17 Jun 2015

Iowa's AIM Work Force Index Rises for May: But Online Job Openings for Finance Drop by 18%

By Levi Thiele
OMAHA, NE 06/17/2015

May Summary

  • The number of Iowa online job openings for May declined by 1.8 percent from April.
  • Transportation jobs, entry level clerical positions, and insurance jobs recorded the largest percentage gains for May from April.
  • Finance positions, retail jobs and customer service positions suffered the largest percentage losses for May.
  • Iowa's WFI remains the nation's 4th best for May, the same ranking as for April.
  • In absolute numbers, the greatest numbers of online job openings were in sales, followed by management, and then healthcare other than nursing.
  • As a percent of Iowa employment, the largest numbers of online openings were in engineering, followed by finance, and then insurance positions.

 

Iowa WFI.  AIM's May Work Force Index (WFI) improved to 79.0 from April's very healthy and revised 72.5.  The WFI is a statistically based measurement tool produced by AIM, a nonprofit organization in Des Moines, Iowa. The Index is a ratio of unique online job postings and the number of unemployed in Iowa (not seasonally adjusted). The WFI ranges between 0 and 100. A WFI below 50.0 indicates short-term job contraction while an Index above 50.0 indicates job expansion.

Fading and improving areas: The areas showing the greatest percentage improvements in on-line job openings from April to May were: transportation jobs, entry level clerical positions, and insurance jobs.  The areas recording the largest percentage declines from April to May were finance positions, retail jobs and then customer service positions.

On-line openings.  In May, the largest number of online job postings were in: 1) sales, followed by 2) management, and 3) healthcare positions other than nursing jobs.   As a share of state employment, the largest numbers of job openings in descending order were in: 1) engineering, 2) finance, and then 3) insurance positions.

State Rankings. In terms of Work Force Indices among the states for May, Nebraska ranked number one with the highest WFI. Nebraska was followed by North Dakota at number two, Kansas at three, Iowa at four, and Minnesota at five.  The state with the lowest WFI was Alaska, followed by West Virginia at 49, and Maine at 48.  Rounding out the bottom five states were Mississippi at 47 and Louisiana at 46.

About the AIM WorkForce Index
AIM and the Creighton University College of Business produce the AIM WorkForce Index each month to track the relationship between the WFI and the changes in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. This type of information is of value to both the employer and the job applicant as they develop plans and strategies for participation in the local and regional labor market. For more information on previous WFI reports, please visit www.aimforbrilliance.org/wfi.html, http://business.creighton.edu/economicoutlook, or dol.nebraska.gov.

About AIM
AIM is a not-for-profit community organization that promotes technology to empower people, enhance organizations, and create brilliant communities. AIM's signature services include : Careerlink - the region's leading career development website, Infotec - the Midwest's premier business and IT conference, and Hatchfund - a crowdfunding source for artists. For more information about our services - training, youth programs, research and more - visit www.aimforbrilliance.org.
17 Jun 2015

New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy

By USDA Office of Communications

2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry is generating substantial economic activity and American jobs. He also announced changes under the 2014 Farm Bill that will create additional opportunities for growth in renewable plant-based materials, supporting the Obama Administration's efforts to develop a new, rural economy and promote creation of sustainable jobs.

"This report is the first to examine and quantify the effect of the U.S. biobased products industry from an economics and jobs perspective. Before, we could only speculate at the incredible economic impact of the biobased products industry. Now, we know that in 2013 alone, America's biobased industry contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to our economy," Vilsack said. "Today, we are also adding to the number of innovative products carrying USDA's BioPreferred® label and expanding options for our nation's biorefineries. This means small businesses and global companies alike can continue to harness the power of America's farms and forests to create new and innovative biobased products that are used all around the world."

According to the Economic Impact of the Biobased Product Industry report, each job in the biobased products industry is responsible for generating 1.64 jobs in other sectors of the economy. In 2013, 1.5 million jobs directly supported the biobased product industry, resulting in 1.1 million indirect jobs in related industries, and another 1.4 million induced jobs produced from the purchase of goods and services generated by the direct and indirect jobs.

The report builds on the "Why Biobased?" report released by the USDA in October 2014. Estimates are that the use of biobased products currently displaces about 300 million gallons of petroleum per year - equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road.

