02 Apr 2013

Thursdays at the Figge presents...

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa (April 2, 2013) - Kick Thursday night off right on Thursday, April 4 FREE admission after 5 p.m. Guests can order their favorite beverage from the bar as they are enthralled by a live performance in the Figge lobby from Dancers in Company: The University of Iowa's Repertoire Dance Ensemble at 6 p.m.

Dancers In Company's 12 undergraduate and graduate student dancers perform live concerts and lecture demonstrations for audiences of all ages throughout the Midwest under the direction of Charlotte Adam. This season's diverse program is choreographed by New York City-based guest choreographer Nicolas Leichter, faculty choreographers Alan Sener, Charlotte Adams, Jennifer Kayle, Armando Duarte and Deanna Carter, and graduate student choreographer Zoe Bennett.

Visitors can also enjoy a 6 p.m. tour of the exhibition University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial and full access to the museum's exhibition galleries.

Artist Steve McGuire, professor of 3D design and metal arts at the University of Iowa, will present a lecture, "Single Speed Geograhy on the Continental Divide?Designing, Building, Riding" on his current work at 7 p.m. McGuire's work centers on titanium hand-built bicycles and the stories of time-trialing them, self-supported, in unforgiving locations such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The challenge behind this task is simple: Design a mountain bike to travel self-supported; build it yourself; and then exist well outside one's comfort zone in tackling a time-trial odyssey.

Each Thursday, the Figge offers a different experience to the public, such as a lecture, class, performance or other special activity. Most Thursdays begin at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and light snacks. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

-end-

02 Apr 2013

Fans * Feathers * Flowers 2013 Quilt Show by Prairie Queen Quilt Club Bishop Hill, Illinois

By Sonja Sterling

Please mark your calendars...

* Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17, 18 & 19, 2013

At the Colony School House in Bishop Hill

* 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19th

Note the Viewers' Choice voting takes place on Friday May 17th with awards displayed on Saturday May 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday May 19th & from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday

* Admission - only $4

Displays of Quilts: New and Antique, Wall Hangings, Quilting Challenges.

Quilting Demonstrations all three days, mornings and afternoons.

Raffles and Door Prizes and a Trash & Treasures Corner with bargains galore

The Quilting Challenge entries using the Show theme or themes will be displayed at the Steeple Building all during the month of May.

Come and enjoy Bishop Hill and the Quilt Show. There are shops to visit and several places serving lunch. You are going to love it!

* * * * *

 

02 Apr 2013

Quad Cities Food Hub invites public to "Celebrating Growing" Open House April 18

By Quad Cities Food Hub
DAVENPORT, IA (April 2, 2013) Quad Cities Food Hub invites the public to attend their "Celebrate Growing Open House" on Thursday, April 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Food Hub Market (Located in the Freight House, River Drive Davenport, Iowa). Tickets are $15 and include a beer sampler provided by Front Street Brewery and a wide variety hors d'oerves from local producers.
The Quad Cities Food Hub works to support healthy lifestyles by promoting local food production, connecting producers and consumers, and cultivating education and training programs.
Activities during the Open House:

During the open house, attendees will learn about Quad Cities Food Hub's new projects including a virtual online market that will allow consumers to purchase fresh local produce and products from local area producers online. Attendees will also learn about other Quad Cities Food Hub initiatives include a commercial kitchen, community gardens, new grocery store, community education and how they can become involved. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet the board of directors and new store manager, Wendy Saathof.
"Iowa has some of the world's most fertile soil so you would expect it to be one of the world's biggest producers of fresh produce. Unfortunately, it is not so. The average fruit and vegetable that reaches our grocery stores travels about 1,500 miles to get here. The Quad Cities Food Hub's goal is to change that," said Quad Cities Food Hub board member, Julia Blazevic.
The Quad Cities Food Hub initiative started with a group of Davenport officials and local food advocates' trip to Detroit's Eastern Market. Davenport Mayor Gluba and an eight-member delegation went there in August 2010. Following their return, a 25-member steering committee was establish comprised of individuals with extensive experience in our local food system and economy and has been working on creating a long-term plan of action to strengthen our community's local food system.

