NEWSLETTER

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce March 2015 Newsletter has been sent to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to see it online.

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 

Riverview Manor 17990 Spencer Road, Pleasant Valley, IA. A fifty bed skilled nursing home.  www.riverviewmanorqca.com 563-332-4600

 

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

March 27th - Grace Marine Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m. Grace Marine will celebrate its Grand Opening March 27-29. Come see the new showroom, 905 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. Special incentives on all new inventory! Refreshments, door prizes, games. Bring the Whole Family!

 

April 11th - Unique Creations & Gifts Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m. Grand Opening April 10-12. We will be giving away several gift baskets and of course a couple of our unique chalk boards! 118 N. Cody Road, LeClaire. Everyone welcome!

SAVE THE DATE

 

April 3rd - First Friday in LeClaire 5-8pm.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. Fun food and cocktail sampling - Honey Whiskey is Back! 5:30-8p.m.

Wide River Winery - Wine tasting.

Faithful Pilot - Live Music - Jordan Danielson - 7:30p.m.

Restaurants and many shops open late!

 

April 4th - LeClaire Park Board's Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! 11:00AM - l: 00 p.m., Hollyhock Park, LeClaire.

April 4th - Wide River Winery Easter Bonnet Contest Visit Wide River Winery, LeClaire 2-5pm and wear your favorite hat or bonnet to enter to win the contest. We will take your photo and post on Facebook for our "friends" to select the winner!

April 5th - Easter Sunday - Asbury United Methodist Church 3 worship times: 8:30, 9:50 and 11 a.m. Free Easter Egg Hunt for children between services. 1809 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf

April 5th - Bierstube Easter Brunch 7a.m. to noon. $13.95 adults, $7.95 ages 6-12. Children under 5 eat free. Reservations recommended - 563-289-2121

April 5th - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Easter Brunch 10am & 12:30pm seating. Three courses for $35 per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

April 5th - Steventons Easter Brunch 10am - 2pm for $23.95. Children 12 & under are $11.95. Children 5 & under are free.  Please call ahead for reservations. 563-289-3600

 

April 15th - The Friends of the Library Annual Spelling Bee 6pm. This year's event will be taking place at City Hall (325 Wisconsin Street) to make more room for participants and their families.

 

April 18th - Blue Iguana will be open early at 10:00 am for Cars & Coffee.

 

April 18th - "Wine Hop" in Downtown LeClaire 4-6pm Enjoy samples of wine at participating businesses. Proceeds to benefit Christmas in LeClaire. Blue Iguana will be offering Sangria. Steventon's will have a table in Downtown Le Claire with samples of their finest wines. More details to come!

April 22nd - LeClaire Community Library - Adults Book Club 'My Name is Mary Sutter' by Robin Oliveira.

 

April 24th-25th LeClaire Girls' Getaway Weekend! Tickets $50 - Dinner at Steventon's, style show, door prizes, raffle giveaway, purchase raffle tickets to win a "LeClaire Basket" including Spa Experience for two, overnight stay at Grasshoppers B&B, dinner, and more. Goodie Bags, Sales, Giveaways and Promotions.  Money from the raffle will be donated to "Winnies Place". Seating is limited! Sign up and more information at www.leclairegirlsgetaway.com

April 24th - Steventons will be closed to the General Public to kick off the Girls Getaway Weekend with a special dinner and style show.

April 26th - Faithful Pilot - Blind Wine Tasting $15.00 for 15 wines from 3:00-5:00.  A Blind Tasting where the better you taste the wine, and guess the grape you get a better chance at wining prizes!

 

April 27th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall, 8:00a.m.

 

FYI

Princeton Community Center The fourth Wednesday of each month through October we will have An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish (lunch is on their own) and have it delivered to the Center with Euchre to start after that. Zion Lutheran and Thrivent Financial are co-sponsors of the event.  There will be coffee and dessert included.  There will be no fee to play, just enjoy a fun afternoon near the Mississippi.

LeClaire Community Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Join our Youth Services Coordinator every 3rd Thursday of the month from 4-5pm for TAG. Help make the library improve their services and programs for teens AND earn service learning credits for school. Email Emily Arnold at eaarnold@leclaireiowa.gov for more details.

