17 Sep 2013

The Music Faculty at Augustana College Presents Tikkun Concert

By John DeGreve

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 @ 7:00 p.m.

At the Unitarian Church, 3707 Eastern Avenue in Davenport.

Please join us for a concert with Rob Elfline on piano, Nina Ehrlich on cello, Deborah Dakin on viola and Paul Olson as narrator.

"And Trouble Came: An African AIDS Diary"

Composed by Laura Kaminsky

At the beginning of the concert, Ms. Kaminsky will talk about her experiences and her process in writing this piece.

A Free Will Offering will be collected with a portion going to an AIDS charity.

Reception following the performance - meet the composer and performers.  Cookies, punch, conversation.

www.qcuu.org

qcuu@mchsi.com

facebook.com/uucqc

17 Sep 2013

Karaoke Night Fundraiser Oct 18th at UUCQC

By John DeGreve

FREE ADMISSION*

*Free Will Offering Appreciated

7?9 PM

FOOD  - FUN - BEVERAGE

Fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation QC

3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport     

Ph 563 359-0816

17 Sep 2013

LOCAL NONPROFIT GILDA'S CLUB NAMED A FINALIST IN FIFTH ANNUAL TOM'S OF MAINE "50 STATES FOR GOOD"™

By Rick Martin
Gilda's Club represents IA as one of 51 Finalists in the Running to Earn $10,000 in Funding Davenport, Iowa, September 16th, 2013 - Gilda's Club Quad Cities has been selected as the only finalist from IA in the fifth annual Tom's of Maine "50 States for Good" community giving program and now has a chance to win $10,000 to grow important community projects and services that will allow us to plant an organic garden and offer workshops on healthy living using local experts. Through a public vote at 50StatesforGood.com now through October 15, supporters can help bring the funding to Davenport with the simple click of a mouse.

The "50 States for Good" program seeks to uncover local nonprofit groups that address community needs and engage volunteers to get the work done. Gilda's Club G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources Organically Within) entails a combination of planting an organic garden as well as providing workshops on healthy living and sustainability. It would be a fulfilling opportunity for volunteers and members alike.

"Gilda's Club Quad Cities is absolutely thrilled to be a finalist in the Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good program. We believe that healthy eating is extremely important however, it can be very expensive. When a family is impacted by a cancer diagnosis sometimes they simply can't afford to buy these things. Winning this money would help us to be able to provide fresh organic vegetables and fruits to our members" - Erin Williams Gilda's Club Program Outreach Manager

Non-profit finalists from each state were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 nominations by an independent panel of judges, featuring including star of "The Vampire Diaries" and non-profit founder Ian Somerhalder, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, Huffington Post columnist Lisa M. Dietlin and Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care.

"A desire to do more for a favorite nonprofit can often be hindered by a lack of time to volunteer or financial means to make a donation," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "50 States for Good makes it easy for anyone to have an impact and directly help organizations that are bringing goodness to communities in a variety of creative and inspiring ways."    

-For several decades, Tom's of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. For more information visit tomsofmaine.com.

About Gilda's Club Quad Cities

Our mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education, and hope to all people affected by cancer. Visit us online at:www.gildasclubqc.org

www.facebook.com/gildasclubqc

www.twitter.com/gildasclubqc

www.pinterest.com/gildasclubqc

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and all packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

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17 Sep 2013

Celebrate College Savings Month with College Savings Iowa and Register to Win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account!

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (09/17/2013)(readMedia)-- For families already busy juggling the demands of work and home, college planning may be the last thing on your mind. However, with the cost of a higher education rising faster than inflation, nearly every family will face the question of how to pay for it when the time comes. Thankfully, the answer is quite simple - start saving today. By starting early, saving regularly and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them and College Savings Iowa is here to help.

To get a jump start on helping your loved ones start saving for college, celebrate College Savings Month with us. College Savings Month is a national campaign to help bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for their children. As a way to help families start saving, we are celebrating by giving away a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account. For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit collegesavingsiowa.com any time before November 30.

While any form of saving for college is better than not saving at all, there are additional benefits to using a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa. Administered by the state treasurer's office, College Savings Iowa offers multiple investment choices, including four age-based options that take into account the child's age and the account owner's tolerance for risk. As the beneficiary nears college age, the assets are automatically shifted to more conservative portfolios. This allows you to reduce the market risk before you begin making withdrawals for college expenses.

In addition, 529 plans offer significant federal and state tax benefits to help grow your savings even more. Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Iowa state income taxes while invested and remain tax-free when used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.* College Savings Iowa sweetens the deal by allowing Iowa tax payers to deduct up to $3,045 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2013 adjusted gross income.**

By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them. Start saving today and help make college a reality for a child in your life - you'll be glad you did! To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit collegesavingsiowa.com or call 888-672-9116.

