April 5^th - First Friday in LeClaire!  5:00-8:00 p.m.

Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Wine samples at Wide River Winery www.wideriverwinery.com

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium will be open late - go in for a free red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries will be open late. Come in to shop and get free samples of booze cake (while it lasts)!

 

April 6^th - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton Announces - One Show Only! Benefit Performance of "Johnny Cash and the Sun Rocket Railway: A Tribute to the Music of Sun Records 7:00 P.M. Enjoy AJ Haut performing the songs of Johnny Cash, as well as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley accompanied by Tristan Tapscott and Kyle Jecklin. Tickets: $10 each, available at the door. Princeton Community Center, 428 S. River Dr. Princeton, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 PM

 

April 11^th - LeClaire Progressive Restaurant Walk for QC Pride. $40 per person; limited number of tickets available. Progressive event includes the following LeClaire favorites: Crane & Pelican, Steventon's, Blue Iguana, and Mississippi River Distilling Company with food at each location. Drawings for fabulous gifts from the merchants of LeClaire. Contact Mandy Harvey at The Crane & Pelican to make reservations, 563-289-8774. Paid reservations will be accepted until April 1st.

 

April 13^th - Zion Lutheran Church hosting Benefit for Norman Sawyer at Princeton, Iowa Fire Station Princeton. Dinner from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M.. Live auction and entertainment to follow. Tickets are available at Iowa locations of the Blackhawk Bank and Trust. The cost is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 6 to 12 years old (5 and under free. life-long resident of Scott County, Norman has led an active farmer's life raising beef cattle. Sawyer Beef is a staple at Davenport's Farmer's Freight House Market.  The family is actively involved in Zion Lutheran Church and the community of Princeton.   Norman graduated from North Scott in 1964 and Iowa State University in 1968.  He then served in the U. S. Navy.  On April 19, 2012, Norman broke his neck in a farm accident. He was airlifted to a neuro-trauma hospital in Rockford, Illinois.  In critical condition, Norman was paralyzed, on a ventilator and unable to speak or swallow. He had three surgeries to stabilize his neck. Norman spent six months undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury Center.   After a year of rehabilitation and recovery, Norman is finally returning to the family farm.  However, their home requires extensive renovations to be handicapped accessible:  ramps, wheelchair lift, handicapped bathroom, ceiling lift, etc.  The purpose of the benefit is to raise funds to help defray the cost of the renovations to the Sawyer home. Please join us on April 13 at the Princeton Fire Department.  Help us to help the Sawyer family .·www.facebook.com/NormanSawyerRoadToRecovery

 

April 15th - Economic Development Meeting - Great River Financial - 8 a.m.

 

Save the Date

 

May 3rd - First Friday, 5:30 - 8:00pm, Downtown LeClaire.

 

May 17th-18^th - French Market Days, 10:00am - 4:00pm LeClaire Passport Collecting - Pick up a LeClaire Passport from participating stores and the LeClaire Information Center. Each store will offer a different French stamp. A completed passport will qualify for one entry for a free drawing at the LeClaire Information Center (122 North Cody Road). Shoppers can collect stamps May 17th and 18th only. Other activities include a Jewelry Making Class, Wine Garden Event, Terrarium Class, Afternoon Tea, Glass Garden Crafts, Fashion Plate Pet Contest, Rue de Marche - Vendors on the Alley - furniture, crafters, antiques, Tour de LeClaire - Big Wheel races, Special Exhibit about Antoine LeClaire at the Buffalo Bill Museum, Parasol Art Contest, Plant Exchange, Library Book Sale, Build the Eiffel Tower and Market Bag Classes at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center, and much more! *Activities subject to Change.

 

 

Grace Marine and Captain's Quarters, a 3rd Generation Family Tradition boat dealer. We specialize in Crownline, Skeeter, Alumacraft, Manitou, Yamaha, and Mercury. We not only sell boats, but we also buy boats and repair boats. We now offer Pontoon, and Jet Ski rentals. We can be found at www.gracemarine.com, and also on Facebook.

 

"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 all members and non-members!

