04 Apr 2014

Recent Amendment to Iowa Court Rules

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Des Moines, April 2, 2014 ? Today, the Iowa Supreme Court approved amendments to the Iowa Court Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage (ENMC) ?the court rules regulating audio and video recording and photography of courtroom procedures. The amendments broaden the court's definition of news media and allow for live electronic reporting, such as tweeting and blogging, from the courtroom by members of the news media, with advance approval from the presiding judge.

The amendments to Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules and the new forms accompanying chapter 25 are effective May 1, 2014.

The updated rules are the product of a ten-month review by a fifteen-person supreme court advisory committee consisting of Iowa judges, attorneys, and members of the media.

"I am confident the expanded news media coverage rules as amended will continue Iowa's tradition of openness and transparency of court proceedings and move us closer to Chief Justice Cady's goal of being the best court system in the nation," Justice Bruce B. Zager, who chaired the committee, said. "I am confident because of the conscientious way the Expanded News Media Committee approached the challenge of updating our 30-year-old rules in light of the many changes in technology and news gathering techniques reporters use today. The supreme court is very appreciative of the committee's thoughtful and well researched recommendations."

The amendments will allow media coverage of initial appearances in criminal cases with approval of the presiding judge. The rules will allow the request for media coverage to be made either in writing or orally to the magistrate or judge presiding over the initial appearance, subject to an oral objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's counsel.

The supreme court requested the review because judges and court staff are faced with bloggers, smart phones, and twitter, among other forms of technology that were not specifically addressed in the rules. The EMNC rules were first approved by the supreme court in 1979 and have been only slightly modified since that time.

"These changes in the Expanded News Media Coverage rules usher in a new era in news coverage of Iowa's courtrooms," Iowa Freedom of Information Council Executive Director and committee member Kathleen Richardson said. "It's exciting to see that the state remains on the forefront of embracing technological change to allow Iowans exceptional access to the judicial process."

The amendments to the Iowa Court Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage and the new forms are located at

http://www.iowacourts.gov/Court_Rules__Forms/Recent_Amendments__New_Iowa_Court_Rules/

Summary of Changes

With the advent of new technology and newsgathering practices members of the news media use, the amendments to chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules will allow a more consistent use of expanded news media coverage statewide and continue to allow for judicial discretion in individual cases. The amendments further transparency of the legal process while not disrupting court proceedings or interfering with individual rights. The rules strictly prohibit expanded news media coverage without prior express authorization from the presiding judicial officer.

New Terms and Definitions

25.1(1) "Expanded news media coverage" includes broadcasting, recording, photographing, and live electronic reporting of judicial proceedings by the news media for gathering and disseminating news in any medium.  Expanded news media coverage is limited to the news media unless the judicial officer orders otherwise.

 

25.1(5) "News media" includes any person who regularly gathers, prepares, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, or publishes news or information about matters of public interest in any medium, and who successfully applies to participate in expanded news media coverage and agrees to comply with all court rules.

 

"Electronic devices" is broadly defined to include, but not be limited to, laptop computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, smart phones, and tablet computers. Electronic devices not used for recording audio, video, or still images may be used in the courtroom by members of the news media for live electronic reporting with advance approval from the judicial officer, provided the equipment does not make any disruptive noise or interfere with court equipment.  Electronic devices may not be used by anyone in the courtroom for telephone calls. Electronic devices may not be used by anyone in the courtroom for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video unless approved by the judicial officer in advance of the proceeding. The rule applies to news media only. Use of such electronic devices by others is prohibited.

"Live electronic reporting" covers tweeting, blogging, and future methods of real time electronic reporting by text. It does not include photography or video. Members of the news media using electronic devises for live reporting also require prior expressed authorization from the judicial officer and must be located in an area the judicial officer designates.

News Media Identification in the Courtroom

25.2(12) Identification. All news media personnel authorized to use electronic devices in the courtroom must wear identification, which is clearly visible to the judicial officer and members of the jury and which states the person's name and media affiliation.

Initial Appearances in Criminal Proceedings

The amendments allow an expanded news media coverage request for an initial appearance to be made the day of the hearing either in writing or orally to the judicial officer presiding over the initial appearance, subject to an oral objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's counsel. Authorization for expanded news media coverage of proceedings subsequent to the initial appearance must be requested separately.

25.2(4) Initial appearances in criminal proceedings.

  • a. Oral or written requests for expanded news media coverage of initial appearances in criminal proceedings must be made to the judicial officer presiding over the proceeding. Such expanded news media coverage, if authorized by the judicial officer, is subject to objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's attorney.
  • b. The defendant shall be advised by the judicial officer of defendant's right to orally object to expanded news media coverage prior to the commencement of the proceeding, and any such objection will be heard and determined by the judicial officer prior to the commencement of the proceeding. The judicial officer may rule on the basis of the oral objection alone.
  • c. A judicial officer's authorization of expanded news media coverage of an initial appearance applies only to the particular initial appearance. Authorization for expanded news media coverage of proceedings subsequent to the initial appearance must be requested separately.

New Forms

The new forms the supreme court adopted with the amended rules are compatible with the Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS or eFiling) and available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website in a fillable and savable format. The new forms are:

  • Form 1 is the notice form for the news media coordinator to use to inform the attorneys for all parties and the judicial officer of a request for expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.This form allows the news media coordinator to list the number of news media members in the courtroom using electronic devices and the type of electronic devices those members of the news media will be using.
  • Form 2 is the form for parties to use to object to expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.
  • Form 3 is the form for witnesses to use to object to expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.

Electronic Filing

To prepare for the statewide use of EDMS and provide consistency during its implementation, the new amendments allow notice to be filed electronically or by paper copy. This will allow the media coordinator to mail, hand deliver, email, fax, or, with EDMS, electronically file the notice with all parties, the judicial officer expected to preside at the proceedings, and the appropriate clerk of court and court administrator.

Filing Period

With electronic filing, the amendments shorten the time for filing a request for expanded news media coverage from fourteen days to seven days for all proceedings except initial appearances in criminal cases. The time of notice for a party to object to expanded news media coverage remains unchanged at three days.

Number of People Allowed to Record Video and Audio and to Photograph

Because of the number of different electronic devices the media uses today, the amended rules increase the number of members of the news media allowed in the courtroom to record video and audio and to photograph proceedings. The amended rules do not limit the number of any particular electronic device, but allow for not more than five total members of the news media using still cameras, television cameras, audio recorders, and electronic devices, or any combination of the four for photography or video and audio recording. This amendment will give members of the news media flexibility and the judicial officer the ability to control the courtroom by designating where the news media is located in the courtroom and which proceedings can be recorded and photographed.

  • 25.4(3)(a) Video recording, audio recording, and still photography. Not more than five total members of the news media using still cameras, television cameras, audio recorders, and electronic devices, or any combination of the four, to photograph, video, or record audio are permitted in the courtroom during a judicial proceeding. Each still photographer may use two camera bodies each with a fixed lens or one camera body and two lenses. Where possible, all recording and broadcasting equipment that is not a component part of a camera or an electronic device and any operating personnel shall be located outside of the courtroom. Audio pickup for broadcast coverage must be accomplished from any existing audio system present in the courtroom, if such pickup would be technically suitable for broadcast.

Pooling

Representatives of news media are responsible for contributing to electronic pool coverage of judicial proceedings when necessary. If a news organization is incapable of contributing to pool coverage, the news media coordinator may allow the news organization to share the pool coverage or may restrict the news organization's coverage.

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

A separate request for expanded news media coverage must be made for Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals oral arguments.

Procedure for Requesting Expanded News Media Coverage

Requests for permission to use cameras, recording equipment, or other electronic devices in court proceedings must be submitted to the media coordinator at least seven days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled to occur. Or, if the proceeding is not scheduled at least seven days in advance, the request must be made as soon as practicable. The request shall proceed as follows:

·         Media representative submits request to media coordinator;

·         Media coordinator files written notice with clerk of court and sends notice to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, district court administrator, and presiding judge using Rule 25.10-Form 1: News Media Coordinator's Notice of Request for Expanded Media Coverage of Trial or Proceeding;

·         A party to, or witness in, the proceeding may object using Rule 25.10?Form 2: Objection of Party to Expanded News Media Coverage of Trial or Proceeding or Rule 25.10?Form 3: Objection of Witness to Expanded News Media Coverage of Testimony;

·         If there are objections, the judge shall rule on the written objections or hold a hearing.

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04 Apr 2014

Branstad signs Senate File 2341, Iowa Speedway bill, into law

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following bill into law:  

 

Senate File 2341, an Act relating to the rebate of sales tax imposed and collected at an automobile racetrack facility and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions

Senate File 2341 passed the Iowa Senate 36-9 and the Iowa House 82-14.

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04 Apr 2014

Loebsack continues fight to renew job-creating wind energy credit

By Joe Hand

Two weeks ago, Congressman Loebsack joined with Rep. Steve King to lead 118 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives in calling for the extension of the Production Tax Credit for wind energy. Earlier this week, he joined Sens. Grassley and Udall and Rep. King in authoring an op-ed entitled "Don't Pull the Plug: Wind Energy Empowers America" to continue to call attention to the need to extend the PTC, which will provide the needed stability for the wind energy industry.

Loebsack has been a longtime proponent of the wind energy industry, including being named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association for his ongoing support of wind energy in Iowa and his work to extend the PTC. He has visited wind energy plants across Iowa to see firsthand the need for stability that an extension of the PTC would provide and has repeatedly urged the House and Senate leadership to protect these good Iowa jobs. 

A copy of the op-ed follows.

Don't Pull the Plug: Wind Energy Empowers America  

By Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Mark Udall, Rep. Steve King & Rep. Dave Loebsack  

April 1, 2014

Momentum is building to extend expired tax provisions that lapsed Dec. 31. Of the 55 expired tax breaks on the table, wind energy incentives are among those left hanging. The industry faces instability and uncertainty caused by the expiration of the investment and production tax credits.  

We're working to build bipartisan, bicameral and regional alliances to secure a victory for America's 21st century clean energy policy. So far, 144 lawmakers have stood with us and hard-working families in our effort to support onshore and offshore wind energy developments in the tax extenders package.  

Specifically, we are pressing leaders in the House and Senate to prioritize extensions of the job-creating investment and production tax credits for wind energy. This federal tax policy has helped to launch a carbon-free energy source and diversify America's portfolio of homegrown, alternative sources of energy. The tax credits have helped to support 85,000 U.S. jobs; trigger $105 billion in private sector investment; reduce the carbon footprint by displacing carbon-emitting energy with clean generation wind energy (U.S. wind power capacity of more than 60,000 megawatts avoids 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking 17 million cars off the road); and, harness an inexhaustible source of affordable, domestic electricity for consumers. 

   

Opponents of wind energy tax incentives argue the industry doesn't need any government support, yet there are plenty of tax policies for various industries that have been on the books for decades longer than those for wind. If one measure is on the table for potential removal, all of them should be on the table. Everything deserves consideration on its merits, and wind energy stands up to scrutiny.  

   

Technology, tax incentives and private investment work to strengthen the renewable energy sector's position in the free marketplace and power America's carbon-free energy policies forward. Consider that 72 percent of a wind turbine's value today is made in the United States, compared to 25 percent in 2005. Over the past few decades, wind energy in the United States has changed the economic and energy landscape with nearly 900 utility-scale wind projects on the nation's electricity grid and more than 550 wind-related manufacturing facilities.  

 

Wind farms and/or factories have cropped up in all 50 states, putting people to work in good-paying jobs, diversifying farm and ranch income with an organic, drought- and weed-resistant cash crop, revitalizing rural communities and creating pollution-free electricity for millions of homes and businesses across the country.

Under one estimate, if the United States reaches 20 percent of wind-generated electricity, carbon emissions by the electricity sector would fall by up to 25 percent. That's the equivalent of taking 140 million vehicles off the road. In fact, at 27.4 percent, Iowa leads the nation, powering the equivalent of 1.3 million homes - Colorado is not far behind, powering roughly a million homes.

Critics looking for additional proof that wind energy tax incentives make good policy and good politics need to consider that wind energy is good for consumers, constituents and taxpayers. Wind energy projects operate in 70 percent of congressional districts. They require no oil spill liability fund to clean up environmental disasters. The U.S. taxpayer doesn't have to pay for catastrophic insurance as with nuclear power.

But despite its successes in the last two decades, the still-emerging wind industry is working to rebound after setbacks from the uncertainty of expiring tax policy. It suffered 4,500 job losses in 2012 within its manufacturing sector as orders and investment dwindled. Investment dropped from $25 billion to $2 billion.

And this debate is not taking place within a vacuum. A failure to renew wind energy tax credits not only jeopardizes U.S. manufacturing and our pursuit of energy security, but it also threatens U.S. leadership in the global energy race. If Congress pulls the rug out from under wind energy firms, other places like China are more than willing to step into the breach.

The United States can't afford to pull the plug on wind energy tax incentives that foster responsible environmental stewardship, encourage entrepreneurs to innovate clean-energy technologies and investors to finance the job-creating infrastructure that delivers clean electricity to America's homes and businesses.

Grassley is a Republican from Iowa. Udall is a Democrat from Colorado. King is a Republican from Iowa. Loebsack is a Democrat from Iowa.

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04 Apr 2014

Overcome Excuses and Reach Goals

By Ginny Grimsley

How to Overcome Excuses
6 Tips to Gain the Edge & Meet Your Goals

Great people throughout history often fail, quite miserably, before finally reaching their goals, says international business strategist Dan Waldschmidt.

"Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime; Winston Churchill lost every public election until becoming prime minister at age 62; Henry Ford went bankrupt five times; Albert Einstein was a terrible student and was expelled from school; Sigmund Freud was booed from a stage," says Waldschmidt, author of "Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success," (www.EdgyConversations.com).

"Ideas, brilliance, genius - they all mean nothing without the guts, passion and tenacity necessary to make your dream a reality. But often, people fall back on excuses and give up on trying to reach their goals."

Most of us have dreams, and many of us have big ones, but few of us actually see them through, he says.

He offers six tricks for jumping off the excuse train and forge the path to your goals.

•  Avoid the need to blame others for anything. Mean, small-minded people know that they suck. That's why they are so cranky and eager to point out others' mistakes. They hope that by causing others to feel inadequate, everyone will forget about how woefully off the mark their own performance is. Don't blame anyone, for any reason, ever. It's a bad habit.

•  Stop working on things that just don't matter. Not everything needs to be done in place of sleep. If you work for a boss, then you owe them solid time. You can't cut that out. You can, however, cut out television time, meetings and anything else that gets in the way of achieving your goals. Replace entertainment with activity toward your goal.

•  Refuse to let yourself wallow in self-doubt. You're alive to succeed. Stop comparing your current problems to your last 18 failures. They are not the same. You are not the same. Here's something to remember: Your entire life has been a training ground for you to capture your destiny right now. Why would you doubt that? Stop whining. Go conquer.

•  Ask yourself, "What can I do better next time?" And then do it next time. If you spend a decade or two earnestly trying to be better, that's exactly what will happen. The next best thing to doing something amazing is not doing something stupid. So learn from your mistakes and use the lessons to dominate.

