05 Aug 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU SHOWS HOW "IOWA RISES UP"AT 2013 IOWA STATE FAIR

By Rick Martin

Visitors to Farm Bureau Park can meet Iowa farmers, win great prizes

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 5, 2013 - This year Iowa State Fair visitors will have the opportunity to Spin the Wheel at Farm Bureau Park to win great prizes while learning how Iowa's farmers help "Iowa Rise Up."  No matter the degree of agriculture knowledge, fairgoers will have the opportunity to interact with Iowa farmers while also having the chance to earn great prizes.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members will enjoy a number of perks at the fair, while Farm Bureau Park showcases how Iowa farmers help "Iowa Rise Up" by raising and growing our food and energy.  Members can redeem a thank you coupon for a free gift and register for a chance to win a free Cub Cadet Zero Turn Riding Mower.  Members are encouraged to sign up family and friends as new Farm Bureau members, with the new member entered in a drawing for $2,000 in free ethanol.

All park visitors can take a guess at how many balls are loaded in the cab of a Ford F-150 for a chance to win $500.  Farm Bureau Park visitors also have the opportunity to win a Big Green Egg smoker grill and sign the fair's largest Thank You card to Iowa's farmers, courtesy of Farm Bureau Financial Services.  Park guests will have the chance to sign up daily to win a free smart phone from Farm Bureau's newest benefit partner, Ready Mobile.

Visitors are encouraged to learn more about Farm Bureau benefit partners and special member discounts on services and products including Morton Buildings, Case IH tractors, hay equipment and utility vehicles, Ford and Lincoln vehicles and Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance available through Farm Bureau agents.  The newest partner, Ready Mobile, will be on site to answer questions and will provide a free phone charging station for fairgoers with a low cell phone battery.

Young fairgoers will also find free entertainment at Farm Bureau Park as the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee members offer a variety of free kids' activities and prizes from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10.

The IFBF is again promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles by featuring a number of free blood pressure, cancer, hearing, balance, and other health screenings on select fair days. Other special activities at Farm Bureau Park on select fair days include :

Saturday, Aug. 10

4:00 p.m., Governor's Charity Steer Show in the Livestock Pavilion.  Charity Auction immediately following

Tuesday, Aug. 13 - Farm Bureau Day at the Fair

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Farm Bureau's Cookout Contest on the Grand Concourse, judging at 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Free farm consultation services provided by Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Morton Buildings Tent

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., If you pay health insurance premiums or out-of-pocket healthcare costs, learn about tax savings plans provided by BASE Third-Party Benefit Administration

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sign up to win a Case IH pedal tractor provided by Case IH

9:00 a.m., Century and Heritage Farm Awards on the Century/Heritage Farm Stage (note location change)

Thursday, Aug. 15

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Free business consultation services provided by Renew Rural Iowa, VentureNet Iowa and CIRAS (ISU Center for Industrial Research and Service)

Farm Bureau Park is located next to the Varied Industries Building, right off the Grand Concourse. For a complete listing of Farm Bureau activities at the fair, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the newsroom at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

05 Aug 2013

SISTER OF NEWTOWN VICTIM, SURVIVOR OF TUCSON SHOOTING, AND MAYOR COWNIE TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF SENSIBLE GUN LAWS, HOLD SENATOR GRASSLEY ACCOUNTABLE FOR OPPOSING BACKGROUND CHECKS

By David Axelrod
Grassley Voted Against Background Checks Even Though 88 Percent of Iowans Support Them; Participants Set To Thank Senator Harkin for Supporting Sensible Gun Legislation
Event is Part of "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" Bus Tour; www.NoMoreNames.org
On Wednesday, August 7th, the sister of a victim of the Newtown massacre, a survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting, Mayor Frank Cownie, state lawmakers, law enforcement, and local advocates will gather at Union Park in Des Moines as part of the "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" - a 25-state national bus tour over a period of 100 days aimed at urging America's leaders to support common-sense gun policies. Participants will come together Wednesday to voice their support for comprehensive background checks that would keep guns out of the wrong hands, and they will hold Senator Chuck Grassley accountable for voting against this life-saving measure. They will also thank Senator Tom Harkin for supporting bipartisan background checks legislation in April.
It remains far too easy for criminals, domestic abusers, the seriously mentally ill, and other dangerous individuals - people who know they can't pass a background check - to skirt the law and obtain guns by purchasing them online or at gun shows, where background checks are not required under federal law. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by NRA A-rated Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey would have closed this dangerous loophole by extending background checks to commercial gun sales. But Senator Grassley voted to block this sensible legislation, despite the fact that 88 percent of Iowans support background checks for all gun sales.
While Senator Harkin stood with his constituents and voted to support this tough-on-crime bill, Senator Grassley voted to maintain a loophole that allows dangerous people to easily obtain guns.
Every day, 33 Americans are murdered with guns in this country. "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" is part of Mayors Against Illegal Guns' ongoing, national effort to continue raising awareness to the issue of gun violence in America - and most importantly, to urge elected officials to prioritize the safety of the people they represent.
What: Rally to support common-sense background checks and hold Senator Grassley accountable for voting against bipartisan gun bill that would have helped keep guns out of the wrong hands
Who: - Carlee Soto, whose sister Victoria was killed in the Newtown massacre
- Pat Maisch, survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting
- Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines
- Major Steve Waymire, Des Moines Police Department
- State Senator Jack Hatch
- State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad
- Rev. Cheryl Thomas, Executive Director of Iowans for Gun Safety
Where: Union Park
725 Thompson Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa
When: Wednesday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m.
05 Aug 2013

