22 Apr 2014

Quad Cites Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

By Troy Sullivan

May marks police memorial month.

The Quad Cities Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is having three upcoming events tailored toward this.

  1. Officer appreciation dinner and auction/raffle on Friday April 25th 2014. This is a public event where the public can come out and support our area law enforcement officers. Dinner is catered by Texas Roadhouse and the event is held at the Eldridge Community Center. Doors open at 6:00p.m. the meal is served at 6:40p.m. Online tickets are discounted through Thursday. $15.00/$5.00 (At the door Tickets are $20.00 for adults and Kids are $5.00). Kid's meal is: hotdog, mac n cheese, cookies and drink. The adult meal is: rib eye steak, baked potato, green beans, salad, sweet rolls and cookies. Pop and beer are included with meal. This event helps fund the memorial by up keeping the memorial site, the rolling memorial custom squad car and to provide support to the families. We need to update and remodel our memorial site and need funding in order to do this project.

We always show a tribute video. This year there is a section honoring Kevin Marxen from the Davenport Police Department who recently died while training off duty.

  1. QC Police Memorial Service on May 4th 2014 at 1:30p.m. This year it will be at Bethany Baptist Church in Moline Illinois. Immediately following the church service we will have a procession to the Justice Center in Rock Island Illinois where our memorial site is located. The names of the fallen officers will be read and a family member of officer or a fellow police officer will place a flower on a wreath in their memory.

  2. Pizza Ranch in Bettendorf on May 5th. 5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. Area officers and committee members will be serving, refilling drinks and clearing tables. Pizza Ranch is donating 10% of the sales to the QCLEOM and any tips will go to the memorial as well.

For more information, please go to www.qcleom.com

22 Apr 2014

Loebsack Encourages Students to Apply for Summer Internships

By Joe Hand
Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program in his Washington, D.C. office. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Summer internships typical begin around Memorial Day and run through August, though some positions are available immediately and specific dates can be set for each individual.

"As a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to LoebsackInternship@mail.house.gov.

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22 Apr 2014

4 Great Green Technologies to Celebrate Earth Day

By Ginny Grimsley
Environmental Advocate Shares Affordable Gadgets
that Shrink Your Footprint - and Your Bills

Just as intended, the 44th annual celebration of Earth Day is surrounded by talk of our environment, our impact on it and what we can do to better live in harmony with it.

"We're seeing more and more people who realize that, if each of us does what we can every day,  collectively, we can have a tremendous impact," says Lynda Chervil, a thought leader and green technology advocate whose new book, "Fool's Return," (http://lyndachervil.com/), mirrors real-life efforts to develop sustainable energy sources.

"All the people carrying reusable grocery sacks, people who've quit the plastic water bottle habit, folks heating their pools or houses with solar panels - that's what we should be celebrating this Earth Day."

This year's March Gallup Environment poll found that 42 percent of Americans believe the outlook for the environment has improved, up from only 26 percent in 2008.

Chervil, who studies the science behind green technology, says environmental awareness has ramped up production of affordable goods that can shrink individuals' carbon footprints. She shares four devices she says would make a nice gift for Mother Earth on her day:

•  HybridLight Solar Flashlight: These flashlights never need batteries, can be charged from any light source, and they always work. The 120 lumens model will burn for eight hours on one charge. HybridLight's flashlights are so reliable, the Boy Scouts' Utah National Parks Council endorse them - and they come with a lifetime guarantee. For every 10 hours of use, 100 HybridLight flashlights avert 60 pounds of toxic battery landfill waste. An added very cool note - HybridLights has a mission to light up corners of the world with little or no electricity. Recently, the company supplied everyone in a Kenyan village with their own flashlight.  Cost: Prices start at less than $20.

•  Bedol Water Alarm Clock: Imagine a water-powered alarm clock that's loud enough to scare you out of bed! Bedol's water clocks run strictly on tap water - no batteries, no nothing else. The energy comes from a natural reaction between the water and two metal plates. The smallest clocks in the line run for six to 12 weeks before the display begins to fade, indicating that the water needs to be changes. Occasionally, you also need to clean the metal plates with vinegar. Just in time for Earth Day, Bedol is launch it's 12-by-15-inch wall-mount water clock! Cost: Prices start at $19.

•  iGo Green Power Smart Wall: We've all heard of the "vampires" in our homes that suck up power whether we're using them or not - everything from coffee pots to laptops. Stem the bleeding with this surge protector that cuts the suck by up to 85 percent. The unit, which plugs into the wall, has four outlets, two of which are always on. The other two automatically power down when the attached appliance is not in use. Cost: Prices start at about $12.

•  Pama Eco Navigator Satellite Navigation system : This GPS system also saves gasoline by providing you with the most energy-efficient routes to your destinations, and feedback on your car's performance, so you can adjust your driving habits to improve your gas mileage. It also saves all your routes, so you can assess their fuel efficiency. Cost: Watch for pricing and availability on Amazon.

"Most of these items are not only budget priced, they save you money in batteries, electricity and fuel," Chervil says. "Not only are you doing something great for the planet when you use green technology, you're taking a load off your wallet."

About Lynda Chervil

Lynda Chervil is the author of "Fool's Return," http://lyndachervil.com/, a new novel that incorporates valuable life lessons in a page-turning tale that touches on technology, the green movement, and other aspects of contemporary society. She graduated from New York University with a master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and has extensive experience in consumer and commercial banking and has held positions in new business development, sales management and executive leadership. Chervil seeks to push the limits of established understanding by exploring alternative forms of spiritual healing, and, through creative writing, to expand the narrative of cutting-edge energy technology to promote sustainability.

22 Apr 2014

USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Supporting Water Quality Projects in 40 States and Puerto Rico

By USDA Office of Communications
2014 Farm Bill Enables Record USDA Investments in Rural Water Systems

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated Earth Day by announcing record support for 116 projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment.

"Having reliable, clean and safe water is essential for any community to thrive and grow," Vilsack said. "I am proud that USDA helps build rural communities from the ground up by supporting water infrastructure projects like these. I am especially proud that we can help communities that are struggling economically and those that have urgent health and safety concerns due to their failing water systems."

Today's announcement is USDA's largest Earth Day investment in rural water and wastewater systems. Nearly $387 million is being awarded to 116 recipients in 40 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Department is providing $150 million in grants through the 2014 Farm Bill plus $237 million in loans and grants from USDA's Water and Environmental Program.

Also noteworthy this year are USDA's accomplishments to help communities with the greatest needs. Sixteen of the Earth Day projects are in areas of persistent poverty. Twenty-nine are in communities served by USDA's "StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity." StrikeForce is a USDA initiative to reduce poverty by increasing investments in rural communities through intensive outreach and stronger partnerships with community leaders, businesses, foundations and other groups that are working to combat poverty.

Climate change in particular is putting more stress on municipal water systems. Many areas around the country have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, declines in snowpack, intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. All of these are placing fiscal strains on communities - causing them to make more frequent (and often more expensive) repairs and upgrades.

Among projects funded this year, the city of McCrory, Ark., is receiving $2.1 million to build a water treatment facility and two water supply wells, and refurbish its two water storage tanks. The improvements will reduce high manganese and iron levels in the water supply to provide safe drinking water to McCrory's nearly 800 residents. McCrory is in Woodruff County, a persistent poverty area that is part of USDA's "StrikeForce initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity."

Paintsville, Ky., is receiving a $4.9 million loan and $2.1 million grant to rehabilitate its sanitary and stormwater sewer systems. This is one of 10 projects funded by USDA that will improve water infrastructure in rural areas of Kentucky. The Paintsville project will serve nearly 2,300 residents and businesses and protect the ecosystems of Paint Creek and nearby lakes.

The city of San Joaquin, Calif., is receiving a $1 million loan/grant combination to replace a contaminated well. The city had to shut down one of its three wells due to high levels of bacteria. Once completed, this project will ensure San Joaquin residents have safe, clean drinking water.

In Ohio, the Erie County Commissioners will use $3 million in loans and nearly $3 million in grants to replace individual on-site waste treatment systems that discharge into and pollute the Sandusky Bay and surrounding areas. The commissioners also will build a wastewater collection system for the Village of Bay View and the neighboring Bay Bridge area. The Bay View peninsula is a vital ecological and economic area in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play to protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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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., S.W., 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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22 Apr 2014

Gilda's Club Quad Cities Named LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project Finalist and Award Recipient

By Rick Martin

Program dedicated to helping caregivers of cancer patients and survivors will be implemented in 13 cities

Davenport, IA- April 21, 2014 - Today, 13 VitalHearts: Secondary Trauma Resiliency Training sites were announced as beneficiaries of the LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project. These 13 organizations will be awarded $10,700 each in addition to training and tools to help replicate and implement the program in cities across the U.S. The VitalHearts Secondary Trauma Resiliency Training program is one of three proven cancer support programs included in the 2014 Community Impact Project selected by the LIVESTRONG Foundation, a top-rated non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer today. More than 100 qualified hospitals, cancer centers, university students and community organizations in seven regions across the U.S. were selected to participate in the online voting campaign that determined the award recipients.

