Lt. Governor unveils the designation at the community's Bus Tour and Official's Cookout

(WEST DES MOINES) - Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced last night that West Des Moines has achieved the Home Base Iowa Community designation. West Des Moines is now the 21st community in the state to achieve this recognition. The designation was unveiled at the community's Bus Tour and Official's Cookout, an event designed to showcase West Des Moines' newest projects and expansion plans, as well as the opportunity to network with business leaders and elected officials from local, state and federal government.

"It is such an honor to add another Home Base Iowa community to the list," said Reynolds. "Iowa counties and cities are really stepping up to support the Home Base Iowa effort. We are so proud to offer such a warm welcome to veterans and transitioning service members."

Home Base Iowa connects transitioning military members and veterans with career opportunities in Iowa companies. The state of Iowa has a lot to offer veterans and transitioning service members including no state taxes on military pension, a cost of living below the national average and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. To date, members of the Iowa Business Council, Iowa's largest employers, have hired more than 1,300 employees through Home Base Iowa.

"As we travel around the state, we hear from our businesses that they need skilled workers," commented Governor Terry Branstad. "Veterans and transitioning military members are exactly the kind of employees that our companies need. They show up equipped with skills including teamwork, dedication, a strong work ethic and problem-solving abilities that have been tested in some of the toughest situations imaginable."

Home Base Iowa designates qualified communities as centers of opportunity for military veterans based on four standards: 10 percent of hiring businesses within a designated community must become Home Base Iowa businesses, each community develops its own incentive package for veterans, the community prominently displays the Home Base Iowa Community designation, and obtains a resolution of support from the appropriate local governing body. Grimes has met the criteria and is offering an incentive package that includes various discounts for veterans as well as economic development guidance and assistance to any veteran seeking to start or locate a business within the community.

The Home Base Iowa is a unique non-profit private-public partnership that focuses on recruiting veterans and active duty service members for quality, well-paying private-sector jobs in Iowa.

  • In March, Iowa was named one of only a handful of states to be designated an All-Vet State by "Hiring Our Heroes," a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
  • In June, Iowa was named as the first state to offer "Hilton Honors Military Initiative." This is a program set up by Hilton Worldwide, and connects military members and their families across the nation with free lodging at Hilton hotels as they pursue their job hunt, or need somewhere to stay as they move for their careers.
  • In July, Iowa was named the third "Get Skills to Work State" by the Manufacturing Institute and National Association of Manufacturers.

The initiative is currently co-chaired by Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Meyers, both of whom are veterans themselves. For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.gov.

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WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is raising questions about a new policy memorandum issued by the Obama administration that may, according to the President, allow for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers being admitted to the United States, which could result in the displacement of U.S. workers.

In a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez, Grassley wrote, "I fear - especially in light of the remarks made by the President in March - the effect that this L-1B memo will have on American workers, particularly in the IT sector, who are already battered by mass layoffs, job offshoring, and depressed wages."

Grassley's letter cites an administration memo that purports to reform the L-1B nonimmigrant visa category which is specifically designed for the admission to the United States of temporary intracompany transferees with "specialized knowledge."  The L-1B visa program was never intended to be a high-volume temporary foreign worker program.

In addition, as a policy memorandum, and not a regulation, there is neither an opportunity for the submission of public comments to which the administration must respond, nor a requirement that the administration perform an economic impact assessment.

Grassley has previously written about concerns regarding the L-1B program, including an unclear number of L-1 visa holders actually in the United States, a broad definition of "specialized knowledge," a disconnect between the Departments of Homeland Security and State on blanket petitions, and the alleged use of L-1 visas to circumvent requirements of H-1B visas.  Grassley has serious doubts that the Obama administration's memo will address the real problems and loopholes within the program.

A signed copy of the letter is here.

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made the following statement after the White House nominated Judge Rebecca Ebinger to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

Grassley recommended Ebinger and Judge Leonard Strand to the White House after an extensive effort by a Judicial Selection Commission that Grassley formed after two judges announced their intention to take senior status.  Strand was nominated by the President on July 21, for the open judgeship in the Northern District of Iowa.  The Commission was comprised of highly qualified members of the Iowa legal community, and led by Cynthia Moser, a former Iowa State Bar Association president. The Commission also included Richard Sapp, Jeffrey Goodman, Harlan D. Hockenberg, and Adam Freed.  

