04 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS WILL BROADCAST EVERY GAME IN 2013

By Marco LaNave
Fans can hear every game presented by Mediacom for free online at www.riverbandits.com

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 3, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits open a new era when the Midwest League season begins on Thursday, and fans in the Quad Cities and around the world can experience it for free. The new Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros will broadcast every regular season and postseason game live this season at www.riverbandits.com.

Beginning with Opening Day April 4 at Kane County, fans can listen to every live home and away River Bandits game at www.riverbandits.com, which will carry a free stream of every game courtesy of Mediacom.

"This season, River Bandits fans everywhere will have the unique opportunity to hear every game of River Bandits baseball, and they will have greater access to the talent that will play in front of them throughout the season at Modern Woodmen Park," said team owner Dave Heller. "Our fans will receive more free coverage of future major leaguers with the River Bandits and around the Midwest League, hear the latest team news, storylines, and promotions, and be welcomed by the same familiar voices on every broadcast - which anyone can enjoy free for every game of the season."

River Bandits Director of Media Relations Marco LaNave and Matt Bierl will provide play-by-play and commentary for the broadcasts, which will begin 15 minutes before the first pitch of each game.

LaNave, a native of St. Cloud, Minn., and University of Minnesota graduate, is entering his second season with the River Bandits. He was a production assistant with Minnesota Twins radio broadcasts in 2011. He was also a member of the radio broadcast team for the St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League in 2008 and 2009 and called high school baseball games on the radio in St. Cloud.

Bierl, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, and Iowa State University graduate, is returning to the River Bandits after working in the media relations department for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2012. Bierl was an intern with the River Bandits in 2011, and he worked in media and public relations with the Iowa Energy of the NBA Developmental League before moving on to the Cubs. Bierl has also broadcasted high school basketball and Iowa State football games.

"The River Bandits are excited that our fans can follow the team with the free live broadcast of every game," said General Manager Harold Craw. "Marco and Matt are one of the best broadcast teams in the Midwest, and we wanted to make sure our fans can enjoy the games - and enjoy our incredible broadcast team - all season long."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday, April 6. Registration is open through Thursday, April 4, with additional in-person registration at packet pick-up Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park is Thursday, April 11.

UP NEXT: Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It's not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make 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 scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

04 Apr 2013

Iowa Teamsters Endorse Braley for US Senate Rep. Bruce Braley a Proven Champion of Working Families

By Jeff Link
(Cedar Rapids, IA) - Today, Teamsters Local Unions in Iowa unanimously endorsed Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) for United States Senate. With more than 10,000 members across Iowa, the Teamsters Union is committed to helping Braley in his bid for Senate.
Since his election to Congress in 2006, Braley has an established record of fighting to create good-paying jobs and putting the interests of middle class workers and their families first. He established the Populist Caucus in order to cut taxes for the middle class, level the playing field at the negotiating table, defend American competitiveness by fighting for fair trade principals and ensure all levels of education are available to anyone who desires it.
"Rep. Braley is someone who isn't afraid of hard work," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "He has spent his life standing up for workers and their right to have safety on the job, a pension to retire and dignity and respect in the workplace. He is exactly the kind of person we need in the Senate."
"I have known Bruce for many years and he is a tireless fighter for our members and the working families of Iowa," said Gary Dunham, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 238 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Bruce was born and raised in a small town in Iowa and I can think of no one better to serve in the Senate. I am so proud that our union has endorsed him today."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

Press Contact:

Galen Monroe
gmunroe@teamster.org
202-624-6904
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04 Apr 2013

Quad Cities Interfaith News April 2013

By QC Interfaith

Illinois Secretary of Transportation Ann Schneider 

to join Quad Cities Interfaith

for a Jobs & Transportation

Stakeholders Meeting 

Monday, April 29th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at
Broadway Presbyterian Church - 710 23rd St. Rock Island, IL.

The Stakeholder's meeting will bring together elected officials, clergy, lay leaders, and concerned community members to hear from Secretary Schneider on the progress of the rail project, to share our work on the "100 Ready Workers" Job Preparedness Campaign, and to find ways that this community and Illinois DOT can work together to create jobs and ensure greater workforce diversity in our region. Lets keep the momentum going!


The One to One Training - Building Relationships to

Strengthen Congregations & Our Community

Saturday, April 20


This One to One training is from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 710 23rd St. Rock Island, IL. Sam Finkelstein of the Gamaliel Foundation will walk us through the most important tool we have in building relationships and our communities: the One to One.

The One to One visit is an intentional, face to face conversation for the purpose of building a relationship, gathering information and understanding what really matters to that person.

