OMAHA, NEBRASKA - AIM's May Work Force Index (WFI) soared to 84.6 from April's very healthy 69.1. The WFI is a statistically based measurement tool produced by AIM, a nonprofit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska. The Index is a ratio of unique online job postings and the number of unemployed in Iowa (not seasonally adjusted). The Index ranges between 0 and 100. A WFI below 50.0 indicates short-term economic contraction while an Index above 50.0 indicates economic expansion. At 84.6, Iowa's WFI is in a range indicating healthy and improving job openings.

In June online job postings listed the largest number of open positions in absolute numbers in 1) Sales, followed by 2) Management, and 3) Skilled craftsman. As a share of employment, the largest number of job openings in descending order were: 1) Finance, 2) Engineering and 3) Customer Service positions.

In terms of indices among the states, North Dakota ranked number one with the highest WorkForce Index. North Dakota was followed by Vermont, at number two, Florida at three, Kansas at four, and Iowa at five. The state with the lowest index was Maine, followed by California and then Mississippi. New York ranked at 47th and Rhode Island at 46th rounded out the bottom five states. Iowa ranked as the 5th best in the nation for June 2014, which was an improvement over the state's May ranking of 8th.

View the Video

About the AIM WorkForce Index

AIM and the Creighton University College of Business produce the AIM WorkForce Index each month to track the relationship between the WFI and the changes in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. This comparative analysis measures the relative strength of the Iowa labor market. It can also be compared to Creighton University's monthly survey of bank CEOs in 10 states including Iowa. Creighton's survey has also been pointing to an expansion in the Iowa Rural Mainstreet economy. See Rural Mainstream Index

This type of information is of value to both the employer and the job applicant as they develop plans and strategies for participation in the local and regional labor market. For more information on the WFI, please visit http://aiminstitute.org/aim-workforce-index/ or http://business.creighton.edu/economicoutlook.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (07/08/2014)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its 2014 spring semester Chancellor's List. Students receive this academic status by earning a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. Attainment of the Chancellor's List represents the high academic achievement at UW-Platteville.

Among those who made the Chancellor's List were,

Melissa Dunlavy, a Elementary Education major from Bettendorf, IA

Chelsea Levesque, a Elementary Education major from Moline, IL

Karen Newlon, a Elementary Education major from Hampton, IL

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

One Hundred Years of Musical Memories - A Centennial Celebration presented by Dennis Loftin

Sunday, July 13th 2pm

Please join us on Sunday, July 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center for "One Hundred Years of Musical Memories --- A Centennial Celebration" presented by Dennis Loftin, QCSO program annotator, former Operations Personnel Manager, Librarian, and percussionist (and much more)!

Dennis will guide us through each decade of the Symphony Orchestra's rich history with interesting trends, historic photos, and funny backstage stories. This is the final program which accompanies the 100 Years - 100 Stories exhibit. The exhibit will be closing on Sunday, July 20th.

Quad City Symphony Orchestra will not be publishing a book for the 100th season as originally planned. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

712 W Second Street
Davenport, Iowa 52802
563-322-8844

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Polk County in addition to a proclamation of disaster emergency issued yesterday for Scott and Shelby counties.  This is in response to the ongoing flooding and severe weather beginning June 26, 2014.

The governor's proclamations allow State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms.

In addition, yesterday's proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for Scott and Shelby counties.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,580, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

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Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater continues a tradition of placing imagination center stage with a Joe Link original, The Land of Lost Toys, July 23 - 26 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. When Aunt Peggy is babysitting, her bedtime stories are usually beyond compare. Children and parents alike will be transported into a magical and mysterious world to help Jack and Jill find their way home to Aunt Peggy before it is too late. The Land of Lost Toys is Joe Link's eighth original production on the Brucemore stage; previous plays include The Incredible Adventures of Captain Spoon, The Forgetful Pirate; The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink; Tyrannosaurus Fetch; and The Amazing Story Machine. Each year, the Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater promises an engaging performance sure to keep the young audience captivated and the adult audience entertained.

Brucemore's natural amphitheater provides an enchanting backdrop for this 50-minute performance. Children and their adult chaperones are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; no picnics please. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Gates open at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater is sponsored by US Bank and media sponsored by ImOn Communications. Purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org, by calling (319) 362-7375, by visiting the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor's Center, or at the box office the night of the performance.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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Former Bandit Justin Morneau in NL Final Vote; a QC alum selected to All-Star Game for 17th straight year

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 8, 2014) - Three Quad Cities alumni were among the selections for the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. St. Louis' Matt Carpenter and Pat Neshek were named to the National League squad while Minnesota's Glen Perkins will represent the American League at Target Field in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Colorado's Justin Morneau is on the Final Vote for the National League roster. At least one former Quad Cities player has been selected to every All-Star game since 1998.

Carpenter, who was a National League All-Star last season, leads the Cardinals with a .378 on-base percentage. The 28-year old second baseman also ranks second among NL leadoff hitters with 32 RBIs while also ranking in the top 10 in the league in runs (55) and walks (28). On the season, Carpenter is batting .282 with 22 doubles, a triple, four home runs and 32 RBIs. The Galveston, Texas, native played in 29 games for Quad Cities in 2009, batting .295/.405/.390 with six doubles, two triples and 10 RBIs.

Neshek leads all NL relievers with at least 30 innings pitched in ERA (0.77) and WHIP (0.57). The Brooklyn Park, Minn., native has allowed only one run in 35 appearances since April 9 and will be returning to his home state for his first All-Star Game selection. Neshek, 33, is 2-0 and has given up only 16 hits in 35 innings. The right-hander has fanned 35 against only four walks for an 8.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Neshek pitched in 28 games for the Twins-affiliated River Bandits in 2003, going 3-2 with 14 saves and a 0.52 ERA. He struck out 53 against 11 walks and 20 hits allowed in 34 1/3 innings.

