01 Aug 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 08/01/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 

Associated Real Estate Counselors - 532 N. Cody Road, LeClaire.  Established by Norm Nielsen with the intention of serving the real estate needs of individuals, families and businesses in Iowa. We have offices in LeClaire, Bellevue, DeWitt and Preston.  563-289-5500. www.associated-re.com

Isabel Bloom - Now Open in LeClaire! 103 S. Cody Road - Unique original sculptures for your homes, offices and gift-giving pleasure!  All Isabel Bloom sculptures are designed, cast in concrete and hand-finished in Davenport, Iowa, as they have been for over 60 years.  Choose from many whimsical designs: children and families, playful animals, inspiring angels, home and garden statues and many seasonal favorites. www.ibloom.com - 563-729-1889

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS!

 

August 1st - Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium Ribbon Cutting 6:00 p.m. and celebrating 5th Anniversary in LeClaire 5:30-8pm!

August 29th - Isabel Bloom Ribbon Cutting 10:00 a.m. Come help Celebrate the Grand Opening!

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2014

The September 2014 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com, and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. Many of you signed up for each 2014 1/4ly issue and will get your 10% discount and may update your ad for September! Please let us know if you want changes to the ad you ran in June, 2014, or confirm you would like the same ad. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline August 8th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for FALL! If you have already confirmed your ad for September, thank you!

CALENDAR

August 1st - First Friday in LeClaire! 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company 5:30-8pm. Sample the newly released Barrel River Rose Gin! Free cocktail glass with spirit purchase, summer food and cocktail samples!  www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery open until 8pm with live music by Pieces of Candy in the courtyard from 5-8pm. Enjoy a bottle of award-winning wine and music with friends!  www.wideriverwinery.com

Antique Archaeology open until 6pm.

Artswork open until 7pm with in-store specials just for those in after 5pm!

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting 6p.m. and Celebrating 5th Anniversary 5:30-8pm!

The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits has live music by the Matriarchs starting at 7:30pm.

Grasshopper's open until 7pm.

Isabel Bloom will be staying open until 7pm. Enter for a chance to win their new "Jack-O-Pumpkin" and enjoy refreshments!

Kernel Cody's Popcorn Shoppe open until 8pm.

Razzleberries open until 7pm. Free booze cake while it lasts and ukulele give-away drawing at 6pm.

Urban Classic Home open until 7pm.

Many other businesses, restaurants and bars will be open for your enjoyment!

August 2nd - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Lee Blackmon, 3-6pm

August 2nd - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market 3-6 p.m. Civic Center parking lot, 127 S. Cody Road. Cooking demo by Chef Steph from Mississippi River Distilling Co., Free recycled art activity for the kids by Reusable Usables, and Live music by Silly C. Fresh organic produce, sweet corn, baked goods, kettle corn, wood fire pizza, and much more!

August 3rd - Kiddie Karrasel Open House 2-4 PM. Tour the center, meet our great staff and learn about the variety of childcare services we provide for ages 6 weeks - age 12.

August 6th - Bierstube Kooby's Karaoke 9p.m.-1a.m.

August 7th-9th - TugFest! Carnival wristband night Thursday. Parade and huge fireworks display Friday evening. The main event - Tug-of-War across the Mississippi River from 12:30-2:30pm on Saturday. LeClaire Civic Club "Bingo During Tug Fest Saturday, Time TBD. LeClaire Civic Club "Tug Fest Breakfast" Saturday, Time TBD. Please visit www.tugfest.com for more information!
Needed - Volunteers for the Beverage Tent.  Contact Debbie Mulvania if interested in working Thursday or Friday evening or anytime Saturday in 2 hour shifts. 563-289-2265

August 8th - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Lojo Russo - 5-8 p.m.

