(DES MOIES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad has co-written a bipartisan governors' letter urging President Obama and Congress to make forward progress on three trade agreements that have great potential to open up foreign markets to U.S. exports and to encourage further investment in the U.S.

The letter is joined by a bipartisan group of governors because state leaders understand the importance of opening up foreign markets to empower American businesses, workers, and agricultural producers to effectively compete in a dynamic, global economy.

"With an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important for President Obama and Congress to break-down barriers to international trade," said Branstad. "Trade helps drive economic growth through high-paying jobs for American workers and increased opportunities for American businesses and agricultural producers."

"Governor Branstad and I understand the importance of these trade agreements to Iowa businesses," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Iowa has many innovative companies and agricultural producers that depend on foreign markets for their long-term success and international buyers recognize Iowa as a provider of world-class, high-quality products."

Iowa's economic growth is closely linked to international trade and the State's job and income growth goals:

  • In 2012, Iowa exported over $14.6 billion worth of goods to countries around the world.
  • From 2011 to 2012, Iowa exports grew by almost 10%, compared to national export growth of just 4.5%.
  • More than 2,500 companies in Iowa export products around the world.
  • Iowa's farmers and agribusinesses rely on international trading agreements to open the door for Iowa's grain and meat products.
  • Based on U.S. Department of Commerce estimates and export statistics, Iowa's exporting companies supported approximately 73,000 jobs in 2012.

*Statistics Reference:  www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/newsdetails/5654

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey voiced his support for trade progress stating, "Iowa agriculture has seen tremendous benefits from free trade and there is potential for even more growth if these trade agreements are finalized.  Our farmers do an amazing job producing safe, affordable food and what they need is fair access to additional markets."

Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, stated the following: "International trade helps grow the Iowa and U.S. economy.  The recent bipartisan agreement between congressional committee leaders on Trade Promotion Authority is a positive step for removing governmental hurdles to private sector trade.  Movement on these trade agreements would help enable Iowa's agricultural producers and manufacturers to compete on a level playing field."

Teresa Wahlert, Director of Iowa Workforce Development added:  "We also encourage the Federal government to empower the states with flexible workforce programs, including support for innovative programs like the Skilled Iowa Initiative, to ensure American workers have the skills needed to compete globally."

The below 15 governors signed the letter:

State/Territory 

Governor's Name 


Alabama

Gov. Robert Bentley (R)


Arkansas

Gov. Mike Beebe (D)


Florida

Gov. Rick Scott (R)

 

Indiana

Gov. Mike Pence (R)


Iowa

Gov. Terry Branstad (R)


Kansas

Gov. Sam Brownback (R)


Mississippi

Gov. Phil Bryant (R)


Nebraska

Gov. Dave Heineman (R)


Nevada

Gov. Brian Sandoval (R)


New Mexico

Gov. Susana Martinez (R)

 

Northern Mariana Islands

Gov. Eloy Inos (I)

 

Oklahoma

Gov. Mary Fallin (R)


Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Corbett (R)

 

Rhode Island

Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D)

 

Utah

Gov. Gary Richard Herbert (R)


The full text of the letter can be read below:

Dear Mr. President, Majority Leader Reid, Speaker Boehner, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Pelosi:

As chief executives of their states and territories, governors have a unique perspective regarding the importance of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) on our respective economies.  Governors are actively promoting our businesses globally because over ninety five percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States.  We also recognize that FDI creates high paying jobs in our states that support lasting careers in our own communities.  Following the strong bi-partisan support for trade in recent years, we ask you to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), and the Trade in Services (TISA) agreements, which have great potential to help our country compete in a dynamic, global economy.

These robust international trade agreements will enhance and expand economic partnerships and diplomatic relationships between the United States and participating countries.  Reductions in trade barriers and increased market access allows our businesses, workforce, agricultural producers, and service sectors to compete on a more level playing field to help drive economic growth and increase family incomes.  We are encouraged by the comprehensive nature of these agreements, but we do want to underscore that the primary purpose of the agreements should be to increase market access, including improved access for US agricultural and manufactured goods abroad, while establishing ambitious rules to protect intellectual property, empower American workers, ensure fair competition with state-owned enterprises, and foster the digital economy.

We believe that the national and global economy can grow at a more robust pace and that trade liberalization will be a key component of that future growth.  Enacting comprehensive agreements improves the economic standing of all parties.  International trade is not a zero sum game and regulatory cooperation, done properly, can improve the efficiency of our regulatory agencies.

As governors, we strive to create a healthy economic environment in which our citizens can thrive.  We strongly favor the continued pursuit of comprehensive trade agreements with TPP, T-TIP, and TISA countries that focus on market access and establishing rules and disciplines that address emerging challenges to the global trade system.  We encourage forward progress on these trade initiatives to enable our citizens to compete fairly in the world market.

We stand ready to support efforts to educate and inform our friends and allies on these promising agreements.

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.

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Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

 

Springfield, Ill. - This capsule of recent disaster recovery information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

Don't let misinformation keep you from registering for disaster assistance. 

Sometimes unexpected, uninsured expenses arise weeks or even months after a disaster. For example, you might identify additional damage to your home in the spring when temperatures rise and contractors are able to conduct a more comprehensive inspection. If your insurance settlement is delayed, you may qualify for temporary rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable. Or you may exhaust the additional living expenses provided by your insurance company. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance may help cover some of these expenses.

 

Registering with FEMA is quick and easy. You should register even if you have insurance and regardless of your income level or the level of damage your home sustained. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

 

SBA low-interest disaster loans are a major recovery funding source for Illinois. 

If you apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it's important to submit a low-interest disaster loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues. You are not obligated to accept a loan, but failure to complete and submit the application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners may be eligible for loans up to $200,000 for repairs. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. For businesses, loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

 

You can apply online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing  DisasterCustomerService@sba. or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

Rental assistance is available if you have been displaced as a result of the storms.

If you are making repairs to or rebuilding your home, you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA to cover temporary rental expenses if your home is uninhabitable - but you must register with FEMA to be considered. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center if you have questions or need help finding a rental property. You can also go Nestrent.com or IlHousingSearch.org to identify available rental properties.

 

FEMA decision letters are not the end of the line for disaster assistance. 

After registering with FEMA, you will receive a letter explaining the status of your application. The letter may state that you're ineligible for assistance, but this isn't necessarily a final decision. It is important to read the entire letter carefully because it states exactly what needs to be submitted for potential federal assistance. If you have insurance, you must submit all of your insurance information for FEMA to review your eligibility. Sending your insurance declaration page is not sufficient. You need to submit actual insurance settlement information. If you are unsure of how to obtain this document, contact your insurance company, call the FEMA helpline (800-621-FEMA) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Insurance documents will be reviewed, then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if there are uninsured, eligible losses. Federal disaster assistance may assist in covering some expenses not covered by insurance. You can appeal FEMA's decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. More information is available by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by taking the letter to a Disaster Recovery Center. You can locate the nearest center by going to fema.gov/drclocator.

Help is available to repair damaged vehicles.

If you had a vehicle damaged or destroyed in one of the counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Even if you are not a resident of one of the designated counties, you may still be eligible for this assistance if you were working or visiting one of the counties. You must register with FEMA to be considered for eligibility. In addition to FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 through SBA's low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Illinois recovery photos and videos available

Visit fema.gov/disasters/4157 to access FEMA's online library of photos and videos documenting response and recovery efforts to the Nov. 17 storms and tornadoes in Illinois. The page also includes updated information and important messages regarding Illinois' recovery.

 

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Reenactment of Inspirational Reading at Museum of Science & Industry Features "Heroes of Downers Grove North"

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today joined retired astronaut Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., for a reenactment of Lovell's famous 1968 "Christmas Eve Broadcast to Earth." Standing in front of Lovell's Apollo 8 capsule at the Museum of Science and Industry, the reenactment included the voices of student Mary Doro and the father of student Anne Wagner, who Governor Quinn called the "heroes of Downers Grove North".