Michael L. Fitzgerald, State Treasurer

*The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

**Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

17 Sep 2013

USDA Celebrates National Health IT Week

By Rick Martin
Highlights Support for Advanced Health Care Technology

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today kicked off National Health IT week by highlighting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) to expand funding for advanced health care technology in rural America.

"Digital technology holds tremendous promise for the future of health care, and we must ensure that rural Americans have access to the latest in health technology," Vilsack said. "USDA has worked hard to expand digital tools and infrastructure for rural health providers, and as a result more communities are well-positioned to provide cutting edge health care."

USDA is partnering with HHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs to leverage funds to support advanced health care technology in rural hospitals. This partnership is an extension of a successful pilot launched in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi and Texas to identify rural critical access hospitals in persistent poverty areas in need of advanced health care technology.

Rural Development programs provide funding for rural health IT infrastructure and expand local access to high quality health care services for rural Americans nationwide. These Rural Development programs include the Community Facilities loan and grant program, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program and the Rural Economic Development loan and grant program.

In conjunction with Health IT Week, Secretary Vilsack announced funding today for the following recipients to make technological upgrades and improve access to quality health care in rural areas. USDA funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

Kansas

  • Ellinwood District Hospital - $237,000 Community Facilities loan. Funds will be used to install a boiler system to improve the dependability and efficiency of the hospital's heating and cooling system.

Illinois

  • Pinckneyville Community Hospital District - $22,999,000 Community Facilities loan. Funds will be used to construct a replacement critical access hospital building.
  • Community Memorial Hospital Association - $8,000,000 Community Facilities loan. Funds will be used to renovate the hospital in Staunton, Ill. The project will improve emergency services, centralize outpatient testing and services and improve patient registration.

Iowa

  • Access Energy Cooperative - $300,000 Rural Economic Development grant and $495,000 Rural Economic Development loan. Funds will be used to create a revolving loan fund that will provide a pass-through loan for the Henry County Health Center to purchase equipment for the surgical and outpatient departments. The project will create three jobs and help retain 300 existing jobs.

Texas

  • Mitchell County Hospital District - $28,800 Community Facilities grant. Funds will be used to purchase a nurse call system. The system will be used to improve patient care for Mitchell County residents.
  • Kinney County - $40,600 Community Facilities grant. Funds will be used to purchase an ambulance.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions.

For more information about the objective of this initiative and the partnership between Secretaries Vilsack and Sebelius, please follow this link describing the Iowa pilot, which was the first of five pilot projects that took place across five states: http://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/local-implementation-support/creative-solutions-expand-iowas-rural-health-funding/

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

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17 Sep 2013

Davenport Iowa Is Proud To Announce Its Fall Awareness Workshop Day on September 24, 2013

By Sarah Arp

ONE WEEK LEFT TO SIGN UP!

In Davenport, Iowa, Milestone Area Agency on Aging, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), Quad City Times and St. Ambrose University encourage seniors to attend the Fall Awareness Workshop on Tuesday, September 24, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806.  This workshop will give seniors a passport to attend four different workshops that will provide them with helpful information and instruction on how to live a Fall Free lifestyle.

The workshops consist of: 1) Balance & Mobility Testing, 2) Pharmacy Screenings which include blood pressure checks, medication review and educational information, 3) Vision & Home Modifications informational session and 4) Exercise & Physical Activities station demonstrating yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba Gold.

Reservations are required for this event, please call or stop in at CASI (1035 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA?563-386-7477) to reserve your spot today. Space is limited. THERE'S ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO SIGN UP!

Iowa is part of the national Falls Free® Initiative, which includes more than 40 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.

This year's theme, Preventing Falls?One Step at a Time, seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an Emergency Department for a fall-related injury. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those aged 65 and over. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.  

"Falls are not a normal part of aging, and this day of awareness provides an opportunity to educate older adults and the community at large about how to reduce falls risks," said (Bonita) Lynn Beattie, vice president of Injury Prevention with the National Council on Aging(NCOA), leader of the Falls Free® Initiative. "We encourage seniors and their families to take proactive steps to prevent falls and stay independent for as long as possible."

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:

? A physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.

? Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.

? Having medications reviewed periodically.

? Getting eyes checked annually.

? Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

? New research also suggests hearing loss should be routinely assessed  

At senior centers and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain the strength, improved balance, and confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

For more information about Davenport Iowa's Fall Awareness Workshop, please call CASI For more information on the National Council on Aging and National Fall Prevention Awareness Day, please visit www.ncoa.org/FPAD.

About the Falls Free® Initiative

Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative.

