23 Apr 2014

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces New Report on Scientific Breakthroughs from USDA in 2013

By USDA Office of Communications

New USDA Discoveries Led to 180 New Inventions, Include Flour that Prevents Weight Gain, Protections from Disease for U.S. Troops, Turning Grass Clippings to Energy

 

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new report on scientific breakthroughs discovered by USDA researchers that led to new patents and inventions with the potential for commercial application and potential economic growth. Innovations included in the report range from flour made out of chardonnay grape seeds that prevents weight gain to antimicrobial packets that keep food from spoiling, efforts to protect U.S. troops in Iraq from diseases carried by sand flies, new processes for turning grass clippings and raked leaves into bioenergy, and many more.

 

"Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to the economy. We have accelerated commercialization of federal research and government researchers are working closely with the private sector to develop new technology and transfer it to the marketplace," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA has a proven track record of performing research that benefits the public."

 

USDA reports receiving 51 patents, filing 147 patent applications, and disclosing 180 new inventions in the last fiscal year, which are detailed in the Department's 2013 Annual Report on Technology Transfer released today. Helping drive these innovations, USDA has 259 active Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with outside investigators, which includes Universities and other organizations, including 117 with small businesses. The USDA's technology transfer program is administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency.

 

Discoveries from USDA's 2013 Technology Transfer Report include :

  • A new kind of flour made from chardonnay grape seeds that can prevent increases in cholesterol and weight-gain (the Mayo Clinic is currently conducting human clinical trials on the product);
  • New ways to turn lawn clippings and tree leaves from cities into bioenergy;
  • An enzyme compound that can be used to develop insecticides to combat sand flies, a disease spreading insect that poses a major problem for U.S. military in Iraq and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of childhood deaths in Africa;
  • A computer-based model of the fluid milk process to lower greenhouse gas emissions (the model has been distributed to more than 100 processors in the United States and should help the dairy industry realize its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent per gallon of milk by 2020);
  • Oat concentrates, a digestible, functional food from oats licensed for the production of Calorie-Trim and Nutrim;
  • A new process for turning old tires into zinc fertilizer;
  • A handheld device that uses gold nanoparticles to detect West Nile virus (and potentially other diseases) in blood samples;
  • Window cleaners that use a biodegradable solution of nanoparticles that prevent water-beading that are superior to current cleaners;
  • A small packet that when inserted in small fruit containers releases an antimicrobial vapor that helps keep fresh fruit from rotting on the shelf.

Over the years, USDA innovations have created all sorts of products Americans use every days, from cosmetics, to insect controls, leathers, shampoos, and of course food products. Here are just a few examples of things USDA research is responsible for:

  • Frozen orange juice concentrate;
  • "Permanent press" cotton clothing;
  • Mass production of penicillin in World War II;
  • Almost all breeds of blueberries and cranberries currently in production, and 80% of all varieties of citrus fruits grown in the U.S.;
  • "Tifsport", a turf used on NFL, collegiate, and other sports fields across the country, specifically designed to withstand the stress and demands of major team sports. Tifsport is also used on PGA and other golf course fairways, while its sister turf, "Tifeagle", specially designed to be mowed to one-tenth of an inch daily, is used on PGA putting greens.

The 2014 Farm Bill will help to build on these accomplishments by establishing a new Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research that leverages $200 million in public funding and another $200 million from the private sector to support groundbreaking agricultural research.

 

More information about the USDA innovations contained in this year's report, as well as a look at previous USDA research discoveries is available here: https://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/01090000/FY13_TT Ann Rpt .pdf.

 

#

23 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Wrigley Field Day"

By Rick Martin

Home of the Chicago Cubs Turns 100 Years Old Today

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed "Wrigley Field Day" to mark the 100th anniversary of the iconic Chicago ballpark. The first ballgame was played at Wrigley Field on April 23, 1914, exactly 100 years ago today.

"Here's to the next 100 years at Wrigley Field," Governor Quinn said. "I saw Jackie Robinson play at Wrigley, which is the last standing ballpark the great number 42 ever played in. From the scoreboard to the ivy and all the legendary athletes that ever stepped foot on its diamond, Wrigley Field is not just an Illinois landmark, it's a national treasure."

The Governor visited the ballpark this morning to highlight how Wrigley Field has long been a source of pride for Cubs fans and players as well as a critically important athletic, cultural and economic institution.

Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and was originally called Weeghman Park. Its name was changed to Cubs Park in 1919, and later Wrigley Field in 1926 in honor of William Wrigley, Jr., the Cubs' majority stakeholder most famous for his chewing gum company. Since then it has been home to numerous Hall of Fame inductees such as Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Greg Maddux; and iconic announcers, such as Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse - Ronald Reagan even served as a radio announcer. Wrigley Field is the second oldest standing ballpark in Major League Baseball.

