06 Feb 2013

Midland Communications Helps SMBs Keep Their Network Running Smoothly Whether You're Using iPhones, Droids or VoIP

By Rick Martin
With More Employees "Bringing Their Own Devices", Networks Are Getting More Complex


DAVENPORT, IA- DATE - Midland Communications, a leading provider of unified communications and technology management services, announced today the launch of their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) management services. With more and more organizations finding themselves facing the challenges of a BYOD environment, Midland Communications' solutions are coming at just the right time.
Increasingly, organizations are recognizing the need for a diversity of support in their infrastructure. They're facing new challenges every day in trying to support mesh wireless, transient users, and meet the security challenges that go along with it. In addition, as employees continue to seek out best of breed solutions for individual tasks, today's networks face are far from unified networking environment.
Midland Communications lets organizations be proactive in managing their infrastructure. This means reduced costs, better security, and a network that's more aware of who and what is connecting to it.
Organizations need to be alerted when a new device is coming onto the network. Midland Communications helps an organization scan a device to make sure it's not bringing with it security risks, and establish proper security measures for access control levels, including the separation of employees from guests. Midland Communications can identify which devices are using the lion's share of an organization's bandwidth, and make infrastructure changes to accommodate the changing needs of the BYOD user.
"A business should be able to focus on what it does best and our solutions free up businesses to do just that. By bringing proactive infrastructure management to the BYOD environment, our clients enjoy greater efficiency, security, and agility. A more efficient network means that our customer's technology is running to its fullest capacity. When we're increasing overall productivity our customers are dropping more to the bottom line and that's how we know that our customers have a leg up on their competition," stated Scott Nauman, Consultant, of Midland Communications.

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

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06 Feb 2013

Genesis Nursing Scholarship Applications Available

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Feb. 5, 2013 -- The Genesis Health System Foundation has announced applications for BSN and MSN degree completion scholarships are now available online.

This year, the award has increased from $2,000 to $2,500 for each degree completion scholarship for current Genesis nurses.

Applications for scholarships to current full-time nursing students are also available, and are awarded in the form of a forgivable loan based upon subsequent employment with Genesis Health System.

In 2012, the Genesis Health System Foundation awarded more than 40 degree completion scholarships to nurses employed at Genesis valued at more than $80,000.

Applications for the scholarships are due on or before March 25, 2013. Scholarship recipients will be announced in early May.

Scholarship applications can be found at the Genesis Health System website, www.genesishealth.com/scholarships.

For more information, call the Genesis Health Services Foundation office at (563) 421-6864.

###
06 Feb 2013

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on the Progress of Marriage Equality in Illinois

By Nafia Khan

SPRINGFIELD - February 5, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today gave the following statement on the movement of Senate Bill 10 out of the Illinois Senate Executive Committee:

"Marriage equality is a matter of fairness and equal rights under law.

"We took the first step towards marriage equality two years ago when I signed civil unions into law. Since that day, thousands of committed couples in 92 counties across our state have entered into civil unions.

"Now is the time for the next step in providing equal rights to all people in Illinois.

"I thank the members of the Senate Executive Committee for advancing this measure today, and look forward to working to pass this bill through both houses in the days to come."

###
06 Feb 2013

Vista Career Fair Draws Eager Job-Seekers:

By Mark McLaughlin
Hiring Anticipated Within Three Weeks

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Despite winter winds, the Career Fair held recently by Vista International Operations was a success, bringing in 58 Quad-Cities job-seekers, according to Teresa Johnston, the company's Communications Director. Vista is now processing and reviewing the applications received, in preparation for potential hiring within three weeks.
"Vista is preparing to start work on multiple potential contracts," Johnston said. "Once we get the green light, we may need to fill hundreds of jobs, both stateside and abroad. Many jobs are anticipated to be located in the Quad-Cities. More applicants are needed, so we encourage job-seekers to visit the Employment page at www.viops.com."