The Secretary also announced changes to include new forest products in the BioPreferred program, along with proposed changes to the former Biorefinery Assistance Program to assist in the development of cutting-edge technologies for advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing.

The final BioPreferred® program rules will no longer exclude mature market products (those that had a significant market share prior to 1972), providing consumers with more innovative wood products and other materials carrying USDA BioPreferred® label. Forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging, also now meet the definition of "biobased product."

The Secretary also said today that USDA is making improvements to its Biorefinery Assistance Program (Section 9003). The program, which was renamed as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program as part of the program's Farm Bill reauthorization, provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million for the construction and retrofitting of commercial scale biorefineries and biobased product manufacturing facilities. In a rule that will be published in the Federal Register next week, biorefineries that receive funding are allowed to produce more renewable chemicals and other biobased products, and not primarily advanced biofuels. Also, biobased product manufacturing facilities would be eligible to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into "end-user" products. The new regulations also implement a streamlined application process.

Created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, the USDA BioPreferred program's purpose is to spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. The BioPreferred program commissioned the independent Economic Impact of the Biobased Product Industry report, which is primarily authored by Dr. Jay Golden, Director of Duke University's Center for Sustainability & Commerce, and Dr. Robert Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management at North Carolina State University's Poole College of Management.

The report found that the seven major overarching sectors that represent the U.S. biobased products industry's contribution to the U.S. economy are: agriculture and forestry, biorefining, biobased chemicals, enzymes, bioplastic bottles and packaging, forest products, and textiles.

The study also includes location quotients by state to show the impact of the industry on individual states. Seven case studies are presented from stakeholders such as The Coca-Cola Company and PlantBottle packaging, Patagonia, and Ford.

Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life.

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17 Jun 2015

MTI cosmo students to host first ever runway show June 24

By Stacey Wierman

MOLINE, Ill. - Students from the cosmetology program at Midwest Technical Institute's Moline campus location will host the first ever runway show open to the public at noon June 24 at the MTI campus, 3620 Avenue of the Cities.

The show will exclusively feature students from the school's cosmetology program in an effort to highlight their work and the available services at the school's Student Salon. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and there is no cost to attend.

In addition, the show will feature complimentary refreshments and all attendees will receive a coupon good for 50 percent off of hair, nail and skin services at the school's Student Salon.

The first annual public runway show will feature several themes with corresponding hairstyles. MTI Instructor of Cosmetology Amy Pettifer says the idea to make this year's runway show public was something of a no-brainer given how enthusiastic students have been about the private shows in previous years. "We are hoping the students will be able to graduate MTI with the self-confidence that if they can do a small runway show here at MTI, they will be able to do larger more intense shows here ever their careers may take them," said Pettifer, who's been with MTI since October of last year.

But Pettifer also feels events like the upcoming show are a crucial part of a student's training. MTI's cosmetology students engage in a rigorous curriculum of classroom learning, but they also work in the Moline Student Salon to gain the real-world experience necessary to enter the cosmetology field upon graduation."You wouldn't think it but there is so much book work that goes along with cosmetology," explained Pettifer, who's already optimistic about the prospect of upcoming runway shows. "This runway show will be our first one open to the public, but we hope to have many more with each one getting bigger and bigger each time," said Pettifer.

MTI's cosmetology program offers students an accelerated training program, small classes, financial aid opportunities and more. For more information about the runway show or program, contact Campus Director Mary Link at (309) 277-7900. For more information about the Moline Student Salon, call (309) 277-7940. Interview opportunities and other media requests should be directed to MTI's Director of Marketing Stacey Wierman at (217) 527-8324, ext. 1178.

About Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute offers hands-on training in a number of mechanical trade and allied health career fields to help students succeed as a member of today's rapidly-changing workforce. MTI, along with its sister school, Delta Technical College, operates seven campuses across the Midwest and Mississippi Delta regions. For more information, visit www.midwesttech.edu.

