From the farm fields of the Midwest to baseball fields in New York City, green products are popping up like fly balls, displaying a soybean farmer's dedication to providing a sustainably produced product for an environmentally conscious metropolitan area. New York City is just one of many cities that has committed to reducing their environmental impact, and because of this, the market potential for products made from sustainable U.S. soy, such as biodiesel, Bioheat® and soy-backed AstroTurf, continues to expand.

Watch the video to hear from United Soybean Board farmer-leaders Sharon Covert and Lewis Bainbridge as they discuss how their focus on sustainability on the farm has set soy oil up for market growth and success in the city.

Independence, Mo. - If you thought getting your home ready for the holidays was time consuming, imagine decorating more than 20 rooms in anticipation of 2,000 guests.

That's the challenge facing a group of nearly 30 volunteers working up to nine hours a day preparing Vaile Mansion in Independence for its annual holiday celebration. The beautiful landmark home will have more than its halls decked from Nov. 29-Dec. 30, when it hosts a "Victorian Winter Wonderland."

????"These volunteers spend hours and hours getting the mansion ready," says Carolyn Hanes, chairperson of this year's holiday event and herself a volunteer decorator. "Even the smallest tree can take up to two hours to decorate."

Multiply that time by anywhere from 50 to 75 trees and you get some idea of how much effort volunteers and Vaile Mansion staff put into this event.

And that's just for the trees.

Vaile Mansion, built in 1881 for Col. and Mrs. Harvey Vaile, features 31 rooms and includes nine marble fireplaces, painted ceilings and a 48,000-gallon wine cellar. The home, known as one of the best examples of Second Empire architecture in the U.S., cost more than $100,000 to complete. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the holidays, the mansion retains its Victorian charm by ensuring era-appropriate traditions are honored. One such example is a five-foot-tall Christmas tree hung upside down to replicate the look of a chandelier; it's found in the grand entryway.

"That's original Victorian - that's how they used it," says Hanes. "It's kind of our showpiece every year."

That showpiece, along with the attention to detail given every section of the mansion, keeps visitors coming back year after year, Hanes says.

"I think people are just blown away by the chandeliers, marble fireplaces and the 14-foot ceilings," Hanes says. "We're able to have 12-foot-tall trees in a room, and the rooms are very spacious. It's so opulent ... every room is filled to the brim."

Hanes says event organizers like to refer to Vaile Mansion as "America's Christmas Castle," though she points out people from around the world have taken notice of the annual event. In 2012, visitors from 20 countries were represented in the guestbook.

One of the major highlights of the month-long event is the annual twilight tour, held the first Sunday in December (Dec. 1 this year). The twilight tours include live music and refreshments for attendees.

"It's getting dark (when tours begin) and everything is sparkling inside," says Hanes. "A lot of people enjoy coming in the evening because you get to see what the mansion looks like 'after hours.'"

Victorian Winter Wonderland tours at Vaile Mansion are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday thru Saturday, and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 (no tours Dec. 23-25). Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for ages 6-18; and free for children ages 5 and younger.

The twilight tours event is 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 1; admission prices are the same.

Vaile Mansion is located at 1500 N. Liberty St. in Independence. Call 816-325-7430 or visit VaileMansion.org for more details.

Across the state from Vaile Mansion, the city of St. Charles hosts one of Missouri's most popular celebrations, Christmas Traditions.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 24, Main Street, in the downtown historic district, comes to life with music and costumed actors portraying beloved holiday characters. Don't miss appearances by Santas from around the world, shopping and dining options along Main Street and the beautiful decorations adorning the entire district.

Every Saturday and Sunday during the festival, Santa and Mrs. Claus lead a parade (each begins at 1:30 p.m.), while Wednesdays and Fridays bring late-evening shopping options.

Carolers, along with a local fife and drum corps, take part in live performances presented during the annual Christmas Traditions festival, where horse-drawn carriage rides are available.

Find details and the full schedule of activities online at StCharlesChristmas.com.

Throughout Missouri, seasonal celebrations take place in large cities and small towns, offering visitors an array of choices, from parades and drive-through light parks to live music and regional cuisine. Here's a look at more Missouri celebrations designed to get you in the mood for this splendid season.

