10 Sep 2013

Q&A on the Patent System by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Sen. Charles Grassley

Q:        How have patents and innovation improved our lives?

A:        Throughout the ages, people have used their brains and brawn to make life easier for themselves and society.  Each successive generation has marched down the path of progress to achieve higher standards of living and greater prosperity.  Inventors turn an idea into a product that addresses a need or solves a problem.  Consider how modernized farming practices displaced societies of hunters and gatherers.  Iowa's own Norman Borlaug is credited with saving mass starvation of a billion people through his work in high-yield, disease-resistant plant genetics.  Perhaps the most sweeping social transformation occurred during the Industrial Revolution when advances in manufacturing and mechanization helped lift a rising tide of economic growth and productivity for people around the world.  In 1903, the Wright Brothers triggered a transportation revolution that profoundly impacted global commerce and world travel.  A decade into the 21st century, the world is witnessing a new explosion of economic growth made possible by technological advances in life sciences, communications, clean energy and medicine.  Today's technologies nearly seem like the products of science fiction or yesteryear's futuristic gadgets that most people didn't expect to exist in their lifetimes.  However, thanks to the ingenuity, imagination and creativity of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, inventors and entrepreneurs, America's high tech pioneers continue to raise the bar of expectations and drive the U.S. economy forward.  Inventions can make life safer, healthier, more convenient, more fulfilling and more productive.  Just think how the washing machine "saves" time in a busy household.  America's founders recognized the value of encouraging inventors to think outside the box.  Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to develop a legal framework to promote scientific innovation and the arts.  The nation's patent laws help to spur U.S. competitiveness, innovation and job creation.

 

Q:        Why is it beneficial for an inventor to seek a patent?

A:        Since 1836, more than 60,000 Iowans have secured patents to protect the property rights of their inventions.  From the first-ever patented carousel to farm implements and medical imaging systems, Iowans from all 99 counties have navigated the patent system to protect their hard work, investment and earning potential.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issues patents for qualifying inventions that are considered original, useful and "non-obvious" to the marketplace.  A patent grants for a limited time legal rights to a patent holder, to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing the invention in the United States.  In exchange for these rights, the patent holder publicly discloses the invention.  The patent system offers a mutual benefit to the inventor and society, as others may study the published patent to discover new scientific advances.  Last year, the federal patent office issued about 270,000 patents with 1.5 million patent applications pending.  The average wait time for patent approval is 24.6 months.  If you have an original idea that you believe could someday fly off the store shelf, filing a patent application may be a smart business decision.  First, inventors need to do some homework.  Do some research to see if your idea already has been granted a patent.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website has a searchable tool at http://www.uspto.gov.  If your invention appears patent-free, it would be wise to file a one-year provisional patent application to protect your claim and continue market research.  Filing a patent and conducting the necessary research can seem like a bewildering, costly, time-consuming undertaking.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recommends hiring a professional, such as a patent attorney or patent agent to prepare and prosecute your application.  As with nearly any situation, watch out for scam artists who over-promise and over-charge for their services.  Use good judgment and seek referrals to reputable patent professionals.  For more than 200 years, the patent system has worked to advance our system of free enterprise by giving risk-takers the legal and monetary incentive to build, create and invent.  Like representative government, it's a two-way street.  It strengthens job creation in America and rewards inventors who bring the next big thing to the marketplace.  Just as encouraging the next generation to get involved early in our participatory democracy strengthens our system of self-government, encouraging youth to unleash their creativity at home, Science Olympiads and science camps will help the next generation build a better, stronger America tomorrow.

 

Monday, September 9, 2013
10 Sep 2013

Chris Duarte Tour Stops in Rock Island--Sunday September 15

By MVBS

Master blues guitarist Chris Duarte is touring from Florida to California, and the Quad Cities is fortunate to have him making a stop at Martini's on the Rock, 4619 34th Street, Rock Island, IL on Sunday September 15. Chris' performance will start at 6:00 p.m. with a $12 cover charge, or $10 if you are a member of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society.

Chris Duarte has been a perennial touring act since the 1990s, playing as many as 200 dates a year, and has developed a legion of loyal fans spanning across the United States, Europe, and Japan. Duarte's strong commitment to touring allows Chris to ply his trade and to work and rework melodic ideas. "I can practice all day in my basement but it's a totally different ballgame when I get on stage."

When the spotlight is on him, Chris Duarte's style of playing is intense blues-rock. He keeps it loud and heavy but still staying on the blues side. Duarte performance will bring to mind legendary artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Johnson.

Duarte has recently released two albums, Live by the Chris Duarte Group, and My Soul Alone, and he will be showcasing many of the songs from these recordings at the September 15 show.

This extraordinary occasion to see Chris Duarte perform at Martini's on the Rock is a fundraiser for the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, and is happening in conjunction with the East West Riverfest, a two-week celebration of arts, culture and heritage in the Quad Cities.

As part of the September 15th events, MVBS is hosting a Bikes and Blues Fun Run starting at The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf) with check-in at 10:30 a.m. and last bike out at noon. The poker run route is approx. 110 miles. Last bike back in to Martini's by 5:00 p.m. To participate in the Fun Run there will be a recommended donation of $10 per participant and will include admission to the Chris Duarte show. All proceeds from the Fun Run will go to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. All vehicles welcome.

# # #

10 Sep 2013

BOSTICK, SNAPPERS FORCE BANDITS TO GAME 3

By Marco LaNave

Beloit will host Quad Cities Monday night to decide Midwest League Western Division Championship


BELOIT, Wis. (SEPT. 8, 2013) - Beloit Snappers second baseman Christopher Bostick hit a two-run home run in the first inning to put his team ahead to stay and finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs in a 4-3 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits in Game 2 of the Midwest League Western Division final at Pohlman Field Sunday night.


Beloit tied the best-of-three series at one game apiece and forced Game 3 at its home ballpark at 6:30 p.m. Monday, when the winner will advance to the Midwest League Championship. River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor (8-3) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Derek DeYoung (8-5). Sunday's loss ended a string of 10 straight postseason victories for Quad Cities.


The Snappers jumped to a lead against right-hander Zach Morton (0-1) in the first inning, as left fielder Aaron Shipman hit a leadoff single, and Bostick hit the first pitch he saw with one out over the left-field fence for his second postseason home run and a 2-0 Snappers lead. Later in the inning, Morton allowed consecutive two-out singles by third baseman Renato Nunez, right fielder John Wooten and center fielder Brett Vertigan, whose hit scored Nunez but ended with Wooten being thrown out between third and second bases.


Trailing 3-0, the River Bandits came back against right-hander Kyle Finnegan in the second inning. Third baseman Rio Ruiz drew a leadoff walk and reached third base on two groundouts. First baseman Jobduan Morales walked ahead of designated hitter Brian Blasik, who beat out a ground ball to the right side for an infield RBI single. Second baseman Tony Kemp lined a single to right field that scored Morales, but center fielder Teoscar Hernandez grounded out to end the inning with a 3-2 deficit.


Bostick helped the Snappers respond in the second inning, when Morton allowed two walks before Bostick lined a two-out RBI single to left field for a 4-2 Snappers advantage. Morton went 1 2/3 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits with two walks and one strikeout. Right-hander Jamaine Cotton struck out first baseman Matt Olson on the way to starting 3 1/3 hitless innings of relief.

 

Finnegan left after walking the first two batters in the third. Right-hander Deyvi Jimenez entered and got a flyout and double play, but he allowed a leadoff bunt single by right fielder Jordan Scott in the fourth, when Kemp drew a walk, and Hernandez reached on an RBI infield single. Shortstop Carlos Correa walked to load the bases and force Jimenez out of the game. Left-hander Chris Lamb faced left fielder Danry Vasquez but threw a pitch in the dirt, and Kemp was tagged out trying to score on the final play of the inning, keeping the home team's lead at 4-3. It was the final time Quad Cities had the tying run at third base, as the visitors left 10 runners on base.

 

Quad Cities got two scoreless innings from left-hander J.D. Osborne and one shutout frame from right-hander Patrick Christensen to finish a 6 1/3-inning scoreless effort by the bullpen. Beloit used Lamb for 1 1/3 innings, then Kris Hall for a scoreless sixth inning, and right-hander Nolan Sanburn for two scoreless innings, although he worked out of a first-and-second, no-out jam in the eighth by getting a forceout on a bunt attempt and inducing a ground-ball double play. Right-hander Austin House allowed Hernandez to reach on a Nunez error in the ninth inning, but Vasquez struck out swinging with the tying run at second base to end the game.

10 Sep 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Foreign-Owned Businesses Have Added Nearly 80,000 Jobs in Illinois Since 2009

By Brooke Anderson

Aims to Attract More Foreign Investment to Illinois During Trip to Japan

TOKYO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that foreign-owned firms have added nearly 80,000 jobs in Illinois since 2009 when the governor took office, and more than 450 new foreign firms have located in the state during that time. The governor aims to build upon recent successes and attract more foreign investment in Illinois during his September 6-10 trip to Japan. Today's economic announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to create jobs and restore economic prosperity to Illinois.

