ROCKFORD, IL (02/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Jesse Cole a resident of Erie, IL, was named to the Dean's List at Rockford College.

Students attending Rockford College were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2012 semester who earned at least a 3.5 GPA with no grades below "C."

Rockford College's Fall 2012 Dean's List includes those students who meet all requirements at the time the list is compiled. Students who have incomplete coursework as of the date the list is compiled are not be included in the current List. This list should not be considered an official confirmation of award. Official confirmation will be recorded on students' transcripts.

Rockford College is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The College offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford College is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and one of only 81 colleges in the nation as a "College with a Conscience," Rockford College currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

Rockford College announced on October 2, 2012 that it will officially change to Rockford University effective July 1, 2013. For more information on the College's transition, visit: http://www.rockford.edu/?UniversityStatus.

CHICAGO - February 7, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement on the passage of House Bill 190. The governor called for passage of this legislation in yesterday's State of the State address, and has pushed to restore funding to Department of Children and Family Services for months. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk.

"I applaud Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and all the members of the General Assembly who today voted to put people to work, and protect the most vulnerable among us. They did the right thing.

"This legislation will allow us to begin construction projects this spring which will put Illinois workers back on the job. As part of our Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, these women and men will be busy repairing bridges, improving roads and strengthening our infrastructure across the state.

"In addition, this bill will enable the Department of Children and Family Services to continue its critical mission of protecting vulnerable children who have been abused and neglected.

"I look forward to signing this legislation."

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The Rock Island County Medical Society Alliance invites you to our

7th Annual "Martini's & Manicures" fundraiser

Friday, March 1, 2013?4 pm to 8 pm
Shangri-la Salon & Day Spa
1570 36th Avenue
Moline, Illinois

Ticket: $20 (includes one drink/wine & international hors d'oeuvres)

These services available by cash or check at the spa:

Mini Manicure (file & polish) $8
Mini pedicure (file & polish) $16
Massage (7 minutes) $7
Brow waxing $8
Paraffin Wax $6
Dry Hair Cut/style $16

Proceeds will benefit:
Winnie's Place
Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities
Children's Therapy Center of the Quac Cities

Your check is your reservation
Reservations preferred by February 22nd
Checks payable to RICMSA

Mail your check to:
Susan Kruse, 2629 Wood Lane, Davenport, IA 52803
Questions? Call Susan at 563/355-1948

If unable to attend, donations are appreciated

Additional event parking available across the street at Grace Bible Fellowship Church

Name __________________________________________________________________________

# Attending ___________      Phone # __________________________________________

Preferred time

4-5         5-6           6-7          7-8

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack

Facilities & Economic Development

2. Approval of 28E Agreement between Scott County, Iowa and Clinton County, Iowa,
for roadside management services for Scott County. (Item 2)

3. Approval of the second and final reading of ordinance to rezone a 4.72 acre parcel
located in part of the SE¼SE¼ and the SW¼SE¼ of Section 7 and part of the NW¼
NE¼ and the NE¼NE¼ of Section 18 all in Pleasant Valley Township from
conditional Commercial and Light Industrial (C-2), with a landscaping only use
condition, to Commercial and Light Industrial (C-2), without any use restriction. (Item
3)

4. Approval of the disbursement of the net proceeds from the sale of the Mississippi
Valley Welcome Center property. (Item 4)

5. Approval of the purchase of furniture and installation services from Allsteel, Inc. and
Paragon Commercial Interiors. (Item 5)

Human Resources

6. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 6)

Finance & Intergovernmental

7. Approval of General Policy 13 Tax Compliance Procedures Relating to Tax Exempt
Bonds. (Item 7)

8. Approval of amendment to wireless network for County General Store relocation.
(Item 8)

9. Approval of boards and commission appointments. (Item 9)

10. Approval of Fairyland and Davenport Country Club beer/liquor licenses.

11. FY14 Capital Budget and FY15-18 Program Review.

12. Other items of interest

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Regular Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Public Hearing

1. Amendment to the County's current FY13 Budget.

2. FY14 Budget.
IRVING, Tex., (February 4, 2013) - Sue Justin, of Your Name Here Specialties, Davenport,
Iowa, earned the certification of CAS administered by Promotional Products Association
International (PPAI; ppai.org), not-for-profit association for more than 10,000 members of the
$16.5 billion promotional products industry.

The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), is one of the promotional products industry's premier
professional designations. Individuals with a CAS PPAI certification are seen as industry
leaders?those who have attained a higher standard of professional competence, knowledge
and experience. PPAI industry certification is acquired through a combination of: required
certification classes, demonstrated years of employment in the industry, education, industry
contributions and a successful demonstration of expertise. Certification is maintained through
continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.

The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) certification requires 75 hours from a structured
industry approved curriculum, three years of experience in the promotional products industry
and a passing score on the CAS certification exam. The rigorous curriculum required includes
an overview of the promotional products industry, promotional programs, best practices/
supplier-distributor relations, advertising and marketing overview, product safety basics and
business ethics.

PPAI certification demonstrates a commitment to both business excellence and continual
professional growth. A relatively small percentage of professionals hold these certifications and
are known as the industry's innovators and leaders. PPAI certification has been recognized as a
reliable indicator of professionalism and excellence in the promotional products industry.

About PPAI
Since 1903, Promotional Products Association International, a not-for-profit, has been the
standard setting international trade association for the promotional products industry. PPAI
offers education, tradeshows, business products and services, mentoring, technology and
legislative support to its members. Today, PPAI serves more than 10,000 global member
companies who lead the $16.5 billion dollar industry. The multi-billion-dollar industry includes
wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and many other items, usually imprinted
with a company's name, logo or message. PPAI created and maintains the UPIC (Universal
Promotional Identification Code), the industry's only free identification system and universal
company database. For information regarding PPAI or to learn more about the proven power
of promotional products (including research and case studies), visit the PPAI website at
www.ppai.org.

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Illinois American Water & Iowa American Water Create Real Value for Families

Minneapolis, MN (January 28, 2013) - Elementary school students will enjoy interactive theatrical performances by The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to teach kids and their parents how to be more aware of their water usage. Sponsored by Illinois American Water and Iowa American Water, the tour will run from January 28 to February 28, 2013, and play to 50 elementary schools throughout Illinois and Iowa.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQxcapS_0Ow

The Search for Mountain Fountain is a water awareness program featuring live, professional theatre performances for students, teachers and families.  During these dynamic theatrical events, they learn:

 

·         The importance of water

·         The uses of water

·         How water gets polluted

·         How we can save and conserve water

 

Powerful Teaching Tool

"The world's changing at ninety miles per hour, but we maintain that live theater is still and always will be a powerful teaching tool," affirms Ward Eames, president of NTC, an organization that has been bringing environmental and social programs to U.S. schools for over 35 years.  "These fun, funny and educational theatre performances impact the students emotionally even as they teach important intellectual concepts."

The Search for Mountain Fountain features two professional actors who play a variety of characters like

Fran Stormer, Ranger Ted and the prospector Leonard Sandstone. The performance is action packed with high energy comedy and audience interaction that teaches students all about water.  Students cheer on and learn from the characters as they search for the mysterious Mountain Fountain. The show comes complete with professionally designed sets, props and costumes.

 

About American Water

American Water, through its subsidiaries, provides high-quality water and wastewater services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. Headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, we are the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States, and are the parent company to our state subsidiaries. We employ more than 7,000 people who give back to the community each day by doing their part to provide the highest quality service possible. Our professionals are committed to customer service, operational excellence and the delivery of high-quality, reliable drinking water, safe and effective wastewater treatment and release and other water-related management services. Our teams live and work in the communities they serve, visit www.amwater.com

 

About The National Theatre for Children

NTC is the largest touring educational theatre company in the world. Since 1978, NTC has successfully tackled one important issue after another including: financial literacy, electrical safety, water conservation, health care, smoking prevention, recycling, wise energy use, renewable energy, nutrition, and bullying prevention (to name a few). Our educational outreach programs are entirely underwritten by corporate, non-profit and governmental sponsors who want to be associated with delivering healthy-living messages to students and their families. NTC performs approximately 7,000 times a year throughout the country, actively engaging 2.8 million students and parents through its programming. www.nationaltheatre.com

PLATTEVILLE, WI (02/07/2013)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville hosted its largest winter graduation on December 15, 2012 at Williams Fieldhouse. A total of 602 graduate and undergraduate students earned the right to participate in the commencement ceremonies.