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING EVENT ON TUESDAY

By Holly Nomura

50+ Quad Cities Students Awarded Back-to-School Shopping Spree from Target and The Salvation Army

QUAD CITIES, USA: On August 6, 2013, more than 50 local students in need will have the opportunity to visit one of the two area Target stores to purchase school supplies, gym clothing and other must-have necessities just in time for back-to-school. The Salvation Army and Target are helping Quad Cities' least fortunate kids in grades K-8 gear up for the upcoming academic year with a Target School Spree gift card of $80. Each child will be paired with a volunteer chaperone for their fun day of back-to-school shopping.

WHEN: August 6, 2013

8:30am - 10:30am

LOCATIONS: SUPER Target @ 5225 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

Target @ 900 - 42nd Avenue Drive, Moline, IL 61265

 

Nearly 500 Target stores will participate in the Target School Spree event between July 16 and September 15 in select regions across the country. Each $80 Target GiftCard awarded as part of the program will provide a child with the necessary supplies to go back to school in the fall, ready to learn. Through programs like the Target School Sprees, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by 2015.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,763 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

05 Aug 2013

"Elevate" Campaign Works to Change the Perception of Advanced Manufacturing in Iowa

By Rick Martin

Common Goal Unites Industry, Education and Government to Make a Lasting Impact

August 5 - The Iowa-Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM) Consortium and Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) jointly announce the launch of a new campaign to promote careers and educational pathways in advanced manufacturing. The "Elevate Advanced Manufacturing" campaign will begin by addressing the current public perception of manufacturing and educating Iowans on the opportunities that exist within this industry.

By 2018, there will be a shortage of 6,672 skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing sector*. These available positions offer attractive pay and benefits packages. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis in 2011, the average manufacturing worker made $77,060 annually, including pay and benefits, while the average worker in other industries earned $60,168.

"When you ask the average Iowan about advanced manufacturing, they think of an outdated image - a dirty, unsafe work environment," says Mike Ralston, President of ABI. "That simply is not the case. Iowa has strong, innovative companies that produce cutting-edge products and are well-regarded as leaders in their industry," says Ralston.

A website,www.elevateiowa.com , has been launched to support this campaign with the use of video testimonials, self-assessment career guides, job search tools and training information.

"Iowa's 15 community colleges offer a range of training opportunities within advanced manufacturing," says Stephanie Ferraro, Project Manager of I-AM Grant. "With the I-AM Grant building capacity for these programs, many schools have developed plans for industry-influenced curriculum, embedding industry credentials and the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment. Now is the ideal time for those considering careers in manufacturing to begin their training at their local community college."

Manufacturing contributes the largest share of Iowa's gross domestic product (GDP) at an annual level of $27.6 billion, more than 18 percent of the state's economy. As of March 2012, Iowa's manufacturing firms supplied 215,600 jobs to Iowans, representing 14% of the state's total employment - and that number is growing.

In order to make a lasting impact on the state of Iowa's economy, many sectors have combined efforts including industry, government and education. Key players include ABI, the I-AM Consortium, a collaboration of all 15 Iowa Community Colleges, and the inclusion of various programs throughout the State of Iowa including the Governor's STEM initiative, Iowa Workforce Development's online Job Bank and more. Each party has a common goal: to elevate the perception of advanced manufacturing and to arm Iowans with the skills they need to engage in Iowa's workforce.