Available positions with Vista, Johnston stated, include Call Center Associate, Computer System Support Specialist, Database Administrator, LAN Administrator, System Administrator, Web Developer, Email Administrator, and Application Programmer. The Career Fair also included positions with Vista Technical Services, another BBNC subsidiary.
The Vista Career Fair was held January 31 at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL. Vista International Operations is a global provider of enterprise-level information technology (IT) services, logistics management, and engineering support services to government and private industry. Vista is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), which was formed in 1972 as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
At the Vista Career Fair
Jim Patterson, Assistant Dean of the College of Business and Technology at Western Illinois University (WIU), was pleased by the turn-out of the event. "We advertised the Career Fair on the signage out front for a couple of weeks," he said. "We invite public organizations to use the building as outreach to the community. The community is the reason we're here."
Patterson added that Western Illinois University has a lot of students on the Rock Island Arsenal, where Vista's Quad-Cities operations are based. "A lot of our students want to work for the Department of Defense when they graduate," he said. "It's a good partnership. Our WIU School of Engineering is here in the Quad-Cities, and we work closely with the Arsenal."

Abbey Siefker, Administrative Assistant with Vista, noted that most people who apply will need appropriate certification, and she can help to facilitate the exams. "We have many people asking about certifications," she said. "We can help with that, and we can also help with education and schooling." Regarding positions overseas, Siefker added, "We've had military people try for these jobs who already enjoy the military lifestyle."
According to Shaun Easler, Program Manager with Vista, the event was one of the more active career fairs in which he has participated. "I saw a lot of enthusiasm in the people showing up," he said. He added that Vista is open to hiring new graduates. "It's exciting to work with a new grad and watch them flourish within the system," he said.
Career Fair attendee Rhonda Brunning, 47, was laid off by the Rock Island Arsenal last December after 24 years of employment. "I loved working there and would love to get back on there," she said. Receiving a position through the Vista Career Fair, she added, would end more than a year of unemployment.
"I'm trying for a position as an Administrative Assistant," Brunning said. "I'm also looking at Video-Conferencing Facilitator." Brunning's supervisor from her years at the Arsenal now works at Vista, and was the one who had suggested that she apply.
Another Career Fair attendee, Nathaniel Haire, 22, would like to join the Video-Conferencing Team. According to Haire, he has been unemployed for a month. "I'm looking for a position that will turn into a long-term career," he said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to get my foot in the door." If offered an overseas opportunity, Haire stated that he would take it.
Job-seeker Rhonda Simpson, 53, came to the Vista Career Fair because "Vista sounds like a good company - it's been around for a while, it's stable." She noted that the Vista representatives were very helpful and encouraging. "They filled me in on everything I needed to know," she said. 
For more information on careers with Vista International Operations, call Teresa Johnston, Communications Director, at 563-823-6657, or visit www.viops.com.
-- End --
06 Feb 2013

The Arc Hosts Texas Hold'Em Tournament & Sponsors' Gala

By Rick Martin
The Arc of the Quad Cities Area will host its 2013 "Texas Hold'Em Tournament & Sponsors' Gala" this Saturday, February 9, 2013. The tournament will be held in the Event Center at Jumer's Casino & Hotel in Rock Island. Proceeds of this charity gaming event of Texas No Limit Hold'Em Poker benefits programs and services for 325 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc's Texas Hold'Em Tournament & Sponsors Gala is sponsored by CBS4/WHBF-TV and Jumer's Casino & Hotel.

The Arc's 2012 champion Ryan York, Davenport, Iowa, returns to defend his title. York's placement in last year's tournament qualified him for a seat in the Main Event of the July World Series of Poker at The Rio in Las Vegas. The "QcKid" made The Arc proud,  advancing as far as Day 3 of nearly 6,600 players, ranking him among the top 300 players in the world! Sponsors ($100+ contributors) will have an opportunity to hear first-hand about York's WSOP experiences at the High Rollers Champagne Brunch at 10:30 am prior to the opening session. The odds are worth the stake, with a reasonable buy-in and capacity limited in the tournament's two sessions.

Buy-in is $60 with a $30 re-buy opportunity in the first hour of play. The event features two sessions - the first at 12 pm and the second at 4:30 pm. Admission is only guaranteed for players who pre- register at www.arcqca.org/store/ , through Facebook at The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, or via phone (through noon on Friday) at 309-786-6474. Each session will play to 10 winners and the 20
finalists will compete in the Final Round beginning at 9 pm. The tournament pays to the top 20 places, with the champion winning at seat at the World Series of Poker.

Founded in 1952, The Arc promotes living and working in partnership with the community to support individuals with developmental and other disabilities, through a variety of support services.