To learn more about the Quad Cities Food Hub visit www.facebook.com/quadcitiesfoodhub and www.qcfoodhub.com.
02 Apr 2013

Public Information Meeting

By Shelly Chapman
March 19, 2013

The Rock Island County Board will host a public information meeting on the referendum question regarding expanding the powers of the Public Building Commission.

Wednesday, April 3
6:00 PM
Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus
3300 River Drive Moline

The public is invited to attend to learn more about the referendum question. County Board representatives and members of the judiciary will be present to answer questions following a short presentation.

Participants should park across the street at the Ben Butterworth Parkway and enter thru the West door. The room is on the right.

###
02 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn to Lead Trade Mission to Mexico

By Ryan C. Woods

Trip to Focus on Job Creation and Economic Growth Through Agriculture, Water Tech, Manufacturing and Tourism

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn will lead a trade mission to Mexico April 3 - 6 to spur economic opportunities and tourism between Illinois and Mexico. With Illinois already leading the Midwest in exports, the mission will build on the success of Governor Quinn's agenda to aggressively pursue international trade and create jobs in Illinois. He will be Illinois' first governor to visit Mexico in 13 years and only the fourth U.S. governor to visit Mexico since 2005.

"This mission will strengthen the long-standing bridges between Illinois and Mexico - especially in agriculture, water technology, manufacturing and tourism - to help fuel our state's economic growth," Governor Quinn said. "Mexico's unique and storied culture has had a major impact on our state. Illinois is home to many small businesses of Mexican heritage and many employers that will benefit from increased trade with Mexico. This trade mission will help us capitalize on available economic opportunities that will drive our economy forward."

The three-day mission will include meetings with potential trade partners and Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, an Illinois Tourism event and the signing of a Sister Lakes pact. Governor Quinn will meet with two state governors, and the mayors of Mexico City and Patzcuáro. The trip will be launched with a briefing by U.S. Ambassador Earl "Tony" Wayne, who was named by President Obama in 2011 after serving in Argentina and Afghanistan.

One of the main objectives of the trade mission is to open the burgeoning Mexican water technology market to Illinois companies engaged in wastewater treatment and pumping technologies. Governor Quinn and the delegation will meet officials from Mexico's National Water Commission (CONAGUA) to discuss the success of the Illinois Clean Water Initiative. Spearheaded by the governor, the initiative is a $1 billion project modernizing the state's drinking water and waste treatment facilities while creating thousands of local jobs. Mexico City faces water infrastructure challenges similar to many Illinois cities, including aging pipelines, overuse, contaminants and sinkholes.

 

The trade mission also aims to increase Illinois' exports to Mexico. Exports are a significant portion of Illinois' economy and Mexico is Illinois' second-largest trade partner, as state exports to the country reached $6.4 billion in 2012. From 2009 through 2012, Illinois exports overall increased by $26.4 billion, or 63 percent - well above the national average of 47 percent.  Illinois exports that have experienced significant growth during 2012 include machinery, up 12.7 percent; plastics and rubber products, an increase of 12.2 percent; transportation equipment, a 10.3 percent increase; and electrical equipment, appliances and components, up 5.6 percent. Illinois is the fifth largest exporting state in the nation.

Mexico is among the world's leaders in corn, meat and poultry production, leading to high demand for the kinds of farm machinery made in Illinois. Agriculture and food production will be the focus of meetings with Mexico's agriculture secretary and undersecretary of foreign trade. The governor will also meet executives of Bimbo Bakeries, which owns Illinois' beloved Entenmann's Bakery. Culinary tastes in Mexico and the United States are increasingly similar, so the mission will allow Illinois food brands to promote their products in the Mexican market.

The state of Illinois maintains an office in Mexico City shared by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Agriculture. These state agencies promote Illinois business and agricultural products and services to Mexico, which is Illinois' second largest export market. Illinois exports to Mexico in 2012 totaled $6.37 billion, and grew 34.1 percent in 2011 and 11.3 percent in 2012. Mexico is Illinois' third largest international market for inbound travel, contributing $103 million annually to the state's economy.

The governor will also pursue opportunities to expand Mexican tourism in Illinois. Mexico is Illinois' third-largest international market for in-bound travel with 100,000 visitors from Mexico arriving by plane alone each year, a number projected to grow 17 percent in the next four years. However, many Mexicans travel to Illinois to visit family and often do not take advantage of Illinois' diverse activities. The trade mission aims to increase Illinois' share of Mexican tourists visiting the United States and boost the length of their stay in Illinois.

Governor Quinn - who recently proclaimed "Benito Juárez Day" in Illinois to celebrate Juárez's birthday and ties to Abraham Lincoln - will participate in a solemn "Honor de Guardia" ceremony at Mexico City's Juárez Monument, and will lay wreaths at statues honoring Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He will also promote the migratory Monarch butterflies, who symbolize the long-standing relationship between Michoacán and Illinois and are the official insect of the state of Illinois.

Illinois and Mexico also have deep social ties. There are now 1.6 million persons in Illinois of Mexican origin, about one in eight Illinoisans. Mexico and Illinois have had a Sister-State relationship since 1990. Illinois and Mexico Sister-Cities include Chicago and Mexico City since 1997; Springfield and San Pedro since 1996; Highland Park and Puerto Vallarta since 2002; and Naperville and Patzcuáro since 2010.

The Mexico trade mission is the latest by Governor Quinn as he seeks to promote Illinois to a global audience. Past missions include China and Japan in 2011, and Canada and Brazil in 2012. The governor will head a delegation comprised of Illinois business leaders from such world-renowned Illinois firms as Motorola Solutions, Grundfos, Navistar and Gino's East. It also includes representatives of the Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Manufacturers' Association, two cabinet members and Illinois Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero).

Members of the trip's delegation include representatives from:


  • ·               University of Illinois at Chicago
  • ·               Nalco - An Ecolab
  • ·               U.S. - Mexico Chamber of Commerce Mid-America Chapter
  • ·               Ingredion Incorporated
  • ·               Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC.
  • ·               Castro Synergies
  • ·               Ervin Equipment
  • ·               Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • ·               Illinois Department of Agriculture
  • ·               Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • ·               GSG Consultants
  • ·               PolyBrite International, Inc.
  • ·               Illinois Manufacturer's Association
  • ·               Elan Technologies
  • ·               Motorola Solutions
  • ·               Tate and Lyle
  • ·               Navistar
  • ·               Gino's East
  • ·               Galaxy Environmental, Inc.
  • ·               Evans Food Group
  • ·               Fricold Heating and Cooling
  • ·               Grundfos North America, Water Utility
  • ·               Choose Chicago
  • ·               In-Pipe Technology Company, Inc.
  • ·               Illinois Soybean Association
  • ·               Frantz Manufacturing Company
  • ·               ADM (in-country participant)
  • ·               Caterpillar (in-country participant)
  • ·               United Airlines (in-country participant)

###
02 Apr 2013

Emeis and Red Hawk Opens Wednesday at 10am

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
After a successful opening at Duck Creek last weekend, both the course at Emeis and Red Hawk are scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 3 at 10:00 am. Yes, spring is slowly creeping up on us, and what better way to celebrate than being one of the first our on our one of your favorites courses - Duck Creek, Emeis or Red Hawk. And don't forget, you can book your tee time online at Duck Creek. Just go to golfdavenport.com for the link. Otherwise call the phone numbers listed above to book your first round of the spring.
02 Apr 2013

108th Sustainment Brigade Recognizes Soldiers, Civilians at All Saints Ball

By Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

LOMBARD, IL (04/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Twenty-one Soldiers were awarded Saint Orders, six Soldiers and two civilians were awarded individual awards and one Soldier was promoted during the 108th Sustainment Brigade's All Saints Recognition Ceremony and Ball at the Westin Lombard in Lombard March 23.