Elevate Advanced Manufacturing's message and efforts are in action throughout the state, including:

·      The Elevate campaign website will feature video testimonials, a self-assessment for potential career pathways, career search tools (powered by Iowa Workforce Development), information on training opportunities (at Iowa's 15 community colleges), and ways for industry to get involved. Visit: www.elevateiowa.com

·      Educational opportunities and curriculum integration with K-12 schools involving advanced manufacturing tours, speakers and demonstrations.

·      Statewide media campaign using testimonials from skilled employees and manufacturers in Iowa.

·   Statewide events including exhibits at the Iowa State Fair with the American Welding Society booth, Iowa Speedway (Sept.7-8), Girls Scouts of Iowa Annual Conference and more.


The Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (I-AM) is an Iowa community college initiative to elevate advanced manufacturing, funded through a $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program.

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903, and its mission is to collectively provide value to business and industry on issues impacting Iowa employers. ABI is currently comprised of over 1,400 Iowa businesses of all types and sizes employing more than 300,000 Iowans


*State and Regional Employment Analyses

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05 Aug 2013

Tuesday: Senator Tom Harkin to Celebrate Social Security's 78th Birthday at Local Senior Center by Releasing a New Report on Social Security's Impact in Iowa

By Rick Martin

Voters will also release new polling showing overwhelming popularity of expanded benefits. Iowans receiving Social Security will share their personal stories.

(Des Moines, IA) This Tuesday at 10am (CST), Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will release a new report by Social Security Works with the Alliance for Retired Americans detailing the importance of Social Security to all Iowans.

In addition to the report, Iowa voters, Social Security recipients, and local experts will release a new statewide poll showing that Senator Tom Harkin's plan for expanding Social Security benefits is popular with Iowa voters.

At the press conference, local seniors will tell personal stories of how expanded benefits would help them. The event is one of many occurring across the nation this month in honor of Social Security's 78th birthday, and part of a major new campaign by a national coalition to rally support for the proposal of Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mark Begich (D-AK) to expand Social Security benefits.

The coalition includes the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), Democracy For America (DFA), MoveOn.org, Social Security Works, and Credo Action; each with thousands of members in Iowa and millions nationwide.

WHAT: Press Conference -- Senator Tom Harkin, Social Security recipients talking about why they support expanding Social Security benefits. Release of a new report showing the impact of Social Security and a new poll showing support for expanding Social Security by Iowa voters.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 10am (CST)

WHERE: Polk County North Senior Center, 2nd & Euclid Ave (in Park Fair Mall), Des Moines, Iowa 50313

WHO: -U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (IA)
-Janice Laue, President Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
-Max Richtman, President/CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and             
Medicare
-Social Security recipients and speakers from the Alliance for Retired Americans,   
the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), Democracy For
American (DFA), MoveOn.org, Credo Action, and Social Security Works

-30-

05 Aug 2013

Know your ROPES: U.S. Coast Guard issues marine safety alert for parasailing operations

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard Monday issued a marine safety alert regarding parasailing operations due to 11 passenger deaths and 52 passengers injured related to parasailing activities since 2006.

"The Coast Guard expects licensed mariners to follow all regulations regarding safe vessel operations and has an expectation of parasail operators to follow established standards," said Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, assistant commandant for prevention policy. "Parasail operators must evaluate and consider all safety risks before getting underway, including weather conditions and condition and maintenance of equipment, in order to ensure safe parasailing activities. In the future, we expect the parasailing industry and related industry associations to share best practices and develop operational standards to maximize safety and prevent marine casualties."

Additionally, the Coast Guard asks those who decide to engage in this activity to consider the risks and to understand current safety standards for parasailing. Parasailing equipment is not regulated or inspected by the federal government.

All of the incidents have had several common factors unique to parasailing. The mnemonic "Know your ROPES," briefly summarized below, was established to remind parasail operators of important safety issues that may help prevent future casualties:

R is for Remember: Remember that most parasail fatalities and injuries are related to the failure of the towline.

O is for Observe and Monitor: Observe and monitor weather conditions continuously. ASTM Standard F2993-13 published April 1, 2013, is a "Standard Guide for Monitoring Weather Conditions for Safe Parasail Operation."

P is for Prepare: Prepare for emergencies by having well-documented procedures and conducting crew training to ensure proficiency in responding to various types of emergencies.

E is for Ensure: Ensure that all of your equipment is properly maintained on a continual basis.

S is for Safety: Safety is up to you, the parasail operator. The Coast Guard ensures safe operation of vessels, but does not regulate or inspect parasail equipment or regulate parasail operations.

You may read "Know your ROPES" in its entirety on the Coast Guard's Homeport page.

