16 Jun 2014

THE FRIENDLY THRIFT CENTER AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received an $800.00 grant from The Friendly Thrift Center. This award supports the production of our Directory of Churches in the Quad City Area.

This publication lists over 475 churches and other agencies within the bi-state region. The Directory is created by our staff, and provides church address information, staff members, telephone numbers, and hours of services.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community. Its 134 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area. For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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16 Jun 2014

505 Wartburg students make Winter/May Term Dean's List

By Emily Christensen

WAVERLY, IA (06/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Wartburg College has recognized 505 students who made the 2014 Winter/May Term Dean's List.

Kaitlin Boyd is from Rock Island.

Skylar Dierikx is from Blue Grass.

Kaitlynn Eaton is from Davenport.

Taryn Eggers is from Bettendorf.

Kerri Golinghorst is from Dixon.

Lindsay Heinen is from Eldridge.

Eric Huber is from Eldridge.

Makenzie Meyer is from New Liberty.

Dana Moe is from Davenport.

Brooke Moeller is from New Liberty.

Anthony Skinner is from Davenport.

Anthony Skinner is from Rock Island.

Elizabeth Trizzino is from Davenport.

Breanna Walczyk is from Bettendorf.

Blake Wilson is from Bettendorf.

The list cites students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above in at least five course credits during the two terms. Four of the five course credits must be graded with a traditional letter grade.

Wartburg students take four courses during Winter Term, which runs from January to April, and one course during the one-month May Term. May Term courses often involve travel and study abroad.

Wartburg, a four-year liberal arts college internationally recognized for community engagement, enrolls 1,714 students. Wartburg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and named after the castle in Germany where Martin Luther took refuge disguised as a knight during the stormy days of the Reformation, while translating the Bible from Greek into German.

16 Jun 2014

Loebsack to Presents Purple Heart to Quad Cities Veteran

By Vonnie Hampel
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he presented the Purple Heart to SSGT Michael Leal, on Saturday, June 14 (Flag Day). SSGT Leal served in Afghanistan and was injured when the Humvee he was riding in was struck by an IED. After contacting his office, Congressman Loebsack worked to ensure SSGT Leal was awarded the medal he earned for serving his country.
16 Jun 2014

Davenport's Haokang Zhu graduates from Bucknell University

By Kathryn Kopchik

LEWISBURG, PA (06/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Haokang Zhu , Davenport, IA, son of Yinsheng Zhu and Xuenying Shen and a 2010.0 graduate of High School Affiliated Nanjing Normal, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Zhu is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon international honor society for economics.

Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective, private, liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates. Graduate programs are available in select disciplines. Students benefit from a small student-faculty ratio of 10:1, personal attention from faculty, leadership opportunities and excellent graduation rates and career outcomes.

16 Jun 2014

Are Baby Boomers Doomed to Irrelevance in the Workplace?

By Ginny Grimsley
Media Expert Shares Tips for Aging Workers

Boomers may want to recall one of the poets they grew up reading, Dylan Thomas, and his most famous poem, named for its first line, "Do not go gentle into that good night," a desperate appeal to resist the trappings of old age.

"As they retire, baby boomers need to stay true to their reputation for grand statements, and to mobilize their skill set in the business world," says media expert Steve Kayser, author of "The Greatest Words You've Never Heard," (www.stevekayser.com).

"In fact, many older Americans may have little choice but to adapt their mindset and survive longer in their careers if they want to maintain something resembling their current lifestyle during retirement."

Kayser lists a few trends that may incentivize aging workers to clock in for a few more years:

• The number of Americans 55 and older will almost double between now and 2030 - from 60 million today to 107.6 million, according to the United States Census Bureau. That will likely strain public safety nets such as Social Security and Medicare.

• American life expectancy is at an all-time high, and death rates are at an all-time low, which means some people will outlive their retirement savings.

• The global economic crisis has wiped out or severely affected millions of middle- and senior-aged people's life savings.

But with an increasingly competitive pool of professionals whose skill sets need to be regularly updated, how can boomers stay in the game?

Kayser quotes Alvin Toffler: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."

He discusses his method for how older workers can maintain their value - by staying "R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T."

