'If we sell it, and if you buy it, U.S. manufacturing will return'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Across the political spectrum and in all walks of life in the U.S., everyone bemoans the decline in American manufacturing.

Ordinary Americans buy foreign goods, but wish they could find U.S-made products of equal or better value.

With the popularity of cheap imports, some patriotic Americans have given up even looking at labels anymore, assuming there's just no way to make buying American a regular practice.

But now someone is doing something about all that.

Meet the American Made Stores. Today it's a website - soon the first brick-and-mortar store will open in Blue Springs, Mo., right outside Kansas City, the home of the American Made Stores, a partnership between WND and REKO, WND's heralded online shopping fulfillment company - the one noted for its top-notch customer service at the WND Superstore.

Click here to browse American Made Stores by category.

"The concept is very simple," says Joseph Farah, founder and chief executive officer of WND. "If we sell it, and if you buy it, U.S. manufacturing will return. It's a 'Field of Dreams' vision. 'If you build it, they will come.' And we have faith in the American people that they will come - first to the American Made Stores website, later to the brick-and-mortar store in Missouri and, ultimately, to a nationwide chain of retail stores selling only American-made products of all kinds."

This is not just a business for those involved. It's a mission.

And here's the mission statement behind it: "To rebirth American manufacturing while educating Americans about the importance of a strong and vibrant U.S.-based manufacturing economy by offering a unique, convenient, cost-saving and fun shopping experience for those wishing to find American-made products in one place. By rewarding companies who employ Americans working in factories on American soil, you can direct your purchasing power in a way that will not only benefit you and your family, but stimulate a manufacturing renaissance that will benefit your descendants and your country."

"We believe the success of this business can dispel some of the ugly myths that have developed over the decades about American manufacturing," says Terry Reed, one of the principals of the American Made Stores. "It's just not true that Americans can't make quality products at reasonable prices. It's also not true that American manufacturing is no longer important to the country. In fact, it's a matter of vital national security."

The American Made Stores will provide an opportunity to honor companies which have remained and/or are returning to U.S.-based manufacturing. They will be a destination to showcase American ingenuity by displaying new patents and products. They will serve as a launch platform for American start-up companies and products. They will serve as a place to expose companies and individuals who make false claims about American content through fraudulent labeling and claims.

State Celebrates 2013 Stanley Cup Champions

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed June 28, 2013 to be Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks Day in Illinois, in honor of the team's recent Stanley Cup win and their outstanding season.

The Blackhawks' unforgettable victory over the Boston Bruins isn't the only win Illinois is celebrating - , the Greater Chicago Food Depository will have another set of helping hands this summer when Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick comes to make good on his wager with Governor Quinn. On June 11 the governors made a wager before the start of the Stanley Cup Final series that the governor of the losing team's state would volunteer at the food bank of the winning governor's choice

The Stanley Cup will reprise its 2010 visit to the Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield later this summer, where the public may view the trophy free of charge. The date of the public display will be announced at a later date.

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks were founded on September 25, 1926 by Major Frederic McLaughlin and named after the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion of the 86th Division of the United States Army, the unit Major McLaughlin commanded in World War I; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks, in their nearly 87 years have showcased outstanding offensemen including Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Denis Savard, and Jeremy Roenick; elite defensemen including Pierre Pilote, Keith Magnuson, and Chris Chelios; and superior goaltenders Glenn Hall and Tony Esposito; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks began the 2013 season by earning at least 1 point in 24 consecutive games, thereby setting a new National Hockey League record, won over 80 percent of their regular season games and completed the regular season with the most points of any team; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' unmatched 2013 regular season success resulted in receipt of the Presidents' Trophy, given by the National Hockey League to the team that completes the regular season with the best overall record, for the second time in franchise history; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' exceptional goaltending tandem of Corey Crawford and Ray Emery, in recognition of their unparalleled 2013 regular season, earned the William M. Jennings Trophy by allowing the fewest goals of any team's goaltenders in the National Hockey League; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' esteemed captain Jonathan Toews, in recognition of his superior 2013 regular season, was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane led the Blackhawks with 19 points in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including 3 goals and 4 points in the last 3 games of the Stanley Cup Final, thereby netting the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the most valuable player to his team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' Bryan Bickell scored the tying goal in the final game with 1 minute and 16 seconds remaining in the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks' Dave Bolland scored the winning goal only 17 seconds later with just 59 seconds remaining in the third and final period, the latest Stanley Cup-clinching goal scored in regulation time in the history of the National Hockey League; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' unequaled regular season produced the top overall seed for the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, an advantage that culminated on Monday, June 24, 2013, when the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins by a score of 3-2 to become 2013 Stanley Cup Champions; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks of 2013 became the fifth team in history to win the National Hockey League championship and raise Lord Stanley's Cup - the oldest, most storied trophy in professional sports - wearing the iconic Chicago Blackhawks sweater, thereby joining the other victorious teams from 1934, 1938, 1961 and 2010; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks' 2013 Stanley Cup victory was produced from the foundation of enthusiasm and desire created by Team Chairman Rocky Wirtz, Team President John McDonough, General Manager Stan Bowman, Head Coach Joel Quenneville, the Chicago Blackhawks' players, and each and every member of the Chicago Blackhawks organization; and,

WHEREAS, the Chicago Blackhawks made their second Championship contribution to the lives of the people of Illinois in the last 4 years, thereby again uniting sports fans in civic pride, as well as improving the lives of those in need and providing opportunities for the youth of Illinois through the Chicago Blackhawks Community Fund;

THEREFORE I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim Friday, June 28, 2013, to be STANLEY CUP CHAMPION CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS DAY in Illinois and encourage Illinois citizens to celebrate the 2013 Stanley Cup victory by our team and proudly show support of the Blackhawks at our homes, workplaces, and schools throughout the Land of Lincoln.

###

ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College announced 883 students were named to the Dean's List for the 2013 spring term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Carlie Allison from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre arts.

Amber Anderson from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

April Anderson from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in Asian studies.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Christopher Atha from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-advising and accounting.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

Jennifer Baker from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology.

Adam Bengfort from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in engineering physics.

Amelia Beveroth from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Andrew Beveroth from Sterling, Ill., a freshman majoring in history and accounting.

Allie Bierhaus from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in elementary education and Spanish.

Joe Bright from Erie, Ill., a senior majoring in political science and international business.

Jasmine Brooks from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in political science.

Allison Brown from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in language arts/English education.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics, applied mathematics and computer science.

Samantha Bull from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Arielle Campos from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in art and business administration-marketing.

Ceara Campos from Rock Falls, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Nicholas Clark from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in augie ages undecided.

Beth Cole from Muscatine, Iowa, a junior majoring in mathematics and chemistry.

Brandee Cole from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Amanda Conger from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in religion.

David Cook from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in history.

Hailey Coulter from Silvis, Ill., a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration-advising.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-finance, Spanish for professional use and accounting.

Rowan Crow from Coal Valley, Ill., a freshman majoring in pre-history education.

Jane Cummings from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Angela Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and pyschology.

Nicholas Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Rosa De La Torre from Rock Falls, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Katelin Durham from Sterling, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Elizabeth Gehrmann from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in chemistry.

Alannah Golden from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Shai Gonzales from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in political science.

Jonathan Grchan from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration - management information system and.

Christine Harb from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Taelar Hillyer from Bettendorf, Iowa, a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Nicholas Hoepfner from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology.

Sallie Hohenboken from Prophetstown, Ill., a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Andrea Hult from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in accounting and business administration-advising.

Paul Hurd from Wilton, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Jens Hurty from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in music education vocal.

Kjerstin Hurty from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Jillian Jespersen from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Zoee Johnson from Rock Falls, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Katherine Karstens from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-advising and accounting.

Alyssa Kendell from Davenport, Iowa, a freshman majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Jordan Kirkbride from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in French and art history.

Kimberly Klyman from East Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Matthew Klyman from East Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in chemistry.

Benjamin Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in applied mathematics and computer science.

Rebecca Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a freshman majoring in creative writing.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in classics.

Ryan Kopatich from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pyschology.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Jessica Larrison from Hampton, Ill., a senior majoring in English.

Jamie Lawrence from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in language arts/English education.

Abigail Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Angela Ledford from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and pyschology.

Madison Logan from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and pyschology.

Makenzie Logan from Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in pyschology and communication sciences and disorders.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management and accounting.

Hannah Maloney from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in pyschology and communication studies.

Samantha McGreer from Illinois City, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biochemistry.

Elise McPherson from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Lauren Mentado from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-international business.

Kelsey Miller from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology and women and gender studies.

Garrett Miner from Moline, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

Landon Neese from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine.

Long Nguyen from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in applied mathematics and computer science.

Lindsey Nicolaysen from Fulton, Ill., a sophomore majoring in computer science.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Andrew Palm from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in physics.

Eric Palmer from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in political science.

Eric Pease from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in neuroscience and pre-medicine.

Owen Pomije from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in computer science.

Phillip Powell from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in English education.

