15 Jul 2015

Making Summer More Energy Efficient

By Steve Burke

By Nathaniel Sillin

It's expected to be a hotter summer this year, but don't confine your money-saving efforts to the thermostat.

The warm months can be the best time to focus on cutting year-round energy costs (http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/electricity.cfm). Free of snow, ice and wind, it's easier to spot problems, do repairs and budget for energy-efficient appliances and fix-up projects that can save considerable money in the future.

Your first step should be better tracking and analysis of the energy you buy. The most common sources of energy spending are home utilities and fuel costs for vehicles. However, if you own a vacation home, operate a business within your residential space or have different vehicles for land or water, see if you can separate those numbers so you can more clearly identify usage patterns month to month and find ways to cut back.

Think about an energy audit. Whether you do it yourself or pay for the services of a certified professional summer is the best time to do a basement-to-rooftop energy audit (http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/professional-home-energy-audits). Some utility companies have home energy audits online so you can see where your energy is going. Prospective homeowners might make an energy audit part of their home inspection process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2014, the average American spent 60 percent of their energy dollars heating rooms and water. Another 16 percent goes to lighting, cooling and food refrigeration. The remainder - nearly a quarter of total home energy uses - covers all miscellaneous energy use in the house.

Then focus on the thermostat. In the summer, confine heavy air conditioning use to the hottest nights, and the rest of the time, try to set the thermostat a little higher than you do now. For example, the U.S. Energy Department says that setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees instead of 72 can save between 6-18 percent on your summer cooling bill. Before you spend money on a programmable thermostat or convert your real-time utility billing to a budget plan, note that some research questions their value (https://today.duke.edu/2015/04/autopay). First, see how much you can save by shutting off vents and doors and drawing curtains in unused rooms and spaces. If you don't have pets, you may consider setting your thermostat significantly higher than 78 before you leave for work.

Lights out. We've all been admonished to turn off the lights when we leave a room, but there are other things we can do to capture random, or "vampire," energy waste. Sensors, dimmers and timers can reduce lighting use, and installing power strips can keep computers, microwaves, cable boxes, DVRs and high-end TV sets from sucking energy even when they're not turned on. Unplugging between uses works too. Also, swapping conventional incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can provide lighting that lasts longer and saves money on replacements.

Check for tax credits and rebates. Make a call to your tax professional, check the Internal Revenue Service's website (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-5695,-Residential-Energy-Credits) and EnergyStar.gov for news on residential energy credits for specific replacement appliances and energy-saving improvements to your home. Keep in mind that Congress traditionally acts late each year to renew old credits or to approve new ones.

Consider energy-smart landscaping. Keep in mind that well-placed trees and shrubs can shield a home from the sun and the elements year-round and potentially save 25 percent on energy costs annually.

Cars, gas, and public transportation. If you drive, consolidate errands, fill up your tank at cheaper times and consider smartphone apps to find low gas prices for commuting and vacation use. And if you don't regularly use public transportation, start testing it during the summer. The additional walking most people do when they take public transportation has health benefits as well.

Bottom line: This summer, don't just try to keep cool. Save money by changing your year-round energy behavior.

15 Jul 2015

Iowa Certifies six more industrial sites as "development-ready" and launches a Green Certification classification

By Rick Martin

Six sites are located in the communities of Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Norwalk, Marion, Mason City and Perry.

(DES MOINES) ?Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that six communities are in the second round of sites to achieve certification through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) certified site program. These six sites are located in the communities of Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Norwalk, Marion, Mason City and Perry.

In an effort to address the lack of project-ready industrial sites in the state, the IEDA rolled out the Iowa Certified Site Program in May 2012. The Iowa Certified Site Program is designed to consider a combination of national site location standards as well as Iowa's natural assets and industry needs of the state's targeted sectors. This is an independent, third-party certification program that uses the nationally recognized site selection firm of McCallum Sweeney Consulting (MSC) as the sole certifying agent. The program's first certifications were announced last April for sites in Dexter, Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls and Van Meter.

"Creating jobs and increasing family incomes for Iowans is my administration's top priority," said Gov. Branstad. "With the announcement that six additional Iowa sites have gone through a rigorous certification process to be considered 'development-ready,' we are moving Iowa to the top of the list for projects that are looking for a home. Those projects mean more Iowa jobs."

"A lot of credit goes to the communities of Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Norwalk, Marion, Mason City and Perry," commented Lt. Gov. Reynolds. "The investment to achieve site certification isn't a small one, but it is sure to pay dividends both locally and for our state as a whole."