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17 Jun 2015

BANDITS LOSE ON 11TH-INNING, WALK-OFF HIT BATTER

By Marco LaNave
Clinton snaps league record-tying 15-game losing streak with 6-5, 11-inning win in series opener
CLINTON, Iowa (June 17, 2015) -  Clinton second baseman Chris Mariscal drove in two runs and was 3-for-6, including a one-out triple in the bottom of the 11th inning, and scored the game-winning run on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch of third baseman Joe DeCarlo, as the Quad Cities River Bandits dropped a 6-5 series opener in 11 innings to the LumberKings Tuesday night at Ashford University Field.
The win for the LumberKings (24-40) snapped a 15-game losing streak. The Bandits' loss, coupled with a Cedar Rapids win at home over Burlington, kept Quad Cities' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and Cedar Rapids losses) needed to clinch the first-half Western Division title at two. Cedar Rapids (39-26) clinched a playoff berth Tuesday, meaning that the River Bandits (41-22) and Kernels will face each other in a best-of-three Western Division semifinal in the Midwest League playoff beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9.
On Tuesday, with one-out in the 11th inning, Mariscal hit a ball off the end of the bat to the right field corner and was able to race all the way to third base. Electing to play for a force out at each base, the River Bandits had reliever Eric Peterson (2-3) intentionally walk right fielder Estarlyn Morales and first baseman Taylor Zeutenhorst to load the bases. However, an 0-1 pitch from Peterson hit DeCarlo on the left side to end the game and spare Clinton of posting the longest losing streak in Midwest League history.
Clinton got out to an early start against River Bandits starter Brandon McNitt, scoring twice in each of the first two innings. Center fielder Arby Fields walked to lead off the bottom of the first, and advanced to third base on back-to-back wild pitches with catcher Wayne Taylor batting. After Taylor walked and stole second base, Mariscal drove in both runners with a double to right field.
In the second inning, designated hitter Martin Peguero singled to start the frame, and moved up to second base when shortstop Luis Caballero was hit by a pitch. The runners each advanced a base on a sacrifice bunt by Fields, and then scored on a double by Taylor to right field to make the score 4-0. McNitt finished three innings, allowing five runs on five hits and walking three batters.
In the top of the third inning, the River Bandits staged their comeback against Clinton starter Jeffeson Medina, beginning with a leadoff single by center fielder Bobby Boyd. Second baseman Luis Reynoso reached on a fielding error by DeCarlo, and catcher Jamie Ritchie walked to load the bases for left fielder Jason Martin, who beat out a relay throw to first that would have otherwise been a double play. That set the stage for designated hitter Jacob Nottingham, who homered for a second straight game, sending a 2-2 delivery from Medina deep beyond the left field fence, tying the game, 4-4.
The game remained tied into the seventh inning. The bullpens for each team were strong; Aaron Greenwood for the River Bandits and Jarrett Brown of Clinton were the first relief pitchers for each side and combined to throw 6 2/3 innings and allow just one run. That run came in the top of the seventh and allowed Quad Cities to tie the game, 5-5. With one out in the inning, Brown walked Ritchie and Martin consecutively and allowed a single by Nottingham to load the bases. Third baseman Nick Tanielu fouled off four straight pitches before being retired on an infield fly. With two outs, first baseman Ryan Bottger coaxed one last walk out of Brown, who allowed four in
The two teams traded chances over the next three-plus innings, including a two-on, one-out situation in the bottom of the eighth by Clinton, and a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity in the top of the 11th for the River Bandits.
The two teams play in the second game of the series Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Jorge Perez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will throw for the River Bandits, facing Pat Peterson (4-4, 4.66 ERA) of the LumberKings.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: With the installation of the Ferris Wheel, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931, and this year the club is matching that effort by opening three new areas. A two-tiered special group deck immediately behind and overlooking the corn field opens next week. A new 11,000-square-foot concourse expansion down the third-base line will open in July. Finally, the club is expanding the children's play area by an additional 5,500 square feet down the right-field line. New rides will be announced upon completion of these new areas.
17 Jun 2015

First Congregational Church UCC Moline Father's Day Concert

By Rick Martin
Sunday, June 21, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.
Concert followed by light refreshments
Presenting: Ahreum Han Congdon and Dalaie Choi, organ
Hana Song, Piano
You don't have to drive to Chicago to hear Bach, Liszt, Charles-Marie Widor, Rachmaninoff, and Vierne played by interntationally known musicians.  Come to hear a most wonderful free organ and piano concert on Father's Day at First Congregational Church, UCC, Moline, IL (June 21, 2015, 4:00 PM).  Light refreshments follow. For more information: chuch office 309-762-0787 or web site:  www.fccmoline.org.
About the musicians
Ahreum Han Congdon