About NCOA  

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults?especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged?and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit:

www.ncoa.org | www.facebook.com /NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

17 Sep 2013

Physician Shares Tips for Surviving the 'Easy Life'

By Rick Martin
Study Shows Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Trigger Improvements at the Cellular Level

Dr. James L. Hardeman has seen firsthand the consequences of unhealthy habits during his 30 years as a practicing physician, and he says they're just not worth it.

"There are very clear, biological reasons why we are compelled to eat sugary, fatty foods; but if there was ever a case of 'too much of a good thing,' it's a sedentary lifestyle coupled with delicious, readily available food," says Dr. Hardeman, author of "Appears Younger than Stated Age," (www.jameslhardeman.com), a pragmatic guide to looking younger.

As we evolved, sugar, salt and fat were rare yet necessary commodities, and that's why we enjoy them so much, he says. But there are devastating consequences associated with too much rest, sugar and fat - including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea, he says.

"The 'easy life' isn't so easy in the long term," he says.

Multiple studies indicate the multidimensional nature of healthy habits, including one recently published by the Lund University Diabetes Centre in Sweden. The study tracked significant improvements in men who changed their lifestyle from inactive to active, and the results were impressive.

Waist circumference and blood pressure drastically improved after six months. But the study also showed that health also improved at the microscopic level, such as the functioning of genes and how they express proteins. Other studies indicate that gene improvement can occur after just one workout.

"Our bodies want to be healthy, and it's just a matter of getting and staying motivated," says Dr. Hardeman, who offers tips:

• Don't fall into the "I don't have time" trap. Time is arguably the most precious commodity any individual has - and that means life span. Don't have time to chop veggies before dinner or work out after work? Then make time! You will almost certainly live longer by following a healthier lifestyle. Need more incentive than a vague sense of health? How about avoiding the lifestyle restrictions imposed by diabetes, or the medical interventions necessitated by a heart attack?

• Keep in mind the intake/output principle. Miracle diets don't exist. While some people can burn calories more easily than others, it ultimately comes down to what you put into your body and what you do with that energy. If you want to lose or maintain weight, think of a 360-calorie muffin as a loan you have to pay back with 35 to 40 minutes worth of jogging, or a 55-minute walk.

• Keep doing fun things! Remember what it was like to be a little kid? Back then, simply running around during a game of tag was a blast! It's never too late to turn exercise into play. Try snowboarding, dancing at a club, hiking a beautiful landscape or taking a bicycle ride with the family.

• Find the motivator that works for you. Many people find a partner helps them stay motivated to exercise. If you're not inclined to walk in the morning, but you don't want to let down your walking partner, then you're more likely to walk anyway. Same goes for a dog that needs to be walked. However, the most dependable person to keep you motivated is you. If your routine is getting a dull, mix it up with an mp3 player. Whether it's Metallica, Manilow or Mozart, you can program a personal adrenalin soundtrack to keep yourself fully amped.

About Dr. James L. Hardeman

Dr. James L. Hardeman has been a physician for 30 years. Triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Hardeman works both in a hospital and at his own busy office practice. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of California at Irvine, he attended Baylor College of Medicine where he graduated with honors. Postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine took place at USC and UCI.

17 Sep 2013

Simon encourages civic engagement, working together while speaking to female leaders in Chicago

By Ted Nelson

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will urge civic involvement and highlight the importance of women in politics while speaking to the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Alliance for Women and League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) in separate events on Tuesday.

Simon will join a panel of female elected officials including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno and State Representative Patricia Bellock at the LWVIL State of the State event at the Union League Club of Chicago. Later Simon will provide the keynote address at a CBA Alliance for Women event.

"I am excited to be participating in a dialogue with this great group of women," said Simon.  "We should be thankful for the dedicated work of the women that paved the way for us and continue carrying on their efforts to help future generations of leaders."

In an effort to commemorate the dedicated work of the courageous Illinoisans who worked to grant women the right to vote in Presidential elections over 100 years ago, the LWVIL is hosting a luncheon featuring a prominent panel of four female elected officials, including Simon, moderated by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich.  Proceeds from the State of the State benefit the organization's education fund and its mission of promoting civic education and voter service.

Founded in 1992, the Alliance for Women credits itself for working within the Chicago Bar Association to advance the interests of women in the legal profession and the larger community. Through monthly programs, special projects, networking events and professional development the Alliance brings together the talents of its members to implement strategies that effect change. As an Assistant State's Attorney in Jackson County, Simon prosecuted domestic violence cases, and as professor at Southern Illinois University's School of Law, she helped launch a domestic violence clinic to train law students and to serve clients at no cost.

The Alliance for Women event is its annual kick-off meeting designed to welcome new members and promote involvement over the upcoming year.  Previous speakers have included Dawn Clark Netsch and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Hon. Anne Burke.