Site certification is one of the fastest growing trends in the site selection business, and by introducing certified sites to the market Iowa is better able to compete for large-scale projects.  By going through this rigorous process, developers -- working closely with their local officials, utility partners and consultants -- are better prepared to market their sites with specific site-related information and community data.  All site due diligence is completed and resulting issues are mitigated, making the site "risk-free" and thus accelerating the development schedule.

"Iowa is improving its competitive position in the world of site selection by certifying six additional industrial sites," said Debi Durham, director of the IEDA. "Iowa's Certified Sites Program now boasts 10 sites, with even more in the queue. This shows the world that Iowa is open for business."

The six sites certified today began the process in 2013. After working through the rigorous certification process, these six sites have met the standards of the Iowa Certified Site Program and have now achieved that designation.

 

New Green Certification Initiative

 

Officials also announced the launch of a Green Certification classification as part of the Iowa Certified Site Program. This program recognizes the growing demand for environmentally sensitive design for companies that are committed to reducing the environmental impact of development.

The Green Certification program is being launched with a pilot round focused on the Green Office Park category. The criteria is designed for multiple office users and ancillary park activities. Similar to the rigorous standards of the existing industrial certification program, stringent due diligence requirements must be met in order to achieve certification. However, the green certification program in will also include recognition of and requirements to protect what might have traditionally been viewed as impediments to development, such as floodplains and wetlands. A focal point of the Green Certification program is the requirement to develop and adopt covenants that will guide the future development of the Green Business Park.

The Woodward Eco Business Park will serve as the pilot site for the new Green Certification program, with applications for subsequent parks to be accepted in July 2016.

 

Details on the six sites certified today are below:

 

Eastern Iowa Industrial Center - Davenport

Developable Acres:  177.91 acres

Zoning: Light Industrial, Ag

Proximity to Interstate: I80/adjacent

Rail Access:  Yes

Organization:  Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation

 

Indianhead South - Mason City

Developable Acres: 145 acres

Zoning: Light Industrial

Proximity to Interstate: I35/8 miles; US18 and Hwy 27/1 mile

Rail Access: No

Organization: North Iowa Corridor Development Corporation

 

 

Ancell/Knox Property - Norwalk

Developable Acres: 55.79 acres

Zoning: Currently Ag

Proximity to Interstate: I35/10 miles; Hwy 5/4 miles

Rail Access: No

Organization: Warren County Economic Development Corporation

 

 

Perry Industrial Park - Perry

Developable Acres: 134 acres

Zoning: Light Industrial, Ag

Proximity to Interstate: I80/22 miles; Hwy 141/adjacent

Rail Access: No

Organization: Greater Dallas County Development Alliance

 

Marion Enterprise Center - Marion

Developable Acres: 130 acres

Zoning: Planned Development Commercial

Proximity to Interstate: Hwy 13/.46 miles; Hwy 151/adjacent

Rail Access: No

Organization: Marion Economic Development Corporation

 

 

Cedar Rapids Land and Air Super Park

Developable Acres: 581.98 acres

Zoning: Airport, Ag, Industrial, and Public

Proximity to Interstate: I380/1 mile; Hwy 30/2 miles

Rail Access: Yes

Organization: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

 

Five subsequent application rounds have been opened since the program was established and 12 additional sites are currently working their way through various phases of the program. The next round of applications will be accepted this month for the following categories:

General Industrial Site -- 50 - 249 contiguous acres

Large Site -- 250 - 499 contiguous acres

Super Site -- 500 - 999 contiguous acres

Mega Site -- 1,000+ contiguous acres

General Industrial Park -- 100+ acres with one site ? 50 acres

Super Park -- 500+ acres with one site ? 250 acres

For more information about the Iowa Certified Site Program, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/SiteLocation/CertifiedSite.

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15 Jul 2015

WITH OVER 3 MILLION BOOKS SOLD, CREATIVE HAVEN® IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SERIES FOR ADULTS WHO LOVE TO COLOR

By Ken Katzman
Mineola, New York, 7/2015 ? Dover Publications, Inc. (www.doverpublications.com) is proud to publish Creative Haven® coloring books, a popular choice for adults looking to rediscover the simple joys of coloring. The company has recently celebrated a new milestone of success, as the series has now topped over 3 million books sold.

Millions of adults and teenagers have discovered that coloring is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying ways to relax and escape the stress of everyday life. But since the majority of coloring books are targeted to young girls and boys, finding appropriate material has been a challenge.