For other holiday happenings, check out the Missouri Division of Tourism's blog, which has a more complete listing of events.

  • In St. Joseph, Krug Park (3500 St. Joseph Ave.) and Hyde Park (8th Street and Hyde Park Ave.), along the city's famed Parkway, become Holiday Park and the South Pole from Nov. 29-Jan. 1, 2014. A tradition since 1981, the scenic holiday drive features a dazzling display of lighted arches, trees, winter scenes and the Italianate buildings of Krug Park.
  • Kansas City's Country Club Plaza - a 15-block retail, dining and entertainment district - hosts one of the most well-known lighting celebrations in the Midwest. Thousands of revelers join in the festival-like atmosphere on the opening night of Plaza Lights. Live music and fireworks are part of the fun from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Thanksgiving night; the official flip of the switch is 6:53 p.m. The lights shine through Jan. 12, 2014.
  • In St. Louis, Holiday Magic fills the America's Center (701 Convention Plaza) Nov. 29-Dec. 1, offering entertainment and shopping. Carnival rides, a vendors' district and hands-on arts and crafts projects for kids are part of the excitement. Holiday Magic is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
  • Holidays of yesterday are the focus of events at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. Each Saturday leading up to Christmas, the Old Courthouse shows what holidays were like: relive Christmas 1763 at the Dec. 7 event (noon-4 p.m.); move forward to 1813 at the Dec. 14 happening (noon-4 p.m.); and get a glimpse of 1863 St. Louis from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 21.
  • Get a taste of German heritage at the Kristkindl Markt, Dec. 7-8, at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann. This traditional German market features crafts, food, entertainment, hot soups and mulled wine. Saturday's event is 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday's is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stone Hill Winery is located at 1110 Stone Hill Highway; admission is free. A similar event takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Hermannhof Festhalle, 237 E. First St. The Festhalle event includes an open-air Hofgarten, a full menu at the Mill and live entertainment.
  • In the Lake of the Ozarks area, holiday activities abound in a variety of cities. Linn Creek, for example, hosts the Holiday Market at the Camden County Museum from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 22-23. The market includes vendors selling a variety of holiday-themed goods (get your Christmas shopping done!); the museum is located at 206 S. Locust St.
  • Elsewhere near the Lake, popular drive-through light parks are found in Laurie and Versailles. In Laurie, St. Patrick's Festival of Lights is billed as the area's oldest light park, dating to 1981. The festival includes 4,000 strings of lights and focuses on Jesus and his mother, Mary. The Shrine is located at 176 Marian Drive; there is no admission charge. In Versailles, the Unity Circle of Lights runs from Nov. 28-Jan. 1, 2014, in Versailles City Park. The park features up to 40 lighted displays, including several animated holiday scenes. The park is open from sunset until midnight daily; there is no admission charge. The park is located at the junction of Highway 5 and Highway 52.
  • In Springfield, enjoy the opportunity to shop and hear live music at the 19th annual WinterFest Visual and Performing Arts Festival. Held at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway) this event features live music, local and regional artists whose works are on display and for sale, and a Broadway touring company's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." Tickets for that show should be purchased in advance. Activities are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
  • Carthage is home to Mt. Moriah Lights at Mt. Moriah Park. Enjoy more than 50,000 lights programmed to six different Christmas songs. The park is located at 15506 Nutmeg Road; hours are 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday from Nov. 29-Dec. 8. From Dec. 13-Dec. 29, park hours are 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. daily (except for Dec. 22).
  • Silver Dollar City in Branson hosts one of the largest holiday celebrations in the country, "An Old Time Christmas," running through Dec. 30. This annual celebration features more than 5 million lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, a holiday light parade, two live shows and a five-story-tall special effects Christmas tree. Regular rides and attractions are open, weather permitting. Food and shopping add to the experience. Hours are 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
  • The Holiday Christmas Festival in Ste. Genevieve features a Christmas parade, carriage rides, more than 30 free music programs, carolers strolling the streets of the historic city and shopping specials in retailers and art galleries downtown. Activities are Dec. 7-8.
  • In Salem, a unique holiday experience awaits at the Trains and Trees exhibit from Nov. 26-Dec. 24 at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (202 S. Main St.). The exhibit features an array of colorful, lighted trees decorated by individuals, businesses and organizations. The exhibit is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
  • You don't have to wait for Black Friday to find great gift ideas at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza in Cape Girardeau, Nov. 22-23. In its 43rd year, the event features artisans and crafters from across the Midwest; their wares will fill nearly 300 booths. An event so large, it takes two venues: the Osage Centre (1625 N. Kingshighway) and Show-Me Center (1333 N. Sprigg St.). The Extravaganza is one of three arts and crafts festivals happening in Cape Girardeau over this weekend. For more details, check out VisitCape.com.