###
06 Feb 2013

CONSIDER THIS: Tax Refunds as a Debt Solution

By Emily Caropreso

38.8% of Iowans Surveyed Plan to Pay Down Their Debt with Their Tax Refunds

CONSIDER THIS: Tax refund time is just around the corner, and many Iowans are eager to pay down their debt. Last year, the IRS issued more than 104 million refunds totaling $282 billion. For many Americans, their tax refund represents one of the most substantial debt payments they will make all year.

According to a survey of 890 Iowa credit union members conducted by the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), 38.8% of respondents plan to use their refund to pay down existing debt in 2013. Similarly, 36.8% of respondents said they plan to save their tax refunds in 2013. Only 4.1% of Iowans are using their tax returns for large purchases, while a small number have designated the funds to start a new business (0.7%).

Many financial experts suggest using a tax refund to establish an "emergency fund" for those who do not already have one. Keeping these funds separate from a regular checking account will discourage spending, and a savings component allows individuals to access funds that can help them avoid going into debt.

The IRS has made it easier to save your tax refund for a "rainy day" by allowing recipients to have the refund split up and deposited in up to three different accounts. This gives consumers the option to earmark portions of their refund for spending and/or saving.

ICUL suggests using a tax refund for one or more of the following:

  • Start a "rainy day" fund. Save for unexpected financial woes that occur including car repairs, home maintenance and health expenses. Putting money aside helps you manage the unimaginable.
  • Invest it long term. The further away you are from retirement, the more your refund can benefit you. Talk to a credit union about long term investment options, and watch your money grow.
  • Invest it short term. While returns on short term investments, such as certificates of deposit, are at record lows, they are still safe and earn interest. If you are looking to make a major purchase within the year, investing short term can grow your refund into a down payment.
  • Start a college savings plan. If your children have college aspirations, consider using your refund to start an education savings plan. The cost of attending college is forecasted to rise significantly over the next decade, so saving for higher education now is a smart investment.
  • Pay down a credit card or loan balance. Nothing hampers a budget like interest-laden monthly loan payments. Whether in the form of a credit card minimum amount due, or repaying a home equity line, shrinking your balance due can minimize your payment and shorten the life on the loan
06 Feb 2013

Figge Fat Tuesday Event

By Natalie Dunlop

The Taste of New Orleans is Coming to the Figge on Fat Tuesday

Davenport, Iowa (February 5, 2013) - The taste of New Orleans will be invading the Figge Art Museum for the 9th annual Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest taking place one week from today on Fat Tuesday, February 12.

Area chefs from the Figge, Thunder Bay, Machine Shed, Gendler's Black Ram, Crow Valley Country Club, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Gramma's Kitchen and Select Specialty Hospital will be cooking Cajun-inspired appetizers, entrees and desserts in the lobby of the museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample each chef's Cajun creations including chicken and sausage jambalaya, crawfish tails with alligator gumbo, oyster po'boys, beignets and much more. There will be live music by local artist Lewis Knudsen, the option to participate in a make-your-own Mardi Gras mask art activity, a cash bar and a chance to cast votes for your favorite chef.

This is the first year the Figge has hosted the event and all proceeds will benefit the museum's outreach programs for thousands of area students. Advance tickets are $25 each or two for $45. To purchase tickets, visit www.figgeartmuseum.org or call 563-326-7804 x2046. Tickets at the door are $30 each or two for $55. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

 

-end-
06 Feb 2013

New Exhibit and Open House at GAHC

By Kelly Lao

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Davenport, IA- The German American Heritage Center is happy to announce the Grand Opening of the new exhibit, Eye of the Beholder: The Photography of Bradley W. Schaupp on Sunday, February 10th from 12-4 during our Fasching Open House. In this exhibit, Christine Powers shares the photography of her grandfather, Bradley W. Schaupp and the images he captured over a lifetime. Educated at the famed Fred Archer School of Photography, his works range from portraiture to nature and still life.

The open house will feature this new exhibit along with information on the German Mardi Gras, Fasching. Enjoy treats and the music of renownd pianist Troy Harris of Enjoy With Troy! Free Admission! GAHC is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, IA, off of  the base of the Centennial Bridge. For more information contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.

06 Feb 2013

Monopoly fans vote to add cat, toss iron tokens

By Associated Press

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) ? Scottie dog has a new nemesis in Monopoly after fans voted in an online contest to add a cat token to the property trading game, replacing the iron, toy maker Hasbro Inc. announced Wednesday.

