the riverfront view, private entrance, an enclosed garage, and a private deck. Our lovely location is in the heart of historic downtown LeClaire, IA overlooking the Mississippi River. This luxury condominium is available for overnight, weekend, weekly, or monthly rental. Also available for group parties such as baby showers, bridal showers, and the like. 563-484-1555

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

November 1st - Deadline for submitting your information to the National Geographic website. Go to http://mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com/user/account Contact Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, know if you need for information or assistance - info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963

CALENDAR

October 1st-31st - Food for Fines: It's back! LeClaire Community Library will take food donations to pay off late fees/fines for all of October. All donations will benefit the Hope Church Food Pantry. For a full list of acceptable donations, and for more information, please visit the www.leclaire.lib.ia.us or contact Library Director Jillian Aschliman at jaschliman@leclaireiowa.gov or (563)289-4242, ext. 4

October 30th - Snow Masonic Lodge #44 will be Recognizing and Honoring Le Claire's Firefighters and Police Officers at a dinner beginning 6:30 pm in our lodge dining room at 113 S. Cody Road.  Public is invited.  Cost is $7.00 for dinner which will include ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert and a beverage.

October 30th - Go Fish - Princeton - Halloween Party & Costume Contest 8 p.m. Drinks, Specials, and Prizes. New winter menu and Winter hours start Monday November 2nd.  We will be closed on Mondays starting November 2.  Open all other days at 11am.  Lunch and dinner specials daily.

November 1st - Blue Iguana - Day of the Dead Celebration! Zany Janie will be creating balloon characters and painting faces for the kids from Noon-3pm. Oculto will be on special for $2.50.

November 1st-5th - Dwellings Closed to Prepare for the Holiday Season.

November 5th-15th - Isabel Bloom - "We make it!  You gift it!  They Love it!  Join us November 5-15 for our Great Gift Givers Event and receive a free Candy Cane Ornament with every $50 purchase!"

November 6th - Dwellings Holiday 2015 Begins! Kick off the Holiday Season at Dwellings and be the first to see all the newest items in holiday decor. 10a.m.-8p.m.

November 6th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8pm.

Fun food and cocktail sampling at the Mississippi River Distilling Co.

Wine tasting at Wide River Winery

Live music at The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits

Ribbon Cutting at LeClare River Retreat Guest Condo - 5p.m.

Restaurant specials, and many shops open late.

November 6th - Ribbon Cutting - LeClaire River Retreat Condo - 5p.m. - Light refresments will be served. Everyone welcome!

November 7th-8th - The Fall Mississippi River Valley Art Drive brings you through LeClaire where you can see exhibits at Artswork, Mississippi Cottage Antiques, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Reusable Usables. See the complete MRVAD guide at http://www.mrvad.com/

November 10th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Riverview Roadhouse noon-1p.m. Guest speaker from Bi-State Commission.

November 14th-15th - Decades - Holiday Open House 521 N Cody Road. Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4. Antiques, painted furniture, Christmas wreaths - garlands - trees - table decorations & refreshments. Join Us!

November 14th - Free Family Movie Night at Riverside Church 302 N. Cody Rd., Le Claire, 6pm.  Will be showing the movie, "Home" but we have turned this movie into an interactive movie!   What is an interactive movie?  We have different movements, sayings, and activities that we do throughout the movie.  Children under the age of 7 should have an adult accompany them.  Please feel free to call April 920-287-8851 with any questions.

November 18th - El Rio Spa & Wellness One Year Anniversary Event 4-8p.m. Live Demonstrations, Gift Card Packages, Giveaways, and Grand Prize Drawing for a Trip to Kohler Waters Spa, Kohler, WI! First 50 people to RSVP receive a spa goody bag! Please call 563-289-1344 or email michelle@elriospa.com to RSVP by November 2nd. And, come check out the new "Salt Therapy Room"! Great for respiratory ailments and skin conditions. Massage Wednesdays - $10 off any massage! The M'Lis Slimming Wrap is back! Cut inches and check out the M'Lis Wellness program as well!

November 23rd - Economic Development Meeting - City Hall - 8a.m.

November 28th - Small Business Saturday Support the local economy by shopping LeClaire's small businesses. Fun scavenger hunt will be offered with chance to win a prize. More information to come.

SAVE THE DATE

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire! Brought to you by WQAD

January 30th, 2016 - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

It's not too early to reserve the LeClaire Civic Center for your holiday party! Go to www.leclairecivicclub.org for details or call 563-639-4621. Half- and full-day rentals; furnished kitchen; large screen television.

Blue Iguana has new weekly specials!

Monday: $5 Half Order of Cheese Nachos

Tuesday: $6 Taco Basket (chicken or steak)

Wednesday: $5 Diablo Chicken Salad

Thursday: $7 Poblano Burgers

Bible Study at Jones St. Java House, 204 Jones St., LeClaire. 6:30-8p.m. The public is invited to join a free, 6-week course on "How to Study the Bible." Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick of Asbury United Methodist Church will lead the study on Wednesday nights from Oct. 14 - Nov. 18, 2015. Please bring your Bible (or one will be provided) and invite a friend. All are welcome! Information: contact Pastor Kerrin at 563-355-5218, ext. 204.

Unique Recycled Creations & Gifts - now retailers for American Paint Company. We carry quarts, pints and samples of the chalk, clay and mineral based paint, plus waxes, top coat finish, American grit, MICA , glaze and brushes, so basically the whole line, plus their new line of paint that just came out this week, The Bold and beautiful collection.

Faithful Pilot On-Going Events · Mondays - Half Priced Martinis · Tuesdays - $5 House Made Margaritas, $3 Guacamole, and $3 Street Tacos · Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night with Chef prepared feature share plates and Live music from 6-8pm. · Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11am-2pm

LeClaire Community Library - TAG:  Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, and don't forget?your attendance earns you Service Learning Hours!

Steventon's has Prime Rib on the first Saturday of each month.

Bierstube of LeClaire would like to offer all LeClaire Business Employees 10% food items!  Voted #1 Rueben in the QC!  We make our own sausages! Check out our daily specials and lunch features!

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

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

LeClaire Chamber member, Kathy Anderson, thanks the LeClaire merchants for their support of Habitat for Humanity's recent fundraiser. The LeClaire basket was valued at $425 and helped Habitat raise nearly $30,000 at their annual Mr/Ms. Habitat competition. Thank you for contributing to Habitat's mission of making affordable homes possible for families in need!

The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad Cities Nepal Society want to thank you for your donation to the "Night for Nepal Gala" on September 18. With your generous help, we were able to raise $8000 for the people of Nepal! We had hoped to raise $4000 so, we are delighted and so grateful for all that you did to make this a grand answer to our prayers. Many, many thanks to all of LeClaire, to our congregation and to the wonderful businesses and individuals who helped make our Nepal Gala a huge success! Chamber members included A Simpler Time, Antique Archaeology, Artswork, Best Days Photography, Bierstube, Big Dave and Holly's, Blackhawk Bank, Buffalo Bill Museum, Comfort Inn and Suites, Crane and Pelican, Dahl Ford, Dr. Crystal's Chiropractic Care, Dwellings, First Central State Bank, Grasshoppers, Happy Joe's, Isabel Bloom, LeClaire Olive Oil Company, Olathea Golf Course, Melody and Duane Oltmann, Razzleberries, Riverside Family Eyecare, Riverview Dental Specialists, Style with PM Interiors, Super Wash, Twilight River Boat, and Wide River Winery.

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!

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

January 30th - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon - guest speaker

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon