10 Jul 2013

Money-Saving Bargains on Midway Fun at the 2013 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/10/2013)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to the adrenaline pumping rides on the Midway at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. With a new thrill ride and a variety of savings packages, Fairgoers can enjoy even more entertainment. The Fair is set August 8-18.

The Iowa State Fair welcomes back Belle City Amusements for 11 days of twists, turns and thrills that are guaranteed to delight Fairgoers of all ages. Hang on tight as the Midway's hair raising Moonraker-the only one in North America-sends you flying over 70 feet into the sky. Newly restored and out of retirement, try to catch your breath as the giant spinning disc picks up speed, lifting you into the air at angles upwards of 90 degrees.

Fairgoers can save big on the new Moonraker ride as well as 40 other exciting Midway rides by planning ahead for this year's Fair. Purchase a set of five Midway tickets for $14; each ticket is good for one ride. For an even bigger day of Midway excitement, purchase a Mega Pass wristband for unlimited rides. Weekday Mega Passes are just $25 and are good for unlimited mechanical rides any one weekday from open to close.

Or, purchase an Any Day Mega Pass for $30, good for unlimited mechanical rides any one Fair day (including weekends). These Midway special savings must be purchased by August 7 and are available while supplies last at iowastatefair.org or the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office.

If you missed these deals, more bargains are in store during Fair time. Weekdays only, $25 each day buys a wristband good for unlimited mechanical rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Available during the Fair at Midway ticket booths only.

There is something for everyone at Belle City Amusements, from the famous Double Ferris Wheel and the Rock N Roll Himalaya, to kiddie rides and games of skill. For a complete list of all rides and rules please visit iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

10 Jul 2013

Sarah Kennedy of Bettendorf Receives Augustana Trustees Scholarship

By Kelly Sprecher

SIOUX FALLS, SD (07/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College is pleased to announce that Sarah Kennedy from Bettendorf, Iowa, has been awarded a Trustees Scholarship. The Trustees Scholars represent the brightest and best young men and women who, beyond their academic accomplishments have already shown their commitment to making the world an even better place through their community leadership, scientific exploration, artistic expression, demonstration of faith and athletic success.

This award is based on Sarah's outstanding academic achievement and performance in the Distinguished Scholars Competition.

About Augustana:

Founded in 1860, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a selective, residential, comprehensive college of the Lutheran Church. Committed to enriching lives and fostering development, Augustana combines a foundation in the liberal arts with professional skill and advanced study, leading the Templeton Guide to include the College among those that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives. With more than 1,830 students from 35 states and 42 countries, Augustana is featured among "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes; was ranked among the top baccalaureate colleges in the nation for its efforts to advance social mobility, research and service by Washington Monthly; has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review; and is identified in Peterson's "440 Great Colleges for Great Students."

10 Jul 2013

Is There a Method of Determining What Financial Markets Will Do?

By Ginny Grimsley
Analyst Says 'Yes' - the Secret is in the Algorithm

Without being naïve and overly optimistic, there is a way of knowing what the world's financial markets will do, says Lambros Klouvidakis, who has devoted the past dozen years of his life to the study of currency exchange behavior.

"Humanity has already done 'the impossible' several times: We've been to the moon, we've created the jet engine, we've discovered and utilized penicillin and we've developed a global system of interconnected computer networks - the internet," says mathematician Lambros Klouvidakis, a Canadian market expert who says he has developed a world's first - an algorithm that calculates market behavior called Semathy, which is also the name of his consultancy firm (www.semathy.com).

"All of these advancements in human understanding took visionaries to look outside the box, recognize how the world works and engineer a solution, and that's essentially what I've done. People who have experienced findings from Semathy are shocked on the spot; some slink away not knowing how to respond."