 

(ext 1135) or email Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, at Info@VisitLeClaire.com

 

Buffalo Bill Museum is now open until 5pm daily.   As of April 1st, the museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm.     A reminder:  group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups.  Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details! The Buffalo Bill Museum offers admission discounts for group tours!   School groups, 4-H, fraternal and civic clubs, family reunions, etc. Call 563-289-4603 for more information and schedule a guided tour! Reservations are required and can be made months in advance! 

 

Friends of the LeClaire Community Library is planning an Open House on Monday, July 1st to celebrate our 9th anniversary! Details are forthcoming!

 

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

April 9 - Wide River Winery - postponed at this time!

May 14 - Great River Financial - after hours

June 6 - Black Watch Room - after hours - 5-8pm (1st Thursday)

July 9 -  Blue Iguana - Lunch -noon

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - Faithful Pilot - after hours -5-8pm

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

January 14, 2014 - Sneaky Pete's - lunch -noon

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know.  Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

 

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center

2013 Trivia Nights:

April 6 - LeClaire Little League

May 4 - LeClaire Lions

June 8 - Buffalo Bill Museum

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 17-18 - French Market Days

June 7-8 - LeClaire Garage Sale Days

June 21-22 - Girls' Getaway Weekend - Details to come!!

July 1 - Friends of LeClaire - Library Open House

Summer - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8-10 - Tug Fest - www.tugfest.com

October 6 - Dogtoberfest (rain date - Oct. 13)

October 13 - Apple Fest

October 24 - Hallowine

October 26 - Witches' Walk

December 6-8 - Christmas in LeClaire

 

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

Illinois Businesses Global Leaders in Water Tech; Helping Mexico City Face Tremendous Clean Water Challenges

MEXICO CITY - Governor Pat Quinn today held a meeting with key leaders to promote water technology firms from Illinois, businesses that are uniquely qualified to assist Mexico with its clean water challenges. The governor is currently on a trade mission to Mexico - part of his agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and create jobs.

"Illinois is striving to lead the nation and world in clean technology and environmental innovation, especially when it comes to clean water," Governor Quinn said. "There are currently more than 100 water technology companies in Illinois, and these firms are positioned to offer expertise on a global scale and sell their products and services abroad. Illinois will take full advantage of opportunities for water technology growth in Mexico while helping the neighboring nation deal with its clean water challenges."

Governor Quinn today met Mexico City Mayor Miguel Mancera, two governors and representatives of the Mexican National Water Commission (CONAGUA) to specifically discuss water treatment and how Illinois can help. One of the world's largest metropolitan areas, Mexico City faces tremendous challenges accessing clean water. These challenges include decreased groundwater, overexploitation, land subsidence, risk of major flooding, poor water quality, inefficient water use, wastewater treatment and the reuse of wastewater in agriculture. The security of the city's water supply and stormwater drainage in the metropolitan area are major concerns for all levels of government.

The Mexican market for water technologies is estimated to grow three percent during 2013. United States exports in this area are also expected to increase three percent this year. Illinois firms that can take advantage of this heightened Mexican demand include : In-Pipe Technology Company of Wood Dale, which provides engineered wastewater treatment technology and services that meet the challenges facing today's municipalities; Elan Technologies of New Lenox, an innovator in open channel flow measurement and monitoring; Grundfos of Aurora, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and a trendsetter in water technology; and Nalco of Springfield, which develops technologies that either prolong water's usability in closed systems, prepare water for reuse rather than discharge or redirect the water into an application with different requirements.

Known by its Spanish acronym, CONAGUA is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance of the country's potable and municipal wastewater infrastructure. Mexico contains a total of 2,400 municipal water utilities, 713 potable water treatment plants and 102,548 miles of pipeline to distribute potable water to urban and rural areas. CONAGUA estimates that 90 percent of the total Mexican population of 108 million has access to running water. As in most countries, the Mexican water business remains somewhat localized, but is opening up to global competition.

In response to Mexico City's water challenges, Mexico initiated a $2.8 billion Water Sustainability Program which includes water conservation as an important element. Investments envisioned under the plan include an increase in wastewater treatment, the importation of groundwater from irrigated areas north of the city, the construction of a major new stormwater drainage tunnel, increased water imports from an expansion of the energy-intensive Cutzamala system and better water allocation methods.