August 8th - Faithful Pilot Last reservation at 7:30/ Restaurant closes at 8:00

August 9th - Faithful Pilot - CLOSED for private event

August 9th- Bierstube Live Music The Fry Daddies 8pm-12am

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

August 12th - Faithful Pilot - Tequila Tasting - $10.00 per person 5 different Tequilas and Chef Mexican inspired menu

August 15th - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Flat Top - 5-8 p.m.

August 16th - The River Valley Optimist Club Trivia Night LeClaire Civic Center. Raising money to support "Bring Out the Best in Kids" in the community. Funds go to a basketball clinic, preparing Backpacks for Kids to local elementary schools, participation in Kids Against Hunger, and offering scholarships and grants. Doors open 6:30pm, Trivia 7p.m. $10 per person, $50 minimum per table (max of 8 per table). 50/50 raffle, Mullligans, door prizes. Call Josselyn Smith at 563-723-1877 or email josselyn.e.smith@gmail.com to reserve a table!

August 18th - Economic Development Meeting - 8 a.m. - LeClaire City Hall

August 21st - Faithful Pilot - Asian Fusion Dinner - $45.00 per person - 3 course with Asian inspired cocktails paired with it.

August 22nd - First Central State Bank - LeClaire - Free Community Shred Day 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Paper products only.

August 22nd - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Unidynes - 5-8 p.m.

August 23rd - Diamond Dash - LeClaire

August 23rd - The Faithful Pilot will be open for lunch beginning at noon for Diamond Dash

August 25th - Faithful Pilot - Vino Vaso - $40.00 - A glass to paint, a glass to drink, and a glass to take home!  Ticket includes Chefs cheese and crackers, and a FREE glass of wine.  Tickets available at VINO/VASO's FACEBOOK page

August 27th - Bierstube Kooby's Karaoke 9p.m.-1a.m.

August 29th- Isabel Bloom Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m.

August 29th - Wide River Winery - Live Music The Whoosdads? - 5-8 p.m.

August 30th- Bierstube Live Music The Old 57's 9pm-1am

August 31st - Faithful Pilot Wine Tasting - $15.00 for 15 wines.  3:00-5:00, includes wine and chefs small bites

SAVE THE DATE

September 1st - Faithful Pilot Closed for Labor Day

Sept 14th - Faithful Pilot - PINOT PIG - A CHARITY HOG ROAST on the LeClaire Levee 12-4p.m. Why? Cuz it feels good to give back - NO KID HUNGRY Cost:$50.00 includes admittance, All U CAN Eat HOG ROAST with an organic hog coming from Rustik Rooster with farmer Karl Blake (From TV's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern) and sides, live music from The Matriarchs, and $10.00 of your ticket sales goes to charity!  Goal is to raise 2K *You do NOT need to be 21 to enter but will be wrist banded at the front gate.Tickets will be available at faithfulpilot.com and in the restaurant.

September 21st - 50th ANNUAL FALL HARVEST DINNER - Silver Creek Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, LeClaire Masonic Center, 113 S. Cody Rd., LeClaire. Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Green Beans, Salads, Rolls & Butter, Deserts & Beverage. Donation of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 10. Serving from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

September 24th- Bierstube Live Music from The Parrot Head Club & The Fry Daddies 7pm-11pm

FYI

Faithful Pilot Wednesdays - Still 1/2 priced bottles wine night with Chef's special tapas menu *Coming Soon - Brunch & Lunch so look to our website and Facebook!

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill, Princeton - Live Music Cody Road Unplugged. Wednesdays 6-9pm (no music Wednesday June 25 due to a scheduling conflict)

Kiddie Karrasel Academy has good news! We can accept up to 20 four year olds for the Statewide voluntary preK program for this fall at no additional charge to parents. Children must be four by Sept. 15. Please visit our website for more information. www.kiddiekarraselacademy.com or https://www.facebook.com/KiddieKarraselAcademy

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.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION FOR FAMILIES OF ACTIVE MILITARY THROUGH LABOR DAY 2014 The Buffalo Bill Museum is participating in the nation-wide "Blue Star Museum" project, "a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserves, from Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 through Labor Day, September 1, 2014.