•  What it means to learn, unlearn and relearn. The ever-shifting sands of technology pose a special challenge to older workers. Younger professionals not only grew up working and entertaining themselves with screens, they also learned to adapt to technological leaps. A program you learn today may not be relevant in a few years, so keep an open and flexible mind.

•  Being R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T... Take this mnemonic device to heart: Risk, Experiment, Listen and Learn, Engage, Value, Attitude of gratitude, No to negativity, and Time. "This is an ongoing, evolving note to keep in your mind no matter your professional situation," Kayser says. "I've been around a lot of charismatic and effervescent folks in their 70s and 80s who are still successful and growing, both on a personal and business level. The acronym encompasses the ideas that seem to promote a proactive life."

•  Answer the question, "What resonates with you?" This is a deceptively deep question when you apply it to your life's trajectory. If life hasn't turned out to be what you expected it would 30 years ago, then it's time to recalibrate how you see yourself, especially if that's as a perpetual pre-retiree. If you're not sure of how you see yourself in today's setting, start with what the spiritual writer Joseph Campbell called the "moving power of your life," which can be sensed by the things that resonate within you. The things that resonate within you, such as an unusual book, may just be the compass you need to find your way.

About Steve Kayser

Steve Kayser is an award-winning writer, editor, publisher, former radio host and founder of Kayser Media. He has had the great fortune to interview and collaborate with some of the best minds in the business world, and his eclectic approach to public relations and marketing has been widely documented. He recently published "The Greatest Words You've Never Heart," (www.stevekayser.com).

16 Jun 2014

Luther College announces 2014 graduates

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (06/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Luther College held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2014 at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 25, in Luther College's Carlson Stadium.

Luther senior Solveig Entwistle of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of James Entwistle and Siv Saetre, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in political science.

Luther senior Aaron Ford of Moline, Illinois, son of Chris and Laura Ford, graduated with the class of 2014. He majored in management.

Luther senior Jennifer Park of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of James and Dorothy Park, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in chemistry.

Luther senior Cydney Roelandt of Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Bradley and Kelly Roelandt, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in theatre/dance.

Luther senior Lucille Vens of Bettendorf, Iowa, daughter of Christine Little and Gregory Vens, graduated with the class of 2014. She majored in nursing.

Luther senior Brian Witte of Bettendorf, Iowa, son of Craig Witte, graduated with the class of 2014. He majored in social work.

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin gave the commencement address, and was granted an honorary degree at the ceremony. 1966 Luther graduate Eugene Takle, director of the Climate Science Program and professor of atmospheric science and agricultural meteorology at Iowa State University, was also given an honorary degree

Eli Williamson, co-founder of Leave No Veteran Behind, was presented with the Luther College Young Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement of Luther alumni in their vocation or avocation that have graduated in the last 15 years.

Paul Esker was awarded the Luther College Jenson Medal; an award presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

16 Jun 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 06/13/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Freedom Rock of Scott County - LeClaire The Freedom Rock of Scott County will be soon be proudly located in LeClaire on the levee, displaying a long lasting patriotic tribute to those in our community who volunteer their lives for our Freedom. Please go to https.//www.facebook.com/FreedomRockTourScottCountyIowa/ or http://www.thefreedomrock.com/ for more information about Freedom Rock, or to find how you can purchase an enduring memorial or donate to and help support this great honor. See information below, June 20-21 for the Leevon Ritter Memorial Events, part of the proceeds to go to Freedom Rock.

QC Analytical Services Environmental Laboratory, State Certified Drinking Water Lab and Wastewater Lab. 1798 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, IA. www.QCAnalytical.net 563-289-3373

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

June 26th - Comfort Inn & Suites, LeClaire - Ribbon Cutting 5:00pm - 6:00pm.  Light refreshments and tours highlighting the motel's many renovations!

CALENDAR

June 13th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Lindgren and Lewis - 5-8 p.m.

June 14th - Join us at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire, where we will have a local and unofficial 1.5 and 3 mile walk as part of the Susan G Komen Run for the Cure Race on Saturday, June 14. 8 am. at the church. For more info, call Debi at 563-320-2879.