Klouvidakis explains some essential aspects of enumerating money markets:

• The process: After devoting 12,000 hours of his life and accumulating 9,000 pages of notes, Klouvidakis has developed an algorithm, or formula, that "can calculate the exchange rates, stock prices, commodities and more by the minute ... any time." The formula is based on the immutable qualities of money and the behavior of people toward money. People tend to look at data coming from the markets as a sea of confusion, but there is a substructure to the world's markets. A skill at abstraction and willingness to break down information into smaller and smaller pieces - "nanopieces" - allows an observer to begin to see a market's language. Markets are like natural phenomena, which can seem highly complex. But a forest, for example, is simply the constant self-replication of individual trees. "Markets also boil down to simple factors," he says, "and when you know them, you can calculate the forthcoming value with a high degree of accuracy."

• The New York Stock Exchange: This is the world's largest stock exchange, with an average daily trading value roughly estimated between $75 billion to $153 billion daily. This is not an ideal environment for calculating rates because of the many variables that are exceedingly difficult to fortell, but Klouvidakis says he can. "Unlike the foreign exchange market, or forex, the New York Stock Exchange is riddled with x-factors including CEOs, share holders, public money, politicians and various other influencers and manipulators," he says. "Unless you are in on all of the secrets of the U.S. exchange, it's difficult to determine rates with a high degree of accuracy."

• The foreign exchange: The world's many markets make up a vast monetary realm outside of New York called the forex, which is a form of exchange for the global trading of international currencies. This is exponentially larger in terms of daily trading value, which is roughly estimated to be $4 trillion daily. "While many may view this as a much more complicated beast, it is actually much more computational because it involves actual money, without so many unpredictable variables," he says. "That's why anyone looking to engineer a trading method of market rates should focus on the forex."

About Lambros Klouvidakis

Lambros Klouvidakis is the creator of Semathy, an elite foreign exchange consultancy. He is a math expert, not a trader, who has dedicated more than 12 years of his life to the study of currency exchange behavior. The formula he developed, an algorithm based on the behavior of money and supply and demand, marks current foreign exchange rates versus forthcoming rates. The Semathy formula is designed to give financial institutions and governments the ability to capitalize on the foreign exchange market's unique qualities and make viable trading decisions.

10 Jul 2013

Join us at the German American Heritage Center on Saturday, July 13th at 2:30

By Janet Brown-Lowe
??
The Quad City Heritage League presents
Greta Nettleton
author & historian of
The Quack's Daughter:
A True Story about the Private Life of a Victorian College Girl
Greetings!

Ms. Nettleton will give a program about her on-going research into her family's history. Earlier this year she published The Quack's Daughter: A True Story about the Private Life of a Victorian College Girl, the story of her great-grandmother, Cora Keck.

After discovering a trunk of family correspondence and papers, Ms. Nettleton's wanted to learn more about her family's history. Her research led her to write and publish The Quack's Daughter about Cora and her mother Dr. Rebecca J. Keck.

In 1884, Cora was sent east from Davenport to attend Vassar to elevate her family's social status. Her improbable educational opportunity turned into an enthralling journey of self-discovery as she struggled to meet the high standards in Vassar's School of Music.

Ms. Nettleton will be in the Quad Cities to continue researching her family's history and is currently focused on her great-great-grandmother, Dr. Rebecca J. Keck. Dr. Keck was a successful patent medicine entrepreneur and self-made millionaire.

For more about Ms. Nettleton and her book, see www.gretanettleton.com.

This program is free and open to the public!
Admission to the program does not include the museum exhibits at the German American Heritage Center. Regular admission rates apply at $5 for adults, $4 seniors, and $3 kids and free for members of GAHC.
Sincerely,

Director
German American Heritage Center
For more information on this program, contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org
10 Jul 2013

New Fun at the 2013 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/10/2013)(readMedia)-- "Happiness Is" all the new and thrilling things to see, do and taste at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. New Fair entertainment, attractions and contests are available in addition to the many Fair favorites like the Ye Old Mill, Hog Calling Contest and classic corndogs. "Nothing Compares" to the array of exciting adventures that await Fairgoers August 8-18.

