15 Oct 2013

15th Annual Noogiefest

By Gilda's Club QC

Gilda's Club Quad Cities

Saturday, October 19, 2013 - 4:00pm until 6:00pm.

Come join us for a hauntingly good time with themed rooms, games, crafts, door prizes and more ! Themed rooms featuring QC Raiders, QC River Bandits, QC Family Entertainment Center and many more!

Family Fun for all ages!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes encouraged. Free family event open to the community. For questions about this event, please call Anita at 563-326-7504.

Gilda's Club Quad Cities, 1234 East River Drive, Davenport.  For directions, visit www.gildasclubqc.org

A Special Thanks to our Donors:

  • Lynn & Craig Allen
  • Bettendorf High School Key Club
  • Casey's General Stores
  • Cookies by Design
  • Davenport Central Key Club
  • Davenport Evening Optimists
  • Andrea Diercks
  • Domino's Pizza @ Utica Ridge
  • JoAnn Ehrecke & Family
  • Godfather's Pizza
  • HyVee (all stores)
  • Marco's Pizza
  • Modern Woodmen
  • Denise Mohr
  • QC Family Entertainment Center
  • QC Raiders
  • QC River Bandits
  • Carol Shudder & Family
  • Roxanne Steffens & Linda Harkey
  • Wise Guys Pizza & More
15 Oct 2013

Lt. Gov. Simon hosting meetings to help better serve defense and rural communities

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - Building on her efforts to support defense and rural communities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will lead discussions on how to better serve military families, provide healthy food options in rural communities and assist rural school districts in separate public meetings being held in Springfield on Wednesday.

"I expect many fruitful discussions on important rural and military issues at these meetings," said Simon. "I am looking forward to a productive dialogue on how we can better serve rural and defense communities."

Simon will chair the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC) meeting on Wednesday morning. Findings and recommendations from defense community listening posts and an online survey will be released. Throughout the summer, Simon's office convened listening posts in Metro East, Quad Cities and North Chicago, all of which are home to military installations and are already struggling with the economic impact of sequestration, federal government shutdown and the possibility of future cuts. An online survey followed in the fall.

The survey and listening posts were administered in partnership with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA). More than 750 participants answered questions pertaining to business opportunities, education, workforce training and quality of life. The IMBSEDC is required by statute to coordinate the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases in Illinois, and provides advice and recommendations for base retention, realignment and reuse.

Later in the day, Simon will chair a Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) meeting. The 25-member council will discuss proposals to encourage healthy eating in rural communities via double value coupons for food stamps, promote small businesses, improve access to emergency services and assist rural school districts.

Established by Governor's executive order, the GRAC is tasked with improving delivery of state services to rural Illinois and expanding opportunities for rural residents to enhance their quality of life. Under Simon's leadership, the GRAC has worked to expand access to locally grown, healthy foods and emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas, as well as other rural issues.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 16

EVENT: IMBSEDC Meeting

TIME: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION:  State House, Room 214, Springfield

EVENT: GRAC Meeting

TIME: 2 - 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Stratton Building, Room 413, 401 S. Spring St., Springfield

 

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15 Oct 2013

Loebsack, Bustos Fight to Protect Medicare Open Enrollment During Government Shutdown

By Joe Hand

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today Across Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined together to ensure that Medicare open enrollment is not affected by the current reckless and irresponsible government shutdown. In a joint letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, Loebsack and Bustos urged her to make sure that any shutdown related delays or problems surrounding Medicare open enrollment are swiftly addressed.


Medicare open enrollment is the period during which seniors can make changes to their Medicare plan. Starting today through December 7th, seniors can sign up for 2014 coverage or make changes to their Medicare plan.    

A copy of the Loebsack-Bustos letter is below and HERE.

 

October 15, 2013

 

Marilyn Tavenner

Administrator

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Department of Health and Human Services

Room 314G

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20201

 

Dear Administrator Tavenner:

We write today to urge you to ensure that seniors across our regions of Illinois and Iowa are able to access the resources that they need to make informed decisions during this year's Medicare open enrollment period.

The open enrollment period is an important time for seniors.  The ability to switch Medicare Advantage plans or move between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare gives seniors flexibility and confidence that Medicare is working for them.  We understand that the government shutdown has resulted in employee furloughs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  However, the open enrollment period is without a doubt an essential duty, and we stand ready to work with you to ensure that this critical service for seniors moves forward without a hitch despite the reckless politics that we are seeing in Washington.

As seniors explore their options, it is critical that all resources and assistance provided by CMS are as readily accessible as they have been in prior years.  To protect seniors, we urge you to act swiftly if any problems stemming from the government shutdown arise during the open enrollment period.  Should the need arise, we ask you to consider ways to protect seniors such as an extension of the open enrollment period.  We stand ready to work with you to guarantee a seamless open enrollment period.

Sincerely,

 

Cheri Bustos                         Dave Loebsack

Member of Congress           Member of Congress

 

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15 Oct 2013

Illinois National Guard military police unit honored at Freedom Salute ceremony

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Six Soldiers earn Bronze Star Medal

FORT SHERIDAN, IL (10/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Approximately 130 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers from the 933rd Military Police Company based in Fort Sheridan, Ill., were recognized for their service in Afghanistan at a Freedom Salute ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Oct. 12.

The unit mobilized Aug. 7, 2012 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"Welcome back 933rd, I'm glad to have you back to recognize all the great work you did in Afghanistan. Be very proud of yourselves for the fine work you did over there," said Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., Assistant Adjutant General-Army. "To the families - thank you for your enduring sacrifice. I know it's very hard to have your loved ones away."

The company worked with Special Forces troops in Afghanistan; therefore, much of its mission is classified. 933rd Soldiers were spread across four remote combat posts in Afghanistan successfully accomplishing missions such as guard operations and prisoner escort.

"I want to thank you all for coming and the support," said Capt. Thomas Gilligan of Bolingbrook, 933rd commander. "The most important part of the National Guard is the bond we have with our families, friends and local community and as you can see with the facilities we have here today and the support we have been given over the year and the various things that got shipped to us that we needed in theater, the support we have as a unit is great and that is because of you guys."

Six Soldiers earned Bronze Star Medals, 76 earned Army Commendation Medals, 42 earned the Army Achievement Medals and 19 Soldiers received Combat Action Badges. Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal included Capt. Thomas Gilligan of Bolingbrook, 1st Lt. Christopher Rothwell of Chicago, 1st Lt. Lorrie Novak of Oak Forrest, Sgt. 1st Class Delval Desavieu of Dolton, Staff Sgt. Bret Thompson of Yorkville. Sgt. 1st Class Joel Mauney of Springfield also earned the Bronze Star Medal, but was not present for the ceremony.

The 933rd also mobilized from February 2003 to July 2004, as one of the first Illinois Army National Guard units to be deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard presented each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families also received items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

15 Oct 2013

QUAD CITY ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN FOR APPLICATION

By Christine Cournoyer

Scholarship application available for high school seniors interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) degree



The Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, or QCESC, has released its 2014 scholarship application at www.qcesc.org Applications must be mailed by January 18, 2014. The scholarships will be awarded at its 52nd annual National Engineers Week banquet on February 20th. This will the 20th year of awarding scholarships to encourage students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM. by awarding scholarships. Last year 11 scholarships were awarded worth $18,000.

 

The scholarships are awarded based  on academics, extracurricular activities including work and community service, and. leadership experience. The applicants essays on career goals and why they are interested in the STEM field rounded out how these applications are evaluated. High school seniors from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties in Illinois; and Clinton Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa are eligible to apply.

 

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit organized in 1963. Its mission is to Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in the Quad City Region and to also support and encourage students in the Quad City Region to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

15 Oct 2013

AARP Survey: Hunger is a Top Concern for Iowans

By Ann Black
New Study Shows 1 in 4 Iowans Has Experienced Hunger

DES MOINES - Most Iowans view hunger as an important problem in the state, with a third saying it is a very important issue, according to a new AARP Iowa survey released at the 2013 Iowa Hunger Summit, organized by the World Food Prize Foundation.

Findings also show that more than one in four Iowans surveyed said they had experienced food insecurity in their own household, and nearly half said that someone close to them has had limited access to adequate food on a regular basis due to not having enough money or other resources to buy food.