Among those receiving degrees, with their hometowns and majors, were

Alyssa Barnett a Biology major from Morrison, IL

Kenneth Gellerstedt a Business Administration major from East Moline, IL

Amadou Hanne a Business Administration major from Moline, IL

Brandon Hobbs a Mechanical Engineering major from East Moline, IL

Sarah Howard a Animal Science major from Albany, IL

Christine Lammers a Psychology major from Davenport, IA

William Lartz a Industrial Technology Management major from Moline, IL

Jennifer Lincoln a Agricultural Business major from Illinois City, IL

Kurt Wolf a Industrial Technology Management major from Erie, IL

University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, is settled in a historic mining town near the Iowa and Illinois borders and enrolls 7,500 undergraduate students. It is an institution whose mission is to produce intellectually astute individuals who will participate in society as competent professionals and knowledgeable citizens. For more information on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, visit www.uwplatt.edu.

CASI/PLUS 60 are hosting the annual Valentine's Day Dance this Friday, February 8, 2013 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Music provided by River City Six.

Light snacks, cash bar and door prizes will be featured! Tickets are $8 in advanced at CASI or The Quad City Times and $10 at the door.

This event is sponsored by Trailways.

-END -

Three Innovative Manufacturers Announce New Jobs in East Peoria, Colona and Chicago, Illinois

CHICAGO - February 7, 2013. As part of his commitment to drive small business growth, Governor Pat Quinn today announced new jobs at three small Illinois manufacturers. The governor is strengthening his effort to attract and expand manufacturing companies in Illinois by helping small businesses get access to capital to bridge the credit crunch and create jobs. Expansion of these businesses across Illinois today will create 75 new jobs.

The companies the governor visited today are: Vosges Haut-Chocolat in Chicago, freight firm Tennant Truck Lines Inc. in Colona and medical device maker Endotronix in Peoria.

"These high-potential companies are examples of the innovation and diversity that make up Illinois' manufacturing landscape," Governor Quinn said. "Small business means big business. As our state continues to recover from the great recession, we must always do all we can to boost economic growth and job creation."

Approximately three out of every four workers in Illinois are employed by a small business, according to state employment data. A small business is defined as companies that employ fewer than 500 workers. In total, there are about 271,000 small businesses in Illinois employing nearly 3.7 million workers.

The state provided the three companies with targeted investment packages, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The packages included Advantage Illinois, a federal program that connects banks with Illinois residents to start new companies and expand existing businesses; Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits, which are based on job creation; and Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of their workforces.

Launched in 2011, Advantage Illinois is a five-year program that leverages $78 million in federal funding to attract almost $800 million in private sector investments. These investments allow businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to market, and accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois.

Governor Quinn's manufacturing jobs tour follows his State of the State address, in which he announced the Illinois Manufacturing Lab, an innovative, public-private approach to advanced manufacturing. The lab will serve as a hub for companies to learn the world's most sophisticated tools and software, keeping Illinois at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing.

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, DCEO is identifying and aggressively courting companies such as Vosges, Tennant and Endotronix that are looking to expand their reach. The governor has made marketing Illinois' world-class attributes abroad part of his jobs agenda, from working with local businesses to increasing their access to global markets, to personally meeting with companies to recruit them to Illinois.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chicago)

The Chicago-based chocolate maker purchased a former Whole Foods bakery building in Logan Square, and converted it into its new corporate headquarters, test kitchen and manufacturing plant. The building will eventually house a chocolate museum, a retail store and a gastropub. For the first time, Vosges will fulfill CEO Katrina Markoff's "bean to bar" mission to trace the origins of its chocolate and craft it directly from the source - the cacao bean.

Vosges will invest $3 million and create 35 jobs in Illinois. DCEO provided an Advantage Illinois Participation Loan, EDGE tax credits and ETIP training dollars worth a total of $1.7 million. In a participation loan, DCEO purchases a portion of the bank term loan at below market interest rate.