"Our efforts to increase foreign direct investment in Illinois are paying solid dividends," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' economy is getting a boost from the growing number of foreign companies doing business in the state, including building factories, warehouses, customer service centers and R&D facilities. These jobs have played a major role in fueling Illinois' economic recovery in recent years, and we must continue to build on these efforts in order to create jobs and compete in the global economy."

Foreign direct investment in Illinois includes more than 2,000 firms that employ more than 350,000 people. Japan and the United Kingdom are the top two sources of these investments. The number of people employed by foreign firms in Illinois has increased every year since 2009 and went from 280,419 that year to 359,775 in the third quarter of 2013. Nearly 80,000 jobs have been added between 2009 and 2013 and the tax dollars of more than 450 foreign companies have been added to the state's economy.

Since Governor Quinn took office, individuals employed by the 1,387 Japanese-owned firms in Illinois rose from 42,126 in 2009 to 53,963 in the third quarter of 2013. The top five Japanese companies in Illinois by number of employees include Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd (7,000); Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (3,358); Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (2,800); Kotobuki Realty Co., Ltd. (2,190); and NTN Corp. (1,604).

"The state's transportation infrastructure and business climate are often cited as reasons for the high level of foreign investment in Illinois," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. "A central location and ease of access make it easy for executives, managers and consultants from other countries to get in and out of the U.S. We can also help these firms move their goods with our excellent road, rail and water transportation network."

The state's transportation infrastructure benefits from Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

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10 Sep 2013

Loebsack Statement on Reinstatement of Wrestling as a Core Olympic Sport

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to reinstate wrestling as a core Olympic sport for the 2020 games. Loebsack joined Congressmen Jim Jordan (OH-04), and Tim Walz (MN-01) to lead the fight in the House of Representatives to get wrestling back into the Olympics after it was announced earlier this year that it was dropped from the games. Last week, the Congressmen wrote to the President of the IOC, Dr. Jacques Rogge, to call on him to reinstate wrestling.

"Today's decision is great news for the sport of wrestling, but also for those who have fought so hard to demonstrate what wrestling means to the international community," said Loebsack. "The history of collegiate and Olympic wrestling runs through Iowa and we know that the determination and the hard work it teaches our kids provides them the skills it takes to succeed in life. I want to especially thank Coach Dan Gable and Coach Terry Brands for their tireless efforts to keep wrestling where it belong in the Olympics."

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10 Sep 2013

HADER MASTERS SNAPPERS IN BANDITS' GAME 1 WIN

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities can advance to Midwest League Championship with win Sunday or Monday in Beloit


DAVENPORT, Iowa (SEPT. 7, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits' dominant postseason pitching continued for a third straight game, as left-hander Josh Hader allowed one run on three hits in a career-high seven innings Saturday night, and the bullpen finished a 3-1 win over the Beloit Snappers in Game 1 of the Midwest League Western Division final in front of 1,760 at Modern Woodmen Park.


Quad Cities took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and can advance to the Midwest League Championship with a victory Sunday or Monday in Beloit, where Quad Cities went 5-2 as the visiting team this season. Dating back to the 2011 playoffs, the River Bandits have won 10 straight postseason games. Quad Cities has won 16 of 19 games overall and allowed only four hits for a third straight game.


Hader (1-0), who had starts of 6 1/3 and 6 2/3 innings with Delmarva in the South Atlantic League and twice worked six innings in the regular season for Quad Cities, faced one batter over the minimum Saturday. He allowed a first-inning leadoff single by left fielder Aaron Shipman, who was thrown out trying to steal second base. After a walk to designated hitter Ryan Mathews, Hader induced one of his team's two double plays. Hader had set down eight straight batters before Mathews hit a home run to left field with one out in the fourth inning. Hader then faced the minimum the rest of his outing, allowing only a fifth-inning leadoff single by right fielder John Wooten, who was retired as part of a double play. After allowing two earned runs on two hits and six walks with four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings against Beloit last Sunday, Hader walked one and struck out one batter Saturday.

 

The River Bandits beat their opponent to the scoreboard for the first time in the playoffs. In the first inning, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a one-hopper to shortstop Sam Roberts, who bobbled the ball and threw it into the first-base dugout to allow Hernandez to reach second base. Shortstop Carlos Correa dropped a single in front of left fielder Aaron Shipman to score Hernandez for a 1-0 lead.