Forty-eight percent of Iowans said they think the number of families at risk for hunger has increased over the past two years, and 40 percent said they believe the need for places where those at risk can get free food or meals has increased, as well.

"Iowans, have a long history of humanitarian leadership against hunger at home and around the world, so it's not surprising that they rank hunger as an important problem for our state to address," said AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern. "What is surprising is that while about one in four Iowans has had direct experience with hunger in their household, almost half of Iowans know someone who has been food insecure. With increasing numbers of Iowans at risk for hunger there is a need for more resources to reduce food insecurity and we hope these survey results will focus more attention on the urgency of the issue and renew Iowans' desire to help in their communities."

Findings show Iowans are committed to fighting against hunger as more than half of Iowans responded that they have donated money or food to an organization providing food to those in need or directly to individuals in need in the last 12 months. In addition, far more Iowans surveyed indicated they would give more money and food, if asked.

"The generosity of Iowans really comes through in this survey," said Sovern. "And, the findings clearly indicate that people are willing to give more if asked. We hope our partners and all of Iowa's hunger advocates will be able to leverage these survey results to increase hunger relief in communities across our state through increased volunteer involvement and food and money donations. "

The survey finds that Iowans strongly approve (79.9 percent) of the State of Iowa's $1 million match of donations to Iowa food banks in 2014, and by about the same ratio, Iowans support AARP's role in working with the state of Iowa in fighting hunger for Iowans age 50 and above. Iowans believe that both the public and private sectors must work to reduce the number of families at risk for hunger as nearly three-quarters of the respondents indicated they see fighting hunger in the state as an issue best dealt with by state government working in conjunction with public and private organizations and individuals.

"These findings highlight the great work Iowans are doing to help fight food insecurity. The data also helps us to focus our attention and resources on those in greatest need." said Sovern.

AARP Iowa and AARP Foundation commissioned the statewide survey as part of their commitment to raise awareness of the issue food insecurity, particularly among older adults. The telephone survey of 800 Iowans age 18 and over was conducted by Precision Opinion between Sept. 6-16, 2013. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percent.

Survey demographics identify respondents as roughly 50-50 male-female, ranging in age from 18-34 (30%), age 35-49 (27%); and age 50+ (43%).  Respondents are long-time Iowans, having lived in the state an average of 39 years, and for an average of 16 years at their current residence.  Almost 18 percent of respondents live on a farm.  The majority of respondents are voters, with 54% reporting they always vote and 26% reporting they vote most of the time.  Respondents identify political party affiliations as Republican (27%); Democrat (28%); Other (28%); No Party (11%).

A full copy of the survey is posted at www.aarp.org/ia or is available by contacting the AARP Iowa State Office at 515.697.1003 or emailing the office at ia@aarp.org

# # #

 

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

 

15 Oct 2013

More People Face Challenge of Balancing Ethnic Identities

By Ginny Grimsley
NYC-raised, Iranian-schooled Woman Says We Should All
Embrace & Preserve Cultural Traditions

What does it mean to be an American? The answer to that question is changing.

It's exemplified in stories like that of Shaghayegh "Sharon" Farsijani, raised in New York City until she was a teenager and then transplanted to Iran for her high school years. Her experience trying to balance two vastly different cultures while recognizing the beauty in both was difficult but ultimately liberating, she says.

"I was a Brooklyn girl and my parents were quite 'American' although they were Iranian natives. My father wanted me to live in Tehran for a few years so I could experience his culture," says Farsijani, whose new book, "Lacking Lips of Time," (http://lackinglipsoftime.info), puts to words her feelings from that time.

"I witnessed much beauty living in and attending school in what used to be ancient Persia, and I embraced it, but I had to do that while adapting to a much more restrictive, religiously observant, culture. It's a fine balancing act between conforming and staying true to who you are."

Farsijani says poetry helped her synthesize her feelings and appreciate the beauty - the people, culture and land - around her. She later went on to earn her MBA, became a noteworthy journalist in Iran and traveled extensively, eventually forging a new career in the United States.

