29 Oct 2013

Grassley: Making Democracy Work Student Essay Contest Submissions Due Dec. 31

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley encourages Iowa middle school and high school students to participate in the 2013 Making Democracy Work Student Essay Contest sponsored by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.

The contest is open to students from around the country and is split into two divisions. Students in grades 6-8 will participate in a junior division contest, and students in grades 9-12 will participate in the senior division contest.

Each division will award three prizes:

·         1st Place- $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., to receive the prize.

·         2nd Place- $500.

·         3rd Place- $250.

·         The two first place winners' schools will also be awarded $1,000.

"This is a good opportunity for young Iowans to share their insight about the U.S. system of government," Grassley said.

The subject of the essay contest is: "The rights and responsibilities of citizenship."  Students may expand upon their constitutional rights and their primary duties as U.S. citizens. They should also consider how these constitutional rights affect themselves and their families. Grassley encourages Iowa students who are interested to submit their work to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.

Further information regarding the contest, official rules, and entry forms can be found at www.uschs.org, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's website.

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society, founded in 1962, is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization chartered by Congress.  Its goal is to inform the public about Capitol Hill and the duties of Congress.
29 Oct 2013

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds Renew Encouragement for Farm Bill Passage

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released a letter to farm bill conference committee leaders renewing their call for the U.S. Congress to enact a farm bill reauthorization. The letter applauded the recent appointment of farm bill conferees, including Senator Tom Harkin and Congressman Steve King. This letter reiterates the message in a previous letter from Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp earlier this year that a farm bill is important to rural America.

In the letter the Governor and Lt. Governor state: "We applaud both chambers for moving forward significant programmatic reforms that improve risk management and focus and improve the sustainability of relevant farm programs.  Given the current fiscal environment, we appreciate the hard decisions before you, but believe you will meet the challenge of forging a bipartisan compromise that respects each side's principles. Your work can help improve the efficacy and efficiency of various farm bill programs. In addition, you have an opportunity to shepherd through a significant piece of legislation which would demonstrate Congress's commitment to rural America."

The letter continues: "As leaders of a key agricultural state where the fall harvest is currently underway, we urge you to pass a bipartisan, long-term farm bill out of conference that meets the needs of our agricultural producers and American consumers."

A copy of the signed letter can be found here. The full text is as follows:

October 29, 2013

The Honorable Frank Lucas                          The Honorable Debbie Stabenow

Chair, Farm Bill Conference Committee &                                Chair, U.S. Senate Committee

Chair, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture                         on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry

1301 Longworth House Office Building                       328A Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20515                          Washington, DC 20510

 

The Honorable Collin Peterson                                                  The Honorable Thad Cochran

Ranking Member,                        Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee

U.S. House Committee on Agriculture                    on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry

1301 Longworth House Office Building                       328A Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20515                          Washington, DC 20510

 

Dear Agriculture Committee Leaders and Members of the Farm Bill Conference Committee:

We write to thank you for your efforts to reconcile farm bill provisions from each chamber and to reiterate our support for swift farm bill reauthorization.  We were encouraged by the conference committee appointments, including two prominent Iowans.  We urge prompt, bipartisan resolution to enact needed farm program reforms, gain real cost savings, improve the sustainability of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and provide long-term certainty for farm families and agricultural producers.

We applaud both chambers for moving forward significant programmatic reforms that improve risk management and focus and improve the sustainability of relevant farm programs.  Given the current fiscal environment, we appreciate the hard decisions before you, but believe you will meet the challenge of forging a bipartisan compromise that respects each side's principles.  Your work can help improve the efficacy and efficiency of various farm bill programs.  In addition, you have an opportunity to shepherd through a significant piece of legislation which would demonstrate Congress's commitment to rural America.

As leaders of a key agricultural state where the fall harvest is currently underway, we urge you to pass a bipartisan, long-term farm bill out of conference that meets the needs of our agricultural producers and American consumers.

