30 Dec 2013

"MOJO UP" ANTI-BULLYING EFFORT IN QCA JANUARY 14-15

By Rick Martin

Dustin E. James, Moments With Class, LLC brings national speaker Travis Brown to local high school students in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

MOLINE, IL - Local businessman Dustin E. James and Moments With Class, LLC (www.ringsandgowns.com) announces two presentations from nationally-known speaker Travis Brown and his "Mojo Up" anti-bullying tour (www.nobullyingtour.com) for Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois high school students.

The one-day leadership conferences are set for January 14th at the Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center (3333 - 18th St.) and January 15th at United Township High School (1275 Ave. of the Cities, East Moline, IL) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Schools interested should contact Moments With Class, LLC no later than January 8th by calling (309) 797-6198 or via info@ringsandgowns.com.

Providing the "Mojo Up" anti-bullying message and tools for involvement and awareness, the events are geared toward team captains, committee leaders, class officers, student council members, leadership teams, club leaders and anyone eager to learn more about anti-bullying efforts.

"As a locally-owned business that works closely with students, faculty and administrators, it's important to give back to our schools," said James. "Having students aware and engaged with their fellow students to eliminate bullying is the best way to make our schools a safe place to learn and grow. Travis Brown's message leaves a lasting impression with students - an impression I am excited to bring to the Quad Cities."

About Travis Brown:

Brown is the co-founder of Mojo Up, Inc. (www.nobullyingtour.com/about-us) and America's top anti-bullying speaker with his high energy, intense content and captivating speaking style. He has impacted over 300,000 students here and abroad in addition to his work with athletes and teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns. Brown is the author of "Teen Leaders are Mojo Makers" and "Mojo Up & Stop Bullying" as well as the creator of the Mojo Up Anti-Bullying Program and Tool Kit. He has been seen on CNN, HLN, FOX, NBC, CBS and was a coach on MTV's "MADE!"

About Moments With Class, LLC:

Locally owned by Dustin E. and Julie James, Moments with Class, LLC (www.ringsandgowns.com) is based in Moline, IL and is the regional provider of Herff Jones class rings and graduation products.  The company serves over 50 area high schools and colleges by providing these schools with class rings, caps and gowns, graduation announcements and accessories, medals and awards, and diplomas, as well as providing educational tools and programs to assist with orientations, transitions, leadership, and motivation within these schools.

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30 Dec 2013

108th Sustainment Brigade mobilizes for Kuwait

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Chicago's brigade will provide sustainment support in Operation Enduring Freedom

FOREST PARK, IL (12/30/2013)(readMedia)-- Chicago's own 108th Sustainment Brigade will hold a deployment ceremony on Jan. 4. The unit's approximately 280 Illinois National Guard Soldiers will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The ceremony will be Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Living Word Christian Center, 7600 West Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, Ill.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying overseas for approximately 10 months. During the past year the unit has participated in training exercises in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and the Illinois National Guard's Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles in preparation for the deployment.

The 108th is composed of Soldiers from communities throughout Illinois, but with a large concentration of Soldiers from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Officially opened in 1941, the unit's armory is on the city's northwest side.

In Kuwait, the 108th will provide mission command, and will conduct sustainment and supply, Army watercraft, postal, human resources, contract oversight and finance operations in support of the Unified Land Operations' mission. The brigade will directly support the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and 1st Theater Sustainment Command's ongoing support mission in Kuwait.

The unit is scheduled to return to Illinois in fall 2014.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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30 Dec 2013

ERIC REYES WITHDRAWS FROM 17 CD RACE

By Abraham Levy
ROCK ISLAND - Republican candidate for U.S. Congress, Eric Reyes, released the following statement concerning his choice to withdraw from the 17th District Congressional race:

"I owe a special thank you to my friends, family, campaign staff & volunteers, and ardent supporters everywhere for their time and effort put into spreading the message of liberty in Illinois. I am eternally grateful to the people of the 17th District for giving us their time, wherever we met them," Reyes went on to say.