Organist Ahreum Han Congdon's imaginative, powerful, and extraordinary performances have thrilled audiences throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.  Ahreum was a featured soloist at the National and Regional Conventions of the American Guild of Organists held in Nashville, Tennessee in 2012, in Sarasota, Florida (2010), and in Atlanta, Georgia (2007), the Young Virtuosi Festival held at Wesleyan University, Connecticut, Colorado State University, and the White Mountain Musical Arts Bach Festival in New Hampshire.  She has been asked to play at the AGO Regional Convention to be held in New Haven, Connecticut in June 2015 and International Organ Festival in Arbon, Switzerland in September 2015.
Ahreum has appeared as a solo recitalist at the Verizon Hall (Philadelphia), Longwood Gardens, (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania), and Trinity Church, Wall Street (NYC), Princeton University (New Jersey), Harvard University (Boston), Ocean Grove Auditorium (New Jersey), Spivey Hall (Morrow, Georgia), Merrill Auditorium (Portland, Maine), Overture Hall (Madison, Wisconsin), Cathedral of Christ the Light (Oakland, California), Jack Singer Hall (Calgary, Canada), Michealskirche (Leipzig, Germany), Oxford Town Hall (Oxford, United Kingdom), Nottingham Albert Concert Hall (Nottingham, UK), and Esplanade Hall in Singapore. She has been an organ soloist with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and the University of Pennsylvania Orchestra at Irvine Auditorium.
Ahreum has received top prizes from numerous competitions including the Oundle Award (United Kingdom), undergraduate division of Westminster Choir College Scholarship Competition, the Music Teachers National Association National Young Artist Performance Competition, the Albert Schweitzer organ competition, the Carlean Neihart Organ Competition, and the Edwin Seder prize at Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Her live performances have been featured on the radio show PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.
She was born in Seoul, Korea. Her family immigrated to Atlanta, Georgia when she was sixteen. Ahreum graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Westminster Choir College where she studied with Ken Cowan. She obtained a Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music having studied with Alan Morrison. Ahreum received her Master's degree from Yale Institute of Sacred Music where she studied with Thomas Murray.
Ahreum is presently the Principal Organist and Artist-in-Residence at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa.  She is also the College Organist at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.  She was on the organ faculty at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  She has served as an organist for Marquand Chapel and the Berkeley Divinity School of Yale University; Organist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut.  Ahreum recently married Todd Congdon and they reside in Davenport, Iowa.
Dalaie Choi

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Dalaie Choi received her B.M. at Yonsei University, where she studied church music with a major in Choral Conducting with Haeok Eunice Bang-Kim. She also holds minors in organ and voice. Also at Yonsei University, she received her Master of Music Degree in Music History, where she studied with Sewon Hong. At the Yonsei University, she was awarded a University Fellowship for her graduate studies. She held a Teaching Assistant position in the music history department and a Research Assistant position at Yonsei Institute of Music Research.
She participated in multiple music festivals such as Oregon Bach Festival and Stuttgart Oregon Bach Festival to expand her understanding of Bach. Dalaie has been active as a choir member throughout Korea and Europe. In 2008, as a member of Concert Choir, she performed at world famous concert halls in Germany, including Kour Haus and Gewant Haus.
After moving to USA, she studied music history at Temple University in Philadelphia and then transferred to the University of Iowa. She got a master degree from the University of Iowa in 2012. In 2011, she performed at three different states, including Goshen College in Indiana, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Iowa, and Winnetka Congregational Church in Illinois. She had a great opportunity to participate in the European Organ Festival and Summer Organ Academy, so that she could share her musical interests and talents with other musicians around the world. As a part of her journey in Europe, she performed historical Santa Maria Cathedral Organ in Spain. In May 2012, she had her Organ concert at First Congregational Church in Moline, and joined in Fund Raising Concert with Quad City Brass band.
She played at a rededication of the organ recital at First Congregational Church in Moline. In addition, she was interviewed and performed on channel, KWQC news 'Fran Riley Features.' Recently, she held a Max Reger recital at the Michealskirche, Leipzig, Germany.  She is invited to attend the master class at the Bach festival which will be held in Eugen, Oregon in July 2015.
Dalaie as a doctoral student, currently studies organ with Dr. Gregory Hand at the University of Iowa. She has earned her sacred music certificate.
Hana Song
Hana is an active pianist from South Korea. She has performed in a variety cities all over the world including, Saint Petersburg in Russia, Sicily in Italy. Her debut was at Seoul Arts Center when she was 15 years old for the first prize winner's concert of Seoul Youth Competition, South Korea, and most recently performed in Benaroya Hall, the largest hall in Seattle, 2013. She was awarded the "Dean's Scholarship" while she attend Indiana University Bloomington for her Master's degree, and was awarded American Dalcroze Society's Scholarship 2005, which allowed her to attend to Dalcroze Workshop in Carnegie Mellon University. She was also accepted to the Anthropology program in Yonsei University, Seoul, 2010. Now, she is working as Teaching Assistant, with the guidance of Dr. Uriel Tsachor, at the University of Iowa.
17 Jun 2015

