23 Jul 2015

Gov. Branstad takes action to further strengthen security at National Guard facilities

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Action comes after Branstad briefs Iowa Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., and urges federal action to protect servicemen and women at facilities outside of the National Guard's purview

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, as the commander-in-chief of the Iowa National Guard, today authorized Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr to strengthen current security measures and arm additional personnel at facilities under his purview, at the Adjutant General's discretion, while he continues to assess security at National Guard facilities and recruiting stations. This action bolsters current security measures, which already include armed personnel at certain military facilities.

"I am pleased the Iowa National Guard, under the exemplary leadership of Major General Timorthy Orr, already had active security measures in place that included armed security at certain facilities prior to the terrorist attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee, last week," said Branstad. "These brave men and women go to work every day to protect our state and nation. Today's action strengthens current security measures and gives Major General Timorthy Orr the authorization to arm additional soldiers, at his discretion, at Iowa National Guard facilities and recruiting stations to protect themselves and others from danger."

The announcement comes following Branstad's meeting with Iowa's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., where the Iowa leaders discussed further collaboration to strengthen security measures, including authorizing military servicemen and servicewomen to be armed at military facilities and recruiting stations that are not under the Iowa National Guard's purview.

On Monday, Branstad announced that he would take the additional step of seeking federal cooperation to address the issue nationally. As the co-chair of the Council of Governors, a group appointed by the president which advises federal officials on matters related to national security and the National Guard, Branstad will seek federal support to review policies on National Guard bases, military instillations and at recruiting stations to ensure our nation's soldiers are safe and secure. Gov. Branstad will bring this matter up at the Council of Governors meeting tomorrow, Thursday, July 23, 2015, in Washington, D.C.

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23 Jul 2015

Join Us at the State Fair and Help Us End Alzheimer's!

By Emily Holley
I am excited to announce that the Alzheimer's Association will have a booth in the (air-conditioned) Varied Industries Building at this year's Iowa State Fair!  We will be using the booth to spread awareness of Alzheimer's and everything the Alzheimer's Association does throughout our state.  We will also be taking this opportunity to promote our Iowa Caucus Project and circulate our petition asking all presidential candidates to prioritize Alzheimer's in their health care plans.

I invite you all to join us in staffing the booth.  We will have our booth from 9am to 9pm August 13th - August 23rd.  Each volunteer will receive a free ticket to the fair and a free Alzheimer's Association t-shirt.  Volunteer shifts are only four hours, and then you will be free to enjoy the fair.

This is a tremendous opportunity to educate the tens of thousands expected to attend the fair this year on Alzheimer's and what you all are doing to help end Alzheimer's!

To volunteer, please click HERE to select the shift, or shifts you would like.  You can volunteer by yourself or in a group.
Please email me (eholley@alz.org) with any questions.

Hope to see you there!

Emily

P.S.  If you haven't signed our statewide petition to presidential candidates, please do so:  act.alz.org/iapetition.  Our goal is 10,000 signatures by November 7th, at which time we will present the signatures to each presidential candidate.
23 Jul 2015

Governor Branstad requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 counties following June storms

By Randy Stalsberg

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  - Governor Terry E. Branstad today signed a letter to be delivered to President Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms from June 20-25, 2015.

The counties included in this request are: Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek and Wright.

The governor requested funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program, which is used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after, the storms. A joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the 19 counties found the severe weather caused an estimated $5.1 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program.

The governor also requested funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state.

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23 Jul 2015

Annual Parade to Kick-Off 2015 Iowa State Fair

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IA (07/22/2015)(readMedia)-- The 2015 Iowa State Fair Parade will be Wednesday, August 12 at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Over 120 different floats, animals, vehicles, and performing units are set to kick-off this year's "Fair Tour", August 13-23.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest parade and sets the stage for one of Iowa's premier events, the Iowa State Fair. Staging will take place at the State Capitol complex and parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Arlette Hollister will lead the parade this year serving as the Parade Marshal. Arlette has been a mainstay in the Foods Department at the Iowa State Fair for nearly 30 years and is excited to lead the kickoff to another great Fair. Arlette and her family have been attending the Iowa State Fair for over 50 years, and she has spent every Fair since the summer of 1986 as the Foods Department Superintendent. Through Arlette's efforts, the Food Department has grown from 27 divisions to 228 divisions and entries have increased from 4,053 to 10,597. To honor Arlette's years of service and dedication to the Fair, she will kick off this year's "Fair Tour" and lead the parade.

Highlights of the event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM Fox 17 beginning at 10 p.m. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 13-23.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

23 Jul 2015

Fix the Debt Reacts to the Social Security Trustees Report

By Campaign to Fix the Debt

The Social Security and Medicare Trustees released their annual reports today showing that despite modest improvements in their projections, both programs are in financial jeopardy. The Trustees project the Social Security Old Age and Survivors Insurance program to exhaust its reserves by 2035, the Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund to be depleted by 2030, and the Social Security Disability Insurance to become insolvent by late 2016. On a combined basis, the Trustees project the Social Security program to run out of reserve funds by 2034, which is a year later than previous projections but less than two decades from today. At that point, all beneficiaries would face an immediate 21 percent benefit cut, which would grow over time to a 27 percent cut.

"How many times do the Trustees need to warn us about this before we take their concerns seriously?" said former Sen. Judd Gregg, co-chair of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. "2034 is not that far away - it means today's 60-year-olds will be 79, and today's 48-year-olds are just reaching the normal retirement age. And the cost of waiting will only make the fixes harder. We don't need to shore up this program just for our children; we need to do it for ourselves as well."
According to the Social Security Trustees, the combined programs face a shortfall of 2.68 percent of payroll - meaning the 12.4 percent payroll tax would need to be increased by just over one-fifth or benefits cut immediately for all current and future beneficiaries by about one-sixth to make the program solvent for 75 years. By the 75th year, the Trustees project the combined shortfall will grow to 4.7 percent of payroll.
"The message the Trustees delivered today should resonate all over the country and especially in the presidential campaign," said Fix the Debt Co-Chair and former Gov. Ed Rendell. "The disability program is only a year from insolvency and the other programs aren't far behind. If we don't fix these programs soon, it's the most vulnerable who will pay the price. We need a sense of urgency in Washington to fix these programs so they are sound and secure now and in the future."

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For more information, contact Press Secretary Jack Deutsch at  deutsch@fixthedebt.org.

For more information about the Fix the Debt Campaign, please visit www.fixthedebt.org.

23 Jul 2015

Kids & Volunteers Needed - July 27-31 Engineering Kids Camp, Putnam Museum

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

Please share the below information with students, parents, and anyone interested in attending or volunteering.

There is still time for kids(Incoming 2nd-8th graders) and/or to volunteer to attend a one day, Engineering Kids Camp. Camps will be held July 27-31 at the Putnam Museum supported by Iowa State University College of Engineering in partnership with the QCESC, John Deere, NDIA and the Putnam Museum.

Students can continue to pre-register for the camps until we reach capacity for each day.  The July 29 (2nd-3rd graders) camp is SOLD OUT.

To register a student for the camp OR volunteer, click here.

July 27-31, Engineering Kids Camp @ Putnam Museum & Science Center
Students and volunteers are being sought for the 7th Annual Engineering Kids one day camps for students in grades 2nd through 8th grade (as of Fall). Nearly 400 students attended this very popular camp last year.  This camp is one of the best summer  STEM learning opportunities in the region with an exciting, engaging experience for your young innovator. Fun, imaginative sessions including three fun, hands on activities with LEGO Robotics, Software Coding and Innovation Challenge along with special showing of 3D Robotics Movie (National Geographic).  Attendees and volunteers receive lunch and a camp T-Shirt.

New volunteers should fill out the on-line volunteer form.  Volunteers will continue to be accepted until we reach capacity.  Link to list by day of volunteer openings.

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If you are interested in regular updates  on the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC or getting involved further, please consider subscribing for e-mail updates including volunteering or following/joining us using:  Facebook (QCESC), Twitter (@QCESC), LinkedIn, and the recently upgraded website at www.qcesc.org which includes a calendar of events & a volunteer page that is updated on-going with new volunteer opportunities.
23 Jul 2015

MRA - The Management Association, 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 100 in Moline, Illinois has several training events planned in August.

By Rick Martin

August 6 & August 20: 8 AM - 4 PM, Principles of Leadership Excellence Series: Module 2 - Communicating for Results: Gold Medal Performance. The goal of the Principles of Leadership Excellence Certificate Series (PLX) is to provide you with opportunities to learn the skills, behaviors, and knowledge needed for effective, successful leadership.  Cost is MRA Members: $495  Nonmembers:$655 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

August 10: 8 AM - 11:30 AM, Human Resource Professional Certificate Series: HR Metrics: ROI for HR Initiatives.  This program will provide you with practical advice on how to cost-justify and present the business case for your HR-related initiatives.  Cost is MRA Members: $200  Nonmembers: $265.  (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

August 10: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Human Resource Professional Certificate Series: Internal Investigations: A How-To Guide.  The workshop provides you with step by step instructions to conduct and complete thorough, legally compliant harassment, discrimination, and other types of internal investigations.  Cost is MRA Members: $160  Nonmembers: $205. (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