There you have it, a look at some of the events found in Missouri during the holiday season. Again, to find a more complete list, please visit the Missouri Division of Tourism's blog site.

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11 billion industry supporting more than 281,000 jobs. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to http://www.VisitMO.com.

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LECLAIRE, Iowa - Christmas in LeClaire, December 6-8, 2013: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 10am-8pm and Sunday, December 8 10am-4pm.

Be sure and attend Christmas in LeClaire, the annual event offering fun for the whole family. There will be baked goods and handmade crafts from local crafters at the LeClaire Civic Center (127 S. Cody Road) and Snow Lodge No. 44 (113 S. Cody Road). They'll be offering their cookie tins that you can fill with your choice of homemade cookies and bars as well as serving a great lunch on Friday and Saturday.

Stop in at Reusable Usables (322 N. Cody Road) Friday and Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-4pm for Free Family Drop-in Art. Kids can have Breakfast with Santa at Happy Joe's (119 N. Cody Road) on Saturday from 8-10am (Kids $4.50/Adults $7.50) and then join him at Santa's Playhouse (in the Medic EMS Building at 107 N. Cody Road) for fun activities from noon to 3pm. Santa will also be at the LeClaire Bierstube on Saturday from 1-4pm. Bring a gift to be donated to Star Gifts for Kids and receive a free kid's meal!

Enjoy riding the Trolley from 11am to 7pm on Friday & Saturday and from Noon to 4pm on Sunday with stops throughout the downtown. Author Blake Ross will be signing his books and illustrative prints at the LeClaire Civic Center. Also at the Civic Center is a Silent Auction where you can bid on wonderful packages and baskets with items donated by LeClaire area businesses.

Watch for the Strolling Santas and Christmas characters from Around the World as they mingle in the downtown. All the local shops will be offering a wide array of items for your shopping pleasure. You're sure to find the perfect gifts for the Holiday Season.

Local restaurants will be open for your dining pleasure. Be sure to pick up one of the Christmas in LeClaire brochures at the LeClaire Civic Center, area shops, or LeClaire Information Center (122 N. Cody Road) for a list of participants and schedule of events. For more information, call Joyce: (563) 289-4205 or Diane (563) 370-3509.

• 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com

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By: Mitchell Levy

Thought leadership is often viewed by marketers as a platform that is focused externally. But while thought leadership is an effective means of influencing customers, it's also a very successful way of empowering employees.

Over the last decade, various organizations have shifted their policy towards encouraging employee empowerment. Studies have shown that organizations with empowered employees perform better than their competitors by up to 202%. Empowered employees are known to be more engaged, inspired and productive in their work. They are more likely to take initiative and are expected to last longer within the company.

Though thought leadership is a great tool for spreading your brand message, it can also be used as an effective means of empowering your staff from inside your organization.

How Thought Leadership Empowers Your Employees

Influence is the currency of thought leadership. That's because an effective thought leader can have a profound effect on the people they influence. As a tool for change, influence has a longer lasting effect than simply giving out orders on the office floor or through e-mail. It can refocus your company and empower your entire workforce. Here are just a few of the ways thought leadership can empower your employees:

Thought Leadership allows employees to see the bigger picture of the organization by sharing the company's long term goals and long standing principles.
Thought Leadership encourages employees to excel at their responsibilities, inspiring them to come up with solutions that allow them to go above and beyond their roles.
Thought Leadership provides employees incentives outside of monetary gain. They understand the larger, more intangible goals of the organization: success, satisfaction and service.
Thought Leadership allows employees to discover the importance of their roles in the organization. It allows them to see the worth in their actions and become proud of their accomplishments.