Entertainment

Audiences will be wowed with the many new high energy attractions available all 11 fun-filled days of the Fair. Fairgoers of all ages can find something to make them happy.

The Budweiser Stage has found a new home, and is now located directly west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. Music fans can rock out with an even larger crowd. This year's Budweiser Stage will feature rock stars like Foghat, Blue Öyster Cult, Skid Row, L.A. Guns and more!

Two new acts performing at Expo Hill will amaze audiences with their advanced skills. Team Rock is a group of national champion extreme breaking experts. Prepare to be amazed as street-performing circus duo Mango and Dango combine technical skills, comedy, chance and circumstance into acts of hilarity and dexterity. Watch as the pair blends acrobatics, dance and danger to create a circus experience no one will want to miss!

More family fun is not hard to find in the expanded Kids' Zone - a special area with rides, games and entertainment, all planned to excite our young Fairgoers! The Timberworks Lumberjack Show highlights talented tree choppers who offer feats of strength like axe throwing, underhanded chopping, log rolling, cross-cut sawing, hot sawing and chainsaw carving. Join in the hands-on weekday activities at one of the many Blue Ribbon Kids' events, or roll up your sleeves to enjoy daily crafts for kids at the newly relocated Art Attack. Kids can even enjoy the new Kangaroo Jumper and Krazy Maze, both at an extra cost.

Even a Fair classic like the Midway has been improved for 2013. In addition to the 40 thrilling and exciting rides in the Belle City Amusements Midway, the newly restored Moonraker offers a unique spin on fun. The only one in North America, the Moonraker sends Fairgoers 70 feet into the sky at angles upwards of 90 degrees.

Opening Day

Fairgoers will have a chance to give back to the community by packing meals on Opening Day, August 8. In partnership with Meals from the Heartland, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Food and Family Project and GROWMARK, the Fair is hosting an event to package 250,000 meals. To reach our goal, the Fair needs approximately 1500 volunteers to package meals for one hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make a monetary donation or to sign up to volunteer your time, please visit iowastatefair.org.

Ag Education and Livestock

Not only does the Iowa State Fair pride itself on showcasing some of the finest livestock and crops in the country but also for providing Fairgoers with quality education on the importance of agriculture in Iowa's future.

Two new equine events join the Fair's already large host of horse competitions and entertainment. Cowboy mounted shooting demonstrations, one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in the country, will come to the Fair on Friday, August 9. Fairgoers can also cheer on their favorite team at the Supreme Six-Horse Hitch on Tuesday, August 13, and Sunday, August 18 at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.

The newly expanded AgVenture Discovery Trail features ten stops that will impress young Fairgoers and teach them about Iowa's agricultural commodities. Kids can begin their journey at any of the 11 Information Booths throughout the Fairgrounds, at the Food and Family Project booth in the South Atrium of the Varied Industries Building or at the USDA booth in the Agriculture Building.

Contests

The Elwell Family Food Center is home to the largest foods department in the nation with 890 contests, 41 of which are new this year. New contests include Blue Ribbon Baked Beans, My Tractor Cake, Grandma's Corn Casserole and more. The first place chef in the Kenmore Honored Harvest Time Recipes Contest will win a $5,000 kitchen makeover, a trip to the New York City Wine and Food Festival to cook with celebrity chefs and their recipe in the Kenmore 100th Anniversary Cookbook.

More Improvements

The 127-year-old Fairgrounds received a few updates for the 2013 Fair as well. As part of its ongoing renovation, the Cultural Center will now be partly air conditioned, with full completion of the project in 2014. A family restroom was also added to the building, which houses the largest art show in the state. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A new restroom located near the North Lot will also be completed in time for this year's Fair.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

10 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Suspends Pay to Illinois Representatives and Senators

By Brooke Anderson

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued a line-item veto of House Bill 214 to suspend pay for Illinois state legislators. Since taking office, the governor has been pushing for comprehensive pension reform to resolve the state's worst-in-the-nation pension crisis. Today's action follows years of legislative inertia on pension reform, while the state's unfunded pension debt grows by millions of dollars a day.