"We are honored to be one of only 13 sites across the nation to receive funding by the LIVESTRONG Foundation to implement the VitalHearts: Secondary Trauma Resiliency Training. As we are well aware, providing care for cancer survivors creates many demands on healthcare professionals and we plan to implement the training for our staff, as well as, other oncology professionals in the Quad City area who provide unremitting, compassionate care to those affected by cancer, " said Melissa Wright, Gilda's Club Quad Cities Program Director. Wright also "is thankful for the outpouring of local support that sets this community above others. This wouldn't be possible without the votes we received."

"We are so appreciative of everyone who took action to bring the Community Impact Project to their communities," said Doug Ulman, Foundation president and CEO. "The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer today, and by immediately implementing these proven programs that provide critical emotional and practical support to those facing cancer, we are helping more people live life on their own terms. We take great pride in this opportunity to advance our mission."

VitalHearts: The Resiliency Training Initiative's mission is caring for cancer treatment providers who suffer from secondary or vicarious trauma, which is a significant, although hidden problem. Secondary Traumatic Stress includes such reactions as: depression, anxiety, persistent trauma imagery, sleep disturbances, mistrust of their organization, isolating from family/friends, frequent illness and loss of mission optimism, among other symptoms, due to the deep exposure to suffering that care providers are exposed to. VitalHearts' program, the Secondary Trauma Resiliency Training (STRT), revitalizes care providers, often saving careers of those who work with cancer patient and survivors by making them more resilient. This allows institutions to better retain their staff expertise, which gives crucial value to patients.

In addition to the Foundation's financial support, the chosen organizations will receive a toolkit consisting of facilitator manuals, participant materials and evaluation forms; training and support from the model program's staff; and access to additional tools and resources.

The VitalHearts finalist organizations for the Community Impact Project were determined through an online voting campaign that accumulated more than the 100,000 votes over an 18-day period (March 24-April 11). Finalists for the awards were determined by individual votes within each region. The 2014 VitalHearts recipients are:

    • American Cancer Society Hope Lodge - Grand Rapids, Mich.

    • Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn, Ill.

    • The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, Pa.

    • East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.

    • Floyd Medical Center, Roma, Ga.

    • Gilda's Club - Davenport, Iowa

    • Huntsman Cancer Institute - Farmington, Utah

    • Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at SJ/C - Savannah, Ga.

    • Little Red Door Cancer Agency - Indianapolis, Ind.

    • Providence Health Care Foundation - Spokane, Wash.

    • Stony Brook Medicine - Stony Brook, N.Y.

    • UT MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, Texas

    • UVA Cancer Center - Charlottesville, Va.

About Gilda's Club Quad Cities

The mission of Gilda's Club Quad Cities is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer.  As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States.  Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer. For more information visit our website at www.gildasclubqc.org.

About the VitalHearts Resiliency Training Initiative

VitalHearts: The Resiliency Training Initiative, a Denver, Colorado Trauma Training Center has as its mission caring for care-providers. Henry Tobey, Ph.D., VitalHearts' founder, was selected in 1998 by the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime to develop a program to respond to the secondary traumatic consequences of victim service work. That program, the Vicarious Trauma Training (1999), represented the first effort by the Justice Department to address this problem which affects all who work in victim service professions. Following the federal grant, Dr. Tobey, developed a more comprehensive program, the Secondary Trauma Resiliency Training. This new training serves a broader population. It is available to those who work with traumatized individuals regardless of the cause of trauma. The training provides an emotionally intense learning experience, in which participants examine the complex relationship between their challenging, moral work and their private lives. Care-providers find better ways to process all the trauma they encounter so they do not have to pay such high personal costs.

About the LIVESTRONG Foundation

The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand - LIVESTRONG - the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America's top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.