"This campaign has never been about me. It has always been about getting America back on the path our founders intended. As a party, we Republicans need to be united in our efforts and therefore, rather than continue to divide the party and waste precious time and resources of all involved, I have chosen to withdraw my candidacy and focus on advancing the principles of freedom, liberty, and limited Constitutional government by other means."

"The fact is, as bad as the situation in Washington is, the situation here at home is even worse.  We live in a state that is taxing itself out of competition for businesses. We have a budget and pension system that was recently 'reformed' by kicking the can down the road for the umpteenth time and hoping things will just magically get better. We also still live in the state with the most restrictive gun laws that infringe upon law abiding citizens' Constitutional rights and that have allowed increasing crime to continue to plague our society. I have no intention of standing by and watching our great state go the way of Detroit." Reyes said.

Eric Reyes is a Constitutional Lawyer from Rock Island, Illinois. More information about Eric Reyes and his plans to restore America can be found at www.EricReyes.us

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30 Dec 2013

Retrofit Weight Loss Unveils New Advertising Campaign Starring FAT

By Jennifer Zeidler

Chicago, IL. -- (December 30, 2013) - Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss company, announces the launch of its new "Fat Loves Winter" campaign for 2014. Working with Chicago-based Capitalist Agency, the award-winning weight loss company is introducing its first character: FAT. Using both print and digital channels, the campaign focuses on Retrofit's innovative approach to weight loss, which is already helping busy professionals permanently remove excess fat from their lives.

 

"FAT is the devil on your shoulder, telling you to have one more cookie or one more serving at the buffet," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of Retrofit. "We created FAT to bring fat to life in an accessible and memorable way. FAT starts the conversation and is a focal point for action. He embodies what is literally weighing us down collectively in a character we love to hate."

 

Located near the corner of Ontario and LaSalle in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the "Fat Loves Winter" billboard is highly visible. The placement is ideal for Retrofit, as it stands in a heavily congested area during rush-hour traffic. In addition, the billboard overlooks notable quick-serve restaurants. The billboard prominently features the FAT character as well as a link to the landing page fatloveswinter.com.

Visitors to the site receive in-depth information on the perils of storing excess body fat and the best ways to eliminate it.

"Fighting fat can seem like a Herculean task for many, especially busy professionals," says Hyman. "Retrofit has a proven method to fight it, and the FAT character puts a face on the insidious nature of America's #1 health epidemic: obesity."

The campaign comes just in time for the New Year. According to recent studies, weight loss is the most common New Year's resolution. Yet, only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. Retrofit clients are positioned to radically change the success rates of such goals this year, as the company has proven results.

 

Retrofit's technology-based approach to weight loss disrupts traditional models for reducing body fat. Today, more than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight. In fact, Retrofit clients who completed a 12-month weight loss program lost an average of 19.1 pounds, or 8.3% of their starting body weight.

 

"Our goal is simple: motivate people to get healthy and strong," said Hyman. "Everyday, Retrofit clients step on the scale to see how their fat mass and lean mass has changed. Fighting FAT, this troublesome little monster, provides a fun focal point for getting stronger and freeing our bodies from the burden of excess fat. Everyone can relate to the challenges that fat presents, especially during this critical time of year for setting weight loss goals."

 

Follow FAT at www.twitter.com/fatspeaks or Facebook: www.facebook.com/fatspeaks.

 

 

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative program for both individuals and corporations includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as access to wellness coaches consisting of registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and behavior coaches. Retrofit has raised $15.7 million in venture financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and Cambia Health Solutions. Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

30 Dec 2013

Sophia and Liam Top List Of Most Popular Names Of Genesis Babies

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Dec. 30, 2013 - Parents of babies born at Genesis BirthCenters in 2013, like others across the country, may have been partly influenced by pop culture when choosing names.

The most popular names for babies born at Genesis this year are both now popular in culture.

Sophia (19 babies), which had been a popular name already for the past several years, regained the top spot this year at Genesis, replacing Olivia (14 babies) as the most popular name for newborn girls at Genesis BirthCenters in Davenport and at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis.

Liam (21 babies), whose only appearance in the Genesis list was in 2011, beat out William and Isaac (tying at 16 babies) for the most popular name for baby boys.

Popular culture may have been part of the reason for the popularity of the names Sophia and Liam across the country, including the Quad Cities.

Sofia the First is a popular Disney animated series, which debuted as a television pilot in November, 2012. Sofia the First is now highly marketed by Disney, as you might have discovered this Christmas.

Sofia is a young commoner who becomes a princess when her mother marries the king of the make-believe Kingdom of Enchancia.

Sophia held the most popular slot for two of the last three years at Genesis before moving to the top again this year. Sophia is also the most popular baby name for girls in the U.S.

Liam, on the rise as a popular baby name in the U.S. since 2009, may owe some of its popularity to Australian actor Liam Hemsworth and his recurring role as Gale Hawthorne in the film series The Hunger Games. Hemsworth is a star with young fans.

The rest of the top five most popular girls names for Genesis babies were Olivia (14 babies), and a tie among Ava, Elizabeth, and Emma (10 babies).

Following Liam as the five most popular boys name at Genesis were William and Isaac (16 babies), and a tie between Carter and Ethan (15 babies) for fourth place.

The top five girls names nationally in 2013, according to babycenter.com were Sophia, Emma, Olivia, Isabella and Mia. The top five boys names were Jackson, Aiden, Liam, Lucas, and Noah.

While popularity is nice, a few babies born at Genesis in 2013 will have names they won't be sharing with others in their classes. Among the less common names given to babies born at Genesis in 2013 were Danatjonzqueen, Johntajia, Monserrat, Demonteez, Jamoliddin, and Quisontro.

 

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2013 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (19); 2. Olivia (14); 3 tie, Ava, Elizabeth, and Emma (10) 6. tie, Addison, Aubrey, and Mia (9); 9. Ella; 10. Charlotte

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2013 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Liam (21); 2. tie, Isaac and William (16); 4. tie, Carter, David, and Ethan (15); 7. tie, Aiden and Brayden (12); 9. Mason (11); 10. Logan (9)

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2012 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Olivia (18); 2. Isabella (17); 3. Sophia (14); 4. tie, Ava and Madison (12); 6. tie, Emma (11) and Zoey (11); 8. tie, Avery and Chloe (10); 10. Lily (9).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2012 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Mason (17); 2. Benjamin (14); 3. tie, William, Alexander and Noah (13); 6. Elijah (12); 7. tie, Henry, Anthony, Jayden and Jackson (11).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2011 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (22); 2. Ava (17); 3. tie, Addison and Isabella (16); 5. Lily (13); 6. tie, Olivia, Emily and Ella (11); 9. Madison (10); 10. Kylee (9).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2011 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Alexander (17); 2. Elijah (15); 3. tie, Noah and Landon (14); 5. Logan (13); 6. tie, Owen, Aiden, Brayden, Liam (12); 10. tie, Gavin and Jackson (11).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2010 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (30); 2. Isabella (23); 3. Emma (22); 4. Ava (20); 5. Addison (18); 6. Ella (17); 7. tie, Madison (14) and Madelyn (14); 9. tie, Lillian (13) and Abigail (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2010 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Mason (22); 2. Aiden (17); 3. tie, Alexander (13); Jacob (13); Jayden (13); Luke (13); Zachary (13); 8. tie, Noah, Owen, Caleb, Benjamin, and Carter (12).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2009 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Isabella (27); 2. Olivia (20); 3. Addison (17); 4. Abigail (16); 5. Ava (15); 6. Grace (14); 7. tie, Emily; Emma and Madison (12); 10. tie, Alexis and Hailey (11).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2009 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Noah (20); 2. tie, Ethan and Carter (19); 4. Alexander (18); 5. Logan (17); 6. tie, Jacob and Aiden (16); 8. Benjamin (15); 9. Jack (14); 10. William (13).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2008 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Addison (21); 2. Hailey (20); 3. Madeline (18); 4. tie, Abigail, Emily and Emma (17); 7. tie, Isabella and Olivia (16); 9. Chloe (15); 10. Ava (12).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2008 At Genesis Birth Center