However, Dover Publications has been creating coloring books specifically designed for more experienced artists for over 45 years, releasing Antique Automobiles Coloring Book in 1970. Dover drew on these decades of experience to launch the bestselling Creative Haven® series in 2012. Since then, more than 3 million copies have been sold, earning more than $18 million in retail sales.

Each title features 31 highly detailed illustrations, spotlighting many of today's most popular coloring themes: mandalas and mosaics, Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, birds and animals, flowers and folk art, tattoos and abstracts, and much, much more. Since colorists love to display their finished pieces, the images are printed on only one side of high-quality paper that is perforated at the spine for easy removal from the books. Priced as low as $5.99, there are currently over 150 titles in print, many of which are also sold overseas in Russia, Spain, China, Germany, and other countries.

Dover's most popular coloring book illustrators are heavily involved in the series, including the prolific Marty Noble, the Spike TV show Ink Master Season 5 contestant Erik Siuda, Alberta Hutchinson, Miryam Adatto, Angela Porter, Alexandra Cowell, Marjorie Sarnat, Jessica Mazurkiewicz, and others.

Dover has helped build a thriving community of adult colorists through its Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media pages. Thousands of people share their passion for coloring and enter monthly contests to win free coloring books. The publisher will also be sponsoring the first annual National Coloring Book Day on August 2, 2015. A time to relax and color, the celebration will be filled with coloring book parties and other special events.

Since its launch in 2012, Dover has expanded the Creative Haven® line with a variety of new products: Draw and Color, Hidden Picture Twist, Color by Number, Paint by Number, 3-D Designs, and Stained Glass editions.

Plus, with the new series Spark! Activities That Inspire, even young boys and girls can enjoy the special features found in Creative Haven® coloring books. Tailored to children ages 6 to 10, Spark! titles are filled with engaging and enjoyable activities about cats, owls, and other kid-friendly topics that help foster creativity ? and like Creative Haven®, the illustrations are printed on one side of perforated pages for easy removal and display.

Creative Haven® titles can be found wherever books are sold, including such major craft chains as Michaels, A. C. Moore, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, and Aaron Brothers. They are also on sale at Barnes & Noble, Target, and at select Walmart locations, as well as thousands of independent bookstores, museums, and gift shops. And online ordering is easy at Dover's website, www.doverpublications.com, and Amazon.com.

For a review copy of a Creative Haven® or Spark! title, please contact Ken Katzman at kkatzman@doverpublications.com


Dover Publications, Inc., founded by New Yorkers Hayward and Blanche Cirker in 1941, is headquartered in Mineola, New York. More than 10,000 titles include books on architecture, astronomy, chess, clip art and fine art, crafts, history, literature, and mathematics, as well as music scores, the world's premier paper doll line, value-priced Dover Little Activity Books, and titles by over two dozen Nobel Laureates. Dover also offers eBook versions of thousands of titles, available at a variety of online retailers, including the Apple iBookstore, Google, and Amazon.

The Press, Retailers & Colorists Are Raving About Creative Haven®:
"We're ogling the extensive selection of Creative Haven's adult coloring books, which give grown-ups of any degree of artistic aptitude an outlet to let those creative juices flow. From nature-centric mandalas to steampunk designs, the selection has a coloring book for just about every aesthetic predilection." ? The Huffington Post

"Creative Haven is a big hit here. We sold out of Flower Fashion Fantasies the day after they came in!  I always suspected that we were selling coloring books as much to the parents as to the children." ? Nana Cinnater, Manager of the Provincetown Bookshop

"I found this coloring book in a craft store and was instantly intrigued by the designs. I did not know coloring books were made for adults. I bought it and was thrilled to color and let my inner child out with designs that were more sophisticated than children's coloring books." ? Mooze, Pflugerville, TX
15 Jul 2015

Lineup and New Festivities Announced for Iowa Irish Fest, July 31 - Aug. 2

By Rick Martin

Get ready to revel on at the largest Irish festival in Iowa, featuring both fan favorites and new additions, including an Irish wedding and rugby tournament. Gaelic Storm, The Elders and Screaming Orphans headline the fun-filled Iowa Irish Fest weekend of Irish culture, music, food and sports.

WATERLOO, Iowa?The ninth annual Iowa Irish Fest, sponsored by Veridian Credit Union, will open Friday, July 31, and run through Sunday, Aug. 2, at Lincoln Park and the surrounding streetscapes of downtown Waterloo. From international performers and Gaelic art to traditional Irish food and an Irish wedding, the 2015 Iowa Irish Fest has it all. Kicking off with a parade at 4 p.m. Friday, Iowa Irish Fest will permeate downtown Waterloo with the sights, sounds and flavors of Irish heritage.