"The All Saints Ball recognizes the hard work and dedication of outstanding Soldiers and families of the 108th," said Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, the Commander of the 108th. "This event brings us to together to honor those who make the 108th Sustainment Brigade so successful."

Within the military there are individual awards for personal achievements, for units there are campaign awards and finally there are professional awards known as regimental awards.

"The United States Army created regiment (awards) to build esprit de corps, maintain customs and traditions and increase combat effectiveness," said Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville, the deputy commanding officer for the 108th Sust. Bde. "These awards show the significant contribution the Soldiers have done for the specific regiment or association."

The Signal Corps Regimental Association established the Bronze Order of Mercury for individuals who stand above their peers in their contributions to the Signal Corps and the Signal Corps Regimental Association.

Inducted into the Bronze Order of Mercury were:

• 1st Sgt. Alberto Colon of Mundelein with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyara Cowan of Calumet Park with the 433rd Signal Company in Crestwood

The Distinguished Order of St. Martin was awarded for significant contribution to the Quartermaster Corps and those who have embodied the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment emphasized by St. Martin.

Inducted into the Distinguished Order of St. Martin were:

• Lt. Col. Matthew Voyles of Woodstock with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Sgt. Maj. Steven Pearson of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Honorable Order of St. Martin is awarded to those who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Quartermaster Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Martin was:

• Capt. Edgardo Prats-Reyes of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Staff Sgt. Pedro Feliciano-Nieves of Montgomery with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Spc. Hector Loporte of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is awarded to those individuals who have served the United States Army Ordnance Corps, demonstrating integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period. Those selfless contributions to the corps stand out in the eyes of their seniors, peers and subordinates.

• Maj. Richard Munyer of Springfield with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeffery Garrett of Rochester with the 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Thompson of Okawville with the 1344th Transportation Company in East St. Louis

• Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Gawron of Addison with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Bernadette Bland of Farmington with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Following her induction Bland was promoted to the rank of major.

The Ancient Order of St. Christopher was awarded to those with a career that embodied outstanding achievements and accomplishments in the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by St. Christopher the patron saint of the Transportation Corps Regiment.

Inducted into the Ancient Order of St. Christopher were:

• Lt. Col. Tracy Collins of Naperville with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Michael Gersh of Johnsburg with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

The Honorable Order of St. Christopher was awarded for demonstrating the highest standards of integrity and moral character and having displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence while serving in the Transportation Corps.

Inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Christopher were:

• Capt. Elaine Nussbaum of Bloomington with the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A12 in Springfield

• Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls

• Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Heleine of Charleston with the 1544th Transportation Company in Paris

• Sgt. 1st Class Jose Sanchez of Romeoville with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

• Staff Sgt. Donald Wort of Marseilles with the 1744th Transportation Company in Crestwood

• Staff Sgt. Shelly Johns of Chicago with the 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside

Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their service and achievements in the 108th Sustainment Brigade and the Illinois National Guard were:

• Lt. Col. Stephen Cooper of Rockford, acting state command chaplain with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield

• Maj. James Dodd of Chicago with Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Capt. Michael Raschen of Edwardsville with 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy

• Spc. Andrew Adkins of Chicago Headquarters and Headquarters, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal were:

• Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Lantau of Quincy last assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago

• Master Sgt. Raymond Butler of Waverly with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Springfield

Carol May was inducted into the Honorable Order of Elizabeth Armstrong, for Dedicated Support to the Illinois National Guard Family Program. She was selected by a committee of her peers to join the Sisterhood based on her diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for Guardsmen and their Families.

Shannon Dunn received The Military Medal of Merit for Exceptionally meritorious service as a family Readiness support assistant.

