09 Oct 2014

In Iowa's Interest: Confronting the Disability Unemployment Crisis

By Rick Martin

 

Over half a century ago, when my brother Frank was at the Iowa School for the Deaf, he was told he could be one of three things: a printer, a cobbler, or a baker. He had unlimited potential, but his choices were limited by the societal barriers faced by too many people with disabilities. Our country has changed since then. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, we began to tear down those obstacles and expand the opportunities for people with disabilities. We have increased the accessibility of our buildings, streets, parks, beaches, and recreation areas. Today, our books, TVs, telephones, and computers are more accessible. We are on the path toward the full realization of the four goals we set out to achieve with ADA: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency; however, there is still work to be done.

Unfortunately, one area of American life has been resistant to change: employment and the pathway it provides to participate in the middle class. Twenty-four years after the signing of the ADA, Americans with disabilities remain disproportionately poor and face significant barriers to joining and remaining in the middle class.

This October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month. While we should celebrate the progress that has been made, we must also recognize and confront the very real employment crisis faced by Americans with disabilities. People with disabilities remain far more likely to be impoverished, to be out of the workforce, and to be experiencing the detrimental effects of living in poverty.

On the most important economic measures such as unemployment, workforce participation, annual earnings, and poverty, people with disabilities often are in the worst condition compared to almost any other group. Twice as many Americans with disabilities live in poverty than those without disabilities. Less than 30 percent of working-age Americans with disabilities participate in the workforce, and households with an adult member with a disability earn 38.4 percent less than households without an adult member with a disability. These facts make it clear that people with disabilities are still encountering roadblocks in the path to the middle class and that the ADA's goal of economic self-sufficiency has not yet been achieved.

As chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I launched an investigation into these roadblocks. I heard from over 400 people with disabilities from across the country, all of whom had or currently live at the poverty level. They reported experiencing employment discrimination, discriminatory wages, inaccessible workplaces, and persistently low expectations about what they can accomplish. They also reported that they often cannot participate in the workforce because they lack reliable, accessible transportation and accessible, affordable housing. To fully realize the vision of the ADA, we as a nation must confront these problems.

Congress needs to do its part to develop strategies to clear the path to the middle class. I am optimistic that we will begin to see the benefits of the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, passed by my committee, and recently signed into law by the president. The new law requires that schools and vocational rehabilitation programs work together to ensure young people with disabilities develop the skills and knowledge needed in emerging fields. It also provides resources for employers to learn how to support people with disabilities in the workforce and how to provide accommodations so individuals with disabilities can be successful at work. I have also recently introduced three bills, the Universal Home Design Act, the Accessible Transportation for All Act, and the Exercise and Fitness for All Act, to address the physical barriers to employment that people with disabilities still experience.

At the same time, we can all work to eliminate attitudinal barriers by celebrating the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities and educating others about disability employment issues. The time for America to shed narrow views about people with disabilities - prejudices that limited the opportunities for my brother and continue to limit the opportunities for countless others - is well overdue. Together, we can take the needed steps towards ensuring opportunity for all.

To read my report on disability and poverty visit: http://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/HELP%20Committee%20Disability%20and%20Poverty%20Report.pdf. You can also learn more about ways to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month by visiting the Department of Labor website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/index-2014.htm.

A PDF version of this article can be found here.

###
09 Oct 2014

Subject: NRA ad on Braley Stretches Truth

By Erika Soto Lamb
You may have noticed that the NRA has begun running an ad against Congressman Bruce Braley this week (you can see it here) that claims Braley voted to take away gun rights.
But what you might not know is that it's essentially a carbon copy of an ad the gun lobby has been running against Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu - one that has been fact-checked by at least four different media organizations and found to be outright dishonest.  The Washington Post gave it the maximum four Pinocchios for its "hyperbolic disconnect between between the images on the screen and the practical impact of the law in question", FactCheck.org called it "misleading", while Time Magazine named it one of the five most dishonest political ads of 2014 and Politifact's rating for that same ad: "Pants on fire".
The same results would be found on a fact check of the NRA's claim against Braley's record as well.  Braley co-sponsored the House version of the same background check legislation backed by Landrieu - a bill that would have closed the loophole that allows criminals and other dangerous people to easily get guns, no questions asked.
The NRA knows background checks don't infringe on anyone's rights and that they don't put law-abiding citizens in danger, as the ominous ad would like voters to believe. Yet the NRA sought to radically deceive voters by running a shadowy attack ad smearing Braley's record.
When covering the heated Iowa senate race, we're hopeful you'll let your readers know about these NRA distortions - and consider editorializing in favor of having local stations pull this ad down because it is based on a lie.
09 Oct 2014