This training is to help develop relationships within our organization, our congregations and our community . Bring a team of leaders to learn this essential tools and ways we can put this to use in building key relationships to achieve our goals. This training is free, but registration is required. Call 563.322.4910 to register or for more information. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Rekindling Our Congregations (ROC)


The Fire of Faith Campaign - A Movement to Rekindle Our Congregations!

Quad Cities Interfaith is leading a Fire of Faith campaign for 2013  to support building strong congregations by developing a local Fire of Faith Cohort of 7 congregations that walk together on a year long journey of congregational development and strengthening . Our Cohort includes All Saints Lutheran Church, St. John Vianney, Bettendorf, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bettendorf, St. Mary's Davenport and the Social Action Office of the Diocese of Davenport and Saint Paul the Apostle, Davenport. 

Through this Cohort QCI is helping lay leaders and clergy assess and identify the needs of their congregation and work to develop leaders to meet their congregation's goals. The ROC Cohort is meeting monthly, will send members to attend the Gamaliel National Clergy Caucus training in April, and preparing teams of leaders to to conduct a Listening Campaign within their congregations this spring and summer.  
Using the arts, attitudes and disciplines of the faith based community organizing, Fire of Faith will strengthen a congregation in ways that are measurable to that congregation. While often it is community issue work that draws and keeps a congregation engaged in QCI, this Fire of Faith process focuses in on what a congregation can do using our tools to build their congregation and make sure they are growing and building community. When congregations are strong , QCI is strong.

Become a Sustaining Donor and Help QCI Reach our Goal of 200 Donors Giving $20.00 a Month!

At last Fall's Fundraising Breakfast QCI kicked off our Sustaining Donor Campaign. QCI's goal is 200 sustaining donors contributing $20 a month.  For the cost of a few pricey lattes, each month you could be helping to support developing local leaders and creating change in our Quad Cities community. A contribution to QCI is an investment in people. Making a monthly sustaining donation is easy and convenient through VANCO services on our website. You are able to make a secure payment using your credit or debit card. Each month you will be charged the same amount and you decide to stop or change your contribution at any time. How easy is that?

Ready to Become a Sustaining Donor?

It's Simple:

1.) Visit our website at www.qcinterfaith.org
2.) On the top right hand side of the site, click on donate now
3.) You will be taken to a secured website provided by VANCO Services to the Online Donation Page which has our logo. Your contribution will be processed .
Thank you!

QCI Issue Updates

Transportation and Jobs Equity

100 Ready Workers Campaign. Along with continuing our goal of ensuring equitable access to work force hours for minorities, women, low income persons for the rail project through the Community Benefits Agreement, the task force is tackling the issue of job preparedness in our community. This spring the 100 Ready Workers Campaign will kick off  to address preparing more minority, women and low income persons for pre apprenticeship programs and transportation and other jobs in our community. 

The Transportation Task Force and Jobs Readiness Work Group will meet next Thursday, April 11 at 10 am in the community room ( our usual space) at Church of Peace- 1114 12th Street , Rock Island.

Immigration
The Civil Right for Immigrants A National call In Day on Wednesday April 10th to contact your Congressional representative to move now on just and comprehensive immigration reform.  Immigration meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Harrison Street, Davenport Village Inn.

Community Events

Tuesday, April 9th, 10 a.m
Augustana College Symposium to Explore Social Justice

Dr. Avis Jones- DeWeever, executive director of The National Council of Negro Women, will present in Centennial Hall (3703 7th Ave. Rock Island, IL). The lecture is free and open to the public. The lecture is titled "Life at the Intersection: Black Women and the Politics of Power, Privilege and Persisting Inequality in the Age of Obama."   Quad Cities Interfaith will present about the jobs rail issue at 11: 15am. 

Sunday, April 14 th 4:30 pm - 7:00pm
St. Ambrose University Habitat for Humanity Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser 
Spaghetti Dinner will be held at SAU, 518 W. Locust St. Davenport, in the Rogalski Center Ball Room. SAU Habitat has been advocating, educating, fundraising, and building for Quad-City Habitat for the past 8 years. Each Habitat family works hand in hand with the volunteers to construct not just a house but a home full of hope and support. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly toward our financial home sponsorship. The spaghetti dinner starts at 4:30 pm and ends at 7:00 pm. If you have any interest in joining us for this wonderful and fun event contact Megan Van Hoorn at vanhoornmegana@sau.edu or 815-575-4875. Tickets are $6 for one or $10 or two tickets. 