IOWA STATE UNIV. SPRING DEAN'S LIST

By Jackie King
AMES, Iowa (June 16, 2015) - More than 7,560 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2015 spring semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Students listed below who qualified for the Dean's List are from your area.

-30-

NOTE: Class Year '5' denotes a non-degree seeking candidate.

from Bettendorf, IA

Michelle Lee Anderson, 4, Child, Adult, and Family Services
Hannah Kristine Bankson, 3, Elementary Education
Andrew Patrick Barnes, 4, Kinesiology and Health
Elizabeth Claire Bartlett, 2, Animal Ecology
Megan Lynn Beck, 2, Kinesiology and Health
Katelyn M. Bell, 4, Industrial Engineering
Alaina Marie Berkenbosch, 2, Accounting
Jamie Marie Blaser, 4, Event Management
Laura K. Blaser, 2, Biology (AGLS)
Kellen Matthew Bohn, 3, Kinesiology and Health
Zachary P. Bowerman, 4, Political Science
Isaac G. Bries, 2, Electrical Engineering
Jared Michael Brown, 2, Marketing
Maria Frances Brown, 2, Industrial Engineering
Kailey Victoria Bueker, 4, Elementary Education
Kelly Marie Butcher, 4, Psychology
Dallas Donnell Carter, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Nicholas Lee Cervantes, 4, Computer Engineering
Kathleen Dilley, 4, Elementary Education
Rachel Erin Dolehanty, 4, Elementary Education
Kaitlyn Marie Dvorak, 3, Kinesiology and Health
Eric Anthony Edwards, 4, Software Engineering
Safwan Elkhatib, 4, Kinesiology and Health
James Matthew Entwistle, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Kayla Marie Finn, 3, Event Management
Evan Nolan Foley, 3, Computer Engineering
Christopher Joseph Foss, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Taylor Marie Gibney, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey Curtis Haacke, 4, Management Information Systems
Andrew J. Hartman, 4, Computer Engineering
Lucy Gladwin Heiderscheit, 4, Psychology
Philip R. Kranovich, 1, Pre-Business
Michelle J. Larsen, 2, Industrial Engineering
Paul Andrew Larsen, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Anne Elyse Leners, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Kera Linn, 4, Dietetics (H SCI)
Sarah Maikon, 1, Open Option (LAS)
Margaret Maneca Martens, 2, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Jennifer Lynn Martin, 3, Psychology
Samantha Ann Matt, 4, Pre-Diet and Exercise (H SCI)
Maxwell Ryan McDaniel, 3, History
Jill Christine Mekalson, 2, Hospitality Management
Aaron T. Mendel, 3, Psychology
Tyler Benjamin Meseke, 4, Biology
Amanda Lauren Miller, 4, Kinesiology and Health
Austin J. Miller, 2, Mechanical Engineering
Matthew Henderson Miller, 4, Political Science
Mary Kate Misak, 4, Event Management
Levi A. Moser, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Catherine Helen Mullen, 4, Biology (AGLS)
John Allen Noftsker, 1, Pre-Industrial Design
Mary Nuernberger, 2, Veterinary Medicine
Andrew M. Oswald, 4, Kinesiology and Health
James Vance Park, 4, Biology
Ashley Marie Parry, 2, Open Option (LAS)
Regina Annette Pauly, 4, English
Camille Elizabeth Perk, 4, Industrial Engineering
Kyle Robert Perkins, 3, Psychology
Erica Mae Peterson, 2, Chemical Engineering
Katelynn E. Piotter, 4, Early Childhood Education
Tobey Charles Pribyl, 2, Mechanical Engineering
Sam J. Ruchotzke, 3, Pre-Business
Holly Marie Schroeder, 3, Kinesiology and Health
Caleb D. Schulze, 4, Electrical Engineering
Emily Jean Schwake, 3, Animal Science
Amrinder Singh, 4, Biology (AGLS)
Jacob Oliver Smidt, 2, Aerospace Engineering
Patrick Hadley Smith, 4, Biology
Dylan Andrew Snyder, 3, Materials Engineering
Sarah Fae Tank, 4, History
Brian Joseph Thomas, 4, Construction Engineering
Mallory Michelle Till, 3, Marketing
Erin Cathleen Toohey, 4, Biology (AGLS)
Emory Stephen Traicoff, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Heather M. Vandewostine, 4, Veterinary Medicine
Emma Johanna Vansickle, 3, Kinesiology and Health
Mengyu Wang, 3, Aerospace Engineering
Amy Elizabeth Whiteman, 3, Pre-Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration
Hannah Lyn Whitty, 3, Kinesiology and Health
Robert W. Wright, 4, Industrial Engineering
Tyler Joseph Zerbonia, 1, Open Option (LAS)
Samantha Christine Zust, 4, Kinesiology and Health