'Growing Season' Warms Up: New Dates for the Mustache Challenge

By Rick Martin

October 8, 2014

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES- In its 9th year, the 2014 KJ's Mustache Challenge is a local event where participants toss out their razors for four weeks in an effort to raise funds for preventive programs provided by the Quad Cities Child Abuse Council. This year the Challenge will occur one month earlier in hopes to enjoy a warmer 'growing season'. The Challenge begins on October 23rd and culminates in a Mustache Bash Pub Crawl in downtown Moline on November 22nd.

New this year, too, is a Ladies Night Event celebrating those women who are 'Stache Enablers', at this event ladies can sign up their husbands, brothers, fathers and friends into the Challenge. This new 'Stache Enablers' event is October 16th at Refresh in downtown Moline from 6p to 8p featuring fun mustache prize giveaways.

"The Mustache Challenge is for everyone," says longtime Challenge committee member, Tracie Veto. "We encourage our sister Challengers to support the men in their efforts to grow a mustache, yes, some Challengers look a bit different for a few weeks but it's for a great cause. The women have just as much fun with the Challenge as the men do!"

The Mustache Challenge committee is hosting the Official Challenge Kick-Off Party at Pints on Utica Ridge Road in Davenport on October 23rd from 5:30p to 7:30p, this officially begins the 'Growing Season'. At the Kick-Off Party you can sign up for the Challenge, participate in a prize winning raffle and win mustache merchandise.

For a minimum donation of $25 Challengers will receive the commemorative t-shirt, eligibility to compete in the Best Stache competition and to win prizes during the Mustache Bash Pub Crawl on November 22nd in Downtown Moline.

This fundraiser is in memory of Mustache Challenge participant, Kyle John of Moline, who at age 27 passed away in 2008 after a courageous five year battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His close friends have continued the Mustache Challenge in celebration of his spirit and charitable heart.

For more information about KJ's 2014 Mustache Challenge and the QC Child Abuse Council visit www.kjmustachechallenge.org and www.childabuseqc.org. KJ's Mustache Challenge is also on Facebook.

#####

09 Oct 2014

PATE UNVEILS "PROTECT YOUR VOTE" AD

By Paid for by Pate for Iowa

FIRST SOS CANDIDATE TO GO ON THE AIR

 

(Cedar Rapids, IA)  Today, former Iowa Secretary of State and Mayor of Cedar Rapids, Paul D. Pate has unveiled a new radio ad titled, "Protect Your Vote" in his bid to become Iowa's next Secretary of State.

Female Announcer: "Iowans know there are some things we just have to protect.  Our families.  Our freedom.  Our jobs. Our Personal information.

 

And, we need to protect our votes...so we can keep Iowa elections clean and fair for everyone.

 

That's why so many Iowans are voting for Paul Pate as our next Secretary of State.

 

Paul Pate has done the job before...and done it well.  That's why many state leaders have encouraged him to go back to work in the Secretary of State's office.

 

Pate knows first- hand what it takes to be Iowa's Chief Elections Official ......AND, he's the owner of a successful asphalt paving company...so he knows the business side of the Secretary of State's office as well."

 

Paul Pate: "I'm Paul Pate...the only candidate for Secretary of State...with on the job experience...a record of serving you in public office...and a commitment to protecting your vote with mandatory voter ID.

 

Let's make it easy to vote...but hard to cheat.  I would appreciate your vote on November 4th."

 

A nationally recognized business leader by the Small Business Administration, Pate is the owner of a paving construction firm and recently served as Mayor of Cedar Rapids from 2002 -2006.  While Mayor, Pate was elected President of the non-partisan Iowa League of Cities representing over 870 municipalities.  Previously, he served as Iowa Secretary of State from 1995-1999 and represented NE Cedar Rapids, Marion and parts of Linn, Buchanan and Delaware Counties in the Iowa Senate from 1989-1995.