The results were announced after the shoe, wheelbarrow and iron were neck and neck for elimination in the final hours of voting that sparked passionate efforts by fans to save their favorite tokens, and by businesses eager to capitalize on publicity surrounding pieces that represent their products.

The vote on Facebook closed just before midnight on Tuesday, marking the first time that fans have had a say on which of the eight tokens to add and which one to toss. The pieces identify the players and have changed quite a lot since Parker Brothers bought the game from its original designer in 1935.

Rhode Island-based Hasbro announced the new piece Wednesday morning.

Other pieces that contested for a spot on Monopoly included a robot, diamond ring, helicopter and guitar.

Fans from more than 120 countries voted.

''We put five new tokens out for our fans to vote on and there were a lot of fans of the many different tokens, but I think there were a lot of cat lovers in the world that reached out and voted for the cat to be the new token for Monopoly,'' said Jonathan Berkowitz, vice president for Hasbro gaming marketing.

The Scottie Dog was the most popular of the classic tokens, and received 29% of the vote, the company said. The iron got the least votes and was kicked to the curb.

The cat, which has no name, received 31% of votes for new tokens.

The online contest to change the tokens was sparked by chatter on Facebook, where Monopoly has more than 10 million fans. The initiative was intended to ensure that a game created nearly eight decades ago remains relevant and engaging to fans today.

''Tokens are always a key part of the Monopoly game ... and our fans are very passionate about their tokens, about which token they use while they play,'' Berkowitz said.

Monopoly's iconic tokens originated when the niece of game creator Charles Darrow suggested using charms from her charm bracelet for tokens. The game is based on the streets of Atlantic City, N.J., and has sold more than 275 million units worldwide.

To make the game relevant to fans abroad, the names are changed to well-known streets in when it is introduced to a new country.

The other tokens are a racecar, a shoe, thimble, top hat, wheelbarrow and battleship. Most of the pieces were introduced with the first Parker Brothers iteration of the game in 1935, and the Scottie dog and wheelbarrow were added in the early 1950s.

''I'm sad to see the iron go,'' Berkowitz said. ''Personally, I'm a big fan of the racecar so I'm very relieved it was saved but it is sad to see the iron go.''

The social-media buzz created by the Save Your Token Campaign attracted numerous companies that pushed to protect specific tokens that reflect their products.

That includes garden tool maker Ames True Temper Inc. of Camp Hill, Penn., that spoke out in favor of the wheelbarrow and created a series of online videos that support the tool and online shoe retailer Zappos which pushed to save the shoe, Berkowitz said.

''We've even had some companies like Jolly Time Pop Corn reach out and petition to have a popcorn token added to the game, even though that's not one of the new five tokens,'' he said.

Versions of Monopoly with the new token will come out later this year.

___

Monopoly: https://www.hasbro.com/monopoly

06 Feb 2013

Icestravaganza rescheduled for Sunday, February 17 after winter weather puts new family event on ice.

By Jason Gilliland

(Quad Cities) - The courtyard on 2nd Street between Brady and Main in downtown Davenport will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Sunday, February 17th during the first-ever Icestravaganza. Icestravaganza has been rescheduled after being initially postponed due to inclement weather.

The free event will include horse-drawn carriages, an ice skating rink, live music, a "Diamond in the Ice" competition, children's stories and art stations. Icestravaganza will also feature a new shopping experience with unique items from Handmade City and downtown Davenport vendors, showcased high above the Mississippi River in the sky bridge.

An "ice science" display will demonstrate the experimental unveiling of an ice-powered car; professional ice carvers will create works of art out of 400-pound blocks of ice and adults can register at Necker's Jewelers for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree in the "Diamond on the Ice" competition. A limited number of ice skates will be available at no charge.

If you go:

Where: The courtyard on 2nd Street between Brady and Main Streets Downtown Davenport, in the River Music Experience, and the Skybridge. Free parking available in the Redstone parking ramp.

When: Sunday, February 17th from Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more information visit www.DowntownDavenport.com

Icestravaganza  is presented by the Downtown Davenport Arts and Culture committee and is made possible through the support of sponsors: Necker's Jewelers, Genesis Health System, Fox18, B100, Master DJ, Iowa American Water, One-Step and the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation Department.

 

 


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