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Icestravaganza

Embrace the cold weather downtown on Sunday during our new family event, Icestravaganza! Enjoy live ice sculpture carving, an outdoor skating rink, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping on the Skybridge with Handmade City and downtown retailers, live music, storytelling, and more! You could even win a $1,000 shopping spree from Necker's Jewelers.   The event will take place on the Skybridge courtyard and on 2nd Street between Main and Brady.
Bridal Expo
Attention all brides and grooms to-be! Looking for a one stop bridal fair right here in the Quad Cities?  Look no further than the RiverCenter, host of this years Davenport Jaycees Bridal Expo. With 135 vendors there to help you, we're sure you can make your dream wedding a reality.  The Big Brothers Big Sisters Putt-A-Round kicks off at the RiverCenter on Wednesday, too!
Augie Celebrate the artistic and musical talents of Augustana students at the opening of the sixth annual Augustana Sights and Sounds Exhibition at Bucktown during Final Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event will feature distinctive photography from both Augustana students and QC high school students along with to video narratives by the Augustana Video Bureau.

faux workshop It's the Moline School District's time to shine starting Saturday at the Figge Art Museum during the Young Artists at the Figge Exhibition.  Come see what these creative young-ins have been hard at work on! Then, test your own creativity at the Faux Finish Workshop. Learn tips, tricks, and techniques that will help create the look of wood, marble, fabric, and more on your walls and furniture.

 

avey brothers band

The back-to-back champions of the '08 and '09 Iowa Blues Challenge will perform at the River Music Experience on Saturday. Come hear the Avey Brothers and The Mercury Brothers for a blend of Cajun and blues-rock! On Friday, hear your familiar favorite songs and sounds at this month's Deja vu Rendezvous featuring The Beaker Brothers Band.

 

Tribute Dance Competition

Head to the Adler Theater  this weekend to check out the Tribute National Talent Competition. From solos to group performances in tap, contemporary, hip hop, and more, this weekend will be a great opportunity to to see some natural dancing talent.

App Photo Enjoy exclusive downtown deals and information when you download our downtown Android App or our iPhone App today. You'll love the quick lists of local events, hotels, shops, and more when you're on the go!

 

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This Week's Events: January 24 - January 30


Thursday, January 24

2013 Quad Cities Youth Conference

Where: The RiverCenter

Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge, Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Jazz Jam with the North Scott Jazz Combo

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Kilkenny's Open Mic with Karl

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Randy Leasman

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!

Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Friday, January 25

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

Deja Vu Rendezvous featuring The Beaker Brothers Band
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 7:30 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5
Final Friday - Augustana Sights & Sounds
Where: Bucktown
Price: FREE
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Lunch with Rachael Schuldt
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Piano Fondue
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m.

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Sudlow Jazz Jam

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tribute National Talent (Dance Competition)

Where: The Adler Theater

Time:  Doors open at 3:15 p.m.

Price: Prices vary, see website

Website

 

Saturday, January 26

 

$20,000 Cash is King Drawing

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Avey Brothers and The Mercury Brothers

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.

Price: $8 in adv, $10 day of show

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Community Drum Circle

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5 for Adults, $2.50 for children 12 and under

Website

 

Davenport Jaycees Bridal Expo

Where: The RiverCenter, Great Hall

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $8 in adv, $10 at door

Website

 

Exhibition: Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Quilts: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Sculpting with Fiber

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition Opens: Young Artists at the Figge - Moline

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

Faux Finish Workshop

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: $30/member; $40/non-member, $20 materials fee payable to instructor

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


John Fliss
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Live Lunch with Matthew Davies & The Thriftones
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Silly C, Slack Man, and Toomey

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tribute National Talent (Dance Competition)

Where: The Adler Theater

Time: Doors open at 6:45 a.m.

Price: Prices vary, see website

Website

 

Sunday, January 27

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Icestravaganza - presented by the DDP Arts and Culture Committee
Where: RME Courtyard
Time: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Live Music: Anthony Catalfano Quartet
Where: Brady Street Chop House
Website

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Over 30 Hockey

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Tour: Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Tribute National Talent (Dance Competition)

Where: The Adler Theater

Time: Doors open at 6:45 a.m.

Price: Prices vary, see website

Website

Monday, January 28

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $5 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

Tuesday, January 29


Acoustic Music Club
Where: River Music Experience, RME Cafe
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: The River's Edge, Ice
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: $10
Website

Drop-In Soccer
Where: The River's Edge, Turf
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website

 

North Scott Jazz Choir

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wednesday, January 30

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Midday Moolah Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points per entry; 10 entries max per guest

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Nifty 50's
Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

RME Open Mic & Jam

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

DeWITT, Iowa ? The Wartburg Players and Wartburg College music department are bringing the Cole Porter musical masterpiece, "Kiss Me, Kate," to DeWitt's Central Performing Arts Center Saturday, Feb. 2.

A cast of 30 Wartburg students and one chemistry professor will perform Porter's biggest Broadway hit ?featuring a play (William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew") within a play. All tickets are $10 for the 7:30 p.m. performance.

"Kiss Me, Kate" debuted in 1948 as Porter's first musical with a scripted storyline and won the first Tony Award for best musical. Fifty years later, it won another Tony for best musical revival.

The plot involves the egotistical producer, director and star of a foundering touring company. He recruits his ex-wife, a movie-star diva, to save his musical adaptation of the Shakespeare comedy. Mismatched lovers and gambling debts owed gangsters, who  also portray actors in the musical, add to the mischief.

"It's a big Broadway musical," said Dr. William Earl, associate professor of communication arts who directs the Wartburg Players theater group. "It's one of the great war horses of theater with all the elements ? terrific music and dancing, gangsters, and backstage and onstage intrigue."

Describing a recent revival of the musical, a critic wrote, "Cole Porter's unbeatable songs, divas, gangsters, dancing, jokes, and even Shakespeare make 'Kiss Me, Kate' all that it is ... pure fun."

Dr. Brian Pfaltzgraff, associate professor of voice, is teaming with Earl to present the latest in an annual series of Wartburg musicals. A number of the student performers are veterans of the 2010 production of "Oliver" and the 2011 opera workshop. "Kiss Me, Kate" will be performed at Wartburg College Feb. 21-23.

Mariah Driscoll, a freshman from DeWitt, is in the chorus.

Tickets are available at DeWitt City Hall, the Central Administration Building and online at midwestix.com.

CAST

Fred Graham/Petrucchio:  Christopher Kurt, senior, Independence
Lilli Vanessi/Kate:  Anne Bomgaars, senior, Sheldon
Lois Lane/Bianca:  Cailee Whitefield, junior, San Antonio, Texas
Bill Calhoun/Lucentio:  Gregory DiMarco, junior, Mason City
Harrison Howell:  Denis Drolet, associate professor chemistry
First Man (Gangster):  Maddie Paxton, senior, Milford
Second Man (Gangster):  Jenna Buhr, senior, Cedar Rapids
Harry Trevor/Baptista:  Andrew Tubbs, sophomore, Des Moines
Hattie:  Lauren Matysik, junior, Miramar Beach, Fla.
Paul:  Justin Cervantes, junior, Cedar Rapids
Gremio:  Kyle Harms, sophomore, Independence

CHORUS

Soprano ? Emma Hellevik, junior, Medford, Minn.; Mariah Driscoll, freshman, DeWitt; Mackenzie Walsh, sophomore, San Antonio, Texas; Carrie Pont, freshman, Oelwein.
Alto ? Erin Gleason, freshman, Platteville, Wis.; Haley Flores, senior, Dysart; Elizabeth Jewitt, freshman, Round Lake Heights, Ill.; Gregena Heard, junior, East St. Louis, Ill.; Alexandria Plumb, freshman, Spirit Lake.
Tenor ? Trent Teske, sophomore, New Providence; Michael Sauer, sophomore, LeMars; Koby Edler, sophomore, Fairbank; Chad Nelsen, sophomore, Rock Valley; Drew Peeler, sophomore, Indianola.
Bass ? Brady Frieden, freshman, Donahue; Sam Miller, sophomore, Ida Grove; Myles Finn, sophomore, Manchester; Connor Koppin, senior, Mason City; Ben Sande, junior, Adel.

Wartburg Players cast members Christopher Kurt and Anne Bomgaars have the lead roles in 'Kiss Me, Kate," the Cole Porter musical that will be performed 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at DeWitt's Central Performing Arts Center.

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For more information, contact Saul Shapiro, Wartburg College Office of Marketing and
Communication, 319 352-8379 or saul.shapiro@wartburg.edu.

Sample the many varieties of food DeWitt restaurants have to offer.