 

EVENT

DATE: Sept.17

TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

PLACE: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews following the event.

 

EVENT

DATE: Sept.17

TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

PLACE: CBA Building, 321 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews following the event.

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17 Sep 2013

Rock Island Library Events for Adults Mix Learning, Culture, Illinois History

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL- Whatever your interest, there's probably an adult program for it this fall at the Rock Island Public Library. The list of free programs for late September and October ranges from genealogy education to the history of African-American miners in Illinois.

Researching Your Family Tree: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street Curious to research your family history but not sure where to start? The Rock Island County Genealogical Society can help! The hour-long session will help participants get their research started. The event repeats on Oct. 8 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, also at the Main Library.

Irena Sendler: Angel of the Warsaw Ghetto. Tuesday, Oct. 1st, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. As a Polish Catholic social worker during WWII, Irena Sendler risked her life to save others. With ingenuity, calmness and courage, she was responsible for rescuing 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Irena never thought of herself as hero, and said she simply did what needed to be done, and followed her heart. In this 60-minute performance and question and answer session, Actress Judy Winnick will portray this extraordinary woman. Event presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities.

Getting Started with Computers, Monday, Oct. 7, 11:00 am to noon, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. If you've never used a computer before or just not comfortable with one, this is the class for you! This one-hour class starts with the very basic lessons on computers and how to start using them. Registration is required - space is limited. Call the Rock Island Library's Reference Desk, 732-7341, to sign up. No computer skills are required.

Uprisings: Illinois Miners Revolt! Wednesday, Oct. 9th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Illinois Road Scholar Rosemary Feurer will discuss the role of miners throughout the state, incorporating the lost history of African-American miners, and the first successful miners uprising in 1897-1898. Also, learn how downstate miners during 1894-1935 created an oppositional culture that led to an uprising against their union, mining corporations, and state and federal officials. This program is made possible in part by an award from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Library How-To: Download Music, Thursday, Oct. 10th, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Learn how to use the Library's music service, to download music to your computer and personal devices. Participants must have a Rock Island, Bettendorf, Davenport, or Sherrard District Library card to use Freegal.

Getting Started with the Internet, Tuesday, Oct. 15th, 11:00 am to noon, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. This class will help you to use the Internet more effectively. Learn about some of the Library's databases, search engines, and how to move around online. Reservation is required - space is limited. Call the Rock Island Library's Reference Desk, 309-732-7341, to register. Keyboarding and mouse skills required.

All of the above events are free and open to the public.

For more events at Rock Island Library, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323 (READ).

 

(End)

17 Sep 2013

Chinese Ag Leaders Sign Commitments to Buy $2.8 Billion Worth of U.S. Soy

By United Soybean Board
Checkoff event results in purchase agreements between Chinese, U.S. companies
DAVENPORT, Iowa (Sept. 16, 2013) - As China's appetite for soy products continues to grow, it's leaning on U.S. soybean farmers to help meet demand - in one recent case, to the tune of $2.8 billion.

During the recent U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, Chinese agricultural leaders signed agreements to buy approximately $2.8 billion worth of U.S. soy. The delegation signed 13 contracts with U.S. exporters.
"These contracts speak to U.S. soybean farmers' work to produce high-quality soybeans," says Jim Stillman, chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB), which co-sponsored the Exchange with the American Soybean Association (ASA). "The U.S. soy industry is committed to meeting the demands of our customers, and we are doing that by growing the best crops we can," says Stillman, a soybean farmer from Emmetsburg, Iowa.
"China is an important trade partner of the U.S. soy industry," says Randy Mann, chairman of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), which hosted the Exchange. "We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with our largest international customer," says Mann, who raises soybeans on his farm Auburn, Ky.
More than 200 foreign trade delegates attended the Exchange in the Quad Cities Sept. 16-18. Farmer-leaders from across the soy family networked with international customers and solidified purchase agreements.
"This is the first year we've held the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, and we're very pleased that purchase commitments resulted from the event," says Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer of the Iowa Soybean Association. "The point of the event was to cultivate relationships with our customers, including China, and show purchasers the unrivaled U.S. transportation system."
In the last marketing year, the United States exported about 1.8 billion bushels of soy, valued at $23 billion. Checkoff-funded efforts have helped turn China into the biggest international destination for U.S. soy. Customers in China bought 850 million bushels of U.S. soy last year, or more than one out of every four rows grown.
"The United States continues to export so many soy products because our customers recognize the strength of our delivery system and the quality of our soybeans," says Danny Murphy, ASA president. "These agreements certainly prove the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange was a success."
The 69 farmer-directors of USB 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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