 

-30-

09 Oct 2014

Volunteers Needed for the Families On Challenge

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

New Families On! Challenge Happening on Saturday

There are over 2,000 registered to participate in the Families On! Challenge at Credit  Island this weekend and we still have the following volunteer needs.  Please CLICK HERE to volunteer on Saturday.  There are two volunteer shifts--from 8 am-12 pm and 12-4 pm.

We have 10 Quad Cities CVB staff members assisting over the weekend!  We would like to challenge you to raise us 10!  Thank you so much in advance for your assistance.

Help to add laughter, smiles, and a bit of a mess for families and friends, and leave with fun goodies and a t-shirt!

If you can't help on Saturday, there is help needed on Sunday.  If you can help on Sunday, please email elizabeth@familieson.com

You can also still register to participate in the Families On! Challenge.

Thank You!

09 Oct 2014

U.S. Fuel Economy Reaches All-Time High

By Christopher Whitley

Fuel economy gains for new vehicles continue under President Obama's Clean Car Program

(WASHINGTON, October 8, 2014) - New vehicles achieved an all-time-high fuel economy in 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency announced today. Model year 2013 vehicles achieved an average of 24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) ?-- a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and an increase of nearly 5 mpg since 2004. Fuel economy has now increased in eight of the last nine years. The average carbon dioxide emissions are also at a record low of 369 grams per mile in model year 2013.

EPA's annual "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2014" report tracks average fuel economy of new cars and SUVs sold in the United States. The report also ranks automakers' achievements in model year 2013.

Some additional top-line findings from the report:

  • The recent fuel economy improvement is a result of automakers' rapid adoption of more efficient technologies such as gasoline direct injection engines, turbochargers, and advanced transmissions.
  • Mazda vehicles averaged the highest fuel economy and lowest greenhouse gas emissions
  • Nissan achieved the greatest improvement in average fuel economy and greenhouse gas reductions
  • SUVs achieved the greatest improvement in all classes of new personal vehicles.

"Today's announcement points to the greatness of American ingenuity and the strength of our auto industry. Our report shows that today's vehicles are saving Americans money at the pump while emitting fewer greenhouse gasses. We are thrilled to see that manufacturers continue to innovate and are bringing technologies to improve fuel economy online even faster than anticipated," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Consumers now have many more choices when shopping for vehicles with higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to just five years ago. These choices reflect both a more diverse range of technology packages on conventional gasoline vehicles as well as more advanced technology and alternative-fueled vehicles."  

Under President Obama's leadership EPA and the Department of Transportation have implemented standards projected to double fuel economy by 2025 and cut vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by half.

The EPA estimates these standards will save American families more than $8,000 in fuel costs per vehicle by 2025. Throughout the duration of the program, Americans will save $1.7 trillion in fuel costs, use 12 billion fewer barrels of oil, and in 2025, reduce oil consumption by more than 2 million barrels a day - as much as half of the oil imported from OPEC every day.

The new report is at: http://epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7:  http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region7.html