Participating restaurants(partial list):

  • Barnes Foodland
  • Crossroads Coffee
  • DeWitt Nite Lions
  • Dream Cake Designs
  • Garden Cafe at The CROSSROADS Inspired Living
  • Golden Wok Chinese Restaurant
  • Hall of Fame Pizza & Wings
  • Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream
  • Pizza Hut
  • Sunrise Cafe
  • TC's Point After
  • Whisk Away Cafe & Bakery

Adults: $15 & receives 5 food tickets. Children under 10: $7 & receives 3 food tickets. Extra tickets can be purchased at the event for $2 each.

This is a fund-raiser for future expenses. ALL proceeds benefit new Christmas decorations. Tax deductible amount of adult ticket is $10. Tax deductible amount of children ticket is $4.

Make checks payable to: Chamber Foundation

Tickets available at Chamber office, all Chamber board members and participating members.


 DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ About 250 students from Davenport and nearby Illinois schools have an appointment to talk with astronauts on board the International Space Station on Friday.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. for students gathered at the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science in Davenport.

Participating students are from North High School, Smart Middle School and Buffalo Elementary in Davenport. In addition students from elementary schools in Rock Island and Moline in Illinois are invited.

Their conversation with astronauts Kevin Ford and Tom Marshburn will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

NASA works with educational organizations in the United States to improve teaching and learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics using the unique environment of space and the human spaceflight program.

Meet John Weis, NASA Aerospace Education Specialist, on Thursday, January 24!

 This FREE forum is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. John will talk about NASA, it's programs and future opportunities. Attendees will even have an opportunity to see authentic moon rocks! Currently stationed at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL, John is the state education liaison for Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee.
All ages welcome - don't miss this special opportunity!

Reservations requested. Email: education@putnam.org with your name and requested number of seats.
Wizard of Oz:  January 29th at1pm and 7pm
The BIG Game on February 3
Event begins at 3:30 p.m., seating starts at 4:30 p.m.,  the Big Game starts at 5:30 p.m.!Don't miss The BIG Game on the GIANT Screen Sunday, February 3!
Putnam Snack Stop will be open, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink allowed.
This is a free event, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED with a maximum of 12 people per reservation. Space is limited, to reserve your spot today call 563-324-1933 ext. 242 or email your name/phone number to museum@putnam.org. All reservations not checked in at the ticketing counter will be released at 5 p.m.

Rock Island, IL - The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation Board of Trustees has awarded a
$10,000 grant to financially assist Christian Care feed the homeless and hungry.

"We couldn't possibly be able to fulfill our mission without generous supporters like The
Hubbell-Waterman Foundation," said Executive Director Elaine Winter, Ed.D. "This grant will
go a long way toward not only providing food, shelter and services for the hundreds of men,
women and children who will come through our doors this year, but also will help us provide
sustained help in the form of counseling, case management, advocacy and spiritual guidance."

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence
shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. It serves homeless
individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and
those with mental illness.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays
Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is
served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in
need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at
christiancareqc.org.

 

Businesses are Again Moving Toward More Polished Attire

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aside, for many men, the days of wearing hoodies and flip-flops to work are over.

After a decade of increasingly casual office dress requirements (inspired by Zuckerberg's 1990s Silicon Valley predecessors), CEOs began demanding a more polished look beginning with the 2001 recession. By 2002, more formal dress codes had been reinstated by 19 percent of companies with more than $500 million in revenues, according to a Men's Apparel Alliance survey.

"The 2001 recession gave Americans a taste of the tougher job market," says Darnell Jones, a  business professional and creator of TUKZ Undergarments for men, (www.TUKZ.com), which have clasps that ensure shirts stay tucked.

"Then along came the Great Recession in December 2007 and, with it, the layoffs and high unemployment we're still experiencing. Today, if you want to get hired and if you want to get promoted, you've got to look like you mean business."

Jones notes that it's not just corporate leaders who want a more professional-looking workforce. In a 2012 survey by Salary.com, nearly 25 percent of respondents said their workplace's dress code is too lenient. Less than 10 percent said theirs was too strict.

"Right or wrong, how much care you take - or don't take - with your appearance communicates a lot about you," Jones says. "If you take pride in how you look, you probably take pride in the work you do. If your outfits are thrown-together or dated, you may be reckless with details and not up on the latest in your profession."

If you're ready to give up your office hoodie, but aren't sure what to replace it with, Jones offers these tips:

• Get a navy blue or gray blazer or suit coat: Solid colors are best, although pinstripes are fine, too. Get the best material you can afford. If wearing a jacket all day doesn't fit with your workplace vibe, keep one in your office or cubicle to have handy just in case. Whether it's a surprise visit from a client or an unexpected meeting with the CEO, slipping on a jacket is an easy way to make a good impression.

