21 Aug 2014

RIVER BANDITS ANNOUNCE FAN APPRECIATION WEEK

By Marco LaNave
Final homestand will feature $1 tickets for Illinois residents Monday, Iowa residents Tuesday

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (August 20, 2014) - With only six home games left to thank fans for a memorable season at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits are offering incredible savings and a spectacular promotional lineup for a full Fan Appreciation Week.

Among the highlights are back-to-back days of $1 ticket specials. Monday is Illinois Fan Appreciation Day, when anyone who shows a valid Illinois driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket. Tuesday is Iowa Fan Appreciation Day, when anyone who shows a valid Iowa driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

"Despite the challenges wrought by cold weather and floods, the people of the Quad Cities continue to overwhelm us with their support, and we are using the entire week to show our appreciation," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We hope to welcome all of our fans across the region to Modern Woodmen Park next week to celebrate another memorable season, and our $1 tickets are just one of the ways we plan to say thank you."

The River Bandits, the Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, host the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Class-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, for three games Sunday, Aug. 24, through Tuesday, Aug. 26, and the Clinton LumberKings, Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, for three games Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Aug. 29. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the homestand.

Rascal's Deal of the Day (through the entire homestand)

For a Super Mega Fan Appreciation Palooza in the team store, all fans receive 15% off their team store purchase - excluding customized shirts and photos.

Sunday, August 24, 1:15 p.m. (Gates open at noon) Sponsors: MidAmerican Energy, KWQC, B100
- MidAmerican Energy Day - Louie the Lightning Bug, the mascot of MidAmerican Energy, will throw out a first pitch at the game, and throughout the game, fans will learn interesting facts about energy efficiency.

- Family Sunday presented by KWQC & B100 - The River Bandits will be on the field 12:30-12:45 p.m. for autographs. Fans can also bring their dogs for Bark in the Park. Following the game, Kids Run the Bases.

- Organization of the Day: Greg's Mission - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Greg's Mission (gregsmission.org).

Monday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsor: 97X

- Illinois Fan Appreciation Night - Anyone who shows a valid Illinois driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

- Markdown Monday presented by 97X - The River Bandits offer bleacher and berm tickets, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda and beer for just $2 each.

- $10 All-you-Can-Ride Amusements Special - A pass for unlimited rides on the amusements at Modern Woodmen Park is just $10.

- '90s Night - With promotions and music, the ballpark atmosphere will take fans back to the 1990s.

Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: R.I.A. Federal Credit Union, Pepsi, WOC & Q-106.5

- Iowa Fan Appreciation Night - Anyone who shows a valid Iowa driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

- Honor Flight Night presented by R.I.A. Federal Credit Union - Honor Flight guests and a color guard will be in attendance. The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Honor Flight of the Quad Cities (www.honorflightqc.com).

- Buy-One-Get-One Free Tickets - All regular individual tickets are buy-one-get-one free.

- Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free meal at the ballpark.

- Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC & Q106.5 - Fans can bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew.

Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, U.S. Bank, Mix 96

- Isle Casino Night presented by the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf - In-game contests will have a Casino Night theme.

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank & Mix 96 - Fans can bring copies of their unpaid bills to Modern Woodmen Park and enter them in a drawing to be paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The team will randomly select two to be paid.

- Organization of the Night: Rock Island Fire and Police to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City (rmhc-eiwi.org).

Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Modern Woodmen, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union & the River Cities' Reader

- Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night - All regular individual tickets are half-price, courtesy of Modern Woodmen of America.

- Modern Woodmen River Bandits Hat Giveaway - The first 1,500 fans to the ballpark will receive a free River Bandits hat.

- Thirst-day Thursday presented by the River Cities' Reader - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials throughout the game.

- Buy One-Get-One Free tickets presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union - All Thursday tickets for IHMVCU members are buy-one, get-one free. Fans must show membership at the box office to receive the ticket special.

Friday, August 29, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Bridgeway Auto Parts, Great Clips, Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD, & WLLR
- Fan Appreciation Night presented by Bridgeway Auto Parts - The last home game will be packed with prizes given away by the River Bandits.

- Great Clips Charity Cuts - Great Clips will be giving free haircuts in the Sport Lounge, and accepting donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa.