"We are excited to present another weekend of Irish culture, food, music and sports?including a rugby tournament---during the 2015 Iowa Irish Fest," said Chad Shipman, Iowa Irish Fest director. "The rugby tournament is a great new addition to the festival. We anticipate the tournament will bring even more people to the Cedar Valley to experience Irish culture."

Six downtown stages will host dozens of local, regional and international performers, cultural education seminars, kids' contests and more. The Nagle Stage on Park Avenue will feature the headliner shows. More traditional acts will perform on the Lincoln Savings Bank Stage at E. 4th and Lafayette Streets. A third music stage will be inside Jameson's Public House on E. 4th Street. The Wells Fargo Cultural Events Center Stage will be located at the northeast corner of Lincoln Park. Additional cultural activities and Irish whiskey tastings will occur inside the Elks Club. The family area Life 101.9 stage will be located at E. 4th and Mulberry Streets.                      

Iowa Irish Fest staple Gaelic Storm will be back, along with a crowd favorite, the Trinity Irish Dancers. The Elders and the Screaming Orphans will join Gaelic Storm as the three headliners for the weekend.

Gaelic Storm will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on Nagle Stage. They balance tradition with modern influences to create a blend of Celtic rock and folk. Their innovative sound has landed them on top of the Billboard World Chart four times. With 10 albums and nearly 3,000 live performances under their belt, it's no wonder Gaelic Storm made Full Irish, their greatest hit album. Gaelic Storm will release their latest album, Matching Sweaters, on July 24, and it will be available for fans at the Iowa Irish Fest. Gaelic Storm performances are brought to the Iowa Irish Fest by sponsor VGM and Associates.

"We love having Gaelic Storm come and perform," said Doug Larrabee, entertainment chair. "They certainly have developed a following at Iowa Irish Fest. Attendees enjoy Gaelic Storm's high energy, stage presence and the fun ways they turn attendees into participants during their performances."

Also headlining this year's festival are international touring artists, The Elders. This six-man band's ability to bring together the art of storytelling and elements of progressive and traditional Celtic music has won them a broad international fan base. They will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday on Nagle Stage.

The Screaming Orphans, a band of four sisters from Bundoran, Ireland, are headlining all three days of the festival. They will perform at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nagle Stage, and at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on the Lincoln Savings Bank Stage. The sisters grew up singing traditional Irish music before deciding to start their own pop rock band when they were teenagers.

This year, Iowa Irish Fest will expand the sports offerings beyond the Highland Games and annual 5k to include the first annual Iowa Irish Fest Rugby Invitational, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the East High School practice field, located two blocks from the festival grounds at 214 High Street. All players receive a weekend pass to the festivities, as well as discounted passes for their friends and family. The winning team will receive jerseys, a trophy and a cash prize.                               

The weekend will also include :

  • Irish cultural events and storytelling performances

  • An Irish wedding, Friday night at the Wells Fargo Cultural Events Center Stage (first wedding ever hosted at Iowa Irish Fest)

  • Soda bread and Irish Stew competition

  • Variety of food vendors offering traditional Irish and American favorites, with Jameson's Public House featuring a traditional Irish breakfast Sunday morning

  • Whiskey tastings, ancestry workshops, Sunday brunch and the Gary Kelly festival art unveiling at the Elks Club

  • Irish Fest merchandise, kilts and Irish heritage items for sale

  • Highland Games, 5-8 p.m. Friday (demonstration) and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (games)

  • Fifth annual ShamRock N Run 5k walk/run, 9 a.m. Saturday

  • Family fun area with inflatable amusements, face painting and kids' contests

  • Outdoor Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday

The annual Iowa Irish Fest is organized by the Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association, an organization intended to foster and develop Irish fellowship and outreach into the community with Irish cultural events and programs. Iowa Irish Fest 2015 will run from July 31-Aug. 2. Admission is $15 for all three days, and children 12 and under are free. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.IowaIrishFest.com. Click here to purchase online tickets: http://iowairishfest.ticketmob.com/event.cfm?cart&id=101755

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15 Jul 2015

SECOND ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES SET FOR JULY 19

By Marco LaNave
Pregame softball match of Davenport and Rock Island will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 11, 2015) - The annual Battle of the Badges charity softball game is set to be played at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday, July 19, before the River Bandits' 5:15 p.m. game. Tickets for the 3:00 p.m. game featuring the Davenport Police and Fire Departments against the Rock Island Police and Fire Departments will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Fans may purchase tickets by contacting Firefighter Humphrey at Humphrey.Blake@rigov.org. The tickets include admission for both the Battle of the Badges game and the River Bandits' 5:15 p.m. game with Cedar Rapids - a preview of the Midwest League first-round playoff series set for Sept. 9-11. The ticket proceeds for the Battle of the Badges game July 19 will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
"The Battle of the Badges is a unique opportunity to celebrate the Quad Cities and benefit a great cause," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We look forward to hosting fans for this bi-state matchup and a Midwest League playoff series preview as part of another memorable day at Modern Woodmen Park."
For more information about the Battle of the Badges, contact Firefighter Humphrey at Humphrey.Blake@rigov.org or River Bandits Director of Community Relations and Merchandise Denise Clark at 563-333-2736 or denise@riverbandits.com.
13 Jul 2015

FRATERNITY MEN CYCLE 3,600 MILES TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

By Jake Miller
Journey of hope believes in the abilities of all people.

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Journey of Hope will join the Davenport Parks & Rec and Davenport citizens for dinner and a Friendship Visit after 60 miles of cycling. Journey of Hope will cycle an average of 75 miles a day for people with disabilities. The team will enhance the lives of countless individuals with disabilities through grant funding and community events. Davenport is Kyle Gacke's hometown. He now attends University of Iowa and he will be a Junior this upcoming year!

What: Journey of Hope, organized by The Ability Experience, is a cycling trek that raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Every cyclist commits to raising at least $5,500 in order to take part in this event. Combine their individual efforts with corporate sponsorships, and the 2015 Journey of Hope teams will raise more than $550,000 for people with disabilities across the nation.

When: Wednesday, July 15, 5:00 p.m.

Where: Davenport Parks & Recreation Local Waterpark

Who: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from across the country.

Other Media Opportunities: July 16 - The team will join Sherrie Fischer and the Parks & Rec for a Friendship Visit at a local water park at 5:00 p.m.

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13 Jul 2015

Super Reading Comes to an End with Major Events

By Lisa Lockheart
Rock Island, IL: Summer reading is going out in a super way with eight events next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at various locations of the Rock Island Public Library.

Thursday starts with a bang, with two performances of the Mad Mixtures Science and Nature Show. Free shows will be offered July 16 at 10:00 am at the Main Library, 401 19th Street, and at 1:00 pm at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Presented by Jason Dornbush, outreach coordinator of  the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium in Waterloo, the Mad Mixtures show is the best of the center's Super Cold, Combustion, Snakes Alive, and Kitchen Science presentations. With chances to pet a live python to hands-on science experiments involving liquid nitrogen, flash powder and paper, and everyday materials found in your kitchen, Mad Mixtures offers learning fun for students of all ages.

On Thursday night, teens ages 12 to 18 can try their hand at Melted Crayon Art, with a free craft class offered at 6:00 pm at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street. Teens will create unique works of art using melted crayons, so participants should wear old clothing. Creativity is messy! No RSVPs are required for the teens-only event.

Thursday also offers an opportunity for adults to get a little help figuring out to check out free eBooks on their tablets, computers and eReader devices. The library will offer a free class on downloading OverDrive eBooks at 6:00 pm on July 16 at the downtown Main Library, 401 19th Street.  Participants who want to try downloading eBooks should bring their device and library card along.

Friday marks a number of events for children at the Main Library, including a toddler storytime on "Heroes at School" at 10:30 am, and the final Read with Rover  time at 11:00 am. Both events are in the library's Children's Room. Read with Rover brings in therapy dogs from the QC Canine Assistance Network, who provide a warm, non-judgmental audience for kids'  reading practice. Read with Rover is open to kids of all ages.

At 12:30 pm, the library will hold a superheroes costume parade to provide kids with one last chance to wear their capes and masks. The parade will be immediately followed at 1:00 pm by a free family movie featuring a certain superhero who lives in a pineapple under the sea. Both events are in the Community Room of the Main Library.

The superhero theme wraps up with a superhero treat box family craft on Saturday at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. The craft starts at 10 am, and reservations are required. To sign up for either the Saturday session or an earlier program on Tuesday, July 14, call 309-732-7338 or select "register" on the library's online calendar.

Entries for library's Every Hero Has a Story contests for children and Escape the Ordinary teen and adult reading contests are due by 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 18. Grand prizes will be drawn following the close of the program, with winners notified by phone or email.

While superhero summer reading contests may be ending, summer events go on through August. For more information about Rock Island Library programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

(end)

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library provides resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate through the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities.

13 Jul 2015

Spring 2015 University of Dubuque Dean's List

By Kristi Lynch
The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2015 Academic Dean's List.   To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for that semester. The University of Dubuque, founded in 1852, is a private, coeducational, professional University with a focus in the liberal arts.

-30-


HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME


Bettendorf, IA

Rebekka Jacobs
Travis Timm

Davenport, IA

Tanasha Atwater
Allison Chapman
Jessica Dvorak
Freedom Malik
Kelsey McCreight
Anna Runge

Moline, IL

Darin Bohl
Kristina Bozickovic
Jared Hillier
Mitchell Morrisey
MichelleAnn Sanchez

Riverdale, IA

Annmarie Ulrich
13 Jul 2015

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces the Selection of Dr. Robert Johansson as USDA Chief Economist

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of Dr. Robert Johansson as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Economist, effective July 12. Dr. Johansson has served as USDA's acting chief economist since Jan. 3, 2014, and as Deputy Chief Economist since 2012. He joined USDA in 2001.

"I am pleased that Dr. Johansson's leadership will continue to guide informed decision making at USDA to benefit American agriculture," said Vilsack. "Dr. Johansson is highly respected for his analysis and experienced insight, and extremely well prepared for the demands of this position."

As Chief Economist, Dr. Johansson is responsible for USDA's agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on economic implications of programs, regulations, and legislative proposals. His responsibilities include the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office, and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. He also serves as Chairman of the Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors.

During his federal career, Dr. Johansson also worked as an economist at USDA's Economic Research Service, as well as in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget, and at the Congressional Budget Office. In 2011, he was appointed senior economist for energy, environment, and agriculture on the President's Council of Economic Advisers where he also participated on the White House Rural Council and the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

Dr. Johansson holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Northwestern University. He served with the U.S. Peace Corps from 1990 to 1995 as an extension agent in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His research has spanned a wide range of issues, including biofuels policy, water quality and quantity policies, regulatory economics, food security, and regional modeling of agricultural systems.

#

13 Jul 2015

Loebsack Provisions Pass in 21st Century Cures Act

By Joe Hand
Loebsack Praises Bipartisan Victory that will Invest in Medical Innovation

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, by a vote of 344-77.  Congressman Loebsack, as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, was instrumental in the shaping of this bipartisan package.  The 21st Century Cures Act is designed to encourage biomedical innovation and the development of new treatments and cures.

The bill provides for $8.75 billion in mandatory funding for NIH over the next five years, which is the most significant investment in biomedical research in over a decade.  It also promotes the maintenance of the best biomedical workforce in the world and supports young researchers through increased student loan repayment programs.  The 21st Century Cures Act also modernizes clinical trials, encourages the development of next generation treatments and makes improvements to how FDA approves new drugs and devices.

Included in the legislation was Loebsack's provision to expand and extend the Medicare Prior Authorization Program for power mobility devices.  This demonstration program is already operating in 19 states and has demonstrated significant savings for the Medicare program while providing certainty to beneficiaries.

Congressman Loebsack delivered the following remarks on the House floor in support of this groundbreaking achievement:

"This legislation is proof that we can accomplish great things when we put aside partisanship and unite around a common goal.  To that end I want to thank all the wonderful colleagues here today who worked on this for so long.  I am new to the Committee and coming into this and being able to be a part of this is really a great honor for me.

"I want to thank the Chair and Ranking Member also for my provision to extend and expand the Prior Authorization Program for prior mobility devices in this bill, providing certainty to Medicare beneficiaries that these critical devices will in fact covered.

"I am also excited about the NIH Innovation fund, which entails mandatory funding and will support scientists like those working at the University of Iowa.  As a result, we will have more groundbreaking advances like the University of Iowa researchers' discovery of a biomarker that could lead to early detection for the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women, a discovery that could save countless lives. While I am disappointed that the NIH funding was cut from $10 to $8.75 billion, I am hopeful that we can restore this as the process moves forward.

"And finally, I am really happy that we have finally gotten to a point in this body where we can think long term.  Not just about the costs for this program for this year or even for the next five years, but we can also think about all the savings that this will entail down the road.  I thank my colleagues for their work on this issue. I am really pleased to be a part of the process."

Video of Loebsack's remarks can be found here.

 

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