 

In the third inning against right-hander Andres Avila (0-1), designated hitter Brian Blasik hit a leadoff single to left-center field, and second baseman Tony Kemp singled to right field. With one out, Correa drove a sacrifice fly to center field to score Blasik and make it 2-0. Avila left after 4 2/3 innings, having allowed six hits and two runs - one earned. Right-hander Vincent Voiro walked third baseman Rio Ruiz with one out in the sixth inning, and right fielder Jordan Scott drove an RBI double to left-center field for a 3-1 lead.

 

After Hader, left-hander Mitchell Lambson pitched a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout. For a third straight playoff game, right-hander Andrew Walter pitched the final inning. He allowed a two-out single by Shipman but earned his second postseason save by striking out Mathews to end the game with Shipman at first base - the only runner Beloit left on base. The two-hour, 10-minute game was shorter than any nine-inning regular season game for Quad Cities this season.

 

Saturday's River Bandits victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Sunday, Sept. 8. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Sunday, Sept. 8. Quad Cities will travel to Beloit for Game 2 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Zach Morton (0-1) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Kyle Finnegan (1-1).

10 Sep 2013

Fall/Winter Catalog Now Available

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
Davenport Parks and Recreation fall session starts next week! Pick up your catalog today at the River's Edge or Vander Veer, or browse our online catalog.
Catalogs available at:
River's Edge, 700 W River Dr, or
Vander Veer, 215 W Central Park
We offer a variety of programs this fall, including:
  • Learn to Skate Lessons
  • Performing Arts Programs
  • Nature Programs
  • Soccer Leagues
  • Volleyball Leagues
  • Special Events
  • Adult Programs
  • Youth Programs
  • Adaptive & Inclusive
  • and more!
06 Sep 2013

MEGA TABLET PLAYOFF GIVEAWAY, JERSEY AUCTION, FIREWORKS AND MORE - SATURDAY!

By Rick Martin

River Bandits continue $1 drink and food specials, $5 for all regular individual seating

DAVENPORT, Iowa (SEPT. 6, 2013) - With a first-round sweep in the Midwest League playoffs, the Quad Cities River Bandits have advanced to the best-of-three Midwest League Western Division final, and the promotions take another step forward for Saturday's 5:35 p.m. Game 1 against the Beloit Snappers at Modern Woodmen Park.

With a Mega Tablet Giveaway, the River Bandits will give away nine tablets - one during each inning of Saturday's game - courtesy of Video Games, ETC.! The River Bandits will also auction their game-worn batting practice jerseys from this season on Saturday, with proceeds to benefit the Genesis Foundation. A postgame fireworks show will also take place at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, and the team will continue offering 12-ounce beer and soda for just $1 each, as well as $1 hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos. All regular individual seats are now on sale for $5 each.

"The playoffs are a perfect opportunity for us to say thank you to the people of the Quad Cities by offering discounted tickets, discounted food and drink, a great fireworks show and a huge new promotion," said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. "Our fans will have incredible opportunities to bid on the game-worn batting practice jerseys of this year's exciting River Bandits team, win a brand new Android tablet, and enjoy great deals on tickets and concessions - all capped off by another fireworks show at the Best Minor League Ballpark in the country!"

Groups may call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 to book a group area or suite for the Saturday, Sept. 7, game.

 

Game 2 of the Western Division final will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Pohlman Field in Beloit, and Game 3, if necessary, would be at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Beloit. Every River Bandits game is broadcasted live presented by Mediacom at www.riverbandits.com.

The River Bandits advanced to the Midwest League Western Division final for the second time in three years Thursday with a two-game sweep of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, who finished the regular season with a Midwest League-leading 88 victories. Quad Cities has now won nine straight postseason games dating back to the 2011 Midwest League Championship run. Quad Cities has won five Midwest League Championships: 1968, 1971, 1979, 1990 and 2011.

UP NEXT: Saturday's playoff game will again feature all regular individual seats for $5 each, and 12-ounce beer and soda, as well as hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos will each be $1. Tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: 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 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-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 playoffs will likely be the last chance for Quad Cities fans to see 2012 No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa and many other future stars in a River Bandits uniform.

*****

06 Sep 2013

Governor Quinn to Attend Midwest US-Japan Association Conference

By Brooke Anderson

Governor to Meet With Top Japanese Companies Seeking Illinois Investment and Expansion

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn will depart later today to Japan to attend the 45th Annual Midwest US-Japan Association (MWJA) Conference and focus on bringing more foreign direct investment to Illinois. While there, the Governor will meet with the CEOs of major Japanese companies interested in expansion and new investments in the state. Japan is the second largest source of foreign direct investment in Illinois and the source of more than 50,000 jobs in Illinois. The Governor's trip is part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"I look forward to this annual event that takes place with our strong partners in Japan and other Midwestern leaders," Governor Quinn said. "Japan has deep roots in Illinois and is one of the largest export markets for Illinois products. This trip will allow us to capitalize on available economic opportunities for Illinois and Japan."