Friday, April 26th 9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Third Annual Equal Justice Summit
9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at St. Ambrose University. 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa. 
Registration is required. The cost of this event is $35. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop will go over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Voluntary and Involuntary Conservatorships, Planning for Nursing Home Care and Related Issues, Medicaid eligibility for nursing homes, estate recovery and first-party special needs trust and veteran's benefits. 

Friday, May 10th 2013 12 noon
Cedar Rapids
Postville Immigration Raid- Five Years Later
Join us to commemorate the Fifth Anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, Immigration Raid in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in effort to:

  • Remember the 389 workers who were arrested on May 12, 2008, at Agriprocessor Inc. in Postville, Iowa.

  • To reconcile with those who contributed to the injustices surrounding the Postville Raid.

  • To call for Just, Compassionate, Comprehensive Immigration Reform

12 p.m. Remembrance Ritual
Gather in front of the Federal Court House 
111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

12:30 p.m. Walk For Justice
Immaculate Conception Church 
857 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

1:15 p.m. Interfaith Prayer
For reconciliation and call for reform

2013 Gamaliel National Training.........
Teaching ordinary citizens to unleash the power within themselves

National Clergy/Team Training April 24-26: St. Mary's, Mundelein, IL
Strategic Campaign Training June 10-14: Gallaudet University, Washington DC


July 14-20 National Leadership Training (7-Day): Mundelein, IL


Tuesday, April 9th 2013 at 6:30pm
QCI Leadership Assembly is at the QCI office building in April - 111 E. 3rd Street , Davenport - the Mezzanine level.

04 Apr 2013

6 Ways Prohibition Defined America

By Ginny Grimsley
Era Still Encapsulates the Nation's Unique Culture,
Researcher Says

Today, Prohibition is still very much with us, says award-winning writer and historical analyst Denise Frisino.

"The Volstead Act, which enacted Prohibition in 1919, came after decades of groups pushing for alcohol temperance," says Frisino, author of "Whiskey Cove," (www.whiskeycovebook.com), a novel based on firsthand interviews with Prohibition-era bootleggers in the Pacific Northwest.

"When Prohibition was repealed with the 21st amendment in 1933 under Franklin D. Roosevelt, there were lasting consequences from the period - some good, some not so good, but always rich with the color that we expect from Americana."

Frisino reviews the legacy of Prohibition:

• Female progress: Women's groups were primarily responsible for the temperance movement, which led to Prohibition. Shortly thereafter, women's suffrage was achieved with the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920.  Alcohol had been a major problem since America's inception, tempting male breadwinners away from their labors - and the income that work provided for their families -- for a few hours of escape. Carrie Nation wielded her signature hatchet and was a radical in the movement, attacking saloons and breaking bottles, barstools and windows. But it was during Prohibition, in speakeasies and other illegal establishments, where liberated women were free to drink in public and, essentially, do as they pleased. "Flapper girls were America's first 'Girls Gone Wild,' " Frisino says.

• Organized crime: Nothing did more to galvanize organized crime, namely the mafia, than making alcohol illegal. Enterprising bootleggers and rumrunners throughout the country often made small fortunes from illegal hooch, including the prolific Kennedys, who went on to found a political dynasty. The mafia established strongholds in New York City, Chicago and other major cities. Other areas, including the Pacific Northwest, proved tougher for the mob to break into, Frisino found in her research.

• Common cultural denominator: While differences abounded among the ethnicities that make up America's cultural stew, one thing every culture has in common is an appreciation of alcohol. Whether it's French or Italian wine, German beer or Scotch-Irish liquor, alcohol has provided a brief respite from a hard day's work for poor immigrants, and a tangible connection to ancestral heritage.

• The rise of jazz: Synonymous with the time of Prohibition is "The Jazz Age," which combined a variety of popular music of the day with the musical genre's roots. Decades earlier, a mix of African and European musical traditions morphed in the Deep South, primarily New Orleans, and spread north. But it was in the speakeasies during Prohibition where audiences were captivated by jazz, which helped define the raucous and liberating spirit of illegal drinking.

• Individualism and freedom of choice: America is founded upon a rugged tradition of revolution, individualism and frontiersmen who like to leave personal decisions to each person. Our Constitution is rooted in the idea of no taxation without representation; similarly, we don't like freedoms taken away. Our repeal of Prohibition shows that the people are willing to endure certain pains in order to maintain the freedom of individual choice. This concept is gaining more momentum as the debate regarding legalized marijuana continues, with a few states, including Frisino's home state Washington, moving ahead of the federal government.

• Another Americana genre: The end of Prohibition with the 21st Amendment did not stop criminal organizations like the mafia, which was still in its ascendancy in 1933. Just like cowboys and Indians, an American mythology grew from illegal booze, creating an entire genre of storytelling for pulp novelists and filmmakers. Culture may be the nation's most important export, and crime-noir storytelling is a prominent tile in the quilt of Americana.