Last year Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative to help local governments overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and pipes while creating more than 28,000 jobs. The initiative will help ensure that residents will have access to safe drinking water and that our environment will remain protected.

The Mexico trade mission is the latest by Governor Quinn as he seeks to promote Illinois to an international audience. Past missions include China and Japan in 2011, and Canada and Brazil in 2012.

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Midland Communications  Explains the Right Way to Invest in Communications Technology Today

DAVENPORT, IA - April 4, 2013 - Making the right investment decision is critical, especially in challenging economic times. It can mean life or death for any small to mid-sized business (SMB). This includes the manner of investing in new technology, because technology brings with it two embedded risks - obsolescence and unforeseen cost.  Technology is a depreciating asset and business 101 teaches us to never pay cash for a depreciating asset. Plus, there is an ongoing and unknown cost to technology after it is implemented within a company. Midland Communications understands these risks and has a unique solution known as the Current Technology Assurance Plan (C-TAP) to overcome them.
C-TAP is designed to increase an organization's profitability and give it a competitive advantage. This technology investment vehicle fixes the cost of technology by bundling together hardware, software, unlimited training and all of Midland Communications' professional services. It's a method of acquiring technology that gives businesses a brand new element of flexibility that is much needed in today's world.
The biggest benefit of the C-TAP program is that businesses no longer face the frustration of paying cash for a depreciating asset. After purchase, it is only a matter of time before new technology becomes obsolete and this program has taken that into account.  Business owners have more control over their technology budget than ever before, because C-TAP allows businesses to add in new hardware, software, equipment, or installation without increasing monthly expense. In the traditional model, businesses do not have this flexibility. For example, if a business was stuck utilizing antiquated PCs and obsolete phone systems, the business owner would simply have to purchase all new equipment via a large capital expenditure. Under C-TAP, companies can add new computers, phones or other technology solutions, while keeping their monthly cost the same. Furthermore, Midland Communications waives any labor or installation fees that would normally be incurred.
"The growth of the C-TAP program is self-perpetuating," stated Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications. "It's a much simpler way of acquiring technology, and our customers love that. Businesses are continually evolving and infrastructure needs to shift with these changes in order to remain competitive. When our customers are able to get the technology they need without being 'nickeled and dimed' and we are able to earn our customers' business month after month, both parties win. We firmly believe that the best way to win our customers over is to enhance their productivity and increase their bottom-line profitability. By partnering with our customers, we see them succeed and that turns into a positive result for everyone."

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS

Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.

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WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today asked the top government health care agency for a timeline and details of the communications on a key Medicare policy decision this week that reportedly moved stock prices when correctly predicted by an outside firm prior to public release.

Grassley asked Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the details on a key decision on Monday over Medicare Advantage payment rates.  According to the Wall Street Journal, a firm call Height Securities issued an advisory that "a deal has been hatched to protect Medicare Advantage rates" from a proposed cut, and that stocks rose as a result of the advisory.  The advisory was issued before CMS' decision became public, raising questions about whether CMS or other federal agencies involved in the decision allowed sensitive information to flow to non-governmental entities before the government made its announcement.

"This raises questions regarding political intelligence brokers' ability to gather information from CMS in order to predict market moving events," Grassley wrote.

Grassley asked for a response by April 9, when Tavenner comes before the Finance Committee for a hearing on her nomination to serve as permanent administrator.

This is the second time in recent years Grassley has asked the agency to describe its processes for dealing with political intelligence firms and others who seek to profit from government information.  In December 2011, he wrote to the agency over allegations from a then-agency employee who said nearly one dozen agency employees were made to have a lengthy meeting with a Wall Street firm in 2009 over reimbursement policy for certain medical devices.

The agency's response revealed loose procedures for dealing with outside firms, causing continued concern for Grassley.  Grassley is working on a legislative effort to require political intelligence-gathering firms to register the way lobbyists are required to register, in an effort to provide transparency into a growing industry that seeks information from Congress, the federal agencies, and the White House for financial gain, possibly to the disadvantage of everyday investors.

Grassley's letter today is available here.

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