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Men's group Saturday at 7:30 am at church; there are donuts, coffee, discussion and Bible Study, plus really great guys! What more could you ask?

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Look for us at TugFest! We have a new menu!  And, check out our website:  fpcleclaire.org

The LeClaire Community Library has a LOT going on! Contact LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, IA 52753, (563)289-6002 or visit http://www.leclaire.lib.ia.us for more information!

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

PROPERTY LISTINGS

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) 289-5159 more 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!

May-Oct - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

August 2 - The 27th Annual Heartland British Auto Fest - LeClaire Levee

August 7-9 - Tug Fest!

August 16 - Cars and Coffee on the Levee - begins at 8 a.m. - Bring your wheels!
August 23 - Diamond Dash

October 5th - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

 

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

August 12th - McDonald's - breakfast 8:00am

September 9th - Steventon's - evening 5:30 -7pm

October 14th - Faithful Pilot - lunch- noon

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

01 Aug 2014

WTVP and WQPT Enter into New Partnership

By Lora Adams

WTVP to Host WQPT Master Control Operations

Peoria, IL, July 31, 2014 -- Public Television broadcasting in the Quad Cities has come home to Illinois. On June 30 at 7:01 p.m., WQPT-Quad Cities PBS officially moved control of its technical broadcast operations to WTVP-Public Television for Central Illinois in Peoria.

According to WTVP President and CEO Chet Tomczyk, this new arrangement represents months of behind-the-scenes work on infrastructure, equipment and technology by both stations.

"This transition has gone smoothly, and viewers in the Quad Cities won't know anything has changed," noted WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. "This new broadcasting arrangement is a positive step forward for both stations and provides WQPT with stellar signal quality. Each station's programming, governance and community services continue as before."

Pruess added that master control operations for WQPT, a media service of Western Illinois University, have long been out-sourced; however, instead of coming from Texas, WQPT's signal will originate in Peoria and be sent via fiber to the WQPT transmitter in Orion.

"This change provides financial savings for WQPT, a new source of revenue for WTVP, valuable technological advances for both stations and an invaluable chance for the sister stations to work together," Tomczyk added.

"Western Illinois University has a long standing tradition of serving residents and students in our region. As the public broadcasting service of the University, WQPT in partnership with WTVP have established the beginnings of a win-win relationship with even more future opportunities for collaboration that will benefit our viewing audiences from Peoria, Macomb, Moline, and beyond," said Joe Rives, vice president for the Quad Cities and planning at WIU. "Both Mary Pruess and Chet Tomczyk deserve our thanks for their outstanding leadership in this important project."

The project was led by WTVP Chief Engineer Bill Porter and his team, including engineers James Jordan and Brett Ring, Operations Manager Jackie Luebcke, IT Director Mark Lasswell with Traffic Manager Jed Klabunde and operators Paul Coussens and Will Crotz, along with WQPT Traffic Coordinator Richard Diamond and Program Manager Jerry Myers.

"This collaboration between stations represents another way of being responsible stewards of the public trust placed in us by our members and contributors," Tomczyk said.

There will be a press conference on August 8 at 10 am at WTVP in Peoria to formally announce this new partnership. Please RSVP to Stacey Tomczyk at WTVP Ph 309.495.0594/Fx 309.677.4730
01 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, July 31, 2014**

By William Palmisano
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 3831

An Act Concerning: State Government

Exempts certain contract fees under the State Comptroller Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1381

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Amends certain traffic control indications in the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3427

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides a competitive bidding process for fire protection districts.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

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01 Aug 2014

Saint Mary's College Announces Spring 2014 Semester Dean's List

By Zara Osterman

NOTRE DAME, IN (07/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Local students named to the Saint Mary's College spring 2014 semester Dean's List include Katherine Kautz of Bettendorf and Caitlin Poster of Davenport.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women's liberal arts college offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. The College's single-gender environment has been proven, in study after study, to foster confidence, ethical leadership, and strong academic success. Saint Mary's College ranks 76 among the 248 "Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" for 2014 published by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary's College's mission is to educate women and prepare them for postgraduate success whether it's a first job, graduate school, or postgraduate service.

