25,000-Square-Foot Expansion Will Allow Tech Hub to Continue to Grow and Create Jobs

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by 1871 CEO Howard A. Tullman to officially open a major expansion of the innovative digital startup hub. The $2.5 million expansion, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will increase 1871's current size by 50 percent and create space for alumni companies, venture capital firms and several incubators, accelerators and programs. In total, the new space will allow 1871 to house approximately 400 companies within The Merchandise Mart. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"The growth of our technology and innovation sectors are helping to drive Illinois' comeback," Governor Quinn said. "Since its inception, 1871 and its alumni companies have created more than 1,000 jobs, and this new space will allow the hub to expand and create more high-tech companies and good jobs right here in Illinois." 

The expansion project allows 1871 to provide offices to alumni companies that have outgrown their current space but wish to continue to grow within the 1871 environment and utilize 1871's programming and resources. In addition, the new space will house several venture capital firms seeking to engage the Chicago market. It also allows 1871 to develop a number of industry-specific incubators, accelerators and programs in the critical areas of food technology, real estate technology, education technology, financial technology, the Internet of Things, startup engineering, veteran-owned technology businesses and women-owned technology businesses.

"1871 is committed to continually raising the bar in terms of its opportunities for members and service to Chicago's entrepreneurial and technology communities," 1871 CEO Howard A. Tullman said. "The primary goal of 1871 is to foster the innovative new technology businesses that are crucial drivers of Illinois' job and economic growth, and we sincerely appreciate the Governor's consistent support for this mission. This expansion is an important component of our ongoing efforts to provide an extensive set of resources and facilities to our member companies."

Thus far, 1871 has announced the official launch of six new programs that will open or grow within the expansion space, including:

·         The Bunker: the nation's first veterans-exclusive technology business accelerator, which will harness the leadership experiences of veterans as a strategic differentiator for startup and early stage veteran-owned, technology-enabled businesses.

·         LEAP Innovations: an incubator that seeks to foster the development of the best learning technologies by supporting startups that create these technology products and programs for key learning gaps and helping pilot these technologies in real-life learning environments.

·         The DeVry EdTech Incubator: an incubator designed to help startups develop new educational technologies to accelerate innovation in teaching and learning by offering mentorship, coaching and access to DeVry's network of educational leaders.

·         The Elmspring Real Estate Incubator: an incubator supporting startups that leverage technology to create solutions for complex challenges throughout the real estate industry. Elmspring seeks to foster clever and innovative concepts that disrupt traditional models in real estate and its related industries. 1871's real estate technology incubator space is sponsored by DTZ.

·         The Good Food Business Accelerator: a fellowship program focused on encouraging broad-based food entrepreneurship and leveraging technology in the food industry. Operated by FamilyFarmed.org, the GFBA will be the nation's first business accelerator focused on building supply chains of sustainable local food.

·         WiSTEM: a program for women-owned and operated technology businesses. In addition to its complete access to the 1871 community and all of its resources, WiSTEM will offer a rigorous yet flexible program to foster and support women entrepreneurs.

1871 was launched in partnership with the state of Illinois on May 2, 2012. The original 50,000-square-foot space was constructed through a $2.3 million state investment. To date, 1871 has graduated over 40 companies, who have collectively created over 500 jobs and raised over $40 million in venture capital funding.

"The expansion is a tremendous opportunity for my company," Learnmetrics CEO and Co-Founder Julian Miller said. "We were growing rapidly and looking at what the next phase of our company would look like, and we were starting to think we were going to have to trade off some of the benefits of being in a space like 1871, but then they announced the expansion. Being a part of that, you get to drive forward what this next phase is and help give feedback. Ultimately, we think it will be a tremendous partnership."

The expansion comes after news in August that employers added 13,800 new jobs to the Illinois economy. During the last five years, Illinois has added 263,100 private sector jobs. These new positions have been created at small as well as large businesses in the state.

The Illinois unemployment rate hit a new six-year low in August when it fell to 6.7 percent, the lowest rate since before the Governor took office, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. This is the lowest rate since August 2008 and a continuation of an uninterrupted drop in the state jobless rate that began in late 2013. The number of people employed in Illinois remains above six million, continuing a 2014 trend that has seen more people working in this state than at any time since early 2009.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Governor Quinn is also pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

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Negative Ad Distorts Truth About Jobs Program
SPRINGFIELD - The latest ad Neil Anderson (R-Moline) against State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), is an attack on jobs across Illinois.
Anderson's latest attack falsely accuses Jacobs of supporting Senate Bill 3616, bi-partisan enterprise reform legislation for his own political benefit.
"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association championed SB 3616 because enterprise zones are our state's most valued incentives to boost local economies and create jobs," said Mark Denzler, Vice President & COO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "This negative ad does not accurately describe the Enterprise Zone program and the important reforms contained in the legislation."
In 2012, the Senate created a bi-partisan committee to hold four legislative hearings across the state to gather input from business and community leaders. Community stakeholders agreed enterprise zones create and retain jobs for the citizens of Illinois. The bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support in the Illinois House and Senate.
The enterprise zone legislation included a number of important reforms including (1) creation of a new Enterprise Zone Board to ensure fairness in awarding zones, (2) expanding the program so that every community in Illinois can compete for a zone; (3) eliminating three tax incentives to make the program more affordable, and (4) extending the program for 25 years to create stability and certainty.
There was an overwhelming response from local leaders from the 36th Senate District that attended hearings and publicly supported the enterprise zone extension:
•                  David Blanton, Mayor of Rock Falls (2005-2013)
•                  Skip Lee, Mayor of Sterling
•                  William M. Foy, Mayor of Silvis
•                  Former Republican State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, 90th Legislative District
•                  Betty Steinert, Whiteside/Carroll Enterprise Zone Administrator
•                  Sandy Henrekin, Executive Director of Rock Falls Community Development
•                  Heather Sotelo, Executive Director of Greater Sterling Development Corp.
•                  Andrew Moore, President and General Manager for Sterling Steel Co.
As of 2012, enterprise zones promoted an investment of $50 billion and the creation or retention of more than 900,000 jobs in Illinois.   Tens of millions of dollars were invested in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities along with the creation or retention of thousands of jobs according to the Annual Enterprise Zone Report published by the Department of Commerce & Economic Development.
The benefits of enterprise zones were highlighted in the 2014 Republican Jobs Plan introduced by Illinois' highest-ranking Republican leaders- Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin calling on DCEO to create an additional 50 enterprise zones to grow job opportunities in Illinois.
"Perhaps Mr. Anderson is unaware of how enterprise zones are set up. Elected officials approve enterprise zones locally before final approval is granted by the state's economic development agency.  The new law created a third tier - a new EZ Board - to ensure that politics don't factor into the decisions of who gets awarded an enterprise zone," said Denzler. "We're pleased the unemployment rates in the 36thdistrict are declining and we need more pro-business leaders like Senator Jacobs."
According to a 2014 published report in the Quad City Times, Tyson Foods (Joslin) took advantage of the Rock Island enterprise zone to expand their plant and hire additional employees.  The company directly influences Quad Cities' economy - Tyson purchases $3.9 million in goods and services a year from local vendors; about 85 percent of Tyson's employees live in Rock Island County; and 50-60 percent of cattle processed at the plant are purchased from Illinois suppliers.
According to public information, local businesses in the 36th Senate District that have taken advantage of this job creation program include L&L Properties (Sterling), Menard Inc. (Sterling), Wahl Clipper Co. (Sterling), Hynd Farm (Silvis), Deere & Co. (Moline), and Tyson Foods (Joslin).
About the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities.
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On Monday night, Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley and the City Council presented Jordan Catholic School principal Joan Leonard, school parents, and students with the Council's Choice Award for their entry in the 2014 Rock Island Labor Day Parade.

In keeping with the parade theme of "30 Years", Jordan Catholic School's float entry was in celebration of the school's 40th anniversary with a then (1974) and now scene.

The Salvation Army Announces the 2014 Project Bundle Up Collection Event

Quad Cities, USA: As families find it harder and harder to make ends meet, The Salvation Army asks the community to step in and help children stay warm this coming winter. The Project Bundle Up Event hosted by KWQC TV-6 makes donating easy. This heart-warming event is sponsored by Floor Trader.

WHERE: KWQC TV-6 at 805 Brady Street, Davenport, IA

WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2014

HOURS: 6:00am - 6:30pm

The Salvation Army will deliver thousands of cold weather clothing items to Quad Cities' elementary & middle schools to fill the needs of students who arrive at school without these essential items. School teachers are on the frontlines watching for children who come to school without mittens & gloves, hats, socks, underwear, and scarves, and Project Bundle Up fills this need.

 

"The need increases every year. Last year's delivery to 27 schools was over 7,000 items, and that was a really cold winter - we know they were put to good use!" stated Patty Mixdorf, Event Coorindator at The Salvation Army.