 

Faithful Pilot - April, May, June, July, and August

Mondays - Half Priced Martini's

Tuesdays - Tequila Tuesday $5.00 unique, and interesting tequila cocktails for $5.00

Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night

Thursday - $1.00 Oysters & Buckets of Beer on the patio

Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11-2 - yes Brunch is back at The Pilot on Saturdays

Sunday - reserved for wine tastings and private events.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Wednesday evening program: Halftime! For kids, 5-11 years old. It's half way through the week - and it's a time of fun for the kids. We meet from 5:30-7pm, every Wednesday - there is school, through May 6. We serve dinner, play games, have a lesson and a craft. Have your child join us for a week or two to see what we are doing. We are located across from Bridgeview Elementary School, at 200 South 12th street. For more information, call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

Commercial Property for Sale 510 N. Cody Road. Contact William Robertson (563) 940-1517 billrobertson@ruhl-ruhl.com

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

April 4th - LeClaire Park Board's Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt

April 18th - Cars and Coffee on the Levee

April 18th - LeClaire Wine Hop!

April 24th-25th - Girls' Getaway Weekend!

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

April 14th -- El Rio - Lunch - noon

May 12th - Go Fish - Evening - 5:30-7p.m.

June 9th - Big Dave and Holly's - Lunch - noon

  1. The Memorial site is being remodeled.  Phase 1 of 3 should start next week.  We are using existing funds to complete phase 1, but will need support from the community to finish phase 2 and 3.  We accept tax deductible donations on our website and we are launching a campaign for the community to purchase engraved bricks to be placed at the remodeled memorial site.  Website:  www.qcleom.com.

  2. Adventure Christian Community Davenport Iowa.  This Sunday March 29, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.  The Quad Cities Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is naming Tony Liston as its Chaplin.  He is the pastor of the church and will be presented with a Chaplin badge.

Tony Liston has been on our committee for over a year and stepped in to replace Chaplin Curtis Fee after several years of service.  There are many great area Chaplin's, however one that is willing to step up, help plan, coordinate and work towards bringing all area Chaplin's together and work towards a combined training program, well you just don't see that as often.

  1. QC Police Memorial Service is on May 3rd 2015 at 1:30p.m.  This year it will be at Adventure Christian Community. (We rotate churches every year between both states). We always show a tribute video, the Honor Guard will post colors, bagpipes will play and a Solo will be performed by a local police Chief.

Immediately following the church service we will have a procession to the Justice Center in Rock Island Illinois where our memorial site is located. The names of the fallen officers will be read and a family member of officer or a fellow police officer will place a flower on a wreath in their memory.   Bagpiper and Taps, and hopefully a 7 gun salute. (In the event it appears it's going to rain during the Justice Center part of the service, the entire event will be held at Adventure Christian Community Church.  A decision will be made by 1:15 prior to the service.
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rauner took action on the following bills today:
Bill No.: HB 317
An Act Concerning: Appropriations
Action: Signed
Effective: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 318
An Act Concerning: Finance
Action: Signed
Effective: Immediately
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Des Moines, IA -- Raise the Wage Iowa, a coalition of small business owners, faith leaders, as well as labor and community organizations, will rally to raise the minimum wage on Tuesday, March 31st, at 5 events across the state of Iowa. Events will begin in Des Moines at the state capitol, continue in the home districts of the 'Terrible Trio' in the Iowa House who are blocking a minimum wage increase.

The Iowa Senate passed a bipartisan compromise minimum wage increase last month, but Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen, Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, and Labor Committee Chair Greg Forristall have not allowed it for a vote in the Iowa House. If the legislation does not move forward by Friday, April 3rd, it will not survive the legislative 'funnel' and working Iowans will have to wait at least one more year for a raise.

Next Tuesday's statewide day of action will call on the 'Terrible Trio' of Paulsen, Upmeyer, and Forristall to allow a vote on a minimum wage increase. Iowa is falling behind our neighboring states in wage growth, and we cannot afford to wait any longer!

Event Details - Tuesday, March 31st

 

9:30 AM Kick-Off Press Conference at the Capitol

Iowa State Capitol, Room 116

1007 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Speakers:

Sue Dinsdale, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Matt Sinovic, Progress Iowa, Chris Schwartz, Americans for Democratic Action.

 

2:30 PM Press Conference in Clear Lake, Majority Leader Upmeyer's hometown

LOCATION: Lakeview Community Center, 10 N Lakeview Drive, Clear Lake

Speakers: Chris Petersen, Iowa Main Street Alliance; Sue Dinsdale, Iowa Citizen Action Network and Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans

 

 

4:30 PM Press Conference in Hiawatha, Speaker Paulsen's hometown

Hiawatha Public Library , 150 Willman St, Hiawatha Iowa

Speaker: Rick Moyle , Hawkeye Labor Council AFL/CIO & Mike Owen Iowa policy Project

 

12:00 PM Press Conference in Macedonia, Rep. Forristall's hometown

US Post Office, 319 Main St, Macedonia, Iowa

Speaker: Matt Sinovic, Progress Iowa

 