August 13: 8 AM - 11:30 AM, Business E-Mail - Write it Right, During this half-day workshop, you recognize the latest techniques for writing emails that make it easy for your readers to read, understand and respond to your messages.  Cost is MRA members: $160 Nonmembers: $205

August 17: 8 AM - 3 PM, Human Resource Professional Certificate Series: Fundamentals of Compensation.  This program explores the practice and theory of compensation management, discusses how to tailor a compensation program to support the organization's strategic goals and objectives.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340  (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

August 18, August 25 & September 1: 8 AM - 4 PM, Supervision: The Essentials.   This three day program provides your new, less experienced leaders with ideas and practices they can put to use immediately.  Cost is MRA members: $750  Nonmembers: $950.

August 21: 8 AM - 4 PM, OSHA's Electrical Safety Best Practices and NFPA - 70E.  Sessions explore the requirements of OSHA and NFPA 70E and keep you current on electrical hazards and the methods to control them.  Cost is MRA members: $275 Nonmembers: $370

August 24: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, Human Resource Professional Certificate Series: Finance Essentials for the HR Professional.  This course is designed to expose the HR manager to basic accounting practices including how to read and interpret accounting and financial reports. Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340  (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

August 25: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, HR Overview for HR Assistants.  This program provides an overview of the human resource function and reviews technical knowledge to help a support person become a confident and effective HR assistant.  Cost is MRA members: $250  Nonmembers: $340

August 27: 8 AM - 12 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Grammar Basics.  Is it affect or effect? Should I use 15 or fifteen? Which punctuation mark should I use?  This half-day program addresses those and many more basic grammatical questions.  Cost is MRA members: $160 Nonmembers: $205 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

August 31: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, Human Resource Professional Certificate Series: HR Professional as Business Partner.  Primary focus within this program includes developing the business partner role through effective coaching strategies to address performance management.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

To register for any of these courses, or for more details, contact Kathy Riley at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org.  You can also find training information on our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events

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23 Jul 2015

Quad City Symphony Orchestra Announces Auditions for 2015-16 Season

By Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Auditions Include Strings, Woodwinds and Brass

Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO), has announced auditions for the 2015-16 season. Audition application deadline is Monday, August 3, 2015.

Audition date for the following open positions is Sunday, August 16, 2015: first and second section violin, associate principal bass, string substitutes and fourth horn.

Audition date for English horn is Saturday, October 3.

Audition date for second bassoon is Saturday, November 7.

Applications to audition must be postmarked or emailed by Monday, August 3, 2015.

"The QCSO encourages musicians who would like to be a part of the continued history-making of this organization to audition for one of our openings. In addition to being part of an outstanding performing ensemble, our expanding education engagement programs offer musicians more opportunities to play, teach, and earn in the QC region," said Rich Stodd, Director of Orchestra Operations.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is a per-service orchestra. Mail or email a one page resume and send a $50 deposit check payable to "QCSO", which will be returned at the audition, by Monday, August 3 to:

Rich Stodd, Director of Orchestra Operations
327 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52801
Email: rstodd@qcso.org

The QCSO's thrilling 101st season builds on the blockbuster 100 year anniversary celebration.  The season begins with Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops on September 12, 2015.

23 Jul 2015

Private contractors to collect tax debt; IRS union objects, despite terrible filing season

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the National Treasury Employees Union's opposition to the use of private contractors to collect tax debt.  The provision is part of the proposed highway bill in the Senate.

"The IRS union is already opposing the use of private contractors to collect taxes that's part of the proposed highway bill.  Meanwhile, the IRS just had one of the worst filing seasons for customer service on record, according to the agency's own taxpayer advocate.  The number of 'courtesy disconnects skyrocketed' this last filing season.  That means the IRS hung up on callers because it couldn't handle the calls.  The private contractors would take on accounts involving taxes that are due and owed that are just sitting dormant right now.  The IRS isn't even pursuing them.  It seems unlikely to do so any time soon when it has trouble answering the phone from people who are trying to pay their taxes.  It's hard to see the logic for the resistance."
22 Jul 2015

Upper Iowa University announces May 2015 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (07/22/2015)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its May 2015 graduates, followed by the degree earned.

Sarah Brennan of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Shawn Cotton of LeClaire, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Sara Ehrecke of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis.

Haylie Franklin of Muscatine, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise/Sport Studies.

Elizabeth Guy of Le Claire, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Jann Hebrank of Eldridge, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Cody Hobson of Bettendorf, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis.

Ram Marme of DeWitt, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Jesse Pennock of De Witt, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin.

Traci Schmidt of Blue Grass, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.

Kathryn Troendle of Bettendorf, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 5,800 students--nationally and internationally--at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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