Donations can also be mailed, marked "Project Bundle Up," to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3972, Davenport, IA 52808. A gift of any size by October 31, 2014 will greatly help!

What do the towns of Summit, Bayfield, Adams, Black Bass, Garden City and Madera have in common? They were all long ago stops on railroads in Muscatine County. Join local railroad enthusiast, Bill Lindsay, for a Railroad "Share your Stories" Show and Tell in conjunction with the exhibition, "Railroads of Muscatine County". Participants are encouraged to bring railroad related items and stories to share. The event will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Muscatine Art Center. Admission is FREE.

Learn how Summit was on the original Rock Island main line from Wilton Junction that ran into Muscatine. The town had a depot, stock yards and a store. Bayfield (yes it was on Bayfield road) was on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern branch that ran from Nichols to Muscatine through the Heinz property. Adams was further west from Bayfield and also had a small depot. Black Bass and Garden City were one in the same.

Discover interesting tidbits about the local railroad and share your own stories! Do you have a great piece of history you would like to share with other railroad fans? Do you have a mysterious railroad-related item in your collection? Bring it with you, and perhaps Bill Lindsay can share some information about your item.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM Admission is FREE.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov .

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angie's List
(Nasdaq:ANGI) announced today that as part of its continued investment
in growth, it plans to expand its Indianapolis headquarters, creating
hundreds of new jobs by 2019. The expansion, which is enabled in part
by an attractive incentive plan from the City of Indianapolis and State
of Indiana, is expected to begin in 2015 and extend through 2019,
broadening Angie's List's footprint in the city's east side.

"Today's announcement reflects our expectation for continued growth and
expansion and highlights our commitment to the city of Indianapolis,"
said Bill Oesterle, Angie's List Chief Executive Officer. "We look
forward to growing our thriving campus and continuing to attract talent
to Indianapolis."

Angie's List intends to continue its growth in its headquarters
location, expanding from approximately 500 employees in 2011 to
approximately 2,800 by the end of 2019. The Company plans to begin
hiring in 2015 for positions including information technology, sales
and member services. As part of the incentive plan, Angie's List has
agreed to achieve certain business and financial targets including
annual investment, number of employees and average wage levels. The
company expects to invest more than $10 million in expansion-related
capital expenditures in 2015, with cumulative investment expected to be
approximately $40 million by the end of 2019.

About Angie's List

Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than 2.8
million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service
providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement
to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local
service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online
marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers
unique tools and support designed to improve the local service
experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including statements regarding expected job growth, the receipt of city
and state incentives and expansion-related capital expenditures. These
forward-looking statements are based on Angie's List's current
assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and
uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to
materially differ from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include, but are not limited to: our ability to
accurately measure and predict revenue per paid membership, membership
acquisition costs or costs associated with servicing our members; our
ability to protect our brand and maintain our reputation among
consumers and local service providers; our ability to attract and
retain local service providers to advertise on our service; our ability
to increase our pricing on memberships and service provider contracts
as we increase our market penetration; our ability to replicate our
business model in our less penetrated markets; our success in
converting consumers and local service providers into paid memberships
and participating service providers; competitive factors; our ability
to stay abreast of modified or new laws and regulations applying to our
business, including those regarding sales or transaction taxes and
privacy regulation; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual
property; our ability to manage our growth; our ability to attract and
retain qualified and experienced personnel, and general economic
conditions worldwide.

Further information on these factors and other risks that may affect
our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and
Exchange Commission from time to time, including Angie's List's Annual
Report on Form 10-K and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

These documents are or will be available online from the SEC or on the
SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of our website at
http://investor.angieslist.com
. Information on our website is not part
of this release. All forward-looking statements in this press release
are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no
obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new
information or future events.
Fourteen returning, five new directors will be sworn in at annual meeting

ST. LOUIS (October 14, 2014) - Nineteen farmer-leaders will be sworn in as directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) in December, after their recent appointments by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The 19 soybean farmers from across the United States include five new appointees and 14 returning directors. These volunteer farmers invest soy checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in projects to increase the value of U.S. soybean meal and oil, ensure U.S. farmers and their customers maintain the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers.

"We're looking forward to welcoming these new and returning farmer-leaders to the board," says Jim Call, USB chairman and soybean farmer from Madison, Minnesota. "We know that they will work with their fellow USB directors in wisely investing checkoff dollars for the benefit of all U.S. soybean farmers."