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22 Apr 2014

LUMBERKINGS SPOIL LINDAUER'S DEBUT, 7-6

By Rick Martin
Moline native goes 2-for-5 as starting shortstop but Bandits drop sixth one-run contest of season
CLINTON, Iowa (April 21, 2014) - Moline, Ill., native Thomas Lindauer smacked two hits in his Quad Cities River Bandits debut, but the Clinton LumberKings scored two runs in the eighth inning to come back and beat Quad Cities, 7-6, at Ashford University Field Monday night. The loss was Quad Cities' fourth in a row.
Holding onto a 6-5 lead in the eighth inning, River Bandtis right-hander Zach Morton hit Burt Reynolds with an 0-2 fastball inside before walking Tyler O'Neill. After Austin Wilson sacrificed the runners to second and third, respectively, Morton (0-1), pitching into his third inning out of the bullpen, threw a wild pitch to Joe DeCarlo, allowing Reynolds to score from third and tie the game at six. DeCarlo then drove a fastball over the head of Quad Cities center fielder James Ramsay to bring in O'Neill and give Clinton the 7-6 lead.
Trailing 5-2 in the seventh, Quad Cities scored four runs to grab its first lead since the third inning. Tanner Mathis got things started with an opposite-field single off Leoncio Munoz. Ramsay followed by launching a fastball that one-hopped the wall in right-center, sprinting to third for his third triple of the season and scoring Mathis from first to make the score 5-3. Tyler White then roped a single to left to score Ramsay. Conrad Gregor and Brett Booth each followed with a single to load the bases with nobody out.
Clinton turned to left-hander Blake Holovach, who got Brian Holberton to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, which scored White to tie the game, 5-5. Brett Phillips then singled up the middle to bring in Gregor and give Quad Cities the 6-5 advantage. Holovach (1-0) was able to get out of the inning when Reynolds threw out Phillips at third base after Lindauer singled.
The River Bandits had a similar situation in the first inning, loading the bases against Clinton starter Edwin Diaz to start the game. But Diaz got Gregor to bounce into a 3-6-1 double play, limiting the damage to one run in the inning and foreshadowing the result of the situation in the seventh. Quad Cities would chase Diaz after 4 1/3 innings in which he surrendered two runs - one earned - on seven hits, two walks and two strikeouts. Despite outhitting Clinton 15-7, the Bandits were 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
Clinton took its first lead of the game in the third. With two outs and a runner on first and Quad Cities up 2-0, starter Evan Grills surrendered a double to Zach Shank to place runners on second and third. The next batter, Marcus Littlewood, took Grills out to deep left on a fastball for his second home run of the season. Grills went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits with four punchouts.
With Grills out of the game in the sixth and the score still 3-2, the LumberKings were able to add to their lead against Michael Feliz. With one out, the right-hander clipped Reynolds with a fastball, got O'Neill to line out to right on a catch by Phillips near the line, and then walked Wilson and DeCarlo to load the bases. Jeff Zimmerman then punched a single into right to score two and chase Feliz after two-thirds of an inning. Morton recorded the final out of the inning to keep the score at 5-2.
Emilio Pagan worked the ninth to record his fourth save as Quad Cities fell to 7-10 overall and 3-6 in one-run games on the season. The LumberKings won their fourth straight to improve to 9-7. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (0-0) will face LumberKings left-hander Eddie Campbell (1-0) in the second game of the four-game set at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
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.
21 Apr 2014

Loebsack and Bustos Announce U.S. Secretary Of Transportation Foxx to Visit Quad Cities Thursday to Discuss I-74 Bridge

By Vonnie Hampel
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that at their invitation, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx will visit the Quad Cities on Thursday, April 24th at 10am to discuss replacing the functionally obsolete I-74 Bridge that spans the Mississippi River. 

This is Secretary Foxx's first visit to the region in his current position.

Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to Visit Quad Cities

Who: Secretary Foxx, Representatives Dave Loebsack and Cheri Bustos
What: Discussion of Replacing the I-74 Bridge
Where: MetroLINK Banquet Room, 1200 River Drive, Moline
When: Thursday, April 24th at 10:00 am (a media availability with Foxx, Bustos and Loebsack will begin at 10:40 am)

Prior to the meeting, Bustos and Loebsack will give Foxx a firsthand look at the functionally obsolete I-74 Bridge from Leach Park in Bettendorf. 