While preserving and embracing ethnic and cultural heritage is easier in some ways in America today, she says, it's also more complicated. Farsijani shares three "snapshots" of our contemporary American "melting pot":

• Hispanics, our largest minority, represent a multitude of cultures. Fifty-one percent of Hispanic adults in the United States say they identify not with a generalized "Latino" heritage but with their family's country of origin. And 69 percent say Latinos have many different cultures. That poses challenges for families who want to preserve cultural traditions in a nation that tends to paint diverse groups of people with a broad, homogenous brush.

"One of the beautiful things about our cultural diversity is that it enriches all of us, whether or not we share that ethnicity," says Farsijani. "Something as basic as a dish of chicken and yellow rice can be prepared one way in Colombia and another in Costa Rica."

By exploring and appreciating what different cultures make available to us as Americans, she says, we can help ensure traditions remain authentic and available.

• Many more people identify themselves as multi-racial. With racial differences often come cultural differences. In 2000, for the first time, the U.S. government officially recognized that some Americans identify with more than one race. That year, the Census offered us the option to check multiple races to answer the question, "What is this person's race?"

"It's surprising that it took 210 years to make this change, but it's a huge step forward in helping individuals balance their multiple racial and ethnic identities," Farsijani says. "When the government basically tells you, 'You can only be one race,' it's sending a message that your other identities have no value."

• With more diversity of immigrants comes greater religious influence. The U.S. government grants full residency status to about a million new immigrants each year. For centuries, we received wave after wave of Christian European immigrants, and those from other Western-hemisphere nations. But our melting pot has been expanding with a spike in immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East-North Africa region.

"There is no way to quantify the numbers because our government does not ask an immigrant's religion," Farsijani says. "But we can assume more pronounced diversity of religious and cultural colors on America's family quilt, including Islamic and Hindu faiths."

Acceptance of these different faith perspectives helps make the U.S. a stronger union, Farsijani says.

"America is beginning to look more like New York City in terms of diversity," Farsijani says. "My hope is that we are able to appreciate our common humanity."

About Shaghayegh "Sharon" Farsijani

Shaghayegh "Sharon" Farsijani has a cultural background that is as diverse as her poetry is sensual. Born in New York City, she moved to Tehran with her parents, a native Iranian who wanted her to experience the culture of her ancestors. She eventually made her way to California, then to Paris and finally New York City again. After working as a reporter, graduating with her MBA and traveling extensively, she embarked on a journey to write with a deeper focus, culminating in her first book of poetry.

15 Oct 2013

LET'S PUT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONAL GUARD WORKERS BACK TO WORK

By Brian Jennings

DES MOINES - AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding Governor Branstad's plan to keep the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum open:

"As an Iowa veteran myself, I understand the importance of the heritage represented by the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.

"However, the shutdown is having an impact on state government that exceeds the impact to the museum. Nearly two hundred state employees working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense (Iowa National Guard) and Iowa Workforce Development are on temporary layoff with no guarantee that they will be made financially whole. That means that right now nearly two hundred Iowa families are trying to figure out how they will pay their bills despite the loss of income through no fault of their own.

"The safety of Iowans has been imperiled by the shutdown as there now only three Iowa OSHA officers left for the entire state.

"On Monday, the Governor said we need to prevent 'stupid things' from happening as result of the shutdown. Given the state's billion dollar surplus, I call on the Governor find a way to put Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa National Guard employees back to work."

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15 Oct 2013

Triumph Bancorp, Inc. completes acquisition of national bancshares, inc.

By Amanda Tavackoli

DALLAS - October 15, 2013 - Triumph Bancorp, Inc., parent of Triumph Savings Bank, SSB, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, today announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of National Bancshares, Inc., parent of THE National Bank, headquartered in Bettendorf, Iowa.

National Bancshares, Inc. has an established history of serving its communities for over 12 years. As of September 2013, National Bancshares, Inc. had approximately $900 million in assets. Its community banking subsidiary, THE National Bank, member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, offers personal checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, money market, HSA, IRA, NOW and business accounts, as well as consumer, commercial and mortgage loans from 19 branches and 3 loan production offices located throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

"We are excited to welcome the customers, employees, and shareholders of National Bancshares to the Triumph group of companies," said Aaron P. Graft, President and CEO of Triumph Bancorp, Inc. "This transaction is one of those rare opportunities to create value for everyone involved. For Triumph, we are acquiring an established, full service institution with a solid deposit franchise. For THE National Bank, it is gaining financial strength and access to the diverse lending opportunities within Triumph's platform. The combination of these attributes, as well as the strength of the combined balance sheet, creates a unique financial enterprise that is well positioned for success in the future."

John D. DeDoncker, President and CEO of THE National Bank commented, "We are pleased about the opportunity to combine resources with Triumph Bancorp, Inc. Through this acquisition, we believe we have enhanced the banking experience for our customers with the addition of various financial opportunities. We will continue to serve our customers and community well as we go forward as a member of the Triumph Bancorp group of companies."

Following this acquisition, Triumph Bancorp, Inc. will have approximately $1.2 billion in total assets and $150 million in total equity capital.

Triumph Bancorp, Inc. was advised in this transaction by Commerce Street Capital, LLC as financial advisor.  Hunton & Williams, LLP and Beard, Kultgen, Brophy, Bostwick, Dickson & Squires, LLP served as Triumph's legal counsel. Sandler O'Neill + Partners L.P. acted as financial advisor and rendered a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of National Bancshares, Inc. in connection with this transaction. Lane & Waterman LLP acted as legal counsel to National Bancshares, Inc.

About Triumph Bancorp, Inc.

Triumph Bancorp, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is a financial holding company with interests in wholesale banking, commercial finance and investment management. In November 2010, Triumph Bancorp, Inc. acquired and recapitalized its subsidiary bank, Triumph Savings Bank, SSB, which was then known as Equity Bank, SSB. Triumph brings creativity, diligence and innovation to all of our investments. Members of the Triumph Bancorp, Inc. group include Triumph Savings Bank, SSB, Triumph Commercial Finance, LLC, Triumph Capital Advisors, LLC, Triumph CRA Holdings, LLC and Advance Business Capital LLC.

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Triumph Bancorp's or National Bancshares's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and neither Triumph Bancorp nor National Bancshares assumes any duty to update forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving Triumph Bancorp and National Bancshares, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: (i) the possibility that the merger does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, shareholder or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; (ii) the risk that the benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, including as a result of changes in general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which National Bancshares operates; (iii) the ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of Triumph Bancorp and National Bancshares; (iv) the reaction of the companies' customers, employees and counterparties to the transaction; and (v) diversion of management time on merger-related issues.
15 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Opens FER-PAL Construction U.S. Headquarters in Illinois

By Brooke Anderson

Governor Personally Recruited Water Company That Will Employ 50 Workers at its Elgin Headquarters

ELGIN - Governor Pat Quinn joined FER-PAL Construction officials today to open the water main rehabilitation company's new U.S. headquarters in Elgin, creating 50 new jobs. Governor Quinn's personal involvement helped convince the firm to choose Illinois. This announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing water infrastructure.

"FER-PAL joins a growing list of companies who are choosing Illinois to grow their business," Governor Quinn said. "The company is also ideally situated to participate in the Clean Water Initiative, which is putting people back to work updating our water systems and infrastructure across Illinois."

Governor Quinn met with FER-PAL CEO Shaun McKaigue and Toronto (Canada) Mayor Rob Ford when they traveled recently to Chicago. Later, Governor Quinn solidified the relationship with FER-PAL while visiting Mayor Ford in Toronto and convinced the firm to locate its U.S. headquarters in Elgin.

"We are truly excited to open our newest office in Elgin, Illinois. It is great opportunity for the state, the local community and for FER-PAL," CEO Shaun McKaigue said.

FER-PAL Construction, based in Toronto, was established in 1986 to provide municipalities with water main rehabilitation services using "trenchless technology." They utilize a Cure-In-Place-Pipe, which is inserted into existing water mains and creates a new pipe within the old existing pipe, eliminating the need to dig long trenches to replace an aging water main. This technology has provided municipalities across the United States with a cost-effective alternative to traditional water main replacement.

Governor Quinn's recruitment of FER-PAL is part of an intentional strategy to recruit innovative water technology companies to Illinois. Firms like FER-PAL, Ecolab, and Grundfos are attracted by the Governor's Clean Water Initiative and are a source of growing strength for the state's economy.

Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The ICWI is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used.

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov. For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit illinoisbiz.biz.

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