• Watch your feet: Invest in a good pair of lace-up shoes -- brown, black or, better yet, both. (The color should complement your trousers and match your belt.) Avoid square-toed shoes -- they're dated. Be sure your shoes are polished, and replace the heels when they get run down, particularly if you're going on a job interview or attending an important meeting. Of course, you'll need socks, too. They should coordinate with the color of your trousers - and with each other!

• Avoid the peacock effect: Your shirt should be a solid color - no patterns and no hot pinks. Be sure it's pressed. An undershirt is a must; it helps prevent unsightly perspiration stains and unwanted views of underlying body parts. If you're not wearing a tie and leaving the top button or two undone, make sure the T-shirt collar is not visible at your throat. If you're wearing a coat, about a half-inch of shirt cuff should be visible at your wrist.

• Flatter your face with a V-neck: A good-quality gray, V-neck pullover sweater worn over a blue dress shirt is a great look for business casual. The bottom of the sweater should stop at your belt line.

"You'll be amazed at how much more seriously people take you when you look the part," Jones says.

"The best thing is, dressing well makes you stand taller and feel more confident. That's really a winning look."

About Darnell Jones

Darnell Jones is the founder and president of TUKZ Undergarments, LLC, specializing in a unique functionality that prevents shirts from becoming un-tucked. He earned his bachelor's in health with an emphasis in management at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. Jones' vision is for TUKZ Underwear to reside in every household to improve appearance and build confidence in men and women of all ages. He currently serves as an investor and a Region Manager for Olive Medical Corp.

The Winter 2012/2013 issue of the National Weather Service Quad Cities' newsletter is now available on our website at http://www.weather.gov/quadcities/?n=additional-links#newsletter. This link also contains all past issues of our newsletter.  There is also a temporary link under the Top News of the Day section on our main webpage.

MOLINE, IL -- A screening of the PBS documentary, "Poor Kids" will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 in Rooms 103 and 104 at the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus.

Produced by Jezza Neumann and Lauren Mucciolo, the documentary tells the story of child poverty in America through the eyes of children, including some from the QC region.

In this documentary, "Frontline" follows several of the more than 13 million children in poverty for a glimpse at what life is like for a child in need. There is the near-constant hunger, the stress that comes from watching a parent struggle, and oftentimes, days and weeks spent living in a shelter or bouncing from motel to motel. A post-film discussion will be led byTammy Werner of the WIU-QC sociology department.

While the screening is open free to the public, participants are asked to bring a nonperishable item for the River Bend Food Bank. The screening is sponsored by WIU-Quad Cities, the WIU-QC Communication Student Society (CSS), WQPT and the River Bend Food Bank of the Quad Cities.

For more information, visit pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poor-kids.

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Program Will Create Hundreds of Jobs, Improve19 Airports and Increase Public Safety

CHICAGO - January 23, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today announced a $9 million investment that will create hundreds of construction jobs while improving 19 airports across the state. Illinois' State-Local Airport Improvement Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 will rehabilitate aging infrastructure, improve accessibility for travelers and businesses and maximize economic development opportunities at Illinois airports from Cairo to Moline. The program is funded by $7.3 million from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and a local match of $1.6 million.

"Maintaining and improving Illinois' aviation infrastructure is vitally important to meeting the needs of travelers and small businesses, and ensuring the safety of airport workers," Governor Quinn said. "Airports are a local economic engine for communities, regional trades and professional services, and are essential to making sure Illinois remains competitive in today's growing economy. This major investment will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, improve accessibility and further strengthen Illinois' position as a national leader in infrastructure."

The wide variety of airport improvement projects include the rehabilitation of a terminal and a number of taxiways, aircraft parking ramps and entrance roads and the modification of major parking lots. In addition, the construction of an automatic weather observation system in Mt. Sterling will significantly improve safety for the flying public.

"We are extremely proud to announce the FY13 State-Local Airport Improvement Program, and remain committed to making the financial investments needed to maintain and improve our existing aviation infrastructure," Secretary Schneider said. "This critically important maintenance program for airports statewide would not have been possible without Governor Quinn's leadership and his Illinois Jobs Now! plan."

Illinois' aviation system is comprised of nearly 80 publicly-owned airports and is vital to a healthy economy. A recent economic impact study reported that Illinois airports contribute more than $40 billion to local economies: http://illinoisairportsmeanbusiness.com/IL-Econ_TechnicalReport.pdf

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