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05 Aug 2013

Illinois National Guard Soldier retires after 40 years of service

By Sgt. 1st Class Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Col. Albert Cox of Newark, Ill., retired from the Illinois Army National Guard July 31. He was awarded the Legion of Merit during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Aug. 4.

"Forty years of service. Not many people can say they served their country and served their state that long," said Col. Michael Zerbonia of Chatham, Illinois National Guard Land Forces Component Commander. "He's done everything that was ever asked of him and done it better than anyone else."

Cox enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard Nov. 20, 1973 as a radio repairman with the 129th Infantry Regiment in Joliet, Ill. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant before he commissioned through the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Candidate School at Camp Lincoln in 1984.

Cox held many positions throughout his career to include platoon leader, executive officer and company commander with the 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment. He later moved to the 2nd Battalion, 202nd Air Defense Artillery where he served as battalion commander.

"Colonel Cox taught me a lot of things that I use today in my arsenal as a battalion commander," said Lt. Col. Daniel Reichen of Springfield, who is the 405th Brigade Support Battalion commander in North Riverside and served with Cox in the 2nd Battalion, 202nd Air Defense Artillery. "He is humble. He is quiet and he is a professional. He always pushes you to do the right thing."

Cox deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 as the senior liaison officer for Multi-National Force - Iraq at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. In 2010 he commanded the International Security Assistance Force A6 team to Afghanistan in support of Task Force White Eagle of which he was the Task Force Deputy commander.

Cox culminated his career as the Director of the Illinois National Guard Training, Doctrine and Forces Development, where he prepared the National Guard to support the NATO Summit National Special Security Event (NSSE) by providing multiple pre-NSSE exercise opportunities for the consequence management forces and state leadership.

"The transformation of the Illinois Guard from 1973 to 2013 has been tremendous," said Cox. "I don't know how I could work with a better group of individuals and I appreciate the opportunity over the years."

In his civilian career, Cox is in management for Caterpillar Inc. in Aurora, Ill. After his military retirement, Cox will continue working for Caterpillar but said he will spend his extra time with family, fishing and working on an old car.

"What I respect most is his loyalty: to his family, to Caterpillar and to the Illinois Army National Guard," said Reichen. "His legacy will live on with not only Illinois Army Guard Soldiers, but the many Soldiers he influenced across the country."

05 Aug 2013

Special Programs to Honor Veterans at the 2013 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2013)(readMedia)-- On Monday, August 12, the Iowa State Fair will honor active and retired military with special Veterans' Day programming and discounts throughout the day. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18.

New this year, the Fair will be honoring veterans with discounted gate admission. With a military I.D., retired and active members of the armed forces and¬ their spouses will receive $8 admission at the gate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Remembering Our Fallen," a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, will be on display all day in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center Atrium. Fairgoers can honor these men and women throughout the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Veterans' Day parade, an annual tradition featuring military bands, floats and more, will parade down the Grand Concourse at a new time, now 11 a.m.

The special events don't stop there. Throughout the day Fairgoers can enjoy performances by Iowa's Military Veteran's Band and the 34th Army Band as well as a special Military Tribute Contest in the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. The Fair will commemorate the day with a special patriotic display of flags throughout the amphitheater area.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 8-18, 2013. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 7 (while supplies last). For more information, call

800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

05 Aug 2013

Trade Up Sports Gear Fundraiser

By TradeUpSportsGear

Trade Up Sports Gear Fundraiser

Friday, August 9, 2013

8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

and

Saturday August 10, 2013

8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

5th Avenue and 22nd Street, Moline

Baseball • Soccer • Football • Golf

Basketball • Hockey • Tennis • Track

Shoes • Shinguards • Gloves • Helmets

Pants • Pads/Sticks • Catcher's Equipment

Skates • All types of new and used equipment!

Children's through Adults sizes available.

www.tradeupsg.com

(309) 292-0571

05 Aug 2013

Quad City Area Labor-Management Council's annouces their 19th Annual Golf Outing

By Sharon De Frieze

Quad City Area Labor-Management Council's  

19th Annual Golf Outing
Friday August 16, 2013
(Rain Date August 23, 2013)
Arsenal Island Golf Club
1:00p.m. Shotgun Start
5:00 p.m. Dinner ($25.00 Dinner Only)
$80.00 per person or $320.00 per foursome

Includes: Green fees, Cart Rental, Dinner, Complimentary Beverage Tickets and Door Prizes

This is QCALM'S major fundraiser, proceeds go toward

Quad City Area Student Educational Programs

Register by Contacting QCALM at (309) 794-9194 or E-mail Bullerd@qcalm.org or Sharon@qcalm.org

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