09 Oct 2014

Hometown Teams Enters Final Rock Island Stretch with Three Programs to Go

By Lisa Lockheart
Rock Island, IL: With just three weeks left for the exhibit, and three programs to go, the Smithsonian Hometown Teams project at Rock Island Public Library is entering its final stretch.
"There are no extra innings for this project, said coordinator Lisa Lockheart, of Rock Island Library. "The Smithsonian exhibits are available for viewing only until 4:30 pm on Saturday, Oct. 25. If you've been planning to see it, now's the time!"
The three final programs in the series provide ample opportunities to see the exhibit, and to explore the origins of the National Basketball Association in Moline, the impact of men's fast-pitch softball tournaments, and how female athletes benefited from Title IX and the growth of women's sports.
Upcoming programs include "Classic Arena, Big Time Basketball: The Tri-Cities Blackhawks of the NBA," at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Rock Island Main Library. Dr. Curtis C. Roseman , co-author of "A Century of Players, Performers, and Pageants - Wharton Field House and Browning Field," presents the history of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks team, a charter member of the National Basketball Association. His remarks will focus on the Moline team's role in the community and professional basketball, and on early African American players playing with the Blackhawks.  Dr. Roseman has conducted extensive research on migration and the settlement of ethnic populations, especially within the United States. He also has expertise in the historical geography of the Upper Mississippi region, the Quad Cities area, and Los Angeles.
Next up is a look at community softball, with "Rock Island: Center of the Softball Sixties" at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Oct. 16, also at the Rock Island Main Library. Historian and lifelong softball fan Tom McKay presents on the teams, organizational efforts, and players that made Rock Island a center of fast-pitch softball for nearly a decade. From 1961 to 1969, thousands of fans crowded Douglas Park each night for the International Softball Congress World Tournament. Some of the best men's fast-pitch teams from the United States and Canada competed, including local favorites, like the Hamm's Beer and Bon Air teams. Mr. McKay is a professional historian and lifelong softball fan who attended each of the ISC tournaments held in Rock Island in the 1960s.A museum consultant from Hampton, IL, McKay worked for 24 years in the Office of Local History at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. He holds a bachelor's in history from Cornell College and a master's in historical museum work from the Cooperstown Graduate Program of the State University of New York
The final program in the Hometown Teams series considers how the world of sports has completely changed for women. A discussion on "Girls Got Game: Title IX and New Opportunities for Women" will be presented at 6:00 pm on Monday, Oct. 20 at the Rock Island Library. Dr. Jane Simonson, of Augustana College, will provide background on the 1972 act, and then lead a panel discussion with Quad Citians who benefited, first hand. Passed in 1972 as part of the Education Act, Title IX outlawed gender-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Panelists include Virgil Mayberry, of Rock Island, and Sarah Eikleberry, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, St. Ambrose University.
Dr. Simonsen is an associate professor of history at Augustana College, specializing in U.S. women's history, gender studies and Native American studies. She received a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Iowa in 2001 and has been a member of the history department at Augustana since 2006.
"Some of the most interesting elements of our Hometown Teams programs have been the Quad Citians who came forward with family or personal memories. We hope to see people with stories to share about their experiences with local basketball, softball tournaments and women's sports in our area," added Lockheart.
The Rock Island Main Library will house the Smithsonian "Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America" exhibit until Saturday, Oct. 25. Offered in collaboration with the Illinois Humanities Council, the Smithsonian exhibit covers how sports shapes lives, unites us, and celebrates who we are as Americans. Highly interactive exhibit sections encourage visitors to reflect on their own experience, and feelings about Hometown Teams. Local exhibits include displays on the Rock Island Independents football team, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and QC Thunder basketball teams, Illinois high school and college teams and historic stadiums and fields, including Douglas Park. Local residents have also loaned memorabilia for display from their own sports pasts.
As the central host of Hometown Teams, Rock Island Library has also partnered with the Moline Public Library, the Rock Island County Historical Society, and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum to extend historical exhibits and programs to sites around the Illinois Quad Cities. Evenings at Butterworth, a free program series at the Butterworth Center in Moline, IL, will also offer two more Friday programs on the intersection of sports, heritage, and culture on Oct. 17 and Nov. 14.
More information is available at www.rockislandlibrary.org or at 309-732-READ (7323.)
The exhibit's final stop in Illinois after Rock Island is with the Friends of Hancock County, Carthage, IL, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 14.
# # #
Exhibit Venue: Rock Island Public Library, Main Branch: 401 19th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201, 309-732-READ (7323), www.rockislandlibrary.org.
Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. Support for the Illinois Humanities Council provided by National Endowment for the Humanities and the Illinois General Assembly. Local sponsors include the Illinois Humanities Council, Rock Island Community Foundation, Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island Public Library Foundation, and Sedona Staffing, along with media sponsorships from WHBF TV/CBS 4, Townsquare Media  (ESPN Quad Cities 93.5, The HAWK 104.9, 97X WXLP, and B100 ), Mickle Communications, The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus and the River Cities Reader. In kind support has been received from Bill's Moving and Storage, Victory Enterprises, and Midwest Graphics Management.
09 Oct 2014

Genesis BirthCenters Train New Parents About Safe Sleep For Babies

By Craig Cooper

New moms at Genesis BirthCenters are discovering a baby's peaceful sleep and peace of mind are attainable. Even for brief moments at the same time.

Since Valentine's Day, babies born at Genesis BirthCenter locations in Davenport and Silvis get a first bath and then are wrapped in a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. The SleepSack wearable blankets are replacing loose blankets, crib bumpers and stuffed animals in baby sleep spaces.

The idea is to establish a safe, comfortable sleep routine in the hospital with hopes the routine will go home with the baby and parents.

The SleepSacks wearable blankets have a design that swaddles the baby with closeable cloth "wings.'' The baby's arms can be within the blanket or out. A zipper allows easy access for diaper changes.

SleepSacks also allow babies to kick their feet naturally and unrestrained. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has called SleepSacks "hip healthy."

"It allows the babies to have their feet and legs in a frog kick position rather than having them restrained by blankets,'' explained Genesis Health Group pediatrician Curt McClellan, D.O. "The babies seem to sleep more comfortably and soundly.

"A lot of hospitals across the country are now starting to use these in their birth centers.''

Unexplainable Tragedy

What isn't known scientifically yet is whether the wearable blankets further reduce the tragedy of sudden unexplained death in infants. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, remains a mystery because the condition cannot be explained after an autopsy or a review of the infant's clinical history.

Jenny Atzen, nurse midwife with The Group in Davenport, was a Genesis BirthCenter nurse in 2002 when Elizabeth, her 31/2-month-old daughter, died in the home of a care giver. There was no explanation for the death.

"I still miss her like crazy every day,'' Atzen said. "I was a nurse and it happened to me. If this can happen to me, the message is 'wow, this can happen to anyone.' SIDS doesn't only happen to someone else. It happens to people who think they are doing everything right.''

Atzen said she has never placed any blame on anyone. Elizabeth was sleeping in an adult bed with pillows around her and she was sleeping on her stomach.

"She slept on her stomach at home too,'' Atzen said. "We knew about the recommendations for back to sleep but Elizabeth slept better when she was sleeping on her stomach.

"Unfortunately, this is a very common practice by many parents. We paid the worst possible consequence of not following the recommendations.''

The national "Back To Sleep'' campaign recommends that newborns be placed on their backs to sleep. Since the campaign began in 1994, unexplained infant deaths have decreased by more than 3,500 each year.

"That day changed everything for me,'' Atzen said. "I can talk about it now because I think our experience can help educate others. It's very important to educate everyone about the safe sleep of babies.''

Genesis BirthCenter manager Deb Renner said the transition to SleepSacks at Genesis is part of a national trend. Hospitals across the country are creating safer sleep environments for newborns by using the wearable blankets.

"As a Magnet organization, we are very in tune with best practices and using these wearable blankets is certainly a best practice,'' Renner said. "If we can get new parents to experience the safest sleep practices for the baby in the hospital, it is a good start toward them following best sleep practices for baby at home.

"We would like to think SleepSacks could prevent the tragedy that Jenny experienced. Her experience impacted everyone she worked with because at the time we had a lot of nurses who were having babies. It made us all aware that this could happen to anyone.''

Tips For Safe Sleep

While SIDS is still a mystery in many ways, there are standard recommendations for safe sleep for infants.

  • Babies should have their own sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, not an adult bed

  • Babies should be put on their backs to sleep

  • All toys and bedding should be removed from the baby's sleep space

  • Never dress the baby too warmly for sleep

  • Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby at home, or in a car

Renner said the Genesis BirthCenters would like to be able to send the SleepSacks home with babies but the expense doesn't make that possible at this time.

"We'd love for someone to say, 'this sounds like a very good idea' and make a donation through the Genesis foundation,'' Renner said. "We think this is important enough that every baby should go home from Genesis with a SleepSack.''

Gifts to the Genesis Foundation have an impact on the health of the communities served by Genesis Health System. Find out more by calling (563) 421-6865.

###

09 Oct 2014

Local Harvest Celebration

By Quad Cities Food Hub

with the Quad Cities Food Hub

Thursday, October 9, 2014

5:30-8 PM

Quad Cities Food Hub
Freight House
421 W. River Dr., Davenport, Iowa

Get your tickets now

QCFH's annual celebration, featuring tasty treats from the harvest of our Buy Fresh Buy Local Quad Cities members.
  • Heilmann Hawkeye Acres                         
  • Crandall Farms Honey
  • Pasturland Eggs
  • Triple Creek Dairy
  • Wild Hare Farmers
  • Happy Hollow U-pick
  • Winter Bison
  • Geest Farms
  • Arnold's Farm
  • Sawyer Beef
  • Ross' Restaurant
  • Ardon Creek Winery
  • Harry Bee's Honey
  • Beagle Creek Farm
  • Hope Farm Produce
  • Rosemary's Garden
Local food, Front Street Brewery beer, live music, silent auction raffle, prizes, and much more.
Join us and taste the flavors of the season!
$15 in advance / $20 at the door
Tickets available at QCFH Local Market Store
or online at www.qcfoodhub.com

Proceeds assist our mission to support healthy lifestyles by promoting local food production, connecting producers and consumers, and cultivating education and training programs.

If you can't make it to the event, consider a donation (click on donate button) to support our mission.

Quad Cities Food Hub is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
09 Oct 2014

Finalists Named for MRA Awards Honoring Outstanding Businesses in the Community

By Mark McLaughlin
IOWA/WESTERN ILLINOIS - Earlier this year, MRA - The Management Association, Inc., asked Iowa and western Illinois residents to nominate businesses in their areas for two community involvement awards. "The response was amazing," said Heather Roberts, Executive Director of the Iowa/Illinois Division of MRA. "As a result of the public nomination process, we are recognizing a total of 15 finalists for the Business Community Award and two Regional Impact Awards."

MRA, a Midwest-based employers association, will host a ceremony recognizing the finalists and the award winners. The public is invited to the 2014 Business Appreciation & Awards Reception, to be held 5 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2014, at the iWireless Center, Moline, Illinois. The theme of the event will be Celebrating Our Past, Growing Our Future. 

The event will start with gourmet appetizers, cocktails, and music provided by Ellis Kell and the Friends of the River Music Experience. At 6:30 p.m., keynote speaker Jim Edgar, former Governor of Illinois, will share his vision on exploring future opportunities in the Midwest. Master of ceremonies Kai Swanson will begin the awards presentation at 7 p.m. Admission is $75 per person, $550 for groups of eight. Dress will be business attire. To register for the awards reception, call 888-516-6357 or email awards@mranet.org. 

15 Finalists
In the Business Community Award category, five finalists have been chosen. The Regional Impact Awards category has 10 finalists - five For-Profit companies and five Not-For-Profit. 

For the MRA Business Community Award, the finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc.
Bush Construction
DHCU Community Credit Union
Modern Woodmen of America
Royal Neighbors of America

For the MRA Regional Impact Award, the finalists are (in alphabetical order):

For-Profit Finalists:
Alcoa-North American Rolled Products
Group O
KJWW Engineering Consultants
Missman, Inc.
Tennant Truck Lines

Not-For-Profit Finalists:
Ascentra Credit Union
Career Cruising Quad Cities
Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Quad City Botanical Center
Renew Moline

"The finalists are all companies that have touched people's lives and shown support for the community," Roberts said. "Based on the many responses we received, we determined that the Regional Impact category would be better served if we separated it into For-Profit and Not-for-Profit finalists. Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, networking and leadership will want to attend this inaugural event."

The MRA Business Community Award recognizes a business that has created an impact in the Iowa/Illinois region in three or more of the following areas:
- Has shown significant growth over the past five years and has increased employment.
- Recognized in the community for its 'give back' attitude.
- Has benefited the community by its presence.
- Participates in a variety of volunteer roles within the community.
- Known for outstanding customer service.
- Supports charities that benefit Iowa/Illinois area communities.

The MRA Regional Impact Award recognizes an organization that has created an impact in the Iowa/Illinois area in three or more of the following ways:

- Provides or has influence on the growth of jobs in Iowa/Illinois area communities.
- Recognized as a leader within its industry or service area.
- Recognized outside the Iowa/Illinois area for products, services, and/or changes.
- Provides a positive influence in the Iowa/Illinois area regarding transportation, environment, education, quality of life, and other community issues.
- Has shown commitment to the Iowa/Illinois area through new construction, redevelopment, or expansion.

At the event, MRA will present Visionary Awards to their charter members, who created the association in 1948. MRA will also honor the retirement of employee Debra Carlson after 19 years of dedicated service.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MRA is one of the largest not-for-profit employers associations in the nation. Organizations join MRA as corporate members for the latest information, resources and guidance on recruiting, compensation, benefits, compliance and talent management. Members are supported with a 24/7 HR Hotline and InfoNow e-mail, access to crucial survey data, and HR, management and leadership training. To find out more about MRA, call 888-516-6357 or visit www.mranet.org.
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