"In this budget, there should be no paychecks for legislators until they get the job done on pension reform," Governor Quinn said. "Pension reform is the most critical job for all of us in public office. I cannot in good conscience approve legislation that provides paychecks to legislators who are not doing their job for the taxpayers."

In addition, Governor Quinn will not accept his salary until the General Assembly sends him a comprehensive pension reform solution.

Illinois' pension crisis was created over 70 years of fiscal mismanagement by previous governors and legislatures. Since taking office, Governor Quinn has worked to restore fiscal stability to the state, making the full pension payment each year and reducing the state's discretionary spending to historic lows. Governor Quinn's efforts to enact pension reform include :

·      In May 2009, Governor Quinn established the Pension Modernization Task Force, which laid the foundation for pension reform efforts.

·      In 2010, despite intense opposition, he fought for and signed into law sweeping pension reform for new hires that are saving billions of dollars.

·      In January 2012, the governor convened a legislative pension reform working group to develop a solution.

·      Three months later, he proposed a comprehensive pension reform plan that erased the unfunded liability and worked to pass this legislation during the legislative session.

·      To avoid credit downgrades, Governor Quinn set several deadlines over the past two years for legislators to enact pension reform. Each time the deadline was blown, taxpayers were on the hook for millions of more dollars in pension debt and numerous downgrades to the state's credit rating. Recently, Illinois' credit rating was downgraded twice in one week to its lowest point in history, which days ago cost taxpayers an additional $130 million over the life of the bonds, in order to maintain critical infrastructure.

·      The governor has called special sessions to address pension reform.

·      He has released several studies on the dire impact of pension inaction on education, with Illinois currently on track to spend more on pensions than education by 2016.

·      The governor has met at length, numerous times with legislative leaders and lawmakers, and repeatedly asked them to vote for comprehensive pension reform.

·      Governor Quinn launched an online campaign to raise awareness about the pension squeeze and urgent need for action.

·      The governor has rejected piecemeal and insufficient pension bills that did not eliminate the pension debt.

·      During his 2013 State of the State and Budget addresses, the governor again laid out standards for pension reform and throughout the session he pushed for Senate Bill 1, which would have eliminated the unfunded liability.

·      In June 2013, the governor proposed a legislative conference committee as a vehicle to break gridlock between the two chambers. He asked the legislative conference committee to act on a compromise that erases the unfunded liability and provides 100 percent funding for the systems by July 9.

Members of the Illinois General Assembly make $67,836 annually, along with additional stipends for leadership positions, both of which were vetoed out today.

"This is an emergency, the taxpayers of Illinois are waiting and there is no excuse for further legislative delay," Governor Quinn added. "The taxpayers cannot afford an endless cycle of delays, excuses and more delays."

###
10 Jul 2013

USDA Announces Export Promotion Allocations for Fiscal Year 2013

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2013– Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) awarded fiscal year 2013 funding to more than 70 U.S. agricultural organizations to help expand commercial export markets for their goods. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

Under the Market Access Program (MAP), FAS will provide $172.7 million to 70 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. MAP participants contribute an average 171-percent match for generic marketing and promotion activities and a dollar-for-dollar match for promotion of branded products by small businesses and cooperatives. Under the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), FAS will allocate $25.4 million to 26 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers. The organizations, which contribute an average 183-percent cost share, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas.

"Through MAP, FMD and other market development programs, USDA helps U.S. agricultural organizations, representing thousands of producers and businesses, open and expand international markets for U.S. agricultural exports," said Vilsack. "Ultimately, these efforts are helping achieve President Obama's National Export Initiative goal of doubling all U.S. exports by the end of 2014."