from Davenport, IA

Grant L. Albansoder, 4, Civil Engineering
Ellen Kathleen Argo, 4, Child, Adult, and Family Services
Jessica Lynne Bennett, 2, Journalism and Mass Communication
Bethanie Marie Blake, 4, Architecture-Professional Degree
Kayla Marie Boche, 2, Interdisciplinary Studies
Molly E. Bridges, 4, Elementary Education
Alissa Calsyn, 2, Genetics (LAS)
Abigail Nicole Clevenger, 4, Animal Science
Kaitlin Rose Clevenger, 4, Event Management
Elizabeth Marie Doebel, 4, Mathematics
Ronald Dean Frantz, 4, Biology
Jason Lee Fredericks, 3, Management Information Systems
Mackenzie M. Garlock, 3, Chemical Engineering
Derek Roger Geiken, 2, Mechanical Engineering
Alyssa Nicole Goldermann, 2, Kinesiology and Health
Kylie Kathleen Hamerlinck, 3, Pre-Business
Travis John Hattery, 4, Chemical Engineering
Matthew Joseph Heinrichs, 2, World Languages and Cultures
Jiselle Alexa Henderkott, 2, Public Relations
Samuel M. Hipple, 2, Mechanical Engineering
Destinie Joy Hsu, 4, Elementary Education
Jocelyn Lachelle Jackson, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Reed Andrew Jennings, 2, Civil Engineering
Sarah Marie Jensen, 4, Landscape Architecture
Jacqueline Blake Johnson, 2, Pre-Computer Science
Jamesia Nicole Johnson, 2, Elementary Education
Malcolm Andrew Kelly, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Joseph Valarius Kern, 4, Construction Engineering
Jennifer Adele Keys, 4, Music
Anthony Bounkham Khounlo, 3, Computer Engineering
Mary Katherine Kirk, 2, Child, Adult, and Family Services
Emerald Patricia Klauer, 4, Graphic Design
Joseph Edward Kopacz, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Basilia Mercedes Koster, 4, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Matthew John Luebbe, 2, Materials Engineering
Amanda Margaret Malin, 4, Political Science
Joseph McGovern, 3, Computer Engineering
Vanessa Lynn McNeal, 5, Child, Adult, and Family Services
Danielle Robin Moore, 3, Biological Systems Engineering
David Edward Moore, 4, Supply Chain Management
Kenny Thien Nguyen, 4, Industrial Design
Shawn Nguyen, 4, Industrial Engineering
Claudia Nicole Nuci, 4, Early Childhood Education
Balthazar Aaron Peroutka, 4, Physics
Elspeth Morgan Petersen, 4, Chemical Engineering
Valerie Lynn Pierce, 4, Architecture-Professional Degree
Alex James Pogue, 4, Computer Science
Brylee S. Raupp-Timmons, 4, Computer Engineering
Caleb Anthony Redman, 3, Computer Engineering
Louis Alonzo Redmond, 3, Software Engineering
Brad James Ryan, 4, Chemical Engineering
Hope Elizabeth Scheffert, 3, Software Engineering
Kristina Seier, 2, Biology (AGLS)
David Michael Severson, 2, Electrical Engineering
Nicholas Patrick Shepard, 3, Dietetics (H SCI)
Aaron Wayne Stechmann, 4, Industrial Technology
Melanie Stoss, 3, Chemistry
Seth Andrew Stoube, 3, Mechanical Engineering
Jessica Nichole Thomas, 3, Graphic Design
Nguyen Le Tran, 3, Electrical Engineering
Thao Tam Tran, 4, Interior Design
Jesse Benjamin Trujillo, 2, Mechanical Engineering
Sarah Jane Vance, 4, Graphic Design
Madison K. Walker, 2, Biology (AGLS)
Katherine Michelle Walton, 4, Psychology
Gina Whitehead, 3, Event Management
Kelsie Deanne Witt, 4, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Connor S. Young, 4, Psychology
Stephanie Ann Zeidler, 3, Landscape Architecture