These lawyers spent hundreds of hours carefully reviewing applications and interviewing each of the 39 Iowans who submitted applications and sought consideration.  Eleven applicants were then selected to participate in a lengthy second interview.  The Commission's review included not only these interviews, but also a thorough study and examination of the applicants' professional history, credentials, and qualifications.  The Commission then made recommendations to Grassley, who reviewed the candidates and their qualifications before submitting his recommendations to the White House.  

Here is Grassley's comment on today's announcement.

"The Southern District of Iowa will benefit greatly from Judge Ebinger's background and expertise, and I have great confidence that she will serve with distinction.  I appreciate the White House working with me to move her nomination forward.  The five commissioners who made the recommendation to me, and spent hundreds of hours to vet dozens of very qualified candidates, deserve a lot of credit."

Explore La Crosse is pleased to announce the first annual La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo and Hospitality Job Fair, a showcase for businesses, organizations, and individuals who attract visitors to the La Crosse area, Mississippi River Valley, and its surrounding communities. Taking place December 3rd in La Crosse Wisconsin, this event is a celebration of the area's dynamic and vital travel and tourism industry, which employs thousands and accounts for millions in economic impact, making it one of the region's largest industries. The Expo serves as a reminder of the crucial role tourism plays in our local economy and intends to bring area leaders, communities, and individuals together for a conversation on regional tourism and collaboration.

La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo and Hospitality Job Fair, will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 in the La Crosse Center 10am to 5pm. Participating area businesses will be showcasing their attractions, activities, and services to fellow stakeholders in the industry as well as to the community at large.

Explore La Crosse invites area travel and tourism-related businesses to participate and engage in this celebration, as well as to encourage employees, customers, and clientele to attend the Expo to converse, partner and learn more about what this region has to offer.

Businesses and individuals from the following counties are encouraged to exhibit: La Crosse (WI), Vernon (WI), Trempealeau (WI), Monroe (WI), Jackson (WI), Wabasha (MN), Winona (MN) , Houston (MN), Fillmore (MN), Winneshiek (IA), and Allamakee (IA).

Other events throughout the day include lightning talks, demos, raffles, food and refreshments from local restaurants, live entertainment, a new tourism ambassador program and more.

Admission is free but registration is required. Exhibitor space is available for $35.00 for job fair exhibitors and $50.00 for tourism & travel exhibitors and includes the opportunity to present or demo an experience, product, or service during the event.

For more information visit http://explorelacrosse.com/expo and download the event app for updates on exhibitors, schedule, and networking events during the expo

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, joined officials from AT&T Monday to recognize the Tri-County Opportunities Council, a Rock Falls-based community service provider, and present a grant that will help the organization continue working to expand access to job training, educational opportunities and assistance for working families.

"The Tri-County Opportunities Council provides thousands of local families with resources to help them make ends meet during difficult times, and I'm thankful AT&T values their contributions to our community as much as I do," Smiddy said. "The governor's budget veto has threatened a number of important services, but we're fortunate that dedicated organizations like The Tri-County Opportunities Council are continuing to put the needs of local families first. This award is in recognition of the important role they play in our community."

The Tri-County Opportunities Council provides a number of services to families in Whiteside County, Carroll County and the surrounding area, including job training, home energy assistance and scholarships. AT&T and Rep. Smiddy selected Tri-Counties for the Investing in Illinois Award and presented the group with a $2,000 grant to recognize and continue their important work on behalf of local families.

Nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year in Texas, Branson entertainer, Jeff Gordon, arrives in Coralville, Iowa, September 22nd, 2015 to perform one show only at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  With his wide range of talent and musical ability, Jeff spends his time crisscrossing the country between Texas, Florida and the midwest, performing his music.  Jeff also is a Nashville recording artist with a cd of his own original music that has been heard throughout the USA and Europe.

On September 22nd, Jeff will be performing one of his most requested variety shows.  The first half of the show is a celebration of music, and will include country (Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins  & Johnny Cash), 50/60's Rock & Roll (Buddy Holly & Roy Orbison), Elvis and even a bit of Louis Armstrong and Dean Martin.  The second half of the show is a high energy show, as Jeff portrays and impersonates the legendary Tom Jones.   Folks who have seen Tom Jones perform in person, have shared with Jeff that if they sit back and close their eyes, they would swear they were listening to Tom Jones. Enjoy some of Tom's greatest hits including "Delilah", "It's Not Unusual" and "She's A Lady".