5:00 PM Rock the Wage Front Porch Concert

1105 Mulberry St, Waterloo, Iowa

Speaker: Chris Schwartz, Americans for Democratic Action

Band: False Indigo

 

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS in RAISE THE WAGE IOWA:

 

AFSCME Iowa Council 61

American Friends Service Committee

Americans for Democratic Action

Des Moines Education Association

Food & Water Watch

Hawkeye labor Council AFL/CIO

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund

Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans

Iowa Citizen Action Network

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund

Iowa City Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

Iowa Community Action Association

Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL/CIO

Iowa Main Street Alliance

Iowa State Education Association

Methodist Federation for Social Action, Iowa Chapter

Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa

Progress Iowa

RESULTS

SEIU Iowa - Local 199

South Central Federation of Labor, AFL/CIO

UNI Americans for Democratic Action

MOUNT VERNON, IA (03/26/2015)(readMedia)-- Students from Cornell College performed in the Steel Drum Ensemble concert March 27 in King Chapel.

Stephanie Campbell of Bettendorf is one of more than 20 members of the Steel Drum ensemble.

Andrew (Drew) Klocke of Coal Valley is one of more than 20 members of the Steel Drum ensemble.

The Steel Drum Ensemble is one of seven of the college's highly regarded ensembles, open to all students by audition. In addition to building group performance skills, the ensembles also offer exceptional undergraduate solo opportunities.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. The One Course schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship--all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger's, one of the "Best Value Schools" among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the 100 Affordable Elite Colleges by Washington Monthly. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

For more information, visit www.cornellcollege.edu.

WASHINGTON - Citing an increasing need to ensure safety, security, and stewardship of Arctic waters, member countries of the Arctic Council gathered at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Wednesday for a two-day Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF) Experts Meeting.

The ACGF is a cooperative initiative between nations with shared maritime interests in the Arctic.  Membership includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States.  The ACGF will be an operationally-focused organization that strengthens maritime cooperation and coordination in the Arctic.

The Arctic region is gathering increased global attention due to dynamic geo-political factors such as climate change, permanent ice cover, and intensifying competition for undiscovered resources. Such factors provided context as members came together to reach consensus in organizing the Forum's operating principles, strategic objectives, and rules of governance. These foundational steps will allow the ACGF to foster the strong partnerships required support safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic region.

During his recent State of the Coast Guard Address, Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft addressed the importance of the Coast Guard's role in the Arctic stating, "Unimpeded access and sustained presence while operating in the Arctic are vital to meet the United States Arctic Strategy.  There is a new ocean opening and Coast Guard authorities mandate our presence wherever U.S. national interests require people and ships to operate."

The member countries will formally establish the Arctic Coast Guard Forum at a Summit at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Center for Arctic Study and Policy this fall.

More photos of the event can be viewed at https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1839877/us-coast-guard-hosts-arctic-forum

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We hope you will join us this weekend for our fourth annual Eiermarkt Spring Craft Fair! The admission is free to the fair on the fourth floor from 10am -2pmthis Saturday! We will have great vendors including: Pysanky, carved eggs, alpaca products, angora rabbits, pies, cookies, hot cross buns, hot pretzels, spring crafts and Easter baskets, Ostrich eggs, and German sausage!
Don't miss out on this fun free tradition!

Regular admission applies to see the exhibits Kaleidoscopia, A Look at the Book and the German Immigrant Experience.
Modern Woodmen Park Ferris wheel to set a national standard for accessibility
DAVENPORT, Iowa (March 26, 2015) - The City of Davenport, Genesis and the River Bandits will set a new standard for accessibility by partnering to install a gondola which will accommodate wheelchairs on the Ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park.
Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, members of the City Council, City Administrator Craig Malin, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, Ken Croken, and River Bandits general manager Andrew Chesser made the partnership announcement  at a press conference Thursday at Modern Woodmen Park.
"Modern Woodmen Park has been named the best park in all of minor league baseball. We want everyone to fully experience everything the park has to offer,'' Gluba said. "This announcement is possible today because of a private-public partnership between the River Bandits ownership, Genesis and the city.''
"Everyone should be able to enjoy one of the best attractions the Quad Cities has to offer,'' says Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.  "Genesis Health System has one of the largest physical medicine and rehabilitation departments in Iowa and when we think in terms of the needs of our patients, this is a priority.''
The City of Davenport has contracted with McClure Engineering to design an accessible gondola, dedicated for use by two wheelchairs to enjoy a comfortable ride on the 105-foot Ferris wheel that opened in 2014 at Modern Woodmen Park.
"We at the River Bandits love to break new ground and set new and higher standards, and that's exactly what we are doing here," says River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Together in partnership with Genesis Health System and the City of Davenport, we are setting a new standard for accessibility to a Ferris wheel nationally. People with disabilities in the Quad Cities will be able to access our Ferris wheel more easily and more comfortably than people anywhere in the nation. Working with our good friends at Genesis and the City of Davenport, we are all joining forces to bring the joys of baseball, amusement rides and memorable, family-friendly recreation and entertainment to everyone in the Quad Cities community."
The Ferris wheel is scheduled to re-open for 2015 in May.
UP NEXT: Save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: 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! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
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2014 was another strong year financially and fraternally for Rock Island-based Modern Woodmen of America. Life insurance in force grew by nearly $1 billion for the fourth straight year, and assets surpassed the $14 billion mark.  