Foxx's visit continues Congressman's Loebsack's ongoing efforts to highlight the need to replace the I-74 Bridge. He has previously hosted a visit by then-Secretary Ray Lahood and has supported additional funding for transportation programs aimed to help the I-74 Bridge replacement like Projects of National and Regional Significance and TIGER.

 

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21 Apr 2014

USDA Announces $150 Million Investment Fund to Grow Small Businesses, Create Jobs in Rural America

By USDA Office of Communications
New Fund, Established as Part of White House Rural Council's "Made in Rural America" Export and Investment Initiative, Now Allows USDA to Facilitate Private Equity Investments in Agriculture-related Businesses
Fund is the First of Upcoming Announcements on Boosting Investment in Rural America; White House Rural Opportunity Investment Conference to be Held in July

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 21, 2014 - As part of the Obama Administration's new "Made in Rural America" export and investment initiative, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the creation of a new investment fund that will help propel the growth of small businesses across rural America. The new Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) will now allow USDA to facilitate private equity investments in agriculture-related businesses. Currently, USDA programs exist to help provide loans or loan guarantees to help rural businesses grow, but many small cutting-edge businesses also need equity support in addition to or instead of borrowed funds.

Advantage Capital Partners, which will manage the new fund, and their partners from eight Farm Credit institutions have pledged to invest nearly $150 million into the new effort.

"This new fund will allow innovative small businesses throughout rural America to access the capital they need to grow and create jobs," Vilsack said. "One of USDA's top priorities is to help reenergize the rural economy, and we now have a powerful new tool available to help achieve that goal. This new partnership will allow us to facilitate private investment in businesses working in bio-manufacturing, advanced energy production, local and regional food systems, improved farming technologies and other cutting-edge fields."

The fund is being formed under the USDA's Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). USDA utilizes RBIP to license funds to invest in enterprises that will create growth and job opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises. Working through the USDA program enables licensed funds to raise capital from Farm Credit System banks and associations.

The Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and lending associations specifically chartered to serve agriculture and the U.S. rural economy, is an essential provider of credit to agriculture and rural America. This new partnership between Farm Credit institutions and Advantage Capital, a leading growth capital and small business finance firm, brings together resources and people that are focused on providing more private capital, small business investment and quality jobs to rural America. This public-private partnership will have a tangible positive impact on our rural economy and is a model of how government can serve as a catalyst for private investment in rural America.

Eight Farm Credit institutions providing initial investments in the RBIC fund are: AgStar Financial Services (Mankato, Minn.); AgriBank (St. Paul, Minn.); Capital Farm Credit (Bryan, Texas); CoBank (Denver, Colo.); Farm Credit Bank of Texas (Austin, Texas); Farm Credit Services of America (Omaha, Neb.); Farm Credit Mid-America (Louisville, Ky.); and United Farm Credit Service (Willmar, Minn.).

USDA also announced that it will be accepting applications for other new Rural Business Investment Companies such as the one announced today. Interested applicants have until July 29th to submit their applications for review in FY2014. Any application accepted after this deadline will be held for consideration next year. USDA intends to accept RBIC applications through 2016, detailed information including application materials and instructions can be found at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBIP.html.

In addition, Secretary Vilsack said that the White House Rural Council, as part of the Made in Rural America initiative, will convene the Rural Opportunity Investment Conference later this year to attract additional investments to rural America by connecting major investors with rural business leaders, government officials, economic development experts and other partners. This conference will promote opportunities to invest in rural America by highlighting successful projects in energy, biofuels and bioproducts, infrastructure, transportation, water systems, telecommunications, health care, manufacturing, and local and regional food systems. To learn more about the conference, visit www.usda.gov/investmentconference.

About the White House Rural Council

To address challenges in Rural America, build on the Administration's rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council. The Council coordinates the Administration's efforts in rural America by streamlining and improving the effectiveness of federal programs serving rural America; engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities; and promoting and coordinating private-sector partnerships. With the signing of the Farm Bill in early February, President Obama directed the Council to lead a new "Made in Rural America" export and investment initiative, charged with bringing together Federal resources to help rural businesses and leaders take advantage of new investment opportunities and access new customers and markets abroad. The work of the White House Rural Council and USDA to bring investment to rural America is an example of how the Administration is creating smart partnerships with the private sector to better support Americans in all parts of the country.