The famous ivy along the outfield wall has been a mainstay since the 1930s, which was also when the scoreboard and the "W" Cubs win flag made their debut.

In its storied history, Wrigley Field has been the location of Babe Ruth's famous "called shot" in the 1932 World Series, the first field to have organ music and has been featured in memorable movies such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, where the marquee read "SAVE FERRIS," and A League of Their Own, which told the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League founded by Philip K. Wrigley in 1943. Wrigley Field also served as the home of the Chicago Bears until 1970.

The Chicago Cubs are planning to celebrate Wrigley Field's 100th anniversary all season long and honor each decade of the ballpark's history by wearing retro uniforms, hosting special events and handing out commemorative giveaways to fans.

###
23 Apr 2014

Clergy and Community Friends Training

By Illinois National Guard PAO
WHO:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains

WHAT:

• Illinois National Guard Chaplains are hosting upcoming seminars to serve local faith-based organizations throughout Illinois.

• The training is designed to raise awareness among community religious leaders about the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families, with a focus on deployment-related issues such as anger management, suicide prevention, military marriages, and church and community support for the military.

• The training is open to clergy and laity interested in understanding and learning how to support servicemembers, veterans and their families.

• Free lunch will also be served to those in attendance.

WHEN/WHERE:

April 30 General Jones Armory, 5200 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 14 Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd.; Springfield, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 22 Shiloh Armory, 650 Armory Road; Shiloh, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 28 Joliet Armory, 2900 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, Ill. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For registration information contact Chaplain (Capt.) Vince Lambert at (708) 824-5255

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

-30-

23 Apr 2014

Casey's General Store to Hold May "Dog Tag" Promotion

By Rick Martin

Proceeds to benefit nonprofit Hope For The Warriors® in honor of Memorial Day

ANKENY, IA, April 22, 2014-During the entire month of May, Casey's General Store (www.caseys.com) is offering a special "Dog Tag" Promotion to raise funds and awareness for the growing needs of service members and military families. For only $1, Casey's customers can do their part to support the growing needs of today's military.  All proceeds will benefit Hope For The Warriors®, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

Patrons of Casey's General Store will be invited to support Hope For The Warriors® by purchasing a "Dog Tag" for $1.00.  Casey's will display the "Dog Tags" throughout the store, providing their customers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment and support for the sacrifices of our service members. "Dog Tags" will be available at more than 1,800 Casey's store locations throughout the month of May.

This is the third year that Casey's has supported Hope For The Warriors® throughout the month of May. Thanks to the strong support of Casey's customers, more than $745K has been donated to Hope For The Warriors® in the past two years.

"Casey's General Store employees are eager to continue supporting Hope For The Warriors® and the service members they support,' said Robert J. Myers, Casey's General Store Chairman and CEO.  "Through our May promotion, we are proud to provide the opportunity for our customers to join us in saying 'thank you' to these brave men and women."

"We are very thankful to Casey's for this incredible opportunity and their support over the years," Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors® President said.  "Through this unique promotion, they are helping us reach thousands of patriotic Americans who truly understand the sacrifices of our service members and military families."

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® (www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) for three consecutive years. Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits.

Hope For The Warriors® (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800.

###

23 Apr 2014

New book offers 48-day plan to quit smoking

By Cat Erin Davis

Author Cat Erin Davis shares plan for personal success using universal law of attraction

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Cat Erin Davis claims smokers everywhere can use the universal law of attraction to quit smoking for good in her new book, "You Can Stop Smoking in Forty-Eight Days: Using the Law of Attraction" (published by Balboa Press).

The law of attraction - first developed by New Thought Movement pioneer Thomas Troward - claims positive thoughts will produce additional positive thoughts and actions, and that negative thinking will only result in greater negative feelings.

Using this law as a basis for conquering her own addiction to cigarettes, Davis quit her 38-year-long smoking habit.

Her new book details the steps needed to apply the law of attraction to smoking cessation and provides a 48-day workbook for readers to track progress.

"It all starts by listening to your soft, heartfelt inner voice, the one that loves you," Davis says. "(Listen to) your unique inner spirit."

"You Can Stop Smoking in Forty-Eight Days"

By Cat Erin Davis

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 178 pages | ISBN 9781452590653

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 178 pages | ISBN 9781452590646

E-Book | 178 pages | ISBN 9781452590639

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Cat Erin Davis grew up around nature in Houston. She has an extensive work portfolio that includes building muscle cars as an auto mechanic and working as a professional dog trainer, as well as becoming a first class manual machinist, a paint contractor, a Class A truck driver and an author.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. - a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter.