 

Sincerely,

 

Terry E. Branstad                       Kim Reynolds

Governor of Iowa                           Lt. Governor of Iowa

 

cc:          Iowa Congressional Delegation

Tom Vilsack, Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture

Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
29 Oct 2013

Peace in the Middle East Begins with Israel, Palestine, Says Award-Winning Author

By Nicholas Depew
A Look at the 'One State' Vs. 'Two State' Solutions

US Secretary of State John Kerry has repeatedly requested the support of Israelis, Palestinians and Americans - especially Jewish Americans - in reviving the moribund Israel/Palestine peace process. Negotiations began again July 29 after being shelved for nearly three years.

With the Middle East in the throes of upheaval from Syria to Egypt, this step toward stabilization has become even more urgent.

"Kerry views an Israeli/Palestinian peace agreement as a vital American national interest, and many Israelis view a stable two-state solution as a vital Israeli national interest," says Michael J. Cooper, (michaeljcooper.net), author of the award-winning history-adventure novel "Foxes in the Vineyard," set in 1940s Israel. Cooper, an Israel-educated physician, regularly returns to that country for volunteer medical missions in Palestine.

The two-state solution - establishing an independent Palestine -- has been the focus of negations since Israel and the Palestine Authority agreed on it in principle in 2007. Now, there is growing support for what is called the "one state solution."

Those who support ongoing settlement by Israelis in Palestine and oppose the current peace process prefer a single bi-national state between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River, Cooper says.

Cooper offers a brief analysis of the problems associated with this solution.

• With the "single-state," solution Israel has a stark choice: to grant or not to grant citizenship to the Arabs of the West Bank at the same level enjoyed by Israeli Arabs.

"If Israel were to incorporate the West Bank, it would become approximately 56 percent Jewish and 44 percent Arab," Cooper says. "With the higher birth rate among Palestinians and the rate of Jewish emigration from Israel, there would be a demographic shift in the future that would find Israel without a Jewish majority.

"Simply put, Israel would cease to be 'Jewish.' "

• If Israel were to incorporate the West Bank without granting the basic rights of citizenship to Palestinians?

"Israel would cease to be a democracy," he says.

The only viable option is the two states, Cooper says: an independent Palestine and an independent Israel.

"There is no middle ground - one is either for the process or against it," Cooper says. "One is either for the ever-expanding settlement enterprise throughout the West Bank or against it."

About Michael Cooper

Michael J. Cooper emigrated to Israel after graduating high school in Oakland, Calif. Living in Israel for more than a decade, he studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School. Now a clinical professor at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and a practicing pediatric cardiologist in Northern California, he returns to Israel several times a year, volunteering on medical missions under the auspices of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Cooper's novel, "Foxes in the Vineyard," historical fiction set in 1948 Israel, was the 2011 grand prize winner of the Indie Publishing Contest. A second novel, "The Rabbi's Knight," is due out soon.

29 Oct 2013

The Hungry Hobo Announces Grand Opening of Eldridge Store

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - The Hungry Hobo announced the grand opening of a store in Eldridge, IA. The store is located at 178 South 4th Avenue (next to the Genesis Rehabilitation Clinic in Mid Towne Plaza), and open Monday through Saturday from 10:00A to 9:00P, and Sunday from 11:00A to 8:00P. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 8th at 4:00P.

"While we're in the process of trying to expand our concept in Eastern Iowa, we also wanted to get some experience with providing drive thru service." said Pryce T. Boeye, President and CEO of the company. "In this case, we were able to find a great complex in the heart of Eldridge that should serve both our customers and employees very well. If the first day of business is any indication of what to expect, it could end up being a surprisingly strong store."

The Hungry Hobo is a chain of sandwich shops that was created in 1973 by Jim Gende, Ray Pearson, Joe Gende, and Tom Spero, and is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a series of promotions throughout 2013. The concept specializes in sliced-to-order and grilled sandwiches, baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, chef-prepared soups, shredded-lettuce salads, and desserts that are baked daily in The Hobo Bakery. They have 13 convenient Quad-City area locations, accept all major credit cards, deliver box lunches and party items, and have made their everyday menu available for delivery through www.good2goqc.com. They also recently launched a smart phone app and mobile rewards program, and have been voted Best Deli, Best Deli Sandwiches, and Most Distinctly Quad Cities Fast Food. For more information, visit www.hungryhobo.com and www.facebook.com/hungryhobo.