You can find out more information about Jeff by visiting his websites at JeffGordonShows.com and ATomJonesImpersonator.com.  You can also see videos at www.youtube.com/c/Jeffgordonshowsentertainment and  www.youtube.com/c/AtomjonesimpersonatorJeffGordon

Doors open at 6:30 and the performance begins at 7 pm.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit CoralvilleArts.org or call 319-248-9370.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. E. Terry Branstad today signed a proclamation directing a special election to be held on Nov. 3, 2015, for Iowa House District 5, following the resignation of Chuck Soderberg who recently announced his resignation after being named as the new executive vice president for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

House District 5 is comprised of Plymouth and a portion of Woodbury counties. The district includes the communities of Akron, Hinton, Le Mars, Lawton, Moville, and Pierson.  A full district map can be found here.

Iowa Code 69.14 outlines the authority given to the governor to set a special election. The proclamation setting the date of the special election can be found here.

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A Summer of Giving for the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation

BETTENDORF - The Ascentra Credit Union Foundation gave a total of $17,000 to 37 different charities and organizations throughout the region this summer. These efforts stem from the credit union's encouragement of staff to volunteer and give back to the community.  The foundation committee wanted to support the causes that the volunteer board of directors and senior leadership are active with and elected to allow them to give out $1,000 to their efforts and causes.  In total 37 organizations were positively impacted including:

  • American Red Cross Muscatine -Louisa Branch, Muscatine
  • Associate Benevolent Society, Clinton
  • Bettendorf Fine Arts Patron, Bettendorf
  • Bettendorf Rotary Club, Bettendorf
  • Bettendorf Soccer Association, Bettendorf
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, Davenport
  • Central Community Educational Foundation, Dewitt
  • Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities, Moline
  • Christ's Family Day Care, Davenport
  • Churches United of the Quad Cities, Bettendorf
  • City Center Ministry, Davenport
  • Clinton Humane Society, Clinton
  • Community Health Care, Inc., Davenport
  • Davenport Chordbusters, Davenport
  • First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton
  • Gold Coast & Hamburg Historic District Association, Davenport
  • Habitat for Humanity Clinton
  • Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities
  • Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo
  • Humane Society of Scott County, Davenport
  • ILOWA Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Geneseo
  • Iowa Quad Cities Rotary Club, Davenport
  • King's Harvest Pet Rescue, Davenport
  • Muscatine Arboretum Association, Muscatine
  • Quad Citians Affirming Diversity, Rock Island
  • Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan
  • Quad City Hockey Association, Davenport
  • Rick's House of Hope, Davenport
  • River Bend Food Bank, Davenport
  • Rock Island Music Association, Rock Island
  • Safe Path Survivor Resources of Family Resources, Moline
  • Scott County Family YMCA, Davenport
  • Sterling Schools Foundation, Sterling
  • The 180 Zone, Davenport
  • The Pregnancy Center, Clinton
  • Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, Rock Island
  • YouthHope, Moline

"Our leadership team and volunteer board of directors are very passionate supporters of many worthy causes in our region.  The financial support through the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation enables us to make an even more profound impact for these great organizations!" said Ascentra President and CEO Dale Owen.  said Ascentra President and CEO Dale Owen.

The Ascentra Credit Union Foundation was established in 2013 as the charitable arm of the credit union to honor the memory of the credit union's late President and CEO Paul Lensmeyer and to meet the charitable and educational objectives of the Board of Directors of Ascentra Credit Union.

The foundation's first fundraiser will be the inaugural Paul Lensmeyer Golf Outing taking place at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club, on Monday, Sept. 28th.  For more information about the mission of the foundation or the golf outing visit ascentra.org/foundation.

One of the Quad Cities' favorite restaurants will host an event celebrating its customers and its last weekend operating at the downtown Bettendorf location.

Ross' Restaurant will host a customer appreciation event this Saturday, September 19th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the downtown location (430 14th Street in Bettendorf). Activities will include a live band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with some classic music from times gone by, followed by a local DJ spinning tunes from all of the decades Ross' has been in business. Children can enjoy a bounce house, and Ross' will be bringing back our Chili eating contest from 1980 with hopes of crowning a new champion. Ross' is rolling back the clock on menu pricing on one of its signature sandwiches and will be serving Rossburgers for $.50, and a Rossburger, fries and a pop for $1.00.

The announcement was made today by Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers, manager and granddaughter of founder Harold Ross. "We are so excited about our new restaurant and can't wait to share it with our community. We wanted to have this last weekend be a celebration of our beloved customers, many who have been coming in for our 75-plus years of operation. Ross' wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of them, and we would like to thank our customers for their support. On the toughest days, they are what got us through; their smiles, hugs and words of encouragement were so appreciated.