"Exactly 45 years ago we witnessed one of the most inspiring broadcasts in history," Governor Quinn said. "The world needed an uplifting message in 1968 and the heroic Apollo 8 astronauts delivered. This holiday season let us recognize our everyday heroes, like members of the Downers Grove North community who are inspiring us today."

As 1968 drew to a close, people stopped what they were doing on Christmas Eve to watch Capt. Lovell, Commander Frank Borman and Pilot William Anders read excerpts of the Book of Genesis as their tiny capsule orbited the moon. Viewed by one-quarter of humanity, the reading was the most-watched TV broadcast at the time and earned an Emmy Award.

Since the 1960s, the Gemini and Apollo program astronauts have been hailed as heroes. The Governor today noted that heroism comes in many forms, and one example of it is seen in the story of Anne Wagner, Mary Doro and their Downers Grove North High School classmates.

Anne Wagner, who has Down syndrome, missed half of her sophomore year and most of her junior year after being diagnosed with leukemia. After returning to school in her senior year, her friend - Mary Doro - and other classmates launched a successful social networking drive to elect her 2013 Homecoming Queen. Governor Quinn proclaimed Oct. 15, 2013 to be "Downers Grove North High School Day in Illinois" in honor of Anne's bravery and her classmates' passion to honor her.

For today's reenactment, Mary Doro read the part of Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, and Anne Wagner's father read the role of Commander Frank Borman.

Captain Lovell - who has family ties in Illinois - has joined Governor Quinn in the past to promote the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. Launched by Governor Quinn when he was Lieutenant Governor, the Fund provides grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves to ease the financial burden at home when a loved one is deployed overseas. The Fund has distributed more than $15 million to 29,000 Illinois military families.

During his NASA career, Capt. Lovell served as Pilot of the historic Gemini 7 flight in 1965, Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, and Commander of Apollo 13, also known as the "Houston...we've got a problem" mission. The role of Lovell was played by actor Tom Hanks in the 1995 film Apollo 13, in which Lovell makes a cameo appearance.

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Monday, December 23, 2013

WASHINGTON- Sen. Chuck Grassley has joined 42 other senators in requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to stop unlawful regulations on small family farms.

Since 1976, Congress has exempted small, family-run farms with 10 or fewer employees from OSHA regulations.  However, in a 2011 memo, OSHA asserted that on-farm grain storage and handling was not part of farm operations.  By viewing grain storage as distinct from the farming operation, the senators' request said OSHA is creating an artificial distinction that would subject virtually every farm to OSHA regulations without allowing for congressional review and public comment, and in defiance of the law.

"OSHA is overstepping its bounds here," Grassley said.  "Grain storage is an essential part of farming.  The federal government is expanding its reach to include farms that should be exempt, and is doing so despite the clear intent of Congress."

The request from senators was made in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, who oversees OSHA, as well as to OSHA, asking that OSHA update guidance correcting its misinterpretation of the law.

This bipartisan effort is led by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.).  The letter also was signed by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Thune (R-S.D.), David Vitter (R-La.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

The text of the letter is below. A copy of the signed letter can be found here.

 

December 20, 2013 

The Honorable Thomas E. Perez
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20210

Dear Secretary Perez:

We write to you regarding reports that regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have begun taking regulatory actions against farms that are specifically exempted by Congress from regulatory enforcement conducted by OSHA. Since 1976, Congress has included specific language in appropriations bills prohibiting OSHA from using appropriated funds to apply requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1976 to farming operations with 10 or fewer employees.

It has come to our attention that OSHA is now interpreting this provision so narrowly that virtually every grain farm in the country would be subject to OSHA regulations.  OSHA's interpretation defies the intent of Congress in exempting farming operations from the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

In viewing a farm's "grain bin operation" as somehow distinct from its farming operation, OSHA is creating an artificial distinction in an apparent effort to circumvent the Congressional prohibition on regulating farms.  The use of grain bins is an integral part of farming operations.  Without grain bins, farmers must sell corn and soybeans immediately after harvest, when prices are usually low.  Storing grain in bins is thus a fundamental aspect of farming.  Any farm that employs 10 or fewer employees and used grain bins only for storage prior to marketing should be exempt, as required by law, from OSHA regulations.