About USDA's Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP)

The Rural Business Investment Program promotes economic development in mostly rural areas by helping to meet the equity capital investment needs of smaller enterprises in such areas. USDA licenses newly formed for-profit investment fund entities as Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs). RBICs use the equity raised in capitalizing their fund to make equity and equity-like investments mostly in smaller enterprises located primarily in rural areas.

About the Farm Credit System

For nearly a century, Farm Credit has been a national provider of credit and related services to rural America through its cooperative network of customer-owned lending institutions. Farm Credit provides more than $200 billion in loans and leases to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, aquatic producers, timber harvesters, agribusinesses, and agricultural and rural utility cooperatives. For more information about the Farm Credit System, please visit www.farmcredit.com.

About Advantage Capital Partners

Advantage Capital Partners is a growth capital and small business finance firm focused on providing growth capital and other investments supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm's typical forms of investment include venture, expansion equity, mezzanine financing, senior and subordinated loans and government-guaranteed lending. With offices and partners in New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago and other U.S. cities, Advantage Capital has invested more than $1.6 billion since 1992. The firm invests in small businesses across a wide range of industries that are located in geographic areas underserved by traditional sources of capital.

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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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21 Apr 2014

Downtown Davenport Cleanup Day

By Jason Gilliland

April 14, 2014

Downtown Davenport Cleanup Day

What: Downtown Cleanup Day

Where: Downtown Davenport and Bettendorf IA Date: Friday, April 25

Time: Davenport 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Bettendorf- 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Davenport Registration: www.DowntownDavenport.com

Bettendorf Registration: www.Bettendorf.org/downtowncleanup or call (563) 344-4084

Event Description

Davenport

• The Downtown Davenport Partnership, a division of Quad Cities Chamber, is hosting its annual Downtown Cleanup Day Friday, April 25. More than 150 volunteers will grab gloves and trash bags as they set out to clean the streets in preparation for summer crowds and festivals.

• Volunteers will be treated to free tickets to a River Bandits game and a post-cleanup party. Downtown Cleanup Day is part of the nationwide initiative, The Great American Cleanup. The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program donates bags and gloves for all volunteers.

• Volunteers can sign up by visiting www.DowntownDavenport.com and clicking the link to the volunteer signup sheet. Download the form and return to us at 130 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52801.

• The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), a division of Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, is a non-profit organization focused on the strategic growth and beautification of historic downtown Davenport. As administrators of the Self Supporting Municipal Improvement District, DDP provides leadership and advocacy for downtown economic development, planning, cultural vitality, events, marketing, and clean-and-safe initiatives.

Bettendorf

• The City of Bettendorf will also host its annual Downtown Cleanup Day on Friday, April 25th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. for a light breakfast (sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union) before setting out to clean up the downtown. Volunteers will receive free tickets to the River Bandits game on Saturday. Volunteers are asked to park in the back of the parking lot behind the Alter Building at 2117 State Street.

• The annual Downtown Cleanup Day is part of the nationwide initiative, The Great American Cleanup. The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program donates bags and gloves for all volunteers.

• Volunteers can sign up by visiting www.bettendorf.org/downtowncleanup and clicking the link to the volunteer signup sheet. To register, print the form and return it to the City Hall Annex, 4403 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722, c/o Patty Copeland or call (563) 344-4084.

Sponsors

The Waste Commission of Scott County's iLivehere program, Quad Cities River Bandits, The Great American Cleanup, and Ascentra Credit Union.
21 Apr 2014

TOPINKA: SERIES TO HELP LOCAL LEADERS

By Brad Hahn

FOLLOW THE MONEY

COMPTROLLER PARTNERS WITH FBI, CPA SOCIETY

MOLINE - Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka will welcome more than 60 elected leaders from the Quad Cities on Tuesday at a Follow the Money workshop aimed at rooting out fraud and making government more transparent.

The Quad Cities event is part of a statewide Follow the Money Series hosted by the Comptroller's Office in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Illinois CPA Society. An 11 a.m. address by Topinka will follow presentations from the FBI, CPA Society and Comptroller's Office.

The workshop which begins at 8 am, will conclude at Noon.

SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014:

WHAT:       FOLLOW THE MONEY SERIES

WHEN:       11 AM

WHERE:    Black Hawk Community College

6600 34th Ave., Moline

WHO:         Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka

Representative from the Illinois CPA Society

Representative from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Black Hawk Community College President Dr. Thomas Baynum

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