"Modern Woodmen continues to demonstrate notable financial strength and stability, and our fraternal contributions remain an important part of our organization," said W. Kenny Massey, president and CEO of Modern Woodmen. "Our fraternal member benefits and programs have truly enriched the lives of our members, their families and their local communities, and I am proud to report that we contributed over $19 million in fraternal expenditures in 2014."  

Continued growth in life insurance in force  

Life insurance in force, the total amount of life insurance owned by members to protect their families in case of premature death, increased to over $37 billion.  

"Protection is key for the American family," said Massey. "Through the personalized, knowledgeable support of our financial representatives, members can gain the life insurance coverage they need to protect their loved ones."  

Assets exceed $14 billion  

Modern Woodmen's assets increased 5.5 percent over 2013, reaching over $14.1 billion. Assets are primarily invested in high-quality, low-risk corporate and government bonds.  

"Fiscal responsibility is essential to our continued success," said Massey. "It allows us to protect the promises made to our members nationwide. For that reason, it is our first obligation."  

Annuity assets under management equaled $8.1 billion.  

Total life insurance, annuity and other certificate reserves, which are funds held to guarantee future benefits to members, increased 5.6 percent to slightly over $11 billion.  

Strong operational results

Total premium income was $1.07 billion in 2014.

Compared to 2013, variable annuity certificate sales increased 17 percent, and variable annuity premiums increased by 28 percent.

Payments and benefits to members in 2014 increased 6.1 percent to $803.4 million. This includes death benefits, annuity payments and surrender benefits. An additional $14.8 million in dividend payments was refunded to life insurance and annuity certificates.

Net gain from operations after dividends was nearly $16.2 million with a total net income of $85.4 million.

Total surplus and special reserves were $1.48 billion in 2014. Surplus and special reserves provide additional safety for members and ensure Modern Woodmen's ability to meet unforeseen events, continue the organization's fraternal programs and provide funds for future growth. To protect and enhance the impact of these funds and strengthen the commitment to members, Modern Woodmen set aside additional reserves in 2014.

Modern Woodmen's solvency ratio of 111.69 percent means that for every $100 of liabilities (promises made to members), Modern Woodmen has $111.69 of assets to back up those promises.

Fraternal programs support communities nationwide

Modern Woodmen has a nationwide membership of nearly 770,000. Fraternal expenditures supporting Modern Woodmen's family-oriented member benefits and programs totaled over $19 million. These benefits and programs include disaster relief assistance, college scholarships, social and volunteer service programs by adult chapters and youth service clubs nationwide, and educational programs for schools and youth groups.

Key fraternal results included: 

- More than 1.5 million people attended social, educational and volunteer events sponsored by Modern Woodmen chapters.

- 173,205 hours of volunteer service were recorded by youth service club members and 263,548 hours of volunteer service were reported by adult chapter members.

- 2.3 million children were educated through free Modern Woodmen youth educational programs. 

- $10.8 million was contributed through Modern Woodmen's Matching Fund Program. The Matching Fund Program meets needs in member communities across the country. The fundraising projects, matched by Modern Woodmen, were conducted by the organization's 2,717 adult chapters, 263 Summit chapters (for members age 55 and older) and 790 youth service clubs.

Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Since 1883, the organization has brought people together, supported families and strengthened communities nationwide. Modern Woodmen - touching lives, securing futures.

Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America

Subject to change, fraternal benefits are not part of the contract and may have specific eligibility requirements.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE QCSO!
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra has been named 2015 Professional Orchestra of the Yearby the Illinois Council of Orchestras in recognition of its exemplary achievements.  The award will be presented on Sunday, April 12, at Centennial Hall, Rock Island, during the Masterworks VI: Peace and Brotherhood - Ode to Joy performance.

Did you attend Masterworks V: The American Tapestry featuring Joel Fan, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor?  

Your opinion is very important to us, and we hope you will take a few minutes to complete our survey.  Your valuable input will be used to enhance our future concerts.

Click here to take our survey

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