Perkins is one of two representatives for the hometown Twins at this year's All-Star Game. The Stillwater, Minn., native was a member of last year's American League squad and is fourth in the Junior Circuit with 20 saves this season. Overall, the 31-year old southpaw is 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA in 36 games covering 36 1/3 innings. Perkins has punched out 48 against only seven walks and 33 hits allowed for a 1.10 WHIP and 6.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He made nine starts for Quad Cities in 2004, going 2-1 with a 1.30 ERA in 48 1/3 frames, surrendering only 33 hits and 12 walks against 49 strikeouts.

Morneau is one of five players in the NL Final Vote at MLB.com. The 2006 AL MVP and four-time All-Star is batting .316/.348/.518 with 20 doubles, 13 home runs and 59 RBIs in 84 games for the Rockies. The 33-year old first baseman spent 64 games with the River Bandits in 2001, batting .356/.420/.597 with 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 53 RBIs.

UP NEXT: Kids Eat Free and all individual bleacher tickets are buy-one-get-one free when the River Bandits celebrate Disco Night with '70s prices on food and beer at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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, and Space Camp opened June 20. Soon to come is another new ride, this one called a "Drop and Twist." 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.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (July 8, 2014) - Kirkwood Community College has announced the graduating class of 2013-2014. College faculty and administration joined friends and family in saluting the grads at commencement ceremonies at the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, May 17.

Bettendorf, IA

Audra Bates, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AS
Evan Hale, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Melissa Hayward, Fall 2013, Dental Assisting - AAS
Morgan Helgerson, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Maureen Lonergan, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Jessica Martinez, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AA
Ronald Mikos, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Colby Ryan, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Andrea Schlemme, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Matthew Steinhauser, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AA
Nolan Stratton, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Travis Timm, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA

Davenport, IA

Tony Bakeris, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Samantha Belz, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AA
Abigail Boyle, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Travis Bulman, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Brent Cribbs, Spring 2014, Landscape Construction and Design - AAS
Jeremy Felderman, Fall 2013, Pre-Business Transfer - AA
Sarah Franco, Spring 2014, Physical Therapist Assistant - AAS
Sarah Gasser, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AS
Aaron Hanson, Fall 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
John Losasso, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Taylor McGivern, Fall 2013, Horse Science Technology - AAS
Jeremy Sabin, Summer 2013, Criminal Justice - AA
Shyanne Saladino, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AS
Brian Schippers, Summer 2013, Entry-Level Firefighter - AAS
Destiny Smith, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA
Benjamin Voelliger, Spring 2014, Liberal Arts - AA

Moline, IL

Haylee Krack, Summer 2013, Liberal Arts - AA

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Mankato, MN (July 7, 2014) - The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (Dean's lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Marilyn Wells.

Among 2,953 students, a total of 682 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight "A" average, while 2,272 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List. 

Alexis Vance, Davenport, Senior, Honor List and Olivia Weathers Goethals, Rock Island, Sophomore, Honor List

To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,409 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.

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Water, Water Everywhere - A Local Event Seeks to Make a Global Difference

Third Annual Wells 4 Wellness 5K Run/Walk is July 12

MOLINE, Ill. (June 23, 2014) ? Quad City-area residents are invited to enjoy an event dedicated to good old H2O. The local nonprofit organization, Wells 4 Wellness, will hold its Third Annual 5KWalk/Run on July 12, 2014, Staging and stating line will now begin at the Moline Water Plant address 30 18th Street .Course is now along river drive heading west to 1st street and then return to The water plant.Funds raised at this event will provide persons in the Western African country of Niger access to clean, safe, water.

The race begins at 8 a.m. followed by a Kids4Water bucket relay at 9:00 a.m. and adult bucket relay at 9:15 a.m. Those watching the race can cool-off as the Moline Water Department opens fire hydrants along the racecourse.

"We are running to raise awareness and funds to support the building of wells for 30 communities in one of the world's most impoverished countries," said Pat Herath, founder of Wells4Wellness. "We enjoy that glass of clean water daily and may not give it much thought. The people in the Villages of Niger that for the ability to produce food, have good health and educate their children depends on access to a reliable water supply. Each race registrant will provide clean, safe water for a family of four for one year."

Participants have the option of carrying jugs filled with Mississippi River Water to demonstrate the burden of hauling water for basic household needs.

Register online at www.wells4wellness.com or on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. The registration fee is $30 and includes a T-shirt. Donations may be sent to Wells 4 Wellness at 1804 28th Avenue, Moline, IL, 61265. For further information, contact Pat Herath at 309-236-1301. Wells 4 Wellness is a 501c3 nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible.

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Chuck Norris and livestream!

Chuck Norris and his wife, Gina, just told me they will be attending The If 7:14 Calland will share their hearts for prayer and embrace of the If 7:14 initiative!

Also, due to high demand, now The If 7:14 Call will be available via livestream! Click here to get signed up, and we will send you the link before the event.

If still you want to attend in person, you must hurry because we are 95% sold out!

 

"The If 7:14 Call" featuring the Newsboys

July 13, 2014

5:00 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.)

Adler Theatre

Davenport, Iowa

 

"Let heaven roar and fire fall, come shake the ground with the sound of revival.  My God's not dead, he's surely alive, He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion." ~ Lyrics from the Newsboys' "God's Not Dead"

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