Appointed farmer-leaders include :

  • Angela M. Dee, Aliceville, Alabama*
  • Robert L. Stobaugh, Atkins, Arkansas*
  • Dwain L. Ford, Kinmundy, Illinois*
  • Michael A. Beard, Frankfort, Indiana*
  • Larry K. Marek, Riverside, Iowa*
  • Thomas E. Oswald, Cleghorn, Iowa
  • Craig M. Gigstad, Valley Falls, Kansas*
  • Keith N. Tapp, Sebree, Kentucky*
  • Belinda L. Burrier, Union Bridge, Maryland
  • Herbert N. Miller, Niles, Michigan
  • Scott G. Singlestad, Waseca, Minnesota*
  • James D. Sneed, Senatobia, Mississippi*
  • George L. Rone, Portageville, Missouri
  • Mike G. Korth, Randolph, Nebraska
  • Daniel J. Corcoran, Piketon, Ohio*
  • Ellie W. Green, Lynchburg, South Carolina*
  • Robert J. Metz, Peever, South Dakota*
  • David E. Nichols, Ridgely, Tennessee*
  • Thomas P. Rotello, Navasota, Texas*

*Indicates returning director

All appointees serve three-year terms, beginning Dec. 11, when they'll be sworn in at USB's annual meeting in St. Louis. Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs) nominated all of the appointees.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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On Friday, November 14th, Red Tail Ring will present traditional Appalachian and new Americana music at the River's Edge Gallery in Muscatine (216 W 3rd Street). The concert begins at 7:30 pm, and tickets are $25. Call 563-263-3176 or visit www.riversedgeart.com to purchase tickets.
Laurel Premo and Michael Beauchamp, of Red Tail Ring, share a raw blend of original folk music and interpretations of old ballads and dance tunes from the southeast mountains. Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their original compositions, they infuse each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry on fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, jawharp and plain-old foot stomping.
Since 2009, Red Tail Ring has released three albums, and traveled increasingly farther in their musical ramblings - performing throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, as well as touring in Denmark and Germany. When they're off the road, Laurel and Michael enjoy playing for community square dances when in their hometown of Kalamazoo, MI.

In From The Cold is celebrating our 22nd year of presenting our Mayors Hunger Luncheon. We would like to cordially invite the press and the public to attend our announcement of this year's grant recipients. This will take place at LeClaire Park in Davenport in front of the band shell on Monday, October 20th at 12 noon.

This year's Mayors Hunger Luncheon will be November 5th in the Golden Leaf Banquet Center at 2902 East Kimberly Road in Davenport. Doors open at 11 with a meal at noon.

Over the years, IFTC has raised almost $500,000 to help fund homeless service providers and related agencies in the Quad City area.

Questions?

Contact: Harvey Wiley

hwiley@casiseniors.org

563-386-7477 x254

Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening. Help prevent these serious diabetes complications by learning the warning signs.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check ? that means maintaining good blood sugar control ? and knowing how to recognize a problem and what to do about it should one occur, you can prevent many of these serious complications of diabetes.

Heart Attack

Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately:

  • Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning
  • Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke

If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Stroke warning signs may include :

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body
  • Feeling confused
  • Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination
  • Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason

Nerve Damage

People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection can develop. Untreated infections can result in gangrene (death of tissue) and ultimately amputation of the affected limb. A recent large study from Sweden of 2,480 patients with diabetic foot ulcers found that certain factors increased the likelihood of amputation, including being male and having had diabetes for longer than 23 years.

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Inflammation and tenderness anywhere on your body
  • Red, itchy rash surrounded by small blisters or scales
  • Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, including your fingers and toes
  • Sharp pain that gets worse at night
  • Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult
  • Bladder infections and problems with bladder control
  • Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women

Kidney Disease

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes-related kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

Eye Problems

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Floaters, black or gray spots, cobwebs, or strings that move when you move your eyes
  • A sensation of seeing "flashing lights"
  • Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms; therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly, as indicated by your doctor. When symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, they may include :

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling hungry even after eating

If you frequently have high blood sugar, tell your doctor. He or she may need to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications to help you gain and maintain better blood sugar control.

The key to preventing many of the complications of diabetes is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. To do this, eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and don't smoke.

Report any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor. Together you can work to prevent these diabetes-related health complications.

For more diabetes news, follow @diabetesfacts on Twitter from the editors of @EverydayHealth.

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