A memo issued by the Director of Enforcement Programs on June 28, 2011, stated that "many of these small farm employers mistakenly assume that the Appropriations Rider precludes OSHA from conducting enforcement activities regardless of the type of operations performed on the farm."  The memo declares that all activities under SIC 072?including drying and fumigating grain?are subject to all OSHA requirements (the memo did not even mention grain storage).  There are many farms that have grain dryers on-farm to address wet harvest conditions or fumigate grain to prevent pests from ruining a crop prior to marketing.  These are basic, common, and responsible farming activities that OSHA has arbitrarily decided are non-exempt.

Worker safety is an important concern for all of us?including the many farmers who probably know better than OSHA regulators how to keep themselves and their employees safe on farms.  If the Administration believes that OSHA should be able to enforce its regulations on farms, it should make that case to Congress rather than twisting the law in the service of bureaucratic mission creep.  Until then, Congress has spoken clearly and we sincerely hope that you will support America's farmers and respect the intent of Congress by reining in OSHA.

We would ask that you direct OSHA to take the following three steps to alleviate this concern.  First, OSHA should cease all actions predicated on this interpretation, which is inconsistent with Congressional intent.  It is important that OSHA also issue guidance correcting this misinterpretation of the law.  We suggest consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations representing farmers to assist with this guidance.  Finally, we ask that OSHA provide a list and description of regulatory actions taken against farms with incorrectly categorized non-farming activities and 10 or fewer employees since the June 2011 memo.  Given the nearly four decades of Congressional prohibition of OSHA enforcement against farms, this should be a simple request to fulfil.

We would appreciate your response by February 1, 2014, to include a copy of the corrected guidance, the data regarding enforcement actions on farms, and confirmation that OSHA will cease such enforcement.

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CHICAGO - Governor Quinn today released the following statement on the passing of Richard Calica, former Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who led the department from December 2011 to November 2013.

"It is with great sadness today that we announce the passing of Richard Calica, a true public servant in the state of Illinois.

"Richard Calica was a dedicated advocate for our most vulnerable children. He always put their safety and well-being first.

"I send my condolences to Richard's family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times."

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FULTON, MO (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- William Woods University has released the Dean's List for academic accomplishments during the 2013 fall term. Among those listed is Olivia Storjohann of Eldridge, Iowa

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be full-time and have achieved a minimum 3.6 semester and cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

William Woods University is an independent, professions-oriented, liberal arts-based institution serving the educational needs of both men and women. William Woods has an enrollment of about 3,000 students, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines in both campus and outreach settings,

The 200-acre main campus is located in the mid-Missouri community of Fulton. Since its founding in 1870, the mission of William Woods has been to provide a quality education while ensuring the development of the individual.

DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announces results of the unclaimed property eBay auction. "This auction was a tremendous success. The most popular item was an 1887 Morgan silver dollar roll (20 coins) premium quality which sold for $1,327.00. We brought in over $5,200.00 that we will hold for the owners of 24 boxes to claim at any time," Fitzgerald said. "We are already preparing to roll out the next auction, which is slated to start January 6." Individuals can check for items that will be on the auction block soon at greatiowatreasurehunt.com. If you see someone you know, contact the treasurer's office immediately.

Items sold in the eBay auction are from abandoned safe deposit box contents that were reported to the state treasurer as unclaimed property by various financial institutions across the state. Prior to any auction, the treasurer's office completes an exhaustive effort to locate the owner. Letters are mailed to the last known address; names are published in a newspaper in the county of the last known address; names are posted on greatiowatreasurehunt.com; and names are taken to the Iowa State Fair and other events around the state.

"The eBay auctions have heightened the public's awareness of our unclaimed property program," stated Fitzgerald. "Twenty one of the items were purchased by Iowans from around the state, which means these treasures will stay right here. We are required by law to sell the items once our vault gets full and eBay helps ensure that we are doing what is in the best interest of the box owner."

Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions, businesses and other organizations that have lost contact with the owner for a specific period of time. Common forms of unclaimed property include checking and saving accounts, court deposits, stocks, dividends, gift certificates, life insurance policies, utility deposits, refunds, rebates, wages, and abandoned safe deposit boxes.

to begin your search. Like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter @ GreatIATreasure to stay connected for current news and events.

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing.

 

The JCCT is the highest level bilateral forum for the resolution of trade and investment issues between the United States and China.  Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman co-chaired the JCCT with China's Vice Premier Wang Yang.

 

"My discussions with Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders laid the groundwork for future cooperation related to our shared interests in food security, food safety, and sustainability, as well as the expansion of export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers," Vilsack said.

 

At the JCCT, a number of high-priority issues for agriculture were discussed, including access for beef and horticultural products, the approval process for biotechnology products, and import suspensions for four states related to avian influenza.

 

On beef access, the United States and China reached consensus to continued dialogue, with the intention to restore market access by the middle of 2014.

 

On horticulture, the Secretary re-affirmed a pathway for re-opening China's market for Washington apples and California citrus.

 

On biotechnology, the Secretary conveyed a need to streamline China's biotech approval process, and gave his commitment to begin implementation of a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products.  China also agreed to discuss U.S. concerns regarding China's requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals.

 

On avian influenza, the Secretary raised lifting bans on poultry due to avian influenza.  China responded that they were analyzing information provided by USDA.

 

In his separate discussions with Agriculture Minister Han Changfu, the Secretary shared a proposal for a revised Memorandum of Understanding focused on science and technology cooperation in the field of agriculture.

 

The two countries also committed to hold a second High Level Agricultural Symposium in 2014, with support from the U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP).  The recently formed AFP also organized a kick-off reception in honor of Secretary Vilsack's visit, including a broad range of U.S. and Chinese agribusiness leaders and high-level Chinese government officials.

 

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Encourages Illinois Residents Affected by Storms to Register for Assistance

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $1 million in federal aid has been approved to date to help people and households affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms. Federal grants totaling $1.06 million thus far will help with disaster-related expenses such as temporary home rental, home repairs and replacement of damaged personal property items.

"These grants are helping people put their lives back together after the deadly tornadoes," Governor Quinn said. "This federal aid is critical to the recovery process and I appreciate the Obama Administration's efforts to accelerate needed relief to people affected by the tornadoes. I urge everyone who suffered damage or loss to register for federal aid today."

Governor Quinn successfully secured federal aid for 15 counties just nine days after an Illinois November record of 25 tornadoes caused widespread destruction across the state. The federal disaster declaration includes Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms is encouraged to register for federal assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) (for hearing and speech impaired) to apply for assistance. Registration also can be done online at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. The deadline to register for federal disaster aid is Jan. 27, 2014.

In addition to FEMA grants, disaster survivors may be eligible for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which were also made available under the federal disaster declaration.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in Brookport, East Peoria and Rantoul to help people apply for disaster aid and find out about other disaster programs available from SBA, state and local agencies and voluntary organizations. FEMA disaster assistance specialists are also available through Saturday Dec. 14 at the Diamond Village Hall to help tornado survivors.

For more information about locations of the DRCs and Diamond assistance center, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

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DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair brought home numerous honors in the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) agricultural, competitive exhibit and communication competitions, presented earlier this month at the 123rd annual IAFE Convention in Las Vegas.

In Agricultural Awards competition, the Fair collected two top honors, including Overall Program for Competitive Agricultural Exhibitors and Agriculture Photo. The Fair collected three top finishes in the Competitive Exhibit Awards competition, including honors for Participatory Contest, General Display Photo and General Display Photo Series.

In the Communication Awards category, the Fair earned five first-place honors recognizing their newspaper and magazine advertising, television commercial, electronic newsletter and website.

In addition to the 10 first-place awards, the Fair also earned two second-place and three third-place honors for fairs with attendance of one million or more.

There are a total of 13 Agriculture, eight Competitive Exhibit and 19 Communication Award categories, each divided into five divisions based on attendance. The entries are evaluated and judged by a team of industry leaders selected from the membership of IAFE, which represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world and more than 900 members from allied fields.

"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 visit iowastatefair.org.

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