Event Date: May 31, 2014

Join the Davenport Public Library for a fun-filled, action-packed kickoff to the 2014 Summer Reading Program! Visit the Fairmount Street Branch (3000 N. Fairmount St) on Saturday, May 31 between noon and 4:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fun and adventure! The first stop will be signing up for the Summer Reading Program, with this year's "Fizz, Boom Read" theme. We'll have all kinds of science experiments for people of all ages to explore including Mentos Fountains and edible science snacks.

Senate File 2344 promotes e-15, biodiesel and next generation of biofuels, bio-butanol.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced he will sign Senate File 2344 into law Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. at POET Biorefining in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

The bill promotes the development of bio-butanol and bio-butanol blended gasoline, which are next generation biofuels; and modifies the rate of the E-15 promotion tax credit and extends provisions for the biodiesel production refund.

The following bill signing ceremony is open to credentialed members of the media:

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

12:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 2344

POET Biorefining

1015 Grant Avenue

Coon Rapids, IA

Note: Parking is available outside the administration building.

Senate File 2344 an Act relating to renewable fuels, by providing for bio-butanol and bio-butanol blended gasoline, modifying the rate of the E-15 plus gasoline promotion tax credit and extending provisions for a biodiesel production refund, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. 

PEORIA, Ill. (May 15, 2014) –The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to choose their day to help save lives by giving blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The occasion raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.

"World Blood Donor Day comes at a very important time each year," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with fewer donors available to donate blood due to busy summer schedules. World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need for blood during the summer months and year-round."

World Blood Donor Day occurs on day 21 of the Red Cross 100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope. campaign. Heiden added that it's a perfect time for donors to help save lives and boost the blood supply for patients in need.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County

June 4 from 12-6 p.m. at Wild Rose Casino & Resort, 777 Wild Rose Drive in Clinton, Iowa

June 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Alverno, 849 13th Ave. N in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County

June 11 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 12 from 2-6 p.m. at American Legion, 509 N. School St. in Atkinson, Ill.

Lee County

June 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL Route 2 in Dixon, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at St. Patricks Church, 612 Highland in Dixon, Ill.

Mercer County

June 2 from 3-6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 20th and Main St. in Keithsburg, Ill.

June 10 from 2-6 p.m. at New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4th and Walnut in New Windsor, Ill.

Rock Island County

June 4 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at American Red Cross, 1100 River Drive in Moline, Ill.

Whiteside County

June 4 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 5 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 6 from 12-3:30 p.m. at Coventry Living Center Activity Building, 612 W. St. Mary's Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 7-11 a.m. at Sterling Anchor Coupling Inc, 2910 W. Le Fevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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State Unemployment Rate Reaches Lowest Level Since 2008

CICERO - As Illinois' unemployment rate fell to its lowest point in more than five years, Governor Pat Quinn today visited an innovative and growing local manufacturer, United Gasket Corporation, to discuss the state's ongoing economic recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression. Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Today's event is part of the Governor's commitment to driving Illinois' economy forward.

"Illinois is making a comeback," Governor Quinn said. "Today's news that unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 is further proof that our economy is expanding and creating jobs. Companies like United Gasket Corporation are hiring, small companies are being created and larger companies are growing and adding more workers."

"While we know we have much more work to do to create more jobs and growth in Illinois, this is good news and we must continue driving our economy forward," the Governor said.

The Illinois unemployment rate hit a new five-year low in April when it fell to 7.9 percent, according to data released earlier today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. More people working pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

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

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

United Gasket Corporation is an innovative Illinois company that has reported double-digit percentage growth in revenue and profit for each of the last three years. The manufacturer of custom die cut parts for automobiles and other industries currently employs 90 people, but expects that number to increase by 10 to 15 percent in the next six months.

"We are thrilled with the support we have received from the state for job training and to improve our production," United Gasket President Mark Pahios said. "The resources here have helped us develop business in Mexico and China. We are working hard to send Illinois products into those markets."

United Gasket has received about $20,000 in state job-training grants over the last decade for services accessed through University of Illinois Business Innovation Services. The company has invested in lean manufacturing techniques to take out unneeded costs and push into new markets overseas.

Governor Quinn said the company's commitment points to a need for state government to adopt a responsible budget that supports Illinois' core strengths in the global economy - its education, workforce training and transportation systems.

For more information on doing business in Illinois, visit illinois.gov/dceo.