- Friday Fireworks Show presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD & WLLR - All fans will be treated to a free postgame fireworks show.

- Organization of the Night: Humility of Mary Shelter - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Humility of Mary Shelter (humilityofmaryshelter.com).

 

Tickets are available by calling 563-324-3000 or visiting riverbandits.com.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently 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. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

21 Aug 2014

Iowa set to host 2014 Midwest-U.S.-Japan Association Conference September 7-9, 2014

By Rick Martin

Media requested to register for security purposes

 

(DES MOINES) - "Building a Robust and Sustainable Future" is the theme of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference, set for September 7 - 9, 2014 in Des Moines, Iowa at the Des Moines Marriott hotel.

 

For over four decades, business leaders from the Midwest region of the U.S.  and Japan have met on an annual basis to discuss the growth and progress of economic relations of the American Midwest and Japan.

 

The conference typically attracts top-level speakers and representatives from member states. This year is no exception, with remarks scheduled from:

 

  • Hon. James R. Thompson, U.S. Conference Chairman, and former Governor of Illinois
  • Yuzaburo Mogi, Japan Conference Chairman, Honorary CEO and Chairman of the Board, Kikkoman Corporation
  • Gov. Terry E. Branstad, State of Iowa, Conference Host
  • Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, State of Iowa
  • Hon. Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
  • Gov. Dave Heineman, State of Nebraska
  • Gov. Kiyoshi Ueda, Saitama Prefecture
  • Gov. Jay Nixon, State of Missouri
  • Gov. Shomei Yokouchi, Yamanashi Prefecture
  • Gov. Mike Pence, State of Indiana
  • Gov. Rick Snyder, State of Michigan
  • Gov. Scott Walker, State of Wisconsin
  • Michael Beeman, Acting Assistant USTR for Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
  • H.E. Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States
  • Hon. Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Detroit

 

The full agenda for the conference can be found at http://www.midwest-japan.org/pages/agenda.aspx.

 

MEDIA REGISTRATION DETAILS

 

Reporters wishing to cover conference events will need to request credentials to attend and follow the below security precautions:

  • Complete media registration at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MWJAMediaReg to request credentials for each event
  • Registration must be completed by Thursday, September 4. NOTE: Credentials will not be available after this date.
  • Bring a media credential from your news outlet
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID

 

NOTE: If these security measures are not followed, the reporter will not be allowed into the events.

 

The following events will be open to credentialed media:

 

Monday, September 8, 2014:

8:35 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.       Governor Terry E. Branstad and Governor Shomei Yokouchi:

Celebration of State of Iowa and Yamanashi Prefecture sister state relationship and Signing of Memorandum of Understanding dedicated to the continued growth of the state to state partnership.

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Salon ABC - 2nd floor)

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.                  2014 Midwest-U.S. - Japan Association Conference Opening Remarks and Plenary Sessions (see complete agenda at http://www.midwest-japan.org/pages/agenda.aspx)

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Des Moines Room - 3rd floor)

 

NOTE:                                Reporters will have a riser at the rear of the plenary session room.

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014:

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.                  2014 Midwest-U.S. - Japan Association Conference Plenary Session and Closing Remarks

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Des Moines Room - 3rd floor)

 

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21 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn and Ice Bucket Challenge Creator Pat Quinn Join to Encourage Support for ALS Research

By Katie Hickey

Chicago's North Lawndale Eagles Participate in Ice Bucket Challenge; Governor Proclaims August 20 as "Ice Bucket Challenge Day" in Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Pat Quinn, creator of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) "Ice Bucket Challenge," the North Lawndale Eagles football team and the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter Executive Director Julie Sharp to raise awareness for the ALS Association. The Governor also proclaimed August 20 as "Ice Bucket Challenge Day" in Illinois and issued the following statement:

"Today I welcome New York native Pat Quinn to the Land of Lincoln and thank him for all his hard work in raising much-needed awareness and funds for ALS research.

"ALS affects tens of thousands of Americans and efforts to find a cure will greatly benefit from the attention and funding generated by the Ice Bucket Challenge.

"Taking the challenge and donating is a simple way everyone can show our support for those individuals and families affected by ALS. Today I proclaim August 20 as 'Ice Bucket Challenge Day' in Illinois and encourage everyone to get involved in this great cause."