Japan plays an important role in the Illinois economy, employing more Illinois workers than any other foreign country except the United Kingdom. Illinois is home to 410 Japanese-owned companies, employing 53,725 Illinois workers. Illinois exported $2.1 billion in products to Japan in 2012. That makes Japan the seventh largest export market for Illinois products. Exports to Japan from Illinois have grown 17.9 percent since 2009.

During his trip, Governor Quinn will meet with top leaders from Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Nippon Sharyo Co., Ltd., Neo Morgan Laboratory and TACMINA Corp. The Governor will also meet with Japanese officials in an effort to boost investments in Illinois businesses.

At the conference, the Governor is scheduled to speak about opportunities to invest in Illinois. The annual conference brings together governors and business leaders from across the Midwest to discuss economic progress and investment between Midwestern states and Japan. This year, Governor Quinn will be joined by fellow governors from Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Governor Quinn's past trips to Asia have led to major economic investment in Illinois. For example, Governor Quinn personally recruited Nippon Sharyo to Illinois and the company has been expanding rapidly since opening its passenger rail car factory in Rochelle last year. Another Japanese company, Astellas - a pharmaceutical firm - built a new corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview last year, creating 150 new jobs. The investment came after the Governor met with the corporation's leadership while on a trade mission to China and Japan in 2011.

Following Governor Quinn's 2011 visit to Japan for the MWJA Conference, the Governor announced that Japanese manufacturer Sakae Riken Kogyo Co. was investing $35 million to expand its Peru facility and create 25 new Illinois jobs. The investment was one of several business and economic partnerships the Governor had announced during his 2011 trade mission throughout Asia.

Governor Quinn's attendance at the MWJA is the latest by Governor Quinn as he seeks to promote Illinois to a global audience. Past international visits and trade missions include Mexico in April of 2013, China and Japan in 2011, and Canada and Brazil in 2012. Recently, Governor Quinn announced the opening of new international business in Illinois, including Rittal Corp. of Germany and Grundfos of Denmark.

The state of Illinois opened its Tokyo office in 1987 and has had representation in Japan since 1983. Many Illinois cities have established sister city relationships with Japanese cities and Governor Quinn will sign a new sister river agreement to promote further economic development and tourism during his visit.

The Midwest US-Japan Association Conference is an annual event where business leaders from the Midwest region of the United States and Japan have met on an annual basis to discuss the growth and progress of economic relations of the American Midwest and Japan. The event is attended by Midwestern governors including those of Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The meeting host country alternates years between Japan and the Midwest. The first MWJA meeting took place in Illinois in 1967 when a delegation from the Japan Committee for Economic Development was welcomed by representatives of the Chicago Association of Commerce & Industry.

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06 Sep 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to tour Midwest Technical Institute

By Ted Nelson
Simon continue efforts to increase career credentials, job placements

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is visiting the Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) today in an effort to learn more about how for-profit schools can benefit students looking for a quick entry into the workforce.

"It is essential to prepare our students to succeed in today's job market," said Simon. "It is my hope that by visiting vocational schools I can help foster academic success and promote job creation in rural areas and across the state. Illinois is fortunate to have a range of schools ready to meet those needs."

During Simon's visit, she will speak with MTI students, view classes in progress and tour facilities. Established in 1995, MTI is a vocational school providing course offerings in busy career fields that include : welding, heating and air conditioning repair, nursing, dentistry and medicine. According to its web site, MTI has a 100 percent job placement rate in its Dental Assistant Program. The United States Department of Labor reports the median pay for a dental assistant is over $33,000 while MTI notes a median loan debt for the program being $5,474.

"I am aware of concerns about the default rates and questionable credentials of some for-profit schools and believe the best way to learn more about a topic is to go straight to the source," Simon said. "I hope to count MTI as a partner in our state's college and career readiness movement."

Previously, Simon has visited the state's 48 community colleges and 12 public universities to see how the schools are working to improve completion rates and workforce development, and gather ideas on how the state can help schools overcome barriers to completion goals. Affordability is the most significant non-academic barrier to students seeking career and college credentials, Simon said.

As the chair of the Joint Educational Leadership Committee, Simon is working to increase to 60 percent the proportion of working-age adults in Illinois with meaningful college degrees or certificates by 2025.

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