About Denise Frisino

Denise Frisino is an award-winning writer, actress and arts teacher. She has spent her summers playing and working in the numerous islands that define the Pacific Northwest, where her family spans four generations. Frisino and her husband spend time at Hood Canal and reside in Seattle. Her novel, "Whiskey Cove," is a nominee for the 2013 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award.

04 Apr 2013

Loebsack to Tour St. Ambrose Health Science Building

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will be touring the Health Science Building and Assistive Technology Lab at St. Ambrose University, TODAY, Thursday, April 4th. While on the tour, Loebsack will meet with staff and faculty to learn about the programs housed there.  They will also tour Jim's Place, which is an assistive technology lab that is providing cutting edge training to help people live independently in their own homes.  Media are invited to attend.

Tour St. Ambrose Health Science Building

St. Ambrose University, Health Science Building

1320 W. Lombard St.

Davenport

9:00am

  ###
04 Apr 2013

Bicycling in German presentation

By Kelly Lao
Davenport, IA- Bicycle enthusiasts will be elated to hear of the trials, tribulations, and tremendous trails that St. Ambrose University professor Scot Heisdorffer details in his program My Saddle Soars: A Germanic Bicycle Tour! Hear Heisdorffer speak about his 3-week unsupported trek across southern Germany, Austria, & Switzerland at the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, April 14th at 2pm.

The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children, and free for members. For more information, contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.
04 Apr 2013

U.S. Coast Guard to host public meetings on the TWIC Reader Requirements Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

By Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard will host several public meetings concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Reader Requirements Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

These meetings are to receive comments on the NPRM published in the Federal Register March 22, 2013, under the title "Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) - Reader Requirements." The Coast Guard encourages members of the public to attend these meetings and provide oral comments on this NPRM. Coast Guard personnel also will accept written comments and related materials at these meetings.

The confirmed meeting schedule is as follows:

April 18, 2013: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Crystal City Marriott Hotel at Reagan National Airport, 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, Va., 22202

April 25, 2013: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Houston Marriott North Hotel, 255 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas, 77060

May 2, 2013: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel, 3201 South 176th St., Seattle, Wash., 98188

May 9, 2013: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Chicago, Ill. Specific location to be determined.

Additional public comment meetings are planned and notices will be published in the Federal Register at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2007-28915.

###

03 Apr 2013

West Music Quad Cities to Participate in International Guitar Month

By Sara Volz

Moline, IL - April 1, 2013 - West Music Quad Cities is excited to get spring rockin' by celebrating International
Guitar Month throughout the month of April. The store will host weekly clinics to educate and celebrate the versatile instrument. West Music Quad Cities is located at 4305 44th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265. For questions or more information, please call 319-351-2000.

Clinic Information
Before anyone can play, they need to pick out a guitar. West Music will kick off the month with a "How to Pick Out the Perfect Guitar for You" clinic on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 6:00 pm. The clinic, hosted by Ellis Kell, is designed to help musicians find the right guitar for their needs, as well as cover the differences between acoustic and electric guitars, various body styles, and pickup configurations. He will also cover how certain guitar models are beneficial for beginners, advancing players, or those looking to play a certain style. This clinic is great for anyone looking to start playing, shopping for a gift, or just interested in learning more about different types of guitars. There will be free giveaways for participants.

The second clinic, "How to Care for Your Guitar," on Saturday, April 6th, starting at 1:00 pm, will teach guitar care basics. Attendees will learn from clinician and luthier, Tony "Sweeps" Carducci, how to tune and clean their guitar, as well as how to change its strings. West Music will also have care kit bundles for sale, in addition to discounts on accessories such as strings and tuners. Musicians in attendance will also be able to sign up for guitar lessons and have their registration fee waived.

So you've got your guitar and you know how to take care of it. Now what? On Saturday, April 13th, beginning at 3:30 pm, the third clinic, "How to Play - Free Guitar Demonstrations!" will teach the foundations of playing the guitar, including learning how to play chords, a simple song, as well as provide information on how to find the right teacher and lesson format. The presenter will be Andy Cowan. The clinic will host a drawing for free giveaways, as well as provide free guitar lesson registration, and special discounts will be available on select lesson book bundles.

On Saturday, April 20th, at 1:00 pm, the fourth clinic, "How to Make Your Guitar Sound Like the Greats with Effects," taught by Scott Whitehall, will teach guitarists new ways of expression through the creative use of effects pedals. Local guitar legends will teach the tips and tricks to guitar effects to help musicians capture the elusive tones established by greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Johnny Greenwood, and Matt Bellamy. Attendees will continue to be able to win free giveaways, register for guitar lessons for free, and get discounts on select guitar effect pedals.