For additional information and photos of the Soldiers and civilians honored please contact the Illinois National Guard Office at 217-761-3569 or email ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

02 Apr 2013

HOUSTON ASTROS SEND TOP PROSPECTS TO THE QUAD CITIES

By Marco LaNave
Shortstop Carlos Correa to be first No. 1 overall pick playing for Quad Cities since Joe Mauer in 2002

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 1, 2013) - Baseball fans in the Quad Cities area have seen hundreds of players on their way to major league careers since the Quad Cities franchise since it joined the Midwest League in 1960, and fans will see more history this season, as the Quad Cities River Bandits begin their second affiliation with the Houston Astros. The River Bandits will open the season with four of the top 15 Houston Astros prospects, according to Baseball America, including 2012 No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa.

Correa is the first No. 1 overall draft pick to play for the Quad Cities since Joe Mauer, the No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2001, played in the Quad Cities in 2002. Correa is ranked by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the Astros minor league system and the No. 13 prospect in all of baseball. The River Bandits roster also includes right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers (ranked Houston No. 4 prospect and No. 50 in baseball by Baseball America), infielder Rio Ruiz (No. 8), and right-hander Vincent Velasquez (No. 13).

"For decades, the Quad Cities community has seen future major leaguers play in the Quad Cities, but this season will be something special. In addition to seeing future major league players, for the first time in a decade, our fans will have a chance to see future major league stars," said team owner Dave Heller. "Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers and Rio Ruiz are some of the exciting prospects in all of baseball. The fact that they are coming to the Quad Cities will give River Bandits fans a chance to meet and get autographs and photos with future major league stars right here at Modern Woodmen Park."

The River Bandits have 26 players on their preliminary roster, which is subject to change before Opening Day. Midwest League clubs may have up to 25 active players when the season begins Thursday. The River Bandits roster includes 12 players drafted in 2012, including Correa (first round), McCullers (first supplemental), Ruiz (fourth), right-handed pitcher Daniel Minor (ninth), left-handed pitcher Joe Bircher (10th), outfielder Terrell Joyce (12th), left-handed pitcher Brian Holmes (13th), infielders Joe Sclafani (14th) and Ryan Dineen (25th), and right-handed pitchers John Neely (30th), Mike Hauschild (33rd) and Jordan Jankowski (34th),

Eight River Bandits played on the short-season Class-A Tri-City ValleyCats team that went to the New York-Penn League Championship Series last season. Infielder Jesse Wierzbicki was the ValleyCats Most Valuable Player, while Holmes and catcher Jobduan Morales were each New York-Penn League All-Stars. Baseball America ranked Velasquez as the league's No. 14 prospect following the season.

Also on the roster is outfielder Ariel Ovando, a native of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, who signed with the Astros in 2010 at age 17 for a reported then-club-record $2.6 million bonus that was topped by Correa's reported $4.8 million last season.

"Fans in the Quad Cities will be treated to outstanding talent at Modern Woodmen Park this season," said General Manager Harold Craw. "We are excited to be just days away from welcoming our fans to see some of the best young players in baseball and begin another memorable season at Modern Woodmen Park."

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, before the 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park 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 HopperTM, 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!

*****
02 Apr 2013

THIS WEEK: Braley to Make First Campaign Tour of Western Iowa

By Jeff Link
Hosting series of "meet and greet" events in small towns from Fort Dodge to Osceola

DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley will make his first tour of western Iowa counties since announcing in February he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.  

On Wednesday and Thursday, Braley will host a series of informal "meet and greet" events in small towns from Fort Dodge to Osceola.  A full schedule follows:

Wednesday, April 3, 2013
10:00am
 Fort Dodge Meet and Greet
Bloomer's Coffee
900 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, Iowa
12:15pm Carroll Meet and Greet
Sam's Sodas and Sandwiches
127 W. 5th St.
Carroll, Iowa
2:30pm Denison Meet and Greet
Reiney's Soda Fountain
1305 Broadway
Denison, Iowa

Thursday, April 4, 2013

10:30am
 Red Oak Meet and Greet
Fountain Perk
322 E. Coolbaugh St.
Red Oak, Iowa
12:30pm Creston Meet and Greet
Home of Marcia Fulton
1710 W. Spencer St.
Creston, Iowa
2:15pm Osceola Meet and Greet
Playa Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
707 W. McLane St.
Osceola, Iowa
6:00pm Attend Polk County Democrats Annual Awards Dinner
UAW Hall Local #450
4589 NW 6th Dr.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
# # #
02 Apr 2013

4 Ways to Turn Your Company Into an Innovation Machine

By Ginny Grimsley
Travelocity, Kayak.com Founder Offers Tips for Culture Change

The world's future leaders overwhelmingly believe that today's businesses cangrowonly if they can innovate - and that today's business leaders aren't demonstrating they're up to the task.

While that's the thinking of nearly 5,000millennials - the 20- to 33-year-old generation - at least one baby boomer, the innovator who transformed the U.S. travel industry with his creation of Travelocity and Kayak.com, agrees.

"The future for any business today depends entirely on its ability to innovate, and the youngest adults, 'the idea generation,' know that," says Terry Jones, author of "On Innovation," (www.tbjones.com/terrys-book), a light-hearted but practical guide for fostering and innovation.

"The millennials are the group known for pioneering new ideas, rethinking processes, end-running hierarchies and solving problems by doing what simply makes sense to them. We need to listen to them; they're the innovators!"

But the worldwide survey of adults born after 1982 found that only 26 percent believe their bosses are doing enough to encourage innovation. The study by Deloitte ToucheTohmatsu Limited, publishedin January, reported 78 percent believe innovation is crucial for growing businesses.

Jones says there are some definite steps business leaders can and should take to ensure their company is hearing employees' ideas, recognizingopportunities, and ensuring a clear path to execution.

1. Build a culture of experimentation. Not every project will succeed but you can't learn from mistakes if you don't allow them to happen. The corollary: Always analyze what went wrong. Why didn't it work? To use a sports analogy, watch the "game films" to improve and learn as much from failure as you do from success. One fast and easy way to experiment is to test options out online. Whether it's polling customers, measuring which approach gets the best response, or allowing a segment of your customer base to test drive a new tool, the results can be invaluable..

2. Kill projects not people. In many companies, people stop offering up ideas and volunteering for projects because the punishment for failure is greater than the reward for success. Lunch with the boss or a $100 bonus do not compensate for the risk of being demoted or fired, or suffering a tarnished reputation. When a project fails in a company with a culture of experimentation, the first thing you shoulddo is say, "Bob, what would you like to work on now?!"

3. Break thru the "Bozone layer." Some of the greatest ideas for innovation will come from the employees on the front lines - those in direct contact with customers or production. But their ideas will never float up to the executive suite if you've created a "Bozone layer" by making it too risky for middle managers to experiment. (See No. 2.) While you're turning the culture around, find ways to reach down to the front lines to solicit  ideas. Implement them and reward the contributors with a big, public shout out - which will help you start changing for the culture.

4. Install "sensors" to pick up customers' ideas. Don't just look to employees for innovation - learn from your customers. They have ideas for new products and new uses for existing products, and their customer service complaints are a fertile source of ideas for improvement. Listen! Social media or a forum on the company website is a good sensor for picking up ideas; Glad Wrap's 1000 Uses site is loaded with them. For customer service complaints, Travelocityinstalled a lobby phone booth where anyone in the company could listen in on customer service calls. Once a month, everyone was expected to provide feedback on at least two of those calls, and suggest an improvement to eliminate similar future calls plus a work-around for the interim.

About Terry Jones

Terry Jones founded Travelocity.com in 1996 and led the company as president and CEO until May 2002. He is managing principal of On, Inc, a consultancy he cofounded to help companies in their transition to the digital economy, and serves as chairman of the board at Kayak.com, which he also helped found. Previously Jones had a 24-year career at American Airlines holding various executive positions, rising to Chief Information Officer at their SABRE Division. Jones is the holder of several patents, has served on the boards of directors of 10 companies and began his career as a travel agent in Chicago. He holds a degree in history from Denison University.

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