Ross' last day of operation will be Tuesday, September 22nd, closing the downtown location at 3 p.m. The restaurant will be opening its new location at 2297 Falcon Ave. in Bettendorf on September 30th.

Quad Cities: Over 200 athletes from across North America, both men and women, arrive in the Quad Cities the first weekend in October to compete for the National Title at this year's North American Strongman National Championships.  This is the first time the North American Strongman National Championships have been held in the Quad Cities.  The event takes place at the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport, Iowa.

The public is invited to all competitions.  They are held in the RiverCenter's Great Hall on Friday, October 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, October 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Admission to the event is $7 per person or $5 when you bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the local food pantry.

In addition to the competitions, there will be plenty of other activities going on at the RiverCenter including door prizes, health screenings, health and fitness vendors, and a variety of fun activities for the kids.

The athletes will be competing not only to become North America's Strongest, but they are also vying for a spot at the World Championships, that will be held early spring at the Arnold Schwarzenegger sports festival in Ohio.  Strongman Corporation chose the Quad Cities for the event, due to the known factor of the Quad Cities being a great sporting town that support a variety of sporting events.

This is the first time the North American Strongman National Championships have been held in the Quad Cities.  The event was secured through the efforts of the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Spectators have the opportunity to see amazing athletes in action during a variety of competitions.  On October 2, three events take place on opening day.  The Log Clean and Press competition gives athletes 60-seconds to get in as many lifting reps without touching the ground.  This is followed by Conan's Carry Yoke Walk where athletes have 60-seconds to carry a yoke in front of their body for 60-feet.  The day concludes with the Farmers challenge in which competitors have 60-seconds to carry farm implements for a distance of 60-feet.

The competition concludes on Saturday with two final events, the Push Pull Medley and Sand Bag Carry.  During the Push Pull Medley, competitors do a one-arm giant dumbbell press over their head followed by a one-arm deadlift pull.  Athletes must go back and forth between the press and pull.  A successful rep is one complete press and one complete pull.  They are judged on how many they can complete in 60-seconds.  The Sand Bag Carry and Load Medley gives each athlete 75-seconds to load four sandbags onto a platform.  Each sandbag is placed about 60-feet from the platform.

Strongman Corporation (SC) is the sole sanctioning and governing body for the sport of professional and amateur strongman events in the U.S.  SC provides athletes with opportunities by promoting numerous professional strongman contests across the country yearly.  These contests include America's Strongest Man®, the Olympia Strongman Challenge, the U.S. Nationals and Pro-Am and Platinum-Plus series.  SC also works directly with individual promoters, international representatives and strongman federations, world-wide to ensure that American athletes have opportunities abroad as well.

SC has the largest amateur-to-professional strongman system in the world.  SC has developed relationships world-wide that allows young athletes the time to mature in the amateur ranks while having the opportunity to compete in SC sanctioned events and earn their professional status.  SC also fosters the growth of strongman in the international community by advising countries and regions as they develop amateur-to-professional systems of their own.  SC hosts the annual Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships which sees international and American amateur strongman competitors compete for the World Champion title and professional strongman status.

Strongman Corporation is the premier amateur and professional strongman corporation in the world. Their mission is to provide quality strongman contests for the public while ensuring fair treatment for the competitors.

Headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, they have a number of training facilities all over the world for new and veteran athletes.  Strongman Corporation has over 200 contests per year that qualify athletes to compete in the National Championships.  From the National Championships, athletes qualify to compete at the World Championships in March at the Arnold Classic.  For more information, visit strongmancorporation.com

Sponsors for the competition include New Age Performance, SBD Apparel, KT Tape, and McDougal Chiropractic Services. SBD is a global sportswear brand, founded to design and produce market-leading performance products in conjunction with their team of elite athletes, coaches and health professionals.  SBD produces special sleeves worn on the arms during powerlifting, crossFit and Strongman competitions.  SBD will have a vendor booth at the competition and will be selling their product.

KT Tape is an elastic sports and fitness tape designed for muscle, ligament, and tendon pain relief and support. KT tape will be on hand to help assure athletes safety and working hand in hand with Dr. Todd McDougal to help keep athletes in the event.

New Age Performance will also have a booth at the competition.  New Age Performance is taking the sports and fitness world by storm because there is nothing available on the market that provides the instantaneous athletic enhancing benefits of their Mouthware products.  It doesn't matter if you're a pro athlete or just a health conscious consumer, New Age Performance can help enhance your performance by experiencing increased strength, balance, flexibility, oxygen uptake, range of motion and grind protection.  Their Mouthware is the number one choice to help improve performance.

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