###

23 Apr 2014

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Inducts New Members

By Hannah Breaux

BATON ROUGE, LA (04/22/2014)(readMedia)-- The following local residents recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:

Sara Adamek of Bettendorf initiated into University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign chapter

Andrea Rascher of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Julie Seier of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Regina Wilkerson of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Leann Weiss of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Gina Meier of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Antoinette Leveille of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Emily Brooks of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Lashon Moore of Davenport initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Hal Nerhus of Grand Mound initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Kimberly Hochstein of Princeton initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Barbara Myers of Coal Valley initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Holly Lock of East Moline initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Yarong Chen of East Moline initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Evan Regenwether of Fulton initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez of Milan initiated into University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign chapter

Judith Kaple of Moline initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Karyn Robertson of Moline initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Jeremiah Sherwin of Moline initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

David Chavira of Rock Falls initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

Grant Snyder of Rock Island initiated into University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign chapter

John Wagle of Rock Island initiated into Western Illinois University chapter

These residents are among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards and grants for local and national literacy initiatives.

23 Apr 2014

LINDAUER'S BIG DAY LIFTS BANDITS TO 11-2 ROUT

By Marco LaNave
Moline native homers in first two at-bats of five-RBI game that helps halt Quad Cities' four-game skid

CLINTON, Iowa (April 22, 2014) - Shortstop Thomas Lindauer blasted two-run home runs in each of his first two at-bats as part of a 3-for-4, five-RBI game to lead the Quad Cities River Bandits to snap a four-game losing streak with an 11-2 win over the Clinton LumberKings at Ashford University Field Tuesday afternoon.

Playing his second consecutive game as the first-ever Quad Cities native position player to appear for the Midwest League franchise, Lindauer began the River Bandits' scoring by following catcher Jobduan Morales' leadoff walk with a drive to the lawn beyond the left-field fence off left-hander Eddie Campbell (1-1). Left fielder Tanner Mathis followed with a single to center field, and first baseman Chase McDonald drove in Mathis with a two-out double to right-center field for a 3-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Quad Cities (8-10) added to its advantage by batting around. Right fielder Brett Phillips tripled to center field, and third baseman Alex Gonzalez, making his Midwest League debut, doubled to right field for an RBI. Morales hit a chopper to first baseman Justin Seager, whose misplay allowed Gonzalez to score for a 5-0 score. Lindauer stepped in again and lifted a 3-1 Campbell offering over the left-center field fence underneath the scoreboard to make it 7-0. It marked the first multi-homer game by a River Bandit this season.

Right-hander Adrian Houser held the LumberKings (9-8) scoreless until the bottom of the fourth inning, when he allowed the first three batters to reach base. Left fielder Tyler O'Neill and designated hitter Austin Wilson each singled, and Houser walked third baseman Joe DeCarlo. With the bases loaded, Houser got first baseman Justin Seager to ground to Lindauer, who stepped on second base and threw to first base for a double play that brought in Clinton's first run. Catcher Christian Carmichael singled in another run to close it to 7-2. Houser was finished after four innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts.

After Campbell allowed seven runs - six earned - in 3 1/3 innings, right-hander Tommy Burns walked the first batter he faced before retiring 11 in a row to complete 3 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Quad Cities brought in right-hander Patrick Christensen (1-1) for a scoreless fifth inning, and right-hander Gonzalo Sanudo, entering in the sixth inning, retired the first seven batters he faced. Sanudo allowed a pair of singles in the eighth inning but struck out DeCarlo to complete three innings and stretch his season-opening scoreless streak to 13 innings.

In the Quad Cities eighth inning, LumberKings right-hander Ramire Cleto allowed a two-out double by Morales and Lindauer's RBI single to center field for an 8-2 River Bandits lead. Cleto also gave up two walks, two hits and three more runs in the ninth inning, as McDonald smacked his second RBI double, and Gonzalez drove a two-run double to cap a 2-for-5, three-RBI debut and extend the lead to 11-2.

Right-hander Andrew Walter worked around a one-out walk for a scoreless ninth inning. It was just the fifth game in the River Bandits' first 18 this season that has been decided by more than two runs.

The four-games series in Clinton continues at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee (0-0) is scheduled to face LumberKings right-hander Carlos Misell (3-0).

UP NEXT: Markdown Monday opens the next River Bandits homestand on April 28. Bleacher and berm tickets, as well as hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos are $2 each. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game against the Clinton LumberKings. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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 is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just 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.