This is why thought leadership should help influence the organizational culture beyond one that is geared towards customers, but one also focused on staff and employees. The infusion of thought leadership into an organization's culture can unite and empower the organization.

Empowerment through Influence

As mentioned earlier, influence is the currency of thought leadership. But to gain influence over your employees, it's important to equip them with the right tools, skills, and responsibilities to make sure they perform to the best of their professional abilities.

On average, only 29% of employees are actively engaged in their work. While managers can increase salaries, improve benefits, and promote key staff, nothing takes the place of genuine leadership.

Thought leadership utilizes edu-training tools that empower your workforce by making them advocates of the organization. These internal initiatives provide insight and ideas that are of value to employees. They are activities and platforms that help inspire the staff and bring the organization together. Whether it's through an internal social media platform, speaking, training or other forms of internal communication, these are all means of introducing a culture of empowerment into the organization.

Followers are the lifeblood of any thought leader, but followers can be found inside as well as outside of the organization. In truth, empowered employees are the most effective followers of all. They look to their leaders for more than just their next pay check. They look to them for inspiration and ideas.

About the Author: Mitchell Levy is the CEO and Thought Leader Architect at THiNKaha who has created and operated fifteen firms and partnerships since 1997. Today, he works with companies who are active in social media to leverage their IP and unlock the expertise of the employee base to drive more business. He is also an Amazon bestselling author with eighteen business books, including the recently released #Creating Thought Leaders tweet. Mr. Levy has provided strategic consulting to over 100 companies and has advised over 500 CEOs on critical business issues. Get a free copy of his latest ebook at http://mitchelllevy.com.

MONDAY - NOVEMBER 18, 2013 - The National Parenting Center has released its 23rd annual Holiday Seal of Approval report.  The final report of 2013 follows two months of consumer testing by parents and children at The National Parenting Center's test centers.  Parents can read reviews of all the award winning products from this and all three 2013 testing periods, Spring & Fall as well, at www.nationalparentingcenter.com. They can also find TNPC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
The Seal of Approval evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently being marketed to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites, educational products, etc.  Each is reviewed on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness, instructions and more.  TNPC's Seal of Approval is ultimately a peer-to-peer review program to recognize and highlight products and services that have been met with a "thumbs up" by parents.

Since 1989, The National Parenting Center has established itself as North America's leading parent advocacy organization.  TNPC offers advice and information to parents on issues that range from pregnancy through adolescence.  The National Parenting Center's home page, offers visitors free access to hundreds of articles on parenting issues as well as Seal of Approval reviews.  

To schedule interviews with the president of The National Parenting Center, David Katzner, please contact TNPC's Media division 818-225-8990 x-252.  For electronic images (like the sample ones included here) and/or the official PDF report of the entire Holiday Report which features all the reviews of the winning products, please submit your request via email to media@tnpc.com
(Eau Claire, Wisc.)--- Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop, the national sandwich chain known for its flavorful gourmet subs, is expanding to the Quad Cities, adding five locations in the next three years. The company plans to add 10 to 15 total locations in Iowa over the next 3-5 years, targeting Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Clinton, Iowa City, Dubuque, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Davenport, Quad Cities and Ames for growth. Erbert & Gerbert's also plans to add 25 to 40 total locations in Illinois over the next 3-5 years as well.

According to Technomic, 96% of consumers polled purchase sandwiches at least once a week. Unique flavor combinations, such as cranberry wasabi chicken, feature on the menu alongside classic options. Erbert & Gerbert's offers extreme flavor with a relaxed, vintage atmosphere reminiscent of its Wisconsin roots. The satisfying sandwiches provide a healthy meal, and also serve vegetarian options. Expansion after success in initial Midwest markets will allow Erbert & Gerbert's flavorful message of quality ingredients and zesty tastes to grow nationwide.