-end-

29 Oct 2013

Local Veterinarian is City's First Business to Go Solar!

By Rick Martin

We invite you to be present when Dr. Sheryl Ernst of All Pets commissions the City's first business based Photovoltaic Solar Array in Clinton, IA. This Array is expected to produce a majority of the electricity needs of this Business.

With a sincere environmental concern regarding carbon based energy, Dr. Sheryl Ernst decided to take the bold move to invest in rooftop Solar Energy. After taking full advantage of expiring State and Utility incentives, the investment became an easy business decision as well.

So we invite you to come see firsthand what it looks like and how it works.

This event is scheduled to coincide with All Pets Open House, which is Saturday, November 2nd from 8:00AM to Noon. The Array is scheduled to be turned on for the first time at 10:00AM.

All Pets Mobile Clinic, PLC

1741 - 14th Avenue South

Clinton, IA 52732

Come join us for the celebration!

Iowa Energy Alternatives representatives will also be present to answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Todd Hammen

Iowa Energy Alternatives, LLC

2760 105th Street

Barnes City, IA 50027

29 Oct 2013

Certification for Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy Now Available for Exporters

By United Soybean Board
U.S. Soybean Farmers Highlight Their Sustainability Performance Through Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol

ST. LOUIS (October 29, 2013) - The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) recently launched an official sustainability certification for U.S. soy. It provides exporters with verification that the soy products they sell on the world market are raised in a sustainable manner.  

The certification is verified by the U.S. Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). This protocol was developed by the United Soybean Board (USB), USSEC and the American Soybean Association (ASA) through a multi-stakeholder process to ensure the methodologies for measuring sustainable performance are thorough, transparent and credible. Creation of the SSAP and its official sustainability certification for exported soy products is a strategic move by these farmer-led national soybean organizations to assure international customers that U.S. farmers raise soybeans with high sustainability performance.  

"It is essential that we show the rest of the world what we are doing with regard to best management practices on the farm and best social practices in the community," says Laura Foell, Schaller, Iowa, farmer and USB farmer-leader. "Farmers are doing the right thing and striving for continuous improvement. We need to make sure our customers know that."

The sustainability certification is based on farmer participation in U.S. farm programs. Currently 95 percent of U.S. farms participate, according to USSEC. Thus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates of total soybean supply are multiplied by 0.95 to determine U.S. sustainable soy supply. The SSAP provides proof of reductions in carbon emissions, energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil erosion per acre of soybeans grown and per bushel of soybeans produced in the United States.

Certification is done at shipment point by Soy Export Sustainability, LLC, www.usses.org, based on an aggregate system representing nationwide soybean production.

This fall, the farmer-led organizations that constitute the U.S. soy family - USSEC, USB and ASA - are introducing their sustainability assurance protocol and sustainability certification system through a series of meetings around the world. Meetings with soy customers are being held in the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey and also U.S. soy farmers' largest market - China.  

The 69 farmers who serve on the USB board of directors oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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29 Oct 2013

FHLB Des Moines Reports Third Quarter 2013 Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results

By Madge Cremer

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (the Bank) today released preliminary unaudited financial highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. The Bank expects to file its Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on or about November 8, 2013.

Operating Results

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded net income of $30.1 million and $73.1 million compared to $18.1 million and $81.5 million for the same periods in 2012. The Bank's net income was primarily driven by net interest income and other (loss) income.

The Bank's net interest income totaled $50.7 million and $154.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared with $59.3 million and $184.2 million for the same periods last year. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in interest income from advances, investments, and mortgage loans  esulting from the continuing low interest rate environment and lower average investment and mortgage loan balances when compared to the prior year. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30,  2013, the Bank recorded advance prepayment fee income of $1.3 million and $4.4 million compared to  $5.9 million and $24.1 million during the same periods last year.