01 Aug 2014

Dave Loebsack - working for you

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

Dear Friend,

Since coming into office, I have set out to change the culture of Washington. I have been working to put Iowans first and make sure Members of Congress are working for you, the people we are chosen to represent, not special interests.

Starting in 2007, I worked to pass the largest ethics reform package since Watergate. But I haven't stopped there. I have also pushed to cut member's pay, which hasn't been cut in over 80 years, end the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress, get budgets passed on time, and have fought to hold members of Congress accountable for actually doing what they were sent to Washington to do.

This is also why I recently unveiled a package of bills that I have either written or helped introduce to restore the American people's faith in their government. It's called the "Holding Congress Accountable" plan. I recorded a quick video about it.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Click here if you want to learn more about the specific bills included in my "Holding Congress Accountable" plan.

The American people deserve better. It's time for Congress to show it is serious about making good choices for the country. It's time Congress is held accountable and does what's right so the American people can have trust in the work that their government is doing.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack

Iowa's Second District

PS- I hope you take a second to watch my video.

01 Aug 2014

WIK TIES TRIPLES RECORD IN LOSS TO CLINTON

By Marco LaNave

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 31, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits third baseman Marc Wik tied a Midwest League record with three triples and had a career-high four RBIs Thursday night, but the Clinton LumberKings hit six doubles and two home runs among 18 hits in a 13-9 win in a series rubber match in front of 4,892 at Modern Woodmen Park.

LumberKings center fielder Isaiah Yates led all players with four hits - including two doubles - and five RBIs, while catcher Marcus Littlewood reached base in all six plate appearances, walking three times, finishing a triple shy of the cycle and scoring four runs. Eight LumberKings had a hit, and six had multi-hit games, while the team scored all its runs in five multi-run innings. The 13 earned runs and 18 hits were the most allowed by Quad Cities this season.

Clinton (15-24 second half, 45-62 overall) reached the scoreboard in the first inning against right-hander Michael Feliz (6-4), who had only allowed five runs - three earned - in his first 34 innings at Modern Woodmen Park this season. Designated hitter Luis Caballero walked, right fielder Chantz Mack hit an RBI double, and Yates hit an RBI single for a 2-0 lead. The River Bandits (21-18, 56-52) took their only lead in the second inning. Left-hander Blake Holovach (6-4) hit designated hitter A.J. Reed with a pitch and allowed a one-out single to catcher Brian Holberton. Wik drove a two-run triple to the right-center field gap and scored when shortstop Thomas Lindauer hit a two-out single. Lindauer scored on a two-out double by right fielder Brett Phillips.

With a 4-2 lead, Feliz retired the first two batters of the third inning before another LumberKings rally. Littlewood doubled and scored on left fielder Brett Thomas' single. Yates doubled to put runners at second and third bases, and a wild pitch scored Thomas for a 4-4 tie. Third baseman Martin Peguero singled to give his team a 5-4 lead. Feliz retired the next five batters in a row, before Littlewood started another rally with a one-out single in the fifth inning. Thomas walked, and Yates hit a two-run double, ending Feliz's night. Left-hander Albert Minnis later allowed a two-out infield single by second baseman Andy Peterson that scored Yates for an 8-4 Clinton lead. Feliz was charged with career highs of eight earned runs on 10 hits. In 4 1/3 innings, he walked four batters and struck out three.