"The chocolate temple will be much more than a physical address, it will be the beating heart of our endeavors and a hub of creativity for all who care to venture with us," Katrina Markoff, CEO and founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat said. "Working with the state, we will be able to move out of a leased facility and purchase a building that allows us to remain a home-grown Chicago business."

Tennant Truck Lines Inc. (Colona)

The regional trucking firm built a 20,000 square foot outpost in Colona that will combine three existing facilities in the Quad Cities area. The expansion provides a modernized, central location for employees and positions the trucking firm to expand operations as the company grows. Tennant Truck Lines, founded in 1946, currently serves the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Midwest.

DCEO is providing Tennant Truck Lines with Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits that is worth up to $1.1 million over 10 years. The trucking firm has committed to invest $2.1 million and create 30 jobs. In keeping with the terms of EDGE, if the company doesn't meet its job creation targets and commitments, it will not be eligible for the tax credits.

"Tennant has grown the company from 75 employees in 2009 to over 200 employees in 2013," said Aaron Tennant, CEO of the trucking company. "Tennant Truck Lines has been able to focus on a comprehensive investment in promoting professional truck driver image and respect at a state and nationwide level along with providing a solid footprint and service offering across the Mid-Atlantic.

Endotronix Inc. (East Peoria)

Endotronix is developing a sensor system for patients with congestive heart failure that prevents the need for hospitalization by allowing for critical medication adjustments by phone or office visit. The Advantage Illinois' Invest Illinois Venture Fund (IIVF) is one of several investors providing funding for Endotronix to ramp up clinical trials to test the efficacy of the system. Central Illinois Angels is the lead investor.

IIVF is a new venture capital program that supports young, innovative companies in our state that demonstrate high growth potential. DCEO invested $400,000 to support the expansion. Endotronix agreed to create 10 jobs.

"IIVF's commitment to Endotronix was a tipping point for our company, allowing us to complete financing that funded our advanced engineering effort to overcome key technical challenges," said Harry Rowland, CEO of Endotronix. "We are now on the cusp of tremendous growth and value creation, as our technology can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from congestive heart failure while reducing the overall costs of care. We would not be in this position today without the visionary support of IIVF and the state's leadership in supporting the development of early stage life science companies here in Illinois."

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (Iowa) and Roy Blunt (Mo.) announced the launch of the bipartisan Mississippi River Caucus today, an initiative to focus and collaborate congressional efforts on important river management goals such as flood mitigation, commerce along the Mississippi River, and to generally assist river communities with concerns.

"We learned a vital lesson this past fall when a potential disruption in navigation along the Mississippi threatened everything from increasing the cost to move goods to potential job losses.  The river and its communities play an important role in commerce and the local economy," said Harkin.  "The Mississippi River Caucus will look at ways that the Congress can be helpful to the cities and towns along the River to improve their economies and their quality of life, and to better respond to floods and other threats.  I am pleased to work with Senator Blunt in this effort and I look forward to the work ahead."

"The Mississippi River is a vital artery of commerce for hundreds of millions of tons of agriculture goods and other products that are important to our national economy," said Blunt. "We must work to maintain the river channel, which has a critical impact on jobs, income to many businesses and farmers, and the economy of the region as a whole. This bipartisan caucus will provide a platform to bring  together those states along the Mississippi River so that we can encourage navigation, promote commerce, and prevent destructive floods."

The 2012 droughts leading to dangerously low-water levels on the Mississippi River showed the need for states along the river to work together. The Mississippi River Caucus will provide an open forum for the various issues that affect the entire reach of the Mississippi River, like aging infrastructure.

In November 2012, Harkin and Blunt worked to bring together a bipartisan group of Senators to urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to immediately address water levels and ask President Obama to issue an emergency directive to support response efforts.

The Mississippi River has the third largest drainage basin in the world, and stretches approximately 2,350 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a thriving economic thoroughfare in the United States with hundreds of billions of tons of cargo being transported up and down the river each year, including grain and other agriculture products, coal, iron, steel, and petroleum products.

 

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