1. Jaden (25); 2. Aiden (23); 3. tie, Alexander and Noah (21); 5. tie, Kaiden and William (19); 7. tie, Landon and Logan (17); 9. Elijah (16); 10. Benjamin (15).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2007 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Ava (22); 2. Olivia (21); 3. tie, Addison and Lily (18); 5. Elizabeth (16); 6. tie, Madeline, Alexis, Sophia, Isabella (14); 10. tie, Emma, Madison (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2007 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Aiden (29); 2. tie, Noah and Jacob (18); 4. Ethan (17); 5. tie Jackson, Tyler, Landon, Gabriel, Benjamin, William and Alexander (Alex) 15.

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2006 at Genesis Birth Centers

1. Emma (29); 2. Olivia (20); 3. tie, Ava and Hannah (19); 5. Addison (18); 6. Grace (17); 6. Isabella (16); 7. Abigail (15); 8. tie, Alexis and Lauren (14); 10. Emily (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2006 at Genesis Birth Centers

1. Ethan (28); 2. tie, Aiden and Carter (20); 4. tie, Andrew, Logan, Mason and Noah (17); 8. tie, Alexander and Jacob (16); 10. tie, Hunter and Joseph (15).

 

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30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Sunday, December 29, 2013**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: HB 1604

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows county assessors in counties with a population fewer than 3,000,000 people to consider any property erroneously granted a homestead exemption as omitted property for that taxable year only.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Announces $7 Million to Divert Non-Violent Offenders from Prison to Community Programs

By Grant Klinzman

Adult Redeploy Illinois Awards Will Expand Community-Based Alternatives to Incarceration

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that 31 Illinois counties will receive a total of nearly $7 million to divert non-violent offenders from prison into more effective community-based services. The investments are through Adult Redeploy Illinois, a proven, successful program that is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Illinois' recidivism rate has dropped from 55 percent to 47 percent.

"Community-based programs are more cost-effective and produce better results in rehabilitating non-violent offenders," Governor Quinn said. "Everyone benefits when we can help offenders turn their lives around and become productive members of society without filling up our prisons."

Adult Redeploy Illinois, administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), provides financial incentives to counties or judicial circuits to create or expand diversion programs that employ evidence-based practices and encourage the successful local supervision of eligible offenders. The results are better outcomes for offenders which improves public safety at a lower cost to taxpayers. The awards were determined by the Adult Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board (ARIOB).

"Adult Redeploy Illinois was built on evidence-based practices that give non-violent offenders the tools and services they need to turn away from crime while saving the state millions in incarceration costs," ICJIA Executive Director Jack Cutrone said. "We are extremely thankful to the Governor for the opportunity to continue and expand this outstanding program."

Adult Redeploy Illinois will award 18 grants covering 34 counties. These include :

  • 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Services, $302,207 (Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White Counties)
  • Effingham County Probation Department, $168,282 (Also serving Christian County)
  • 9th Judicial Circuit Court, $436,680 (Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren Counties)
  • 13th Judicial Circuit Probation and Court Services, $281,263 (LaSalle County)
  • 17th Judicial Circuit Court, $150,000 (Boone County)
  • Cook County Justice Advisory Council, $1,541,461
  • 18th Judicial Circuit Court, $317,514 (DuPage County)
  • Jersey County Probation Office, $123,766
  • Kane County Adult Court Services, $300,000
  • Lake County Circuit Court, $215,835
  • Macon County State's Attorney's Office, $318,911
  • Madison County Probation Department, $213,718
  • McLean County Court Services, $168,488
  • Peoria County Probation Department, $300,286
  • Sangamon County Circuit Court, $224,724
  • St. Clair County Probation Department, $388,663
  • Winnebago County Circuit Court, $646,775

Since 2011, Adult Redeploy Illinois sites have diverted more than 1,000 non-violent offenders. In 2012, these sites spent an average of $4,400 per program participant, compared to the annual per capita incarceration cost of $21,500 in state fiscal year 2011. This represents more than $17 million in potential corrections savings.