"After celebrating a huge milestone this year- our 25th anniversary - and our success throughout the country, we are very excited about coming to the Quad Cities to serve local residents," said Chuck Schwalbe, director of marketing for Erbert & Gerbert's. "We look forward to introducing locals to Flavornation - which stands for quality and being different. It's about sandwiches you can't find in a normal sub shop - it's part of our culture."

About E&G Franchise Systems, Inc.

Founded and headquartered in 1988 in Eau Claire, Wis. The system currently has 70 locations open and operating with 26 additional in development in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Colorado, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas. For franchise information, visit Erbert and Gerbert's website at www.erbertandgerberts.com or call 800-283-5241.

4 Ways It Affects Appearance and Functionality

To some extent, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the things we consider beautiful usually share certain characteristics, with symmetry and vitality being chief among them, says CEO Bill Schultz.

"The human body is an excellent example," says Schultz, president of posture innovator AlignMed, www.alignmed.com, and recent recipient of a special Congressional Recognition certificate for his contributions. "The people we view as physically attractive are usually healthy and symmetrical in appearance. That's not a coincidence; postural symmetry and good health go hand in hand."

Good posture - holding the head, shoulders and trunk in perfect alignment - creates balance, which allows our many physiological systems to function optimally, Schultz says. When we habitually sit, stand or walk in a less than a fully aligned position, muscles stretch or contract to accommodate. This can result in chronic imbalances that can lead to pain. Studies dating back to the 19th century also suggest our posture affects mood, energy and self-confidence, all of which affect how attractive we appear to others.

"You don't see supermodels, A-list actors or the rest of the 'beautiful people' slouched over as they strut down the runway or red carpet," Schultz notes.

"Think about the importance of posture among the most challenging sports; for track runners, ballerinas and gymnasts, optimal posture is essential," says Schultz, who explores four ways in which posture is part of the beauty-health connection.

• It's not just sitting for hours on end that's bad for you; it's how one sits. The dangers of sitting have garnered plenty of attention in recent years, especially since we have become a society of sitters. Sitting for long periods comes with many health risks, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. But sitting with less than perfect posture - most frequently, sitting with the head and should in a forward position over a desk -- can cause significant neck pain, which involves muscles and nerves from the neck down. Proper posture can prevent neck and spinal damage.

• More than 116 million Americans, or a third of the population, suffer from chronic pain at some point in their lives. That's according to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine. Chronic pain means that a sufferer has anywhere from 30 to 60 days of lasting pain, and this massive problem is estimated to cost Americans $635 billion dollars. For many, treatment and/or prevention is out of reach, however, a reliable and easy way to prevent chronic pain is to maintain good posture.

• A strong, well-functioning core is crucial for training and optimal health. The bulk of a body's mass is located at and around one's core, including the trunk and pelvis region. Today's fitness fanatics firmly grasp the importance of a healthy core. Surprisingly, however, much of the health-conscious population today is muscle-centric and does not fully appreciate the importance of posture, even though proper posture facilitates core strengthening, especially while exercising.

• Using passive therapy to continuously improve posture. To feel and look your best, it's important to maintain good posture throughout the day, but that's difficult, especially for sedentary people. Neurologists at Rush University Medical Center say passive therapy can be even more effective than active therapy. Posture-enhancing apparel such as MyLign by AlignMed, worn by professional athletes including NBA player Dwight Howard, offer neurologic biofeedback that constantly remind the skeleton and muscles to self-correct. AlignMed founder Shultz says the shirts are not compression shirts, which squeeze the body and are primarily worn for aesthetics. "The shirts map muscles in the same way kinesio tape - used to reduce inflammation, relax muscles and enhance performance - assists world-class athletes," he says.

About Bill Schultz

Bill Schultz is the president and founder of AlignMed, the evidence-based apparel company that offers the Align Posture range of products (Postureshirt, MyLign and S3) used by many of today's top professional athletes, including Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard. Schultz recently received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for "outstanding and invaluable service" through AlignMed. The company is home of the breakthrough alignment/posture shirt that is designed to map the muscle of the wearer's torso and posterior region, which gently yet continually aligns the body. The shirts can be worn 24/7 and are appropriate for all manner of physical activity - or inactivity, including sleeping.