June 14th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Active Christians, Potluck Picnic! 5:30 p.m. Chicken will be provided. Bring a dish to share and some friends. There will be a campfire and s'mores!!

June 14th Mulching at First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire. Someone generously donated a large quantity of mulch to the First Presbyterian Church. We are going to put it in place around the flowers and bushes on Saturday, June 14, at 9 am. The Boy Scouts are helping. And, we need YOUR help! With so many hands, it will go fast.

June 15th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Sunday School at 9 am for adults; Worship at 10 am Scripture: John 1:40-42a; 20:17-18.  It's Father's Day - women leading worship to honor all men: our fathers and those who father others.

June 15th - Bierstube - Fathers' Day Brunch - 10am-1pm

June 15th - Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill, Princeton - Father's Day Celebration 2-5 p.m. Jake McVey live on patio!

June 16th - Economic Development Meeting - LeClaire City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

June 16th - Vino Vaso - The Faithful Pilot Café. $40 per person includes, wine glass, paint, cheese and crackers, one complimentary glass of wine. 6pm. Reservations: Vino Vaso's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vinovaso

June 18th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Apply for Farmers' Market Food Assistance Fellowship hall from 11:45-noon.

June 18th - LeClaire Community Library - Illustrator Tim Read Tim Read is an established cartoonist, illustrator, and children's author. His program is highly engaging, funny, and appeals to a wide range audience - Starts at 2 p.m.

June 20th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi The Ripplers - 5-8 p.m.

June 20th - Leevon Ritter Memorial 5k 2014 and ½ Mile Kids Run 6:15 p.m. Part of the proceeds go to Freedom Rock, Scott Co, LeClaire. Race route starts and ends at PV Jr. High. Medals will be awarded for First Places - all kids get a ribbon. Sign up at https://chronotrack.com/reg/form?eventID=7652 or https://facebook.com/awesomeleevon or http://www.iamawesomeleevonritter.com.  Registration $30 adults, $20 kids run - includes timed race, t-shirt and invite to after party and Guys in Ties improv show at Riverview Roadhouse in LeClaire. Raffle and silent auction items will be displayed - includes $500 Charter Fishing Trip on Lake Michigan, Two Seats for 3 game series Cubs/Brewers, and a 2008 Tomberlin RXC.  Pkt. Pick up June 13-14 at Riverview Roadhouse, but may sign up online or race day.

June 21st - Leevon Ritter Memorial Softball Tournament 2014 - 8:45 a.m.  Dugout Sports Complex, 3504 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport. Part of the proceeds go to Freedom Rock, Scott Co., LeClaire. Men and Co-Ed Divisions. D-E and Rec Teams. Cash prizes and t-shirts for winners. Raffle and silent auction items available.  Entry fee $175.  Call Barb Ritter to sign up - 309-781-5671.

June 21st - Buffalo Bill Museum - Annual John Boesch Memorial Golf Outing 8 a.m. Clinic with Golf Pro Matt Boesch. Shotgun Start 9 a.m. Olathea Golf Course, LeClaire IA.  $65/person, includes cart and lunch. Hole prizes, Silent Auction. Don't golf? Join us for lunch $7! Call the museum today to reserve your place in this annual fundraiser! 563-289-5580.

June 21st - 129 - Live Music Adam Schmidt - 8-11 p.m.

June 22nd - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - All of Le Claire is invited join us at 8:30 a.m. as we go Down to The River to Pray! All faith traditions, denominations and beliefs are invited. We will pray for 15 minutes, or more, as the Holy Spirit leads us. We hope this will be an annual event at the Le Claire Pavilion.

June 23rd-26th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Agents of Truth Bible School 5:30-8:15 pm. Dinner is provided; then lesson, snack, recreation and crafts. Water play on Wednesday and family closing program on Thursday. Call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777 for more information. Ages pre-K thru 6th grade. Teens are invited to call to volunteer to help.

June 26th - Comfort Inn & Suites - Ribbon Cutting 5:00pm - 6:00pm.  Light refreshments and tours highlighting the motel's many renovations!

June 27th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Broken Strings - 5-8 p.m.

June 27th - 129 - Live Music Jason Karl - 8-11 p.m.

June 28th - Go Fish will hand out awards for a Golf Outing/Princeton Days fundraiser held 9a.m.-4p.m. that day. Contact Deb at 563-289-9030 for more information.

June 30th - Happy Birthday, LeClaire Community Library! What better way to celebrate LeClaire Library's 10th Birthday with a magic show, balloon animals, and cake? Join us at 2pm for all the fun!

Save the Date

July 4th - First Friday in LeClaire! 5-8 p.m.

July 9th - Grief Counselling, First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire in cooperation with Genesis Hospital. No cost. Dessert, coffee and cool beverages will be provided. 6:30 p.m.

FYI

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)

Riverbend Signworks just published the latest issue of "The Updater". Branding and Lobbies......http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Legitimize-your-organization-with-your-brand-and-some-color.html?soid=1111968629442&aid=EeS_lYjHX48

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

Wide River Winery has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, recognizes establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.  Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of tourism based businesses. "We are so proud of our team for winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and we'd like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor," said Dorothy O'Brien, owner and winemaker at Wide River Winery.  "We appreciate the vote of confidence, "she added.   In addition to the winery, vineyard and tasting room in Clinton, Wide River Winery also has a tasting room in historic Le Claire, Iowa.  Both locations are open daily and feature live music on the weekends.

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.

The Riverboat Twilight 2014 Cruise Season began May 27th.  Cruises will depart every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through the end of October.  It is with honor and pleasure that the Twilight has called LeClaire her home port for the past 27 years.  Over the years we have had the unique opportunity of introducing 140,000 plus visitors to the many wonderful shops, restaurants and attractions the City of LeClaire has to offer. We look forward to another successful season.

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

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.

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

Commercial Space for Sale or Lease/Purchase - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

For Rent - Fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment located in beautiful downtown LeClaire, Iowa. This is a 2nd floor apartment in a duplex style building. Apartment is located in a very nice quiet neighborhood with a gorgeous view of the beautiful Mississippi River just steps from the popular downtown shops, dining and nightlife. Perfect for single person or couple, absolutely no pets or smoking. Apartment has all newer appliances including washer and dryer and is fully furnished with all furniture, linens, pots and pans and dishes. Rent also includes all utilities. Perfect for executives, couples in transition or seasonal travelers. Available June 15th. No lease required. Rent is $950.00 per month and that includes all utilities and furnishings. Call Heidi at 563-320-6263.

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 - Farmer's Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

June 14 - Cars & Coffee on the Levee, 8-10 a.m. All makes, models & years welcome!

June 21 - Buffalo Bill Museum Golf Outing - Olathea Golf Course

August 2 - 27th Annual Heartland British Auto Fest

August 7-9 - Tug Fest

October 5th - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

July 8th - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch - noon

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

16 Jun 2014

Junior High Kids going to college to learn leadership!

By Mary McNeil
The "Leadership Squad" at Edison Jr High is spending a few days on a college campus to learn how to be effective leaders....

(Rock Island, IL)  There are 7 eighth grade students from Edison Junior High school going to the University of Illinois Extension Summer Illini Academy in Leadership later this month.   They will be living and easting in the dorm for four days.  They will be learning about different leadership styles and attending Leadership training with about 300 to 400 students from around the state.   The Leadership Squad at Edison Junior High School is funded through the 21st CCLC "Lights  ON" for Learning program which partners with the University of Illinois Extension and Mrs. Diane Baker.

Site Coordinator, Susan Witmer, says the learning that will take place there is unmeasurable.   "Without this great community partnership, our students would not have this opportunity to see what it is like to live on a college campus, participate in community service projects in the Champaign area and see some of what college life is like."