In the bottom of the fifth, center fielder James Ramsay hit a leadoff triple and scored on a groundout by first baseman Chase McDonald. Left fielder Ryan Bottger reached on a two-out error by shortstop Jack Reinheimer and later score d on Holberton's single. Wik hit his second triple to right-center field, but was left at third base in an 8-7 game. Holovach allowed seven runs - five earned - in five innings.

Clinton restored its four-run lead in the sixth inning, when Minnis gave up his first home run since June 25, 2013, to Mack and allowed a two-run single by Yates to make it 11-7. Quad Cities tallied runs in the seventh and eighth innings against LumberKings right-hander Rafael Pineda. Reed led off the seventh with a double and scored on Wik's third triple to left-center field. Wik had two career triples entering Thursday and became the fifth player in Midwest League history - and first ever for Quad Cities - to triple three times in a single game. Wisconsin's Michael Reed was the last to do so, when he had three triples May 22, 2013, at Modern Woodmen Park. In the eighth inning, Lindauer singled and scored on Ramsay's sacrifice fly. Right-hander Emilio Pagan escaped the eighth inning with an 11-9 lead, and Littlewood's two-run home run in the ninth off right-hander Frederick Tiburcio, insured Pagan's 12th save after his two scoreless innings.

Quad Cities opens a three-game series against first-half Western Division champion Kane County at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. River Bandits left-hander Blaine Sims (2-2) is scheduled to face left-hander Tyler Ihrig, who will make his Cougars debut
01 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Announces $16.8 Million for Construction Projects in Quad Cities Area

By Dave Blanchette

Investments Will Create Jobs and Drive Local Economy Forward

ROCK ISLAND - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of more than $16.8 million for construction projects in Rock Island and Whiteside Counties. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"With these investments we are making our transportation system stronger, safer and more efficient," Governor Quinn said. "The investments are also creating jobs and generating future economic development in the Quad Cities area."

The projects will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Rock Island and Whiteside Counties

Milling, patching and resurfacing will be done along I-88 from half a mile west of the I-80/Illinois 92 interchange to just northeast of the 122nd Avenue/Fargo Road overpass. Advanced Asphalt Company of Princeton was the lower of two bidders at $15,584,118.

Rock Island County

Signs will be removed and installed at various locations throughout the county for $271,941 by Western Remac, Inc. of Woodridge, the lowest of three bidders.

Whiteside County

Illinois Route 2 westbound from 19th to 9th Avenue in Sterling will be milled and resurfaced for $459,655 by Civil Constructors, Inc. of Freeport, the lower of two bidders.

The structural steel on the I-88 bridges over Moline Road will be cleaned and painted for $276,958 by Eagle Painting & Maintenance Co., Inc. of Lansing, the lowest of six bidders.

The westbound lane of Illinois Route 2 at 45th Avenue northeast of Sterling will be milled and patched for $78,644 by G.M. Sipes Construction, Inc. of Rushville, the lowest of four bidders.

U.S. Route 30 at Jackson Street in Morrison will be milled and resurfaced for $164,540 by Martin & Company Excavating of Oregon, the lower of two bidders.

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

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01 Aug 2014

"Tuna Does Vegas" Opens August 14 on the Old Creamery's Studio Stage

By Rick Martin

Amana - "Tuna Does Vegas", a comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, opens August 14 and runs through August 31 on the Old Creamery's Studio Stage, with shows on Thursdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm.

Join the residents of tiny Tuna, Texas as they turn the Vegas strip upside down in this all-new comedy filled with unforgettably funny characters, all played by two actors. You may never know what they'll do next, but it's a sure bet you'll be laughing!

The cast includes Sean McCall and Tom Schwans.

Tickets are $28 for adults and $18.50 for students. Tuna Does Vegas is Rated PG-13. The media sponsor is KCJJ.