•  Proactively take time to do things that fuel your passion. Exercise is a great example. Living in the moment requires you to live at peak performance. A huge part of mental fitness is physical fitness. A sparring or running partner is a great way to refresh physical competition. Physical activity accelerates mental motivation.

•  Apologize to yourself and those around you for having a bad attitude. Do this once or twice and you'll snap out of your funk pretty fast. When you start genuinely apologizing for being a bad influence on those around you, you learn to stop whining and start winning.

About Dan Waldschmidt

Dan Waldschmidt is the author of "Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success," (www.EdgyConversations.com). He is an international business strategist, speaker, author and extreme athlete. His consulting firm solves complex marketing and business strategy problems for savvy companies all over the world.

04 Apr 2014

Iowa Distillery Hauls In International Awards

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, April 2, 2014 - A small distillery in Eastern Iowa is turning heads all over the country with their award winning handmade spirits.  Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire, Iowa has recently been recognized with 8 different awards at international tasting competitions.

Most significantly, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has awarded MRDC's River Rose Gin with a gold medal.  This competition is widely regarded as one of the top competitions in the US and features brands from all around the world.  Distillers and importers submitted 1,474 spirits from 63 countries into the competition.

"We are obviously big fans of our gin, but we are blown away by this recognition."  Said owner and distiller Ryan Burchett.  "It is such a distinctive spirit that we were afraid it might be too unique to do well in a broad tasting like this.  We were thrilled to hear the judges liked it as much as we do."

River Rose Gin wasn't the only spirit from Mississippi River Distilling Company recognized in the competition.  Cody Road Bourbonreceived a silver medal while Cody Road Rye Whiskey and River Pilot Vodka also received bronze medals.

The Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago sent more accolades for MRDC spirits as well.  The annual tasting event there honored Cody Road Bourbon and Cody Road Rye with silver medals with River Rose Gin grabbing a bronze medal.  BTI relies heavily on highly experienced, professional guest tasters who are either retailers, restaurateurs, or prominent writers that are especially knowledgeable about the beverage category being reviewed.  All panelists are rigorously screened and audited and then trained in BTI's proprietary blind tasting methodology.

Tasting notes for Cody Road Bourbon included, "Bright amber color. Interesting aromas of singed praline, waxed wood, fruitcake and faint pepper smoked jerky with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a racy, candied citrus and nuts, baking spices, cocoa, salted caramel, white pepper, and cedar finish. Good depth and intensity for cocktails."

The BTI team "highly recommended" the Cody Road Rye Whiskey by noting, "Golden amber color. Aromas of oily roasted nuts, suede, dried fruits, and toasted meringue with a silky, dryish medium body and a smooth and even, rye dough, honeyed raisin toast, cedar, and mineral finish. Refreshing restraint, refinement and subtlety that grows on you when sipping."

BTI described River Rose Gin as, "Clear. Aromas of licorice gum, white balsamic marinated pears, pepper muffin and a whiff of latex with a satiny, dryish medium body and a mint-herb lozenge, grass, and white pepper accented finish."

The final award came from the American Craft Distillers Association where a group of MRDC's peers selected River Rose Ginas a bronze medal winner at their annual conference in February.  The event in Denver brought together craft distillers and professionals from all around the country.  The tasting allowed distillers to get feedback from others in the craft business.

"This award might mean as much as any of them."  Said owner and distiller Garrett Burchett.  "When the people who are out trying to make a living out of this stuff every day tell you you're doing a good job, it is exciting and truly humbling."

These awards are on the heels of additional national recognition in Country Living Magazine where their Cody Road Bourbon was selected as one of the magazine's favorite bourbons made outside of Kentucky.  Whisky Advocate Magazine also recently featured the Cody Road Whiskies in their tasting notes and buying guide along with a feature on the distillery on the magazine's blog.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.

04 Apr 2014

6th Grade Math Bee sponsored by the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency

By Whitney Smith

The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency sponsored the 36th sixth grade Math Bee March 4, 2014. 40 teams, consisting of 160 students participated at the local level with the top four teams as well as the top 3 individuals advancing to the State Math Bee in Fort Dodge, IA on May 2, 2014.

The top four teams of the 2014 Local 6th Grade Math Bee:

1st Place Team: Riverdale Heights Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Nihar Behere, Sanjiv Iyer, Aabha Joshi, Cienna Pangin

Coach: David Barber

2nd Place Team: Pleasant View Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Taylor English, Christin Hartman, Jacob Holland, Max Murphy

Coach: Zach Day

 

3rd Place Team: Cody Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Aadil Manazir, Anna Myatt, William Sharis, Mitchell Strobbe

Coach: Cathi Betts

 

4th Place Team: Hopewell Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Darsh Balani, Grace Halupnik, Brenna Morley, Amulya Pillutla

Coach: Marlise Bowsman

 

The top three individuals of the 2014 Local 6th Grade Math Bee:

1st Place Individual: Max Murphy, Pleasant View Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

2nd Place Individual: Aadil Manazir, Cody Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

3rd Place Individual: Cienna Pangin, Riverdale Heights Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District


04 Apr 2014

Genesis Receives Women's Choice Award For Heart Care

By Craig Cooper

The Genesis Heart Institute recognized for creating an extraordinary patient experience by individualizing, personalizing and humanizing healthcare for women and their families

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- April 2, 2014 -- The Genesis Heart Institute is a winner of the Women's Choice Award as one of America's Best Hospitals in Heart Care.

As more women self-manage their care and seek providers they can trust, the Women's Choice Award is the only distinction that identifies the nation's best healthcare institutions and signifies the Genesis Heart Institute commitment and passion for creating an extraordinary healthcare experience.

It is more important than ever to raise awareness of heart care, as one in every four women dies from heart disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The Women's Choice Award is based on robust criteria that considers patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and what women really want when it comes to treatment and a quality hospital experience," says Delia Passi, CEO & Founder of WomenCertified, home of the Women's Choice Award. "The Genesis Heart Institute not only performed well clinically with regard to heart care measures, but it also had a high recommendation rate, a measure  that is very important to women in choosing a hospital."

As the collective voice of female consumers, the Women's Choice Award provides women with recommendations they can trust, from other women. Eighty percent of women will choose a brand that is highly recommended by others and over 92 percent of women will trust a hospital more if it carries the Women's Choice Award seal, according to MedeliaMonitor , Independent Poll (2013).

"Heart disease is the greatest health threat women face. Through the efforts of our staff, we are helping the public become more aware of the gender-based differences in heart disease," said Nidal Harb, M.D., Chief Executive Medical Director, Genesis Heart Institute. "By recognizing that heart disease is different for women than men, we can improve treatment and save lives.

"This distinction recognizes our commitment to providing exceptional care for everyone."

"As the primary healthcare decision makers, women account for about 90 percent of all family choices when it comes to matters of health," added Passi. "Making quick decisions goes against her grain and women are seeking more information than ever before when making healthcare or hospital selections. Women appreciate learning from the experiences of others, as they take more time to identify the best hospitals and seek validation in their choices. Our mission is to reduce the risk for women and their families so they can make smarter healthcare choices. "

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04 Apr 2014

Half-price Book Sale Offers a Chance to Stock Your Shelves

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Friends of the Rock Island Public Library will a half-price book sale from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 3 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street.

And if the weather cooperates, you can also visit the sale room's outside patio for free, all you can take book sale finds The every other month book sale helps the Friends of Library clear space for new donations.  The next half-price book sale is Thursday, June 3, although the room is always open during 30/31 Branch hours.

Friends of the Library half-price sales are good at the 30/31 location only.

For more information about services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

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04 Apr 2014

Royal Neighbors of America and Soroptimist International increase empowerment opportunities for women

By Lynnette Tarchinski

April 2, 2014 - (Rock Island, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America has announced its new sponsorship of Soroptimist International of the Americas and its online volunteer portal, LiveYourDream.org. The organizations are combining resources to empower women with financial education to build more secure futures. Royal Neighbors will provide Soroptimist members appropriate insurance solutions and products to protect their lives and those of their families.

From the founding of the first club in 1921 to the present day with about 1,400 clubs and 33,000 members, Soroptimist works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The organization focuses on providing women and girls access to education as a way to achieve their full potential. Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org, a burgeoning online community that encourages offline action on behalf of women and girls.  

"Tremendous synergy exists between Royal Neighbors and Soroptimist. We share values and a calling ingrained in us as women, particularly as it involves empowering women to pursue their best lives," said Elizabeth M. Lucas, CAE, MBA, executive director and CEO of Soroptimist.  "We are proud to join with Royal Neighbors to accomplish joint goals and look forward to a long and successful relationship."  

Royal Neighbors of America has protected women financially and empowered them to improve their lives, families, and communities since 1895. It offers life insurance and financial protection solutions for women and their families throughout their lives. As a not-for-profit life insurer, its philanthropic programs also provide opportunities for women and families to give back, connect, and empower others in their communities.  Royal Neighbors was one of the first to insure women and children. Today, it remains one of the nation's first and largest women-led insurers providing financial products, member benefits, and volunteer programs to its more than 200,000 members.   

"It is estimated that 35 percent of women today feel some measure of anxiety about their financial 

future," said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. "With our knowledge of the women's financial market and Soroptimist's history of providing women educational opportunities, together we will empower women to build on their strengths and enjoy a secure financial future."

More about Royal Neighbors:

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through a variety of national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about Royal Neighbors, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (855) 243-4823.

More about Soroptimist:

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Soroptimist (Soroptimist.org) improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Its major program, the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. Since 1972, the award-winning program has disbursed more than $25 million to tens of thousands of women, helping them to achieve their educational goals and build better lives for their families. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org?an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.

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04 Apr 2014

Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway Kicks Off Spring Season with New Promoters

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (04/02/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Board is pleased to announce Midwest Racing Promotions as the newly named race promoters of the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway. Track improvements are underway in preparation for the spring racing season's April 18 kick-off.

Midwest Racing Promotions is led by racing veterans Tony Moro, Eric Lundstrom and John Pat Dorrian. The group has already implemented several track renovations to boost the safety and excitement of their races. These improvements include over 150 truckloads of track resurfacing and improvements to the corner guard rails to allow for faster, safer racing.

The 2014 spring season will start with a practice race on Saturday, April 12. The practice is open to the public and will run from 1 to 5 p.m. The competitive season will begin on Friday, April 18, and continue every Friday evening through the championship races on August 1. The Fairgrounds track will feature fireworks on opening night as well as following a special race event on Thursday, July 3. Hot laps for all races will begin at 6:15 p.m. with races at 6:30 p.m.

This year's Fairtime Grandstand line-up will feature two Speedway events, including the debut of Winged Sprint Car races on Sunday, August 10, with hot laps at 10:30 a.m. and races at 11 a.m. The inaugural race will feature three classes including 305 Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Mods. The Deery Brothers Summer Series returns to the Grandstand on Monday, August 11, with hot laps at5:30 p.m. and races at 6 p.m. This year's races will feature Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks. General admission tickets for Speedway Grandstand events will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, through all Ticketmaster outlets.

The Speedway has served as a longstanding Fair tradition since its construction began in 1884. With roots that date back farther than most Fairgrounds attractions, the track has offered a weekly summer tradition for generations of local families as well as an August highlight for many Fairgoing race fans.

The Speedway has hosted countless historic events including the 1940 world championship between Gus Shrader, Emory Collins, Ben Shaw and Jimmie Wilburn as well as Aldo Andretti's 1969 auto accident which preceded his early retirement. Today's Fairgrounds racers join the ranks of Speedway veterans A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby Allison and more.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitwww.iowastatefair.org.

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