Public Encouraged to Help Meet Clothing Needs of Local Children

Davenport, Iowa - November 6, 2012 - School age children from 14 Davenport area elementary schools will benefit this year from the annual "Shoes That Fit" campaign that supplies need-specific shoes and clothing to local elementary school students. The non-profit community outreach program is led by Mediacom, along with Davenport area business partners Mimzi Art and Frame and Deere Harvester Credit Union.

The purpose of Shoes That Fit is to fulfill specific shoe and clothing needs, matched to individual children identified by school liaisons.  The donations of new shoes, boots, coats or other clothing are often the only genuinely "new" items available to children whose needs have been confidentially assessed. (School partners list below)

"The program is about more than shoes," says Mediacom's Jim Stoos who is vice president for the company's OnMedia advertising division.  "In many classrooms, teachers will see a child with only one set of clothes and a pair of worn out shoes to wear to school every day.  This affects a child's self-esteem, and it means that learning takes a back seat to embarrassment," said Stoos.

"Thanks to Mimzi Art and Frame and Deere Harvester Credit Union, we can help local children feel good about themselves and feel good about being in school. Additionally, people who donate the shoes and clothes to make this program a success will feel especially good about giving tangible assistance to meet the needs of local children," Stoos added.

The local business sponsors provide locations where community members can pick up Shoes That Fit donation cards.  Donor cards describe the needed items and the specificity of the child's gender and size.  Individual donors shop for the items and return them, unwrapped, to the business sponsor. Mediacom's OnMedia team ensures prompt delivery to the students through the school liaison.  Only new shoes and clothing can be accepted.

The program is underway now through December 1. School partners encourage donors to shop for and return items as soon as possible, especially to get ahead of winter weather and the need for boots and coats.

OnMedia is the cable television advertising division of Mediacom.  Local OnMedia employees have coordinated the Shoes That Fit campaign for the past 11 years. Throughout that time they have partnered with more than 50 elementary schools in Des Moines, Newton, Marshalltown and Ames and have donated more than 73,000 Shoes That Fit items to elementary school children in need.  For more information on Shoes That Fit visit www.shoesthatfit.org.

Davenport Area Business Partner Locations for Donor Cards and Shoes That Fit Drop-off

Mimzi Art and Frame - 3825 16th Street, Moline, IL 61265

Deere Harvester Credit Union - 5354 Elmore Circle, Davenport, IA 52807

Deere Harvester Credit Union -1090 South Congress Street, Geneseo, IL 61254

Deere Harvester Credit Union -1101 13th Avenue, East Moline, IL 61244

Local Elementary Schools where students benefit from Shoes That Fit

·         Fillmore Elementary

·         Jefferson Edison Elementary

·         Madison Elementary

·         Monroe Elementary

·         Riverdale Heights Elementary (Bettendorf)

·         Washington Elementary

·         Wilson Elementary

·         Bridgeview School Elementary (Pleasant Valley)

·         Jackson Schools

·         Buchanan Elementary

·         Marquette Academy

·         McKinley Elementary

·         Children's Village

What differentiates commerce businesses from traditional businesses when it comes to asset protection?

Potentially more assets in need of protecting.

Both types of business owners have assets such as homes, cars and bank accounts that need protection in the event of a lawsuit - whether it's a personal suit or one targeting the business. E-commerce businesses may need more financial protection to cover their wealth of intangible assets, including domain names, website content, intellectual property, trademarks and patents. Additionally, an e-commerce business may prove to be more of a lawsuit liabilitybecause it's vulnerable not only in the state where the storefront or warehouse is located, but essentially everywhere substantial connections are made, including internationally. In that sense, theneed to create, maintain and regularly update an asset protection plan becomes more urgent.

To legally shield wealth from lawsuits and other potential threats, including divorce, business owners of all types should have an asset protection plan. This multi-layered strategy involves a range of techniques to title assets such as homes, savings and property (tangible and intangible) in the event that a claim is brought against the business or owner. It's not a guarantee that the protected person will avoid lawsuits or other financial calamities, but it can guarantee they'll lose fewer assets if the worstdoes happen.