Call the box office for tickets and information

319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The Company is celebrating 43 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
01 Aug 2014

AUGUST 8TH: Loebsack to Host "Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour in Muscatine

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced that he will bring his "Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour to Muscatine on FRIDAY, August 8th. At this forum, Loebsack will bring together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers to discuss the SECTORS Act. This legislation, a jobs and workforce investment bill that Loebsack introduced in the House, creates partnerships to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need. Large portions of Loebsack's SECTORS Act were recently signed into law by the President as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

"When traveling around Iowa meeting with business leaders, I hear time and time again that they can't find workers with the skill set they need to be able to hire, despite high unemployment rates," said Loebsack. "There is a gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills that businesses need. The tools created by the SECTORS Act work to address this gap by targeting workforce development efforts to foster the kind of skills that local businesses need right now."

Loebsack will also hold forums in Burlington, Ottumwa, Davenport, Newton, Keokuk and Osceola. Media are invited to attend.

"Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour - August 8th

 

2:15pm @ Muscatine Community College, 152 Colorado Street, Muscatine IA 52761

 

Attendees will include :

Bob Allbee, President of Muscatine Community College

Gary Mohr, Executive Director of External Affairs for Eastern Iowa Community College

Greg Jenkins, President of Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce

Muscatine Community College Staff

Local Industry Representatives

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31 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Expand Health and Wellness Services in Communities Across Illinois

By Dave Blanchette

New Steps Will Help Expand Access and Quality of Healthcare

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a law to expand health and wellness services in communities throughout Illinois. The law provides certification standards for community health workers to help bridge a vital link between healthcare providers and the unique needs of Illinois' communities. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect and improve the health of the people of Illinois.

"Community health workers are trusted frontline public health professionals who have a close understanding of their communities' needs," Governor Quinn said. "This new law recognizes the vital role these professionals play in the health care system, and helps ensure the best possible delivery and quality of services in neighborhoods across our state."

"With more people now able to access healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, if workforce shortages are not addressed, it could limit access to services and quality healthcare for all Illinoisans," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. "Illinois is already experiencing workforce shortages with many safety net and rural health providers being challenged to deliver adequate care for those in their communities. Community health workers can help fill this void, connect people to services and higher-level health providers, which can ultimately increase the health of the state."

House Bill 5412, sponsored by State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria), defines "community health worker" and creates the Illinois Community Health Worker Advisory Board to recommend certification requirements for these healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for Illinois' residents. This 15-member volunteer board comprised of current community health workers, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals will recommend rules to standardize the criteria and process to become a certified community health worker. These workers do not provide any direct care or treatment that requires a license, but can be invaluable for linking specific health and wellness services to residents of individual communities.

The legislation was recommended in the Illinois Alliance for Health Innovation Plan in January. The Alliance was a state-led group of health policy leaders, providers, insurers and stakeholders assembled by the administration of Governor Quinn. The plan recognized the important contribution community health workers make to our healthcare system and recommended the legislation to ensure these workers all meet the same standards to provide the best services to Illinois residents. The law is effective immediately.

"This new law will help people in the community by creating a path for these workers to become respected members of the healthcare team," Representative Gabel said. "Their role is critical because they help implement the patient's healthcare plan, and help patients better understand their conditions to achieve a path of good health."

"Community health workers have become an increasingly important part of our healthcare system," Senator Koehler said. "It will help both the people working in these important jobs and the public to give community health workers legal recognition and to establish training requirements."

Governor Quinn is committed to helping to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare in Illinois, especially those in underserved communities.

In May Governor Quinn announced a $14.5 million investment to build and renovate community health centers to help meet the healthcare demand in underserved communities throughout Illinois. A total of $30.5 million in funding from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program has been distributed since 2011 to community health centers. These centers fill a void by providing care for those whom other providers often do not serve, including the low income, uninsured or homeless; or those with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse problems or special medical needs.

The Governor also signed The Community Health Center Construction Act in 2009 to provide funding to repair outdated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, build new health center facilities and purchase new equipment for additional healthcare services.

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