Students will be on the University of Illinois campus from June 22 through June 25.  The students attending include Man Lun, Paw Ka Ku, Dakota Tello-Goossens, Mykeisha Wells, Rashawn Overton, Patience Mutoni and Ethan Wiley.
16 Jun 2014

Quad City Health Initiative Elects New Board Vice Chair and New Board Member

By QCHI

The Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) is proud to announce that Mr. Decker Ploehn has been elected to serve as the new Vice Chair of the QCHI Board. Mr. Ploehn is the City Administrator for the City of Bettendorf, a position he has held since 1990.  Mr. Ploehn joined the QCHI Board in 2011 and also serves on the Board's Executive Committee.  "I'm honored to be asked to assume this leadership role with QCHI," Mr. Ploehn says. "Our community's vitality depends upon securing the health and well-being of its community members. Together, we can make great improvements in our community's health status and quality of life."

QCHI is also pleased to announce the election of Ms. Kathryn Nigey to the QCHI Board.  Ms. Nigey is the Area Manager for Sheet Finishing at Alcoa and brings to the Board a passion for wellness and a keen understanding of the relationship between health and safety at worksites.

"The election of these experienced community leaders will enhance our ability to create a "culture of wellness" that supports healthy eating and active living in the Quad Cities," says Ms. Nicole Carkner, QCHI Executive Director.

The Quad City Health Initiative is a cross-sector community partnership working to create a healthy community.  A 25-member community Board oversees the organization, which was established in 1999.  The Initiative seeks to be our community's recognized leader for creating collaborative action on health and abides by the core values of commitment, collaboration and creativity.  Major financial support of the Quad City Health Initiative is currently provided by the generous direct and in-kind investments of Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health Trinity. Additional financial support is provided by Deere & Company, Mississippi Valley Health, KJWW, Davenport Eye Group, Russell Construction, Community Health Care, ILLOWA Construction and Labor Management Council, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Scott County Health Department, and Rock Island County Health Department.

For more information, please call 563-421-2815 or visit our website at www.qchealthinitiative.org.
16 Jun 2014

Vilsack Announces Farm Bill Funding for Bioenergy Research, Converting to Biomass Fuel Systems

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced up to $14.5 million in funding for two USDA bioenergy programs made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's Rural Development (RD) announced it is accepting applications from companies seeking to offset the costs associated with converting fossil fuel systems to renewable biomass fuel systems, while USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of $2.5 million in grants to enhance national energy security through the development of bio-based transportation fuels, biopower, and new bio-based products.

USDA today also announced a valuable aid to those in, or interested in, starting a bio-energy business, the Bioeconomy Tool Shed. The Tool Shed is a portal offering users access to a complement of web-based tools and information, statistical data and other resources related to the sustainable production and conversion of biomass into products and fuel, a process often referred to as the bioeconomy.

"These USDA investments are part of the Obama Administration's 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy, and they benefit our economy as well as the environment," Vilsack said. "USDA's support for bio-based technologies is good for the climate, and enhances rural economic development while it decreases our dependence on foreign sources of oil." He concluded, "These and other USDA efforts will create new products out of homegrown agriculture from this and future generations of American farmers and foresters."

USDA plans to make up to $12 million in payments for eligible biorefineries through RD's Repowering Assistance Program, which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Biorefineries in existence on or before June 18, 2008 are eligible for payments to replace fossil fuels used to produce heat or power with renewable biomass. Since President Obama took office, USDA has provided $6.9 million to help biorefineries transition from fossil fuels to renewable biomass systems. Applications, deadlines and details will be published in the Federal Register on Monday, June 16, 2014.

USDA is also seeking applications for NIFA's Sun Grants program that encourages bioenergy and biomass research collaboration between government agencies, land-grant colleges and universities, and the private sector. Congress authorized the Sun Grant program in the 2008 Farm Bill and reauthorized the program in 2014. The program provides grants to five grant centers and one subcenter, which then will make competitive grants to projects that contribute to research, education and outreach for the regional production and sustainability of possible biobased feedstocks. The project period will not exceed five years.

The newest addition to the USDA Energy Web, the Tool Shed can help those interested in bio-energy business ventures by providing access to the data and information necessary to evaluate potential opportunities across the entire supply chain: from feedstock production, to bioenergy production, bioenergy use, and linkages between feedstock production, bioenergy production and use. The tool is designed to assist in evaluating the feasibility and opportunities for locating a new biorefinery. It provides the stakeholder access to information on demographics, land use, biomass, feedstock, economics, and financial management.

Today's announcements were made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)


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