DECATUR, IL (11/18/2013)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard will hold a fielding ceremony to mark the official receipt of the new UH-72A Lakota helicopter.

WHO:

Illinois National Guard

Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 376th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, Ill.

WHAT:

The Illinois National Guard will hold a fielding ceremony to mark the official receipt of the new UH-72A Lakota helicopter. Following the ceremony, pilots and crew assigned to Det. 1 will highlight the Lakota's homeland security and domestic operations capabilities.

WHEN: Thursday November 21, 2013 at 11:00AM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:660 S. Airport Road
Decatur, Illinois 62521

Coincides with one-year anniversary of IASourceLink.com

(DES MOINES, IA) - Governor Terry Branstad kicked off Global Entrepreneurship Week in Iowa today during his weekly press conference.  Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2008, is the world's largest celebration of entrepreneurs and their efforts to bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and development and improve human well-being.

During one week each November, Global Entrepreneurship Week inspires people all over the world through local, national and global activities designed to assist entrepreneurs in exploring their full potential and spur creativity.  Global Entrepreneurship Week is actively celebrated in 125 countries, with 24,008 partner organizations planning 33,846 activities that directly engage millions of participants every year.

"This is a great opportunity to spotlight the contribution of small business to the state's economy," said Governor Branstad.  "Small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy, accounting for 51.3 percent of private sector jobs.  Focusing on entrepreneurial development not only advances our goals in terms of job creation, but helps to improve our overall business climate and vitality."

During the press conference, the Governor invited entrepreneurs and innovators to get involved by participating in events scheduled around the state.  Just a few of the events taking place across the state include :

  • Dream Big Grow Here Contest - Quad Cities
  • Smart Start workshop - Burlington - Tuesday, November 19
  • One Million Cups - West Des Moines - Wednesday, November 20

A full listing of events can be found at www.iasourcelink.com/gew.

Global Entrepreneurship Week in Iowa is being spearheaded by IASourceLink.com, Iowa's online resource tool for entrepreneurs and small businesses.   IASourceLink.com, celebrating it's one year anniversary this month, is a website that is comprised of over 320 resource organizations located across Iowa that provide technical and financial assistance to entrepreneurs at all stages of growth.   The website is provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa's MyEntre.Net.

The Governor took today's launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week as an opportunity to commend IASourceLink.com on its first year of activities and for providing the foundation of assistance and guidance to Iowa's entrepreneurial community.   After just one year of activity, in terms of web traffic, IASourceLink.com ranks fourth out of 20 affiliates who utilize this same web-based, Kauffman Foundation sponsored tool for their respective communities nationwide.

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Issues Disaster Declaration to Ensure Support for Affected Areas; Governor to Survey Damage in Hardest Hit Communities

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today declared seven counties state disaster areas after severe storms generating tornadoes and high winds ripped across Illinois. Hundreds of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed, hundreds of thousands of people are without power, and numerous roads throughout the state have been closed by fallen trees and downed power lines. At least six people are reported dead and dozens more injured.

Later today, Governor Quinn will inspect damage on the ground in some of Illinois' hardest hit communities: Washington, Diamond, Gifford, Brookport and New Minden. Counties included in the Governor's declaration are: Champaign, Grundy, LaSalle, Massac, Tazewell, Washington and Woodford counties.

"Yesterday Illinois was hit extremely hard by deadly tornadoes that left many in a great deal of pain and loss," Governor Quinn said. "Although we are still receiving reports of massive damage to communities across our state, we want to make sure people are getting the assistance and resources they need as quickly as possible. As we pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and others who are injured, the state of Illinois will do everything necessary to help these communities recover."

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and provide assistance with security and other public safety issues.

The State Incident Response Center (SIRC) in Springfield was activated Sunday afternoon and will remain operational as long as necessary. Liaisons from several state agencies are working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate the deployment of state personnel and assets to assist local governments in the affected areas.

The state has dispatched technical rescue teams to a number of impacted locations across the state, and provided emergency generators, light towers and communications systems.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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