I advise clients to work with an attorney to create a plan that's the best fit for their specific financial situation. Clients should: 1) educate themselves, 2) inventory their wealth, 3) assess their liabilities, 4) decide the best asset protection tactic or strategy to use with each asset inventoried, and 5) execute the plan.

• Educate yourself. Clients should understand what's going on when theirattorney is creating theirplan, how it relates to their life, and what changes will trigger the need for an update. They should learn what they can and can't transfer as well as whothey should and shouldn't transfer assets to, even temporarily. For instance, if they "gift" a home to their children shortly after or in proximity to a civil claim filed against them, in the event of a judgment that gift may be looked upon as a fraudulent transfer. It could be reversed, making their home susceptible to the creditor judgment. Education is key to maintaining long-term asset protection.The Presser Law Firm, P.A. offers complimentary books on asset protection and an asset protection worksheet at www.AssetProtectionAttorneys.com; submit a request in the contact form.

• Inventory your wealth. They should include both tangible and intangible financial recourses. Tangible assets include but are not limited to: their home, real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, boats, etc. Intangible assets include but are not limited to: patents, copyrights, franchises, goodwill, trademarks, domain names and trade names, etc.

• Assess your liabilities, present and future. Some present liabilities could include current creditors (whether or not they have claims against the client), personal guarantees on home or business loans, and the client's marital status as well as longevity of your marriage. Future liabilities include unexpected potential financial risks. A failing business in an economy downturn is a good example.Surely many businesses didn't contemplate their demise in the financial and economic crash of 2008. Those owners without anasset protection plan in place prior to 2008 were out of luck when their life savings, homes, real estate and other wealthy were jeopardized by creditor lawsuits. The best advice fore-commerce business owners is to be proactive - the threat of a suit can bring a business to its knees and the best way to protect themselvesis to practice financial self-defense and lawsuit-proof their assets.

• Decide whether or not to re-title their assets, what entity formations to use, and whether equity stripping is appropriate for assets still inadequately protected. Only non-exempt assets need to be re-titled. Exempt assets are those that cannot be seized in the event of a judgment. All non-exempt assets should be re-titled as exempt assets and/or transferred to more protected entities such as a Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership or Family Limited Partnership, to name a few. Each entity has its own advantages and disadvantages and each person may have specific needs that make one of these entities more advantageous than the others. Alternatively, these assets can be titled to either domestic or international trusts. International trusts, such as the NEVIS trust, are especially protective because the laws of most preferred international trust locations favor the owner of the trust over creditors. Any unprotected assets can be stripped of their equity. For example, taking out a loan on a home that the client owns free and clear would make them more undesirable to a creditor than if they had full equity in the home.

• Implement the plan and maintain the protection over the years. Asset protection plans should be reviewed at least once a year and whenever there is a potential for litigation. Also, integrating an estate plan into anasset protection plan is essential because an unexpected death intestate could tie up an estate in litigation for years.

Asset protection is important for all business owners in today's litigious society. E-commerce businesses are even more vulnerable to lawsuits and potentially have more assets to protect. Business owners should enlist the assistance of anasset protection attorney to create, implement and help maintain a lawsuit-proof plan, and they should have an estate plan as well.

About Hillel L. Presser

Hillel L. Presser's firm, The Presser Law Firm, P.A., represents individuals and businesses in establishing comprehensive asset protection plans. He is a graduate of Syracuse University's School of Management and Nova Southeastern University's law school, and serves on Nova's President's Advisory Council. The Presser Law Firm, P.A. offers complimentary books on asset protection and an asset protection worksheet to help you create an inventory at www.AssetProtectionAttorneys.com; submit a request in the contact form.

Upcoming Events in LeClaire, Iowa...

Enjoy the Holiday Shopping Season in LeClaire with great dining, shopping, antiquing and several great events with a river view including:

• Wide River Winery is serving warm artichoke dip paired with Ms.Holly Day, our new holiday wine that has been sweetened up a bit! Special 1st Friday prices: $9.99 when you buy 3 bottles of Ms. Holly Day. Follow us on Twitter @WideRiverWinery - Like us on Facebook

• Antique Archaeology, the home base of the American Pickers TV Show, will be closed all day on Nov. 6th and 7th for filming. They are opening later (Noon to 6 pm) on the 8th & 9th.

• Through November 30th - Silent Auction benefiting the LeClaire Community Library at the Library  Stop by and place a bid on many great items! All proceeds support the library. www.leclairelibrary.org

• ZUMBA!! EVERY Wednesday at the Rec Center (3rd & Ferry) at 5:30. $5/class or purchase a punch card for $40 for 10 classes!! Come see what you've been missing!! www.leclairereccenter.com

• Every Wednesday 1/2 Price Wine Night at the Faithful Pilot Cafe
  Featuring Small Bites Menu www.faithfulpilot.com

• November 8th Vegan & Vegetarian Night at the Crane & Pelican Cafe Details and Menu at: www.craneandpelican.com

• Nov. 10th at 1:00 P.M. The Park Board invites children and their parents to the Scout Park Children's Nature ADVENTURE AT SCOUT PARK, LECLAIRE. FREE . Program Presented by Mike Granger, Naturalist, from Scott Co. Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. Sponsored by the LeClaire Park Board.

• November 10th - Zion Lutheran Church 8th Annual Harvest Feast/Auction/Wine Tasting Princeton Community Center, 4:30-7:00 p.m., sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church in Princeton to benefit Zion 's outreach to local and worldwide needs. Featuring beef stew made with beef from the local Sawyer farms, locally grown potatoes, fresh baked breads, homemade apple sauce, relishes, and desserts, and homemade pies baked by The Women of Joy. $7.50 for adults and $4.00 for children. Children under 5 free. An auction of baskets, services and fun events will begin at 6:00 P.M. For more information, please call 563-289-5566.

• November 10th LeClaire Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the LeClaire Civic Club
  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people! You don't need to be a genius to come and have fun!

• November 11th - Blind Wine Tasting at the Faithful Pilot Cafe
  3:30 P.M. www.faithfulpilot.com for details and reservations.

• November 13th - Chamber Networking Breakfast McDonald's 8:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome!

• November 14th - MEDIC EMS will be holding free CPR Classes, 9:00 a.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m., MEDIC EMS station, 107 Cody Road , for local LeClaire businesses. With the busy shopping season approaching they would like to make the City of LeClaire a heart safe community. They know from experience and from studies, that people who suffer Cardiac Arrests have a much higher save rate if CPR is started within the first few minutes. If someone has a heart attack, CPR by you or your employees could save someone's life. Pre-registration would be helpful by calling 563-323-6806 and asking for Jerry or Dennise and LeClaire Business CPR.

• November 15th Beer Dinner at the Faithful Pilot Cafe
  6:00 P.M. $50 per person www.faithfulpilot.com

• November 16th-21st: Specialty Thanksgiving Themed 5 course menu offered in addition to the regular menu at the Faithful Pilot Cafe. www.faithfulpilot.com

• November 17th - Wide River Winery - 3rd annual Customer Appreciation Party Enjoy Travis Hosette, the "Sinatra Singer", from 2:00-5:00p.m. Wide River Winery, 1776 E. Deer Creek Rd. , Clinton , IA www.wideriverwinery.com (563) 519-9463.

• Saturday, November 17th: Movie Night: "Polar Express" at the LeClaire Rec Center at 429 N. 3rd Street (Corner of 3rd Street and Ferry) www.leclairereccenter.com
  5:30-8:00 P.M. 
  Open Gym from 5:30-6:30
  Movie Starts at 6:30 P.M. 
  $2 per person.
  Concessions available. Pizza $2 per slice. First slice includes a drink.
  Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
  Tickets can be pre-purchased from City Hall or email: leclairerecboard@yahoo.com

• Nov 20 11:30 -12:30 Who says you can't have a free lunch? The First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire shared: "We feel called to offer a free lunch to anyone in LeClaire, once a month. from 11:30-12:30, at the Civic Center. we are serving macaroni and cheese, fruit, hot dogs and cookies, lemonade, milk and coffee. Anyone, any age, regardless of need is invited. Please help us pass the word. Our next lunch will be Dec. 18."

• November 24th - Small Business Saturday The day is dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Whether you're a small business owner or a customer, everyone can help spread the word about Small Business Saturday. The more people and the more businesses that get involved, the bigger and more beneficial the day will be! Learn more about what you can do to help make this the biggest day of the year at: https://www.shopsmall.com

• which meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the LeClaire Community Library @ 6:30 PM . Bookmarks listing the reading selections for 2012 are now available at the Circulation Desk or visit our website for details.

• December 7th First Friday Festivities Downtown LeClaire
  5:00-8:00 P.M.
  Downtown Shops and restaurants will be open 
  
  Wide River Winery - Appetizers and Samples of their Holiday Wine "Merry Berry" http://wideriverwinery.com/
  
  Mississippi River Distilling Company features their "spirited chef" Stephanie with free food samples, free drink samples in the tasting room and bottle specials in the retail area. www.mrdistilling.com

  November 29th Wine Dinner at the Faithful Pilot 6:00 P.M.
  $65 per person
  www.faithfulpilot.com

• Join us Saturday, December 8th: "Stampin' Up Class at the library. 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. in the community room. There is a 10 person limit to the class and patrons must sign up at circulation desk. Persons signing up for class also must bring double sided sticky tape and a pair of scissors with them on day of event. www.leclairelibrary.org

• December 7-9, 2012 Christmas in LeClaire -
  Details at www.leclairechamber.com
  For more information contact: Joyce at 289-4205; Diane at 370-3509 or Vicki 289-3882.

LeClaire Chamber News and Awards:

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for members and non-members, alike!

Congratulations to LeClaire, Iowa! Voted "Best Place to Take an Out-of-Town Visitor" in the 2012 Quad City Times Reader's Choice Poll!

Buffalo Bill Museum seeks volunteers to greet visitors or help with other activities. As the weather warms up, the busy tourist season starts. An easy and enjoyable way to meet tourists visiting LeClaire is to volunteer at the Buffalo Bill Museum and River Pilots' Pier. And, if you have handyman, seamstress or other skills. . . we can always use your help, and you set your own hours! This is a great way to help a local nonprofit organization.

Call Debbie at 289-4458. www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

LeClaire has an "app!" The LeClaire App is ready for download in the Android Market - if you just type in "LeClaire" or "Visit LeClaire" you will find it. It is still a Beta release, meaning that it is lacking some of its eventual functions but is being continually being updated.
The "Apple App" is also now available, and can be downloaded in the same manner as other applications. Remember, both versions are still being "tweaked". . . but your comments are welcome, via email, to the Chamber at LeClaireChamber@yahoo.com which has endorsed this project. NEW! Download the FREE LeClaire App now at the Apple and Android stores! Just search for "LeClaire"

Volunteers Wanted

LeClaire Tourism is seeking volunteers to work in the new visitors center. inform visitors about our charming town LeClaire, Iowa. Enjoy helping new families learn about our great schools, wonderful neighborhoods. Provide new business information and direct travelers to our attractions, shops and restaurants. There will be training available.For more information: please contact Donna Walley at info@visitleclaire.com

Consider volunteering at the Buffalo Bill Museum ! Volunteers are always welcome, whether greeting visitors, assisting with exhibits or even helping with the archiving of the museum's collections. Contact the museum for more information. Pleasant Valley students - - - consider the museum for your service learning projects! www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

Renew your membership in the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. . . On-line and use either the PayPal option to pay by credit card, or download an application and remit by mail.  www.leclairechamber.com

The LeClaire Marketing Alliance of downtown business owners encourages all members and non-members to attend its monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, 8:30am, at Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in LeClaire. They hope you'll discover why it has been so successful in the past, and consider joining them as the excitement in the downtown area grows! More details forthcoming. . .

The LeClaire Board of Adjustment, the LeClaire Tourism Board, LeClaire Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks, Levee, and Rec Boards, and the LeClaire Library Board of Trustees are accepting applications. Anyone wishing to be considered for volunteer service on any of these Committees must submit a completed application form that may be obtained from City Hall during regular business hours, or can be obtained on the City's website. Take an interest, volunteer, and get involved in your City's future."

• More dates and information at: www.leclairechamber.com.