*****

23 Apr 2014

Rebuilding Together home repair workday on Saturday

By Lisa Lockheart
Rebuilding Together Quad Cities, a volunteer-based home rehabilitation group, will be working on six home repair projects in Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, and Coal Valley this Saturday, April 26, as part of National Rebuilding Day.

Work is performed at no cost to the homeowners, who were chosen for assistance based on income, disability or age. Work begins at 8:00 am and continues until projects are completed, usually mid to late afternoon.

More than 50 volunteers will help elderly and disabled homeowners with repairs to sub-flooring, ceilings, bathrooms and railings, painting, window replacement, and yard work. Volunteers include retirees, LOTUS and NEON employee groups from Deere & Company, Youth Build, Davenport Jaycees and Home Depot. Lunches will be provided to volunteers with a grant from the Davenport Women's Club.

The group's work is funded by a variety of grants and donations, including the Scott County Housing Council, Davenport Jaycees, Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Iowa Mortgage Association, the Moline Foundation and the Amy Helpenstell Foundation.

Rebuilding Together Quad Cities was founded as Hearts and Hammers in 1990, and, with the help of generous community volunteers and supporters, has completed more than 800 home repair projects in the Quad Cities. With affiliate chapters across the United States, Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated to the goal of a safe and healthy home for every person.

(end)
23 Apr 2014

Eight Les Misérables Performances Added

By Richie Akers
April 22nd, 2014 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For Immediate Release:  Due to unprecedented demand, eight performances were added to TCR's Les Misérables production schedule; one to benefit Cedar Rapids Washington High School "Patrons for the Performing Arts" group.

Scheduled to open on June 20th with a special Gala performance to celebrate the final production of TCR's blockbuster 80th season, the production will feature a cast of local talent who were among the 300 that auditioned for a chance to perform in the hit musical.

When asked what is most exciting about the prospect of adding so many performances, Artistic Director Leslie Charipar said, "It is outstanding to know so many people not only want to see Les Misérables, but are truly excited to see our unique production. Adding this many shows is a testament to the demand for big budget musicals in our community, just as it is a reminder that TCR consistently produces new or unique works to satisfy the spectrum of theatergoers in the Creative Corridor." 

To Charipar's point, an adult comedy play that is set to open on Friday April 25th in TCR's 90-seat Grandon Studio just added three performances to satisfy demand. The production of God of Carnage originally had eleven performances, but just recently increased that number when performances began to sell out.

When asked if adding so many performances is common, TCR Sales & Marketing Director Richie Akers said, "Earlier in the season, Studio productions of Jake's Women and For Colored Girls required added shows, just as the big musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Spamalot did. Five productions this season alone added performances to meet demand, but not quite on this scale. We anticipated a lot of people would want to see Les Misérables, but we haven't seen anything quite like it since we produced the musical Rent four years ago. We are all just thankful that we have the opportunity to tell our stories to more people than anticipated, and look forward to the many opportunities we'll have to repeat it in our next season."

Theatre Cedar Rapids is the first local organization in Iowa's Creative Corridor to produce the musical that first debuted on Broadway twenty-eight years ago. With nineteen scheduled performances open to the public, the production is expected to draw over 8,000 patrons during its six week run. Added performances with the best current availability are highlighted in red. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at www.theatrecr.org/onedaymore
  • Friday June 20th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday June 21st at 7:30 pm
  • Thursday June 26th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday June 27th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday June 28th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday June 29th at 2:30 pm
  • Thursday July 3rd at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday July 5th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday July 6th at 2:30 pm
  • Friday July 11th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday July 12th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday July 13th at 2:30 pm
  • Friday July 18th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday July 19th at 7:30 pm (Washington HS PPA benefit)
  • Sunday July 20th at 2:30 pm
  • Thursday July 24th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday July 25th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday July 26th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday July 27th at 2:30 pm


TCR's production of  Les Misérables is sponsored by Great America Financial Serivces, and part of the CRST Broadway Series. God of Carnage is sponsored by KDAT and part of the Grandon Series.

About Theatre Cedar Rapids
Among the region's largest and longest-operating community theatres, Theatre Cedar Rapids is located in the Iowa Theater Building in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Founded by regionalist artist Grant Wood, TCR is a nationally-recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit community theatre in its 80th season of quality local programs that reach more than 60,000 eastern Iowans of all ages.  Core goals of the organization center on the quality and accessibility of programs.  During the August to July season, the 12 full-time staff, part-time help and contract artists fill more than 3,000 volunteer placements and work together to create an ambitious lineup of musicals, comedies, dramas and classics in addition to providing theatre education programs. The mission of Theatre Cedar Rapids: "Together, we create the magic of live theatre."

Quick Facts:
  • 47,000 hours volunteered last year
  • Over 60,000 patrons and participants last season
  • Founded by artists Grant Wood and Marvin Cone in 1925
  • An independent certified public accountant audits the theatre annually
Copyright © 2014 Theatre Cedar Rapids, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are directly affiliated with local community press, and advertiser, or a member of TCR's Board of Directors.

Our mailing address is:
Theatre Cedar Rapids
102 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
23 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Promotes Welcome Home Illinois Program at Annual Affordable Housing Conference

By Katie Hickey

Addresses Industry Leaders on State's Improving Housing Market and New Program for First-Time Homebuyers

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today addressed the annual Illinois Governor's Conference on Affordable Housing where he discussed the state's commitment to affordable homeownership and his new Welcome Home Illinois loan program for first-time homebuyers. The mortgage assistance package has seen significant interest since its launch in March - so far 384 Illinois residents have reserved $46 million in total financing. The conference is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward by improving access to affordable housing.

"Illinois has come a long way since the economy crashed, and the housing market continues to play a big role in driving our state's recovery," Governor Quinn said. "Making sure people have access to homes and apartments they can afford is critical. That's why today homebuyers can turn to our Welcome Home Illinois program for an opportunity to make homeownership a reality. Investing in affordable homeownership will build and protect the middle class, while providing more stability to families and communities."

The new loan program provides first-time homebuyers $7,500 in down-payment assistance with an interest rate as low as 3.875 percent for a secure, 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Generating interest at a faster pace than other IHDA programs, the timing is perfect for Welcome Home Illinois, tailored to working families, with borrower income limits up to 140 percent of the area median income (AMI) as the spring buying cycle hits its stride. More than 47,000 interested residents have visited the Welcome Home Illinois website and local homebuyers are quickly recognizing the program for its historically low rates, currently at 3.875 percent, which is well below the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.47 percent.

For more information on Welcome Home Illinois, please visit WelcomeHomeIllinois.gov.

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has created 14,500 full time jobs in construction and construction-related industries since 2009. This activity also generated more than $1.2 billion in federal, state and local taxes, as well as local business income and wages. The IHDA is a major contributor to the financial health of the state during a crucial time in Illinois' economic recovery.

"Our members are proud to partner with IHDA to build and rehab homes and apartments across the state," Illinois Housing Council Executive Director Andrea Traudt said. "The sharing of experiences and best practices at this event helps us in our mission to make Illinois a better place to live and work through the construction and preservation of affordable housing."

The conference also honors the state's partners who create and sustain affordable housing for families, veterans, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Innovative developments and initiatives made possible with state funding are recognized for the impact they have on their local communities.

"There is no greater friend to affordable housing in Illinois than Governor Quinn," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "Housing affects almost every aspect of a person's life, including access to jobs, transportation, education and healthcare. Under the direction of Governor Quinn, IHDA has stepped up to the challenges of today's housing market to make a real difference in peoples' lives."

Governor Quinn's leadership in affordable housing includes:

·         Launching the Welcome Home Illinois program, a strong benefits package for first-time homebuyers with $7,500 in down payment assistance and a below-market interest rate currently at 3.875 percent.

·         Helping 6,400 working families capitalize on historically low interest rates by accessing $724 million in IHDA mortgages and down payment assistance.

·         Declaring 2013 as the Year of Homeownership to emphasize the importance of housing in Illinois' economic recovery. Five new homeownership programs were launched during the year.

·         Targeting $130 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding for affordable housing, marking the first time this state funding source has been dedicated to housing.

·         Providing safe and affordable rental options for a growing number of Illinois renters. IHDA has invested or leveraged $2.5 billion to create and preserve 19,700 affordable rental homes in 257 developments since 2009.

·         Helping persons with disabilities or special needs live with freedom, choice and dignity by financing the creation of more than 2,000 units of new permanent supportive housing.

·         Investing $150 million to bring 1,000 vacant properties back to productive use and to save 375 homes in targeted communities.

·         Committing more than $327 million in federal mortgage assistance from the Illinois Hardest Hit program so that 12,500 families could stay in their homes.

The IHDA (www.ihda.org) is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and the preservation of affordable housing across Illinois. Since its creation in 1967, IHDA has allocated $12.4 billion and financed approximately 240,000 affordable units across the state.

The two-day Conference on Affordable Housing is co-sponsored by IHDA and the Illinois Housing Council, and draws more than 700 developers, non-profit organizations, community development corporations, legislators and other partners dedicated to the success of affordable housing in Illinois. Representatives from IHDA, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development all participate in the event's panel discussions and workshops.

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