To end the month in celebration of one of the best instruments around, the final event, "Guitar Shows & Open Mic Sessions," will take place on Saturday, April 27th, from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. The event will begin with an informal open mic with appetizers and drinks. The stage will be set up with various products and a sound system so players can jump on up and jam. The event is open to all guitar lovers, who are encouraged to bring their own prized classic, cool, and unique guitars to the guitar show to display for everyone to look at and then jump on stage to show everyone how great they sound. This event will be a fun finale to International Guitar Month with West Music!

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music's mission to "Enrich peoples' lives through participation in music" is at the root of its success and continued growth. West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services. West Music has six retail locations in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. For more information, visit West Music's comprehensive online website at www.westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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03 Apr 2013

The Official No Shoes Nation Pre-Party

By Megan Pedigo

Presented by Corona Light and The New 104.9 The Wolf

Peoria, IL -- The New 104.9 the Wolf and Corona Light are teaming up with the Peoria Civic Center and Centerplate to bring you The Official No Shoes Nation Pre-Party on April 26th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm! Before you head into the arena to see Kenny Chesney, The Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves, enjoy food, drinks and music outside in downtown Peoria.  The Pre-Party will take place just outside the Peoria Civic Center Carver Arena on the Jefferson Avenue sidewalk.

Admission is free and open to the public, you do not need a ticket to attend the Pre-Party.  104.9 the Wolf will be giving away tickets to the concert and other prizes at the Pre-Party. In the event of inclement weather, the Pre-Party will move indoors to the exhibit halls.

The No Shoes Nation Tour featuring Kenny Chesney, The Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves starts at 7:00 pm in the Peoria Civic Center Arena. Tickets are still available at the Peoria Civic Center Box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, and 1.800.745.3000.

The Peoria Civic Center, an SMG managed facility, is an entertainment and convention venue that contributes significantly to the economic impact on the downtown Peoria area.  For the most up-to-date event information, please check us out on the web at http://www.PeoriaCivicCenter..

Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to over 219 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, and convention, congress and exhibition centers.  With facilities across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space, and over 1.5 million entertainment seats worldwide. For additional company information, visit www.smgworld.com.

###
03 Apr 2013

William J. Decker Named New Chief Administrator of Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency

By Whitney Smith-Bringolf
The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (Agency) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the
selection of a new chief administrator for the Agency. William J. Decker, currently the superintendent at the
Muscatine Community School District was selected from 6 semi-finalist candidates. Decker will succeed
Glenn M. Pelecky who has been Chief Administrator at the Agency since 1988.

Upon being selected, Mr. Decker commented, "I am looking forward to working with our outstanding AEA
staff, each of our school districts, and every public and private school building. We will make it our top
priority to improve student success by working together. I am convinced we can accomplish world class
results here in Eastern Iowa by collaborating with each other."

In the position as chief administrator, Decker will oversee 328 permanent and 154 temporary employees,
who provide services to over 53,000 students, including 3,800 educators in 153 buildings throughout the six
counties of Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott.

The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency Board of Directors is confident that their selection of William J.
Decker represents a philosophy that aligns with the mission and vision of the Agency.

A Sioux City native, with an undergraduate degree from Northwestern College in Orange City and graduate
degree and doctoral work at the University of South Dakota, Mr. Decker spent 10 years as a teacher, with
assignments including special education, alternative school, and talented and gifted. He then worked
as a building administrator for six years, before serving the last 10 years as a superintendent. Decker's
superintendent experiences took place in Mt. Ayr, Harlan, and most recently, in Muscatine.

The executive search firm, Ray and Associates Inc., of Cedar Rapids, IA was retained by the Mississippi Bend
Area Education Agency in December, 2012 to assist them in the search for a new Chief Administrator. Ray
and Associates Inc., met with the Board of Directors and stakeholder groups to create and finalize a Chief
Administrator's profile. Individuals who were interviewed for the position, in consideration of the criteria
developed by the Agency, were selected from 50 completed applications. The Board of Directors would like
to thank Ray and Associates Inc., for their objective process, recruiting and vetting of candidates that led to the
Mississippi Bend Area Education Board of Directors casting a unanimous vote approving William J. Decker as
Chief Administrator.

The mission of the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency is to improve teaching and learning for all
students through active partnerships and assertive leadership in a climate of mutual respect.

Mr. Decker will assume the position of Chief Administrator at the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency
effective July 1, 2013.

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