from Moline, IL

Evan Daniel Aubry, 4, Landscape Architecture
Matthew Robert Blair, 1, Industrial Technology
Allison Michelle Boyle, 4, Elementary Education
Ashley Michelle Dodson, 3, Psychology
Aubrey Elizabeth Foulk, 4, Environmental Science (AGLS)
Kara Elizabeth Hutton, 2, Communication Studies
Emily Jean Knight, 3, Industrial Engineering
Rajath Krishnan, 4, Pre-Computer Science
Morgan Taylor McCarthy, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Miguel A. Peralta Flores, 4, Pre-Computer Science
Amy Lee Rogers, 4, Biology (AGLS)
Hans William Schaeffer, 4, Mechanical Engineering
Scott Charles Schilb, 2, Agricultural Systems Technology
Caleb Jack Spiegel, 4, Architecture-Professional Degree
Daniel C. Trone, 2, Community and Regional Planning
Claire Wolbers, 3, Interior Design

from Rock Island, IL

Derrick J. Anderson, 4, Electrical Engineering
Julianna C. Jespersen, 2, Animal Science
Sydnie Odel McNeal, 3, English
Andria Marie Mendoza, 5, Kinesiology and Health
Breayona Elantra Reed, 2, Software Engineering
Jordan Chase Turnbull, 3, Statistics
17 Jun 2015

U.S. Coast Guard commandant releases cyber strategy

By Lisa K. Novak

WASHINGTON – The commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, released the service's cyber strategy Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to ensure the prosperity and security of the nation's Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber domain.

"While cyber certainly poses a number of unique risks and challenges," said the commandant. "I am confident that we can meet them in a way that benefits the marine industry, protects privacy and maintains the safety and security of our maritime environment."

Cyberspace is an operational domain that integrates information and intelligence in support of Coast Guard operations. The rapid development of digital technologies has led to unprecedented efficiencies, but it has also come with serious risks. The Coast Guard's cyber strategy  is a comprehensive framework that identifies three strategic priorities critical to the service's effort defending the maritime domain:

  • Defend cyberspace - Ensure the full scope of the Coast Guard's capabilities are effective and efficient by building and maintaining secure and resilient Coast Guard information networks;
  • Enable operations - Detect, deter, disable and defeat adversaries by developing and leveraging a diverse set of cyber capabilities and authorities; and
  • Protect critical infrastructure through a unity of effort to protect maritime infrastructure from attacks, disasters and accidents.

To ensure long-term success in combating cyber threats to the nation's MTS and infrastructure, the cyber strategy outlines a number of cross-cutting factors that support the Coast Guard's strategic objectives. Among these factors, the Coast Guard will focus on recognizing cyberspace as an operational domain; developing guidance and defining the mission space; leveraging partnerships to build knowledge, capacity and  understanding of MTS vulnerabilities; sharing of information; organizing for success; building a well-trained cyber workforce; and making thoughtful future cyber investments.

The Coast Guard will continue to adapt, as it has for the past 225 years, by employing this strategy to protect America's maritime interests in cyberspace, maintain advantage over adversaries and help maintain the safety, security and prosperity of the nation.