These decreases were offset in part by a decline in funding costs. The Bank's net interest margin, excluding the impact of advance prepayment fees, was 0.38 percent and 0.41 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 0.44 percent and 0.43 percent for the same periods in 2012. This decline was a result of growth in advance balances. Advances generate lower margins when compared to the majority of the Bank's other interest-earning assets due to the Bank's cooperative structure.

The Bank's other (loss) income totaled $(4.1) million and $(33.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to ($24.5) million and ($49.2) million for the same periods last year. The primary drivers of other (loss) income were losses on trading securities, gains on derivatives and hedging  ctivities, and losses on the extinguishment of debt, as further described below.

The Bank's trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected through other (loss) income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded losses on trading securities of $7.8 million and $87.1 million compared to gains of $12.0 million and $26.9 million for the same  periods in 2012. These changes in fair value were due to the impact of changes in interest rates and credit spreads on the Bank's fixed rate trading securities.

The changes in fair value on trading securities are generally offset by changes in fair value on derivatives and hedging activities. The Bank utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, including mortgage prepayment risk. Accounting rules require all derivatives to be recorded at fair value and therefore the Bank may be subject to income statement volatility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded gains of $2.3 million and $72.3 million on its derivatives and hedging activities through other (loss) income compared to losses of $11.4 million and $33.0 million during the same periods last year. These fair value changes were primarily attributable to the impact of changes in interest rates on interest rate swaps, which the Bank put in place to economically hedge its trading securities portfolio as discussed above.

The Bank did not extinguish any debt during the three months ended September 30, 2013; however, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank extinguished $162.1 million of higher-costing consolidated obligations and recorded losses on these debt extinguishments of $25.7 million through other (loss) income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Bank extinguished $137.6 million and $288.1 million of higher-costing consolidated obligations and recognized losses of $25.9 million and $48.6 million.

Balance Sheet Highlights

The Bank's total assets increased to $65.1 billion at September 30, 2013 from $47.4 billion at December 31, 2012 due primarily to an increase in advances. Advances increased by $19.2 billion due primarily to borrowings from a depository institution member during the third quarter. The Bank's total liabilities increased to $61.6 billion at September 30, 2013 from $44.5 billion at December 31, 2012 due to an increase in consolidated obligations issued to fund the growth in advances. Total capital increased to $3.4 billion at September 30, 2013 from $2.8 billion at December 31, 2012 primarily due to an increase in activity-based capital stock resulting from the increase in advances. This increase was offset in part by the Bank reducing its
activity-based capital stock requirements from 4.45 percent to 4.00 percent effective August 1, 2013. This resulted in the repurchase of approximately $150 million of capital stock from members. Retained earnings grew due to earnings in excess of dividends and were $656.0 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $621.9 million at December 31, 2012.

Additional financial information will be provided in the Bank's Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q available at www.fhlbdm.com or www.sec.gov on or about November 8, 2013.

Dividend

In November, the Board of Directors is scheduled to review and approve the third quarter 2013 dividend. A dividend announcement is expected on or about November 13, 2013.


Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Financial Highlights
(unaudited)


September   December
Statements of Condition           30,        31,
(dollars in millions)            2013       2012
---------  ---------
Advances                        $ 45,787   $ 26,614
Investments                       12,336     13,433
Mortgage loans held for
portfolio, net                    6,590      6,952
Total assets                      65,063     47,367
Consolidated obligations          60,445     43,020
Total liabilities                 61,644     44,533
Total capital stock - Class B
putable                           2,690      2,063
Retained earnings                    656        622
Accumulated other
comprehensive income                 73        149
Total capital                      3,419      2,834
Total regulatory capital1          3,359      2,694

1 Total regulatory capital includes all capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock, and retained earnings.



Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,       September 30,
------------------  -------------------
Operating Results (dollars in
millions)                        2013     2012       2013      2012
---------  -------  ---------  --------
Net interest income               $ 50.7   $ 59.3    $ 154.7   $ 184.2
Other (loss) income                (4.1)   (24.5)     (33.6)    (49.2)
Other expense                       13.2     14.6       39.9      44.4
Total assessments                    3.3      2.1        8.1       9.1
Net income                          30.1     18.1       73.1      81.5
Performance Ratios
Net interest margin                0.39%    0.49%      0.42%     0.49%
Net interest margin,
excluding advance prepayment
fees                              0.38%    0.44%      0.41%     0.43%
Return on average equity           4.12%    2.56%      3.45%     3.88%
Return on average capital
stock                             5.49%    3.53%      4.72%     5.29%
Return on average assets           0.23%    0.15%      0.20%     0.22%
Regulatory capital ratio           5.16%    5.43%      5.16%     5.43%



The selected financial data above should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in the Bank's Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q to be filed on or about November 8, 2013 with the SEC.

Statements contained in this announcement, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions in the Bank's operations, may be forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as believes, projects, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, could, should, may, and will or their negatives or other variations on these terms. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized.

The Bank is a wholesale cooperative bank that provides low-cost, short- and long-term funding and community lending to nearly 1,200 members, including commercial banks, saving institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The Bank is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. The Bank serves Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota and is one of twelve regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System.


CONTACT: Madge Cremer
515.281.1071
mcremer@fhlbdm.com

29 Oct 2013

What Can You Say to Help Someone with Cancer?

By Ginny Grimsley
Psychotherapist Therapist Shares Her Patients' 4 Favorite Boosts

This year alone, 238,000 men will be diagnosed with new cases of prostate cancer, the most common incidence of the disease. More than 234,580 men and women will learn they have breast cancer, the second most common today, according to the National Cancer Institute.

All told, about 13.7 million Americans are living with cancer or a history of cancer.*

Chances are, you know one or more of them.

"Friends, family, co-workers - they can all play an important role in helping a cancer patient's recovery simply by providing emotional support," says pioneering cancer psychotherapist Dr. Niki Barr, author of "Emotional Wellness, The Other Half of Treating Cancer," (canceremotionalwellbeing.com).

After a diagnosis of cancer, people have a greater need for social support, which has been shown to influence health outcomes, according to a National Institutes of Health report. Of the nine types of social support, the report says emotional support is among the most important.

"Even if you're not among the person's closest friends or family, you can help far more than you imagine simply by being encouraging and supportive," says Barr, who works exclusively with cancer patients and their loved ones.

"I understand people don't always know what to say to someone who's just been diagnosed or is in the midst of treatments and yes, sometimes they do say the wrong thing," Barr says. "I remind my patients often to refuse to listen to cancer 'horror stories,' so please, don't tell those!"

While everyone is different, Barr says that she's found a few things her patients consistently say benefit them:

• Sometimes saying nothing at all says everything. If your friend or loved one wants to talk about her treatments, complain about his situation, or not talk at all, being a good listener or simply a quiet presence speaks volumes. When a person complains, many of us jump to "help" by suggesting solutions. That's likely not what your friend or loved one is looking for. As my patients have said time and time again, sometimes they just want to get it all off their chest. An empathetic listener is all the help they need.

• Make your offer of help specific. "Call me if you need anything at all," puts the burden on your loved one - who already carries a tremendous burden! Instead, you might offer to make dinner for her family on Wednesday night and ask what meal everyone enjoys. Or volunteer to drive him to his doctor appointment on Monday afternoon. This makes it easy for your friend to politely accept or decline your offer, and it ensures you provide the assistance you feel comfortable providing.

• Not sure what to talk about? Follow his lead. Some days, my patients want to talk only about their illness, the treatment they're undergoing, and how they feel. Other days, they want to talk about anything BUT cancer. We all have days when we're immersed in our own lives and other days when we want to be distracted - or to just feel normal.