Elyzia Powers from Silvis, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pyschology.

Abdur Razzaque from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Richard Rector from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Anish Reddy from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in pre-medicine.

Tyler Richards from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Sarah Riedel from Long Grove, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in creative writing.

Omar Rizvi from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in neuroscience and philosophy.

Jessica Roche from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Keith Sands from Silvis, Ill., a freshman majoring in mathematics and math education.

Lauren Schneiderbauer from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Austin Schoeck from Rock Island, Ill., a freshman majoring in political science.

Jennifer Schroder from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication studies.

Katelyn Sedig from Morrison, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Carlie Sellers from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Markaye Semmens from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in elementary education.

Andrew Shearouse from Coal Valley, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-advising and computer science.

Andrew Showers from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in computer science, philosophy, and business administration - management information system.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, Iowa, a senior majoring in anthropology.

Alexandra Skinner from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in theatre arts and pyschology.

Jonathan Smith from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Tyler Spellious from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in English and creative writing.

Cristina Stan from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Andrew Statz from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in pre-medicine and biology.

Grant Stewart from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Danya Tazyeen from Bettendorf, Iowa, a freshman majoring in graphic design major and computer science.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in pyschology and Spanish for professional use.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in German and international business.

Megan Vandersee from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in chemistry education and chemistry.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-finance.

Calvin Vo from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre arts and English.

Kaleigh Wall from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Haley West from Rapids City, Ill., a freshman majoring in augie ages undecided.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Drew Wiersema from Prophetstown, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Kelsey Winter from East Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

Ethan Wojcinski from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in computer science and biology.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Rong Zheng from Silvis, Ill., a freshman majoring in biochemistry.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 141 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

Learn How to Use Your Apple iPad

Using Your Apple iPad: 6:30 pm Tuesday, July 2, Main Library, 401 19th Street. Want to learn more about what you can do with your Apple iPad tablet? Pick up some free tips and tricks, at a free hands-on how-to session at our Main Library.   (Please note: Main Library is the correct location. There was a misprint on the printed calendar.)   Make sure you bring your device! For Apple devices only.

Scrapbooking Session for Kids Continue in July

Have photos from your family travels? Learn how to keep your memories together with:   Kids' Scrapbooking Mondays: Free for 2nd grades and up. Materials supplied! 3:00 to 4:00 pm, July 1 at Main Library Children's Room, July 8 at 30/31 Branch, and July 15 at Southwest Branch.   Want some more free family fun next week? Check out:   Storytimes for ages birth to five at 10:30 am on Tuesday, at 30/31 Branch and Wednesday at Southwest.   Global Math Club: 3:30 pm, Tuesdays, June 11-16, Main Library. Fun with math, from tutor Elizabeth Russell. To see all your traveling options, pick up a brochure or calendar today! Or visit our website.

Teen Events Go Beneath the Surface

Teens ages 12 to 18 are invited to practice a little "Cake Archeology" Tuesday, July 2, from noon to 1:00 pm at our Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.   Go Beneath the Surface to learn a little bit about cake decorating. And the best part, this is archeology you can eat! Free, open to ages 12 to 18.   Bring your bingo card summer reading form - you can knock off a square for attending a program!

And coming up next week, July 8-12

Join us for these special summer events:  For adults/general audiences: Native American History of Rock Island, 6:30 pm, July 8 at Main Library, 401 19th Street. Learn about the early Native American tribes who called this area home, and about the archeological evidence that is still telling their story. Presented by Ferrel Anderson of the Quad City Archeological Society.  eBook demo, 6:00 pm, July 10, at Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Learn how to check out eBooks and eAudiobooks for free from your library with our OverDrive Media service.  For children & families: Serengeti Steve reptile show: 3:30 pm, July 11, Main Library Community Room. Serengeti Steve brings his show of snakes, spiders, lizards and other crawly things to the library. You may have seen him on America's Got Talent, but you'll see him up close at the library. Find out what a snake feels like!   For teens: Library Mini-Golf: 6:00 pm, July 11, Main Library. Try your luck at a mini-golf course around the library. Complete our course with the best score to win great prizes. Ages 12-18.

New Service for Music Lovers!

Now you can download music from the Rock Island Library - and what's more, you can keep it.   Registered cardholders of the Rock Island Public Library with accounts in good standing can download three Freegal Music tracks in the MP3 format each month via the library website. Downloaded tunes become part of your personal music library - they do not disappear or need to be returned after a set period.  Sorry, this service is not available to patrons of non-subscribing libraries.   Full instructions  on the Rock Island Library website under "Download This."