"Cyber is a new risk factor, but it does not interrupt long-standing and successful regimes for dealing with prevention and response to incidents," said Zukunft.

To view the Coast Guard's cyber strategy, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/seniorleadership/DOCS/cyber.pdf.

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17 Jun 2015

MODERN WOODMEN PARK TO HOST FREE BRIDAL OPEN HOUSE JULY 26

By Marco LaNave
Sunday afternoon will include door prizes, preferred vendors, appetizer samples, table displays, tours
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 16, 2015) - Modern Woodmen Park's unique setting and accommodations have made it an increasingly popular venue for weddings and receptions in recent years. Now the ballpark will give couples planning their weddings a unique opportunity to see and experience what its staff and year-round event areas have to offer during a free Bridal Open House July 26.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, guests at the Bridal Open House can enjoy door prizes, preferred vendors, appetizer samples, table displays, tours and more. Admission is complimentary, but a special treat is offered to brides who R.S.V.P. by calling 563-324-3000 or emailing stevie@riverbandits.com.
"Each year, Modern Woodmen Park accommodates dozens of couples' entire wedding day and celebration, and the outstanding hospitality of our special events staff ensures it is a memorable day for all of our guests," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the Bridal Open House next month, our staff will prove that once you find the right person, we can deliver you the right venue!"
Among the preferred vendors who will be at the Sunday, July 26, event are: Sas DJs, I DO Events- Quad Cities, Lovejunk Photography, Pink Haze Designs, ShutterBooth Eastern Iowa, Michelle Quinn Studios, Best Days Photography, Ducky's Formal Wear Moline, Hope's Bridal Boutique and Johannes Bus Service Inc.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
16 Jun 2015

Grassley Seeks Clear Explanation of U.S. Biotech Import Policies

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa today is sending a letter to the Food and Drug Administration to gather information and gain a better understanding about how the United States treats biotechnology imports from other countries.

After contacting five different federal agencies and several trade groups to get more information about U.S. policy for biotech imports for food or feed grains, Grassley said that it appears nobody has a grasp on the policy.

Grassley said that as the number of biotech crops continues to rise, it will be even more important that there is a clear U.S. policy in regards to imports of biotech food and grain products, especially as the United States works with its partners around the world on policies to eliminate trade barriers for these products.

In a letter to Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, Grassley wrote, "Biotechnology offers the world great promise, however we must have a predictable, transparent and science based regulatory framework throughout the world to limit economic disruptions from the trade of genetically modified food and grain."

According to a Congressional Research Service report, 420 million acres were planted to biotech crops across the globe in 2012.  These crops range from corn and soybeans to sweet peppers and tomatoes.  Zero tolerance policies can lead to entire ships of product being rejected in foreign ports because of "small amounts of dust" that include traces of biotech traits.  The dust that tested positive for a specific trait may not even be from the current shipment, but under a zero tolerance policy it does not matter.

A copy of the text of Grassley's letter to Ostroff is below.  A signed copy of the letter can be found here.


16 Jun 2015

Treasurer Fitzgerald Auctioning Spectacular Independence Day Items in eBay Auction

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (06/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Family, food and fireworks are a staple of Independence Day celebrations statewide and State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald might have something patriotic to help you continue your celebrating year-round. "If you're looking for that one-of-kind patriotic item, check out our Independence Day eBay auction," Fitzgerald stated. "The auction is filled with unique collectibles that were turned over to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt."

Interested bidders may view selected items before the auction at IowaTreasurer.gov. Click on the "For Citizens" tab at the top, select "Great Iowa Treasure Hunt" and click on "eBay auction."

The auction will begin on Tuesday, June 30 and will close on July 7. Some of the treasures in this online auction will include red, white and blue jewelry pieces; U.S. silver dollars eagle coin; an American flag pin; and a U.S. Constitution Commemorative silver dollar. Visit Great Iowa Treasure Hunt's eBay page at http://myworld.ebay.com/ia.unclaimed.property at the time of the auction to bid on these treasurers.

Items included in the auction are from abandoned safe deposit boxes reported to the state treasurer as unclaimed property by financial institutions across the state. Photos, letters and other personal memorabilia will not be included in the auction. The auction proceeds are held for the rightful owners should they come forward.

. Be sure to like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter, @GreatIATreasure, for information about future auctions.

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