The Governor and Pat Quinn today were joined by the North Lawndale Eagles football team, whose players participated in the challenge.

Pat Quinn, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2013, and Pete Frates, of Boston, who has also been diagnosed with ALS, are credited with taking the Ice Bucket Challenge from a local fundraiser to a country-wide phenomenon via social media. The campaign has produced more than 300,000 new donors for the ALS Association.

Money raised from the Ice Bucket Challenge will fund research on ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, impairing muscle control and movement.  There is currently no known cure for the disease, and treatment options are limited. To date, the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised $15.6 million for the ALS Association.

Governor Quinn took the Ice Bucket Challenge last week and challenged Gordon Beckham, Paul Konerko and Chris Sale of the White Sox to do the same.

 

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21 Aug 2014

Dow AgroSciences Davenport, Iowa Field Research Station Hosts Open House

By Dow AgroSciences Media Relations

What: Open House - Dow AgroSciences Davenport Field Research Station

When: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CDT (Includes Lunch)

Where: Davenport Field Research Station

9003 Northwest Blvd.

Davenport, Iowa 52806

Comments: Speaking at the Open House and available for interviews are:

·        Nate VanOpdorp, Dow AgroSciences Davenport, Iowa Site Leader

·        Steve Thompson, Dow AgroSciences Global Seeds and Traits Leader

RSVP: By 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 to 317-337-7514 or via e-mail at dasevents@dow.com

20 Aug 2014

GILDA'S CLUB 2ND ANNUAL BAGS & BREWS EVENT

By Paige Nagle

Davenport, Iowa (August 20, 2014) - Gilda's Club is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Bags & Brews event to be held on Saturday, September 6th from 3-7pm at Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport (2200 E 11th St).

Bags & Brews will feature local craft beer tasting, free food provided by Famous Dave's, music, raffles and more. Admission is a $20 donation to Gilda's Club.

Attendees also have the option to participate in the bags tournament for an additional $10 per person. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st ($200), 2nd ($100) and 3rd ($50) place teams.

To register: visit www.bagsandbrews.com, call Paige at 563-326-7504 or stop by Gilda's Club at 1234 E. River Dr., Davenport Monday thru Friday.

All proceeds from the event benefit Gilda's Club Quad Cities. All sales are final.

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20 Aug 2014

The National Parenting Center releases the Fall 2014 Seal of Approval Report

By D. Gaynes

WEDNESDAY- August 20, 2014 - The National Parenting Center has released its 24th annual Fall Seal of Approval report.  The second report of 2014 follows two months of consumer testing by parents and children at The National Parenting Center's test centers.  A recent independent survey indicated that nearly 60% of mothers rely on awards such as the Seal of Approval when making final purchase decisions for their children.  As such, recognition from The National Parenting Center has become a significant bellwether for retail and online buyers as to which products will ultimately succeed in connecting with consumers.  Perhaps that is why Amazon has elected to identify all Seal of Approval winners on their product pages (to see a sample click here)

TNPC's evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently being marketed to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites, educational products, etc.  Each is reviewed on a variety of levels including, but not limited to, price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness, instructions and more.  TNPC's Seal of Approval is ultimately a peer-to-peer review program to recognize and highlight products and services that have been met with a "thumbs up" by parents.

Since 1989, The National Parenting Center has established itself as North America's leading parent advocacy organization.  TNPC offers advice and information to parents on issues that range from pregnancy through adolescence.  The National Parenting Center's home page, TNPC.COM, offers visitors free access to hundreds of articles on parenting issues as well as Seal of Approval reviews.

20 Aug 2014

Braley Writes Boehner, Calls for an End to Big Oil Tax Breaks

By Kirsten Hartman

Ahead of Renewable Fuel Standard decision, Congressman urges Leadership to bring Ending Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act to House floor for a vote

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today wrote a letter to Speaker John Boehner urging House leadership to bring the Ending Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act of 2013 to the House floor for a vote. Braley previously announced his support for the legislation which would end tax breaks for the largest and most profitable oil companies, saving taxpayers roughly $40 billion over the next five years.