"Adult Redeploy Illinois has proven to be successful in helping non-violent justice involved individuals get back on the right path," ARIOB Co-Chair Michelle R.B. Saddler, secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services said. "This expansion will allow more participants to get treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems along with the other services that help participants avoid recidivism."

Locally-designed ARI programs offer offenders a chance to avoid prison by committing to intensive supervision and services, including cognitive behavioral and trauma-informed therapy, and problem-solving drug, mental health and veterans' courts. Awarded jurisdictions must agree to reduce by 25 percent the number of commitments to the Illinois Department of Corrections from a defined target population of prison-bound, non-violent offenders. To date, all fully implemented Adult Redeploy Illinois sites have met or exceeded their diversion goals.

"The Illinois Department of Corrections believes very strongly in working with at-risk, nonviolent offenders in their own communities," ARIOB Co-Chair S.A. Godinez, director of the Illinois Department of Corrections said. "As opposed to immediate incarceration, this is a sound and cost-effective approach to ensuring public safety."

ICJIA is dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice with work in the areas of grants administration, research and analysis, policy and planning, and information systems and technology. For more information on ICJIA, visit http://icjia.state.il.us/. For more information on Adult Redeploy Illinois, go to http://icjia.state.il.us/public/redeploy/.

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30 Dec 2013

MCMILLAN GIVES MALLARDS 3-2 O.T. WIN IN BRAMPTON

By Brian Lavelle

BRAMPTON, Ontario (December 28, 2013) - Darren McMillan scored 36 seconds into overtime to give the Quad City Mallards a come-from-behind 3-2 win over the host Brampton Beast Saturday night. The victory- the Mallards' second in as many nights in Brampton- extended the Mallards' season best winning streak to four games.

McMillan snapped the game winner home from the high slot after the Mallards had rallied from a 2-0 third period deficit to force sudden death. Jim McKenzie pounced on a rebound to cut the gap to 2-1 at 2:37 of the third. Gabriel Levesque roofed the tying goal from close range at the 9:01 mark.

The Mallards found themselves in need of a rally after the Beast scored in each of the first two periods. Jason Pitton's one timer from the left wing circle gave Brampton a 1-0 lead at 4:03 of the first period. Rob Collins doubled the Beast advantage with a one timer from the high slot at 11:46 of the second period, but the Mallards would battle back to clinch their three-game weekend set with the Beast heading into Monday evening's series finale at the Powerade Center.

The Mallards next play at home next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Charles Chill. Next Friday is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for next Friday's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.
30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Announces $3.6 Million to Improve Laboratories at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®

By Brooke Anderson

Construction to Begin in Fall 2014

AURORA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3.6 million investment from his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program to upgrade laboratories at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) in Aurora. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to improving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Illinois to keep the state's students competitive in the global marketplace.

"We have a responsibility to ensure Illinois students compete and succeed on the world stage," Governor Quinn said. "This improved laboratory will allow students to learn firsthand how the world around them functions, providing them with opportunities to explore and discover that will help them in college, career and beyond."

The $3.6 million will allow IMSA to reconfigure eight laboratories in the "A" wing of the Math and Science Academy building. The work will include replacing casework, countertops, cabinets, and fume hoods; upgrading the plumbing, electrical, data/telecommunication and climate control systems; and modifying gas, water, and waste piping. The Illinois Capital Development Board, which will manage the construction project, will award a contract for the work following a competitive bid process.

"The State's investment, coupled with private sector support for advanced scientific equipment and educational programs, will enable IMSA to strengthen our curriculum and pioneer new methods of teaching and learning for the future," IMSA President Catherine C. Veal said.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® develops creative, ethical leaders in STEM. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. Visit http://imsa.edu/ for more information.

The IMSA project is part of 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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30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Announces U of I's Lincoln Hall Earns Nation's Highest Green Building Designation

By Rick Martin

LEED Platinum Rating is Only the Second for a Historic Building in Illinois

URBANA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state-funded rehabilitation project at the University of Illinois' Lincoln Hall has allowed the building to achieve LEED Platinum status, the nation's highest "green building" designation. This designation is particularly difficult to achieve with projects on historic buildings like Lincoln Hall, and it is only the second historic building in the state of Illinois to be certified LEED Platinum. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to making all state buildings as energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly as possible.

"Lincoln Hall is the perfect example of what we can do when we work together and make smart, strategic investments," Governor Quinn said. "LEED Platinum is a fitting designation for this state-of-the-art green facility that will service students of the University of Illinois for many generations to come."

The $60.4 million renovation of Lincoln Hall, completed in 2012, was designed to achieve a coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. The LEED certification can be silver, gold or platinum, which is the highest level obtainable. The certification process begins at the early stages of a project when the project team decides what level of LEED certification they hope to achieve. The final certification comes after the building is completed and all documentation has been thoroughly reviewed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Illinois Jobs Now! funded project, designed by CANNON Design of Chicago, included the extensive renovation and reconfiguration of Lincoln Hall. The building's climate control, electrical, lighting, plumbing and fire alarm systems were upgraded, and the structure was reconfigured to make it more usable while preserving its historic character. The project also replaced the floor, ceiling, and wall finishes; abated asbestos-containing materials; and purchased moveable equipment. The construction was managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

"The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is now home to seven LEED buildings, and projects such as the Lincoln Hall renovation exemplify our green building leadership," Chancellor Phyllis Wise said. "We are delighted to work with the state of Illinois to become a nationwide model of sustainability."

The reuse and rehabilitation of an existing building like Lincoln Hall is "greener" than constructing a new replacement building. Some of the key "green" features of the project include :

·         Demolition materials and construction packaging were recycled.

·         Workers salvaged, refinished and reused existing wood trim and wood doors.

·         Removed slate roofing tiles were ground up for mulch and placed in landscape beds.

·         Finishing materials had recycled content.

·         Many construction materials were produced regionally to reduce transportation costs.

·         The building features dedicated outdoor air supply units with heat recovery for centralized and efficient fresh air intake and exhaust.

·         Low water volume plumbing fixtures were used.

·         Displacement air diffusers were installed in classrooms and the Lincoln Theater.

·         Efficient lighting with daylight harvesting and occupancy sensor controls were installed.

·         Variable frequency drives for pumps and motors were used to save on energy and wear and tear.

Other Illinois Jobs Now! funded construction projects are underway at the University of Illinois for which LEED certification will be sought. These include the $80 million Electrical and Computer Engineering Building and the $23.2 million Integrated Biotechnology Research Laboratory.

The only other historic building in Illinois to achieve LEED Platinum certification is the old Sears Powerhouse, now the Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center in Chicago, after a historic rehabilitation project.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Studies have shown that a two percent investment in "green" materials and techniques during design and construction results in a 20 percent reduction in a structure's energy use and operating costs during the lifetime of a building.

Lincoln Hall was built between 1909 and 1911. The Illinois General Assembly appropriated $250,000 for the construction of the building to serve as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln in 1909, the centennial of his birth. The west end of the building and the theater were added in 1929 and 1930. The original architect was W.C. Zimmerman and the building, designed in the Renaissance Revival style, has many notable features, including a bronze bust of the 16th President just inside the main doorway off the Quad, and terra cotta plaques along three exterior sides. The plaques facing the Quad depict scenes from Lincoln's life, while the plaques on the sides contain quotations from the President.

Lincoln Hall houses the general curriculum classrooms and lecture halls; Political Science, Sociology, Speech and Communication Departments; the Dean's Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Academic Affairs Office; and Admissions and Records.

The Lincoln Hall project is part of 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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