USDA's international market development programs have had a significant and positive impact on U.S. agricultural exports. An independent study released in 2010 found that for every $1 expended by government and industry on market development, U.S. food and agricultural exports increase by $35. The past four years represent the strongest period for U.S. agricultural exports in the history of the United States. Farm exports in fiscal year 2012 reached $135.8 billion and supported 1 million jobs here at home. Exports of U.S. farm goods in fiscal year 2013 are projected to total $139.5 billion, which would set a new record. Agricultural exports support more than one million jobs and drive economic opportunity in rural America.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. For example, more than $10 million was cut from this year's allocations due to sequestration. USDA has also already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

A complete list of the agricultural organizations and funding levels can be found here:

###

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).


###
10 Jul 2013

Bix Bistro Repeats Repeats Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

By Glenn Kass
Davenport hotel restaurant earns recognition from leading publication

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk management is pleased to announce that its on-premises restaurant Bix Bistro has received a 2013 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - the second consecutive year it has earned the honor.

To qualify for the Award of Excellence, a restaurant, "must offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation and display either vintage depth with several vertical offerings of top wines or excellent breadth across several wine regions."

Award information is available at www.winespectator.com/group/show/id/about_the_awards. The full results will be in the August issue of Wine Spectator which is released July 23rd. They are also listed at www.winespectator.com.

"Our company is pleased to again receive accolades from the preeminent voice of the wine industry," said Tim Heim, VP - Marketing, Innkeeper Hospitality Services, corporate parent of Hotel Blackhawk. "Repeating recognition such as this is the true sign of our team's dedication to provide our guests with a memorable stay at our properties."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel and is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

-30-

10 Jul 2013

RIVER BANDITS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS JULY 10-15

By Marco LaNave

Mick Foley appearance, bobblehead giveaway, fireworks show headline


DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 10, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits host the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Dayton Dragons for a six-game home stand from Wednesday, July 10, through Monday, July 15, at Modern Woodmen Park. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the home stand.

 

Fans attending the 2013 John Deere Classic can receive a coupon at the tournament, redeemable at the River Bandits box office for $2 off general admission for any game during the home stand.

 

Wednesday, July 10, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: US Bank, Mix96

- John Deere Classic Celebration - The River Bandits will give away any-day passes to the John Deere Classic throughout the game.

- Golf Night - Golf-themed prizes and music throughout the night.

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday - Fans can enter a copy of an unpaid bill into a drawing on the concourse, and if it is selected, the River Bandits will pay the bill up to $100.

- IHMVCU BOGO Kids Tickets - By presenting a membership card or debit card at the box office, IHMVCU members can receive two free kids general admission tickets with the purchase of one adult general admission ticket.

 

Thursday, July 11, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Sponsors: Quad-City Times, The Quad Cities' CW, River Cities' Reader, Rock 104-9

- Mick Foley Appearance - WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley will be at the game to toss out a first pitch and sign autographs for fans in the Sports Lounge on the concourse.

- Pro Wrestling Night - Wrestling-themed music.

- Thirst-Day Thursday - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials during the game.

- IHMVCU BOGO Tickets - By presenting a membership card or debit card at the box office, IHMVCU members can receive a free general admission ticket with the purchase of one general admission ticket.

 

Friday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Eastern Iowa Toyota Dealers, Bridgeway Auto Parts, WLLR, WQAD

- Beach Ball and Koozie Giveaway presented by Bridgeway Auto Parts - The first 500 adults will receive a free koozie, while the first 500 kids will receive a free beach ball.

- T-Shirt Giveaway presented by Susan G. Komen - For the first 1,000 fans.

- Game Show Night - Enter-to-win prizes for Michael's Fun World, Annie Wittenmyer Pool, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, Pepperjacks, and the classic board games Candy Land and Sorry.

- Friday Fireworks presented by Eastern Iowa Toyota Dealers - following the game.

 

Saturday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: EmbroidMe, Quad-City Times

- Billy Wagner Bobblehead Giveaway presented by EmbroidMe - For the first 2,000 fans.