"The future of American energy is in domestic wind turbines and biofuels?and lies in places like Iowa's farmlands, not in Saudi oilfields," Braley said. "We need to be devoting our resources towards clean, homegrown energy, where Iowa has proven to be a global innovator."

The Ending Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act would end a host of tax breaks and loopholes currently used by the largest oil companies, that cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually. See a fact sheet of the bill's specific provisions online HERE.

"At a time when Congress is discussing budget cuts that affect middle class Americans, we do not need to be subsidizing some of the most profitable corporations in history," Braley's letter reads.

Braley has previously called on House leadership to repeal tax subsidies for big oil companies.

In 2011, Braley introduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would have ended the tax breaks given to big oil, while using the savings to create jobs in Iowa, boost the renewable fuels industry and pay down the national deficit.

Braley's letter to Speaker Boehner can be found HERE.

# # #
20 Aug 2014

News and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair XIV

By Lori Chappell

Quarter Horses Win Big at Iowa State Fair Competition

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Winners in more than 70 classes of competition were named on Sunday in the 2014 Iowa State Fair Quarter Horse Show.

The Iowa State Fair Quarter Horse Show was a double-judged show. In such a show, the use of two judges, independent of one another, takes place. Thus, two sets of results are produced with two full sets of American Quarter Horse Association points being awarded.

Complete results attached:

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Quarter-Horses-Win-Big-at-Iowa-State-Fair-Competition/9646959

Attachments

Miniature Horses Impress Judges at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2014)(readMedia)-- The 2014 Iowa State Fair Miniature Horse show was judged August 10 through 12.

The show was double-judged, meaning two judges independently evaluated each class resulting in two sets of placements for each.

Complete results attached:

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Miniature-Horses-Impress-Judges-at-Iowa-State-Fair/9647051

Attachments

Exhibitors Awarded for Top Poultry at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2014)(readMedia)-- Exhibitors from across the Midwest brought their finest birds to the Poultry Show judged Tuesday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results attached:

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Exhibitors-Awarded-for-Top-Poultry-at-Iowa-State-Fair/9647093

Attachments

20 Aug 2014

Hard Work and Strong Ethics Add Up to Success: Bush Construction Named to Inc. 5000

By Mark McLaughlin
Davenport, IA - Bush Construction is proud to announce that it has been named as an Inc. 5000 company. This means that Bush Construction is one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America, according to Inc. magazine. The Davenport-based company is No. 1,049 on the list of 5,000. Companies are ranked according to their percentage of revenue growth over a four-year period.

"We are honored to be featured on this prestigious list," said A.J. Loss, President of Bush Construction. "Our inclusion on this list goes to show that in our country, a business can succeed and gain recognition by working hard and maintaining strong ethical standards. Our tagline states we are 'Building on a foundation of Integrity' and that is the basis of how we do business. We are true to our word and build relationships based on mutual respect."

Bush Construction is a design/builder, general contractor and professional manager of construction services. The company has worked on a wide range of commercial, industrial, government and educational projects in the Quad-Cities and throughout the Midwest. 

Inc. magazine is a monthly publication with a strong focus on growing companies. The New York City-based magazine publishes an annual list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in America. This list is known as the Inc. 500, and the Inc. 5000 is an expansion of that list, ranking the country's top 5000 fastest-growing private companies. 

For more information on Bush Construction, please call (563) 344-3791 or visit BushConstruct.com.
-- End --
20 Aug 2014

Simon: Skokie school districts put Classrooms First

By Ken Lowe

Intergovernmental agreement adopts efficiency, effectiveness reforms

SKOKIE – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will celebrate an education reform milestone on Wednesday at Niles West High School. School officials will sign a "Classrooms First" agreement, a step toward educational efficiency and effectiveness at Niles Township High School District 219 and Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69.

Beginning this fall, Niles West High School and its largest feeder district will share faculty and instructional tools in order to maximize resources and reduce remediation. The reforms are largely based on the findings of the Classrooms First Commission, which Simon chaired and which issued a report detailing its recommendations in 2012.

Simon will join District 219 and District 69 officials at the signing ceremony, which will feature a series of talks by district instructors and a tour of the high school following the presentation and signing.

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 20

LOCATION: Black Box Theater, Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St., Skokie

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