• If you're not sure what to say, err on the side of being positive. Don't say what you don't know - for instance, you don't know that everything is going to be just fine. But if you admire your loved one's strength or sense of humor, if your friend's attitude inspires you, tell them so. We all benefit from hearing a sincere compliment.

When a person who's going through what may be the most difficult, stressful event of their lives knows that you care, it makes a difference, Barr says.

"If you're truly at a loss for words, it never hurts to simply say, 'I'm thinking about you."

*as of Jan. 1, 2012; National Cancer Institute

About Niki Barr, Ph.D. (@NikiBarrPhD)

Niki Barr, Ph.D. founded a pioneering psychotherapy practice dedicated to working with cancer patients in all stages of the disease, along with their family members, caregivers and friends. In her book, she describes an "emotional wellness toolbox" patients can put together with effective and simple strategies, ready to use at any time, for helping them move forward through cancer. Dr. Barr is a dynamic and popular speaker, sharing her insights with cancer patients and clinicians across the nation.

29 Oct 2013

Thank a local veteran with a free haircut

By Matt DeMargel

Great Clips awards customers with free haircut cards to give veterans through 2013

(October, 2013) - When we see men and women in military uniforms, many of us want to walk up and thank them for devoting their lives to preserve our freedom. Now, you can show our appreciation by awarding active or retired U.S. military members a free haircut. It's all part of the "Thank a Veteran" promotion from Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand. Great Clips leaders say the gesture is one small thank-you for our veterans' service to country.

Shears Salute

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, any day before Dec. 31, 2013.

"We're honored to help the entire nation show appreciation for the men and women who have served our country," says Great Clips CEO, Rhoda Olsen, who is married to a Vietnam veteran.  "We invite everyone to come into a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to purchase a service and pick up a free haircut card. Give the card to your veteran neighbor, family member or just someone you notice is a veteran to thank them for serving our country. It's one small way to show you truly care and appreciate their service."

How It Works:

  • Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
  • Limit one card per customer.
  • The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11-Dec. 31, 2013 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.
  • Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. After Nov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.

"Many of our franchise owners, corporate staff and Great Clips stylists have served in the military, or have family members or customers who have served, so we are all excited to be a part of this nationwide 'thank-you' to our men and women in uniform," says Terri Miller, Great Clips vice president of marketing & communications. "To make sure as many veterans as possible have the opportunity to get their free haircut, we extended this promotion through the end of the year. We want to give these great people more time to visit a Great Clips and redeem this thank-you card for a free haircut in honor of their service."

###

About Great Clips, Inc.
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more than 3,300 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world's largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer service system and advanced technical skills. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And it's more convenient than ever with Great Clips' Online Check-In and Clip Notes®. To check in online, visit www.greatclips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com.

29 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Students to be Honored by Lincoln Academy November 2

By Brooke Anderson

Ceremony at Old State Capitol Recognizes the Top Student from Each College and University in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the names of the state's outstanding college students who will be honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The Academy will recognize the students during the annual Student Laureate Convocation at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.

"These students have exhibited a personal commitment to excel as seen by their remarkable academic accomplishments," Governor Quinn said. "They serve as role models to all Illinois students. With hard-working and dedicated young leaders such as these, Illinois and the rest of the nation can look forward to a bright future."

The Lincoln Academy's Student Laureate Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the state's four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from among all the community colleges in Illinois. At the Student Laureate Convocation, each will receive a Student Laureate Medallion, along with a $1,000 educational grant and a certificate of achievement. This event will mark the 39th year that students have been honored by the Academy.

Student Laureate Caelin Niehoff of DePaul University will speak on behalf of all the Laureates. The invocation will be delivered by Robert A. Easter, Ph.D., President of the University of Illinois and the benediction will be delivered by The Reverend Stanley Davis, Jr. The Sangamon Woodwind Consort will provide music, and a luncheon at the Illinois Executive Mansion will follow the Student Laureate Convocation.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established 49 years ago to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens with the state's highest award, the Order of Lincoln. The 50th Annual Convocation and Investiture of Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will take place Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Field Museum in Chicago.

STUDENT LAUREATES

 

School                         Student                        Home Town

 

Augustana College                        Jenna N. Orabutt                        Hawthorn Woods, IL

Aurora University                     Andrew J. Patton                         Oswego, IL

Benedictine University                     Eman Sahloul                        Orland Park, IL

Blackburn College                        Ashley Donoho                        

Bradley University                     Jonathan Teich                          Bay City, MI

Chicago State University                    Christopher D. Muldrow                      Oak Forest, IL

Columbia College - Chicago              Allison C. Shuman                         Cranston, RI

Concordia University Chicago            David J. Moldenhauer                    Walled Lake, MI

DePaul University                     Caelin Niehoff                        Algonquin, IL

Dominican University                     David C. Gayes                          Oak Park, IL

Eastern Illinois University                    Zachary D. Samples                        Decatur, IL

Elmhurst College                        Emily A. Darow                          Palatine, IL

Eureka College                        Lauren M. Schwanke                       Eureka, IL

Governors State University                Ricca Louissaint                     South Holland, IL

Greenville College                        Alyssa R. Gosselin                       Derby, VT

Illinois College                        Phuong Hoang Nguyen                      Thai Binh, Vietnam

Illinois Institute of Technology            Miriam R. Schmid                         Cissna Park, IL

Illinois State University                     Brian M. Kulaga                         Elmhurst, IL

Illinois Wesleyan University                Josefina Banales                        Chicago, IL

Judson University                     Cassandra E. Criminger                     Flanagan, IL

Knox College                        Carolyn Stephen                        St. Louis, MO

Lake Forest College                        Anali N. Vargas                         Chicago, IL

Lake Land College                        Kolten A. Postin                         Moweaqua, IL

Lewis University                     Samantha J. Rinehart                       Marion, IA

Lincoln College                        Josh A. Jones                          Joliet, IL

Loyola University Chicago                  Thomas J. Serena                         Shorewood, IL

MacMurray College                        Katherine L. Schmidt                        Jerseyville, IL

McKendree University                     Anthony J. Rhoads                         Litchfield, IL

Millikin University                     Emily E. D'Ambrose                      Naperville, IL

Monmouth College                        William T. Terrill                                  Sugar Grove, IL

National Louis University                    Kristine Becker-Kristufek               Mt. Prospect, IL

North Central College                        Colin J. Loeffler                       Sun Prairie, WI

North Park University                     An Tran                           Hanoi, Vietnam

Northeastern Illinois University           Ashor O. Jajou                          Morton Grove, IL

Northern Illinois University                  Sarah L. Stuebing                       DeKalb, IL

Olivet Nazarene University                 Breanne M. Bambrick                       Washington, IL

Principia College                        Haley O. Morton                         Wildwood, MO

Quincy University                     Samantha A. Nielsen                        Arlington Heights, IL

Rockford University                     Dunja Cosic                          Rockford, IL

Roosevelt University                     Erin McCaslin                       Maple Valley, WA

St. Xavier University                     Lauren Bryk                           Rolling Meadows, IL

Southern IL Univ. Carbondale            Eileen N. Schweiss                       Festus, MO

Southern IL Univ. Edwardsville          Christopher J. Branch                         Edwardsville, IL

The University of Chicago                  Safiya C. Johnson                        Chicago, IL

Trinity Christian College                      Megan L. Anderson                       Elgin, IL

Trinity International University            Rebekah E. Held                           Hartford, WI

University of IL at Chicago                 Fransely Robles                         Chicago, IL

University of IL at Springfield             Joshua Eastby                         Edwardsville, IL

Univ. of IL at Urbana-Champaign      Amanda M. Rowland                        Burr Ridge, IL

University of St. Francis                     Brandon S. Collofello                     Minooka, IL

VanderCook College of Music           Maxwell J. Dykla                          Belding, MI

Western Illinois University                   Lindsey M. Posmanick                      Troy, IL

Wheaton College                        Sarah R. Vander Vorst                       Mound City, SD

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