- Fan Appreciation Saturday

 

Sunday, July 14, 5:00 p.m. (Gates 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: HyVee, KWQC, B100

- Flat Screen Family Sunday - fans can enter a drawing on the concourse to win a free flat-screen TV. Winners will be announced during half-inning breaks of the game.

- HyVee Tote Bag Giveaway - for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.

- Bark in the Park - Dogs are welcome to the game on the Modern Woodmen Berm in left field.

- Kids Run the Bases - Kids can run around the bases at Modern Woodmen Park after the game.

- Post-game Kids Club Event - Kids Club members will join River Bandits players in making Dirt Cups with oreo crumplings, pudding and gummy worms.

 

Monday, July 15, 1:00 p.m. (Gates 11:30 a.m.) Sponsors: 97X

- Munchie Monday - All-you-can-eat hot dogs, nachos, peanuts and popcorn is available with a $15 wristband at the box office.

- Senior Day - preregistered senior citizens will receive a box lunch and a ticket to the game in the Sky Deck for $11. The Sky Deck is a climate-controlled room on the suite level along the left-field foul line.

- Kids Camp Day - Campers receive a box seat ticket plus a hot dog and soda voucher for $7.

- Funtown Gone Crazy - fans can purchase a wristband at the Zip Line or Mediacom Frog Hopper for an all-you-can-ride pass to both rides for only $10.

 

Tickets are available at the Modern Woodmen Park box office, by calling 563-324-3000 or online at www.riverbandits.com.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

10 Jul 2013

Is Your University Falling Behind Because of Its Food Program?

By Ginny Grimsley
Social Architecture a Key Role in Recruitment &
Retention; Industry Leader Gives Tips

A record 33 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds hold bachelor's degrees, up from 17 percent in 1971. Today's high school graduates know that a college degree means earning power so, despite the rising expense of post-secondary school, the business of higher education is more competitive than ever, says industry-leading social architect and entrepreneur David Porter.

An often-overlooked component in the coveted "three Rs" - Recruitment, Retention and Alumni Relations - is the dining hall and student meal plans, he says.

"During the mid 1990s, campuses throughout the country were dealing with widespread disenchantment with their aging dining facilities and stale menus, so many paid food contractors to take over management. That was a big mistake," says Porter, who designs dining programs and dining halls at colleges throughout North America. He shares tips for keeping students on campus, where they're more likely to bond with each and their schools, in "The Porter Principles: Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch" (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"For most universities that contract out, the foodservice provider that controls tens of millions of dollars in purchases for the school is also its sole source of guidance on student dining. No matter how you slice it, there is a blatant conflict of interest here."

Porter, who has worked with the University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire, Ferris State University, George Mason University and the University of Richmond, among others, identifies three areas schools should focus on in their meal program and facilities:

• Do they make students want to eat on campus? Social architecture is the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal. In this case, the goal is solidifying students' connections to one another and commitment to their school by drawing them together in a leisurely way at least once a day. Gathering together and socializing over meals on a regular basis helps students develop relationships that increase the odds they'll stay in school, and that they'll be active alumni after graduation. Students who live and dine on campus tend to have higher GPA's and are more likely to graduate.

• What do prospective students see? When giving tours to prospective students and their families, is the dining hall a destination, and if so, is it one to be proud of? The kitchen is a non-negotiable element in creating a home. If a future student sees the dining hall as an uninviting ghost town with drab food, then he or she will feel less inclined to live on campus, and may even seek another school simply for its more accommodating campus.

• Are good meals available when students want them? Parents and students both know what time young people tend to get up in the morning and how late they go to bed. Many classes extend well into the evening and lots of students avoid early morning classes. Meals need to be available well beyond the outdated 9-to-5 time frame. Trying to accomplish that by including off-campus restaurant deals in the meal plan, or having too many locations available on campus, will be counter-productive. That decentralizes the dining experience.

About David Porter

David Porter, FCSI, is chief executive officer and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar