02 May 2012

Connect Iowa Report Details Broadband's Impact on Businesses, Economy

By Rick Martin

Survey of business technology adoption shows broadband an economic driver vital to continuing recovery

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Des Moines, IA - Connect Iowa today released a comprehensive report detailing the key role broadband plays in business performance and the implications for a continuing economic recovery. Online sales in Iowa account for approximately $2.9 billion in annual sales revenue, and yet 27% of businesses in Iowa still do not use broadband.

"Broadband is crucial to keeping the Iowa economy growing, vibrant, and competitive," said Connect Iowa Project Manager Amy Kuhlers. "The findings of this research offer important information to our state's policymakers and business leaders about how to plan further expansion of broadband access, adoption, and use and how existing services are impacting our local economy and our competitiveness on a global scale."

The report, titled Technology Adoption Among Iowa Businesses, is based on a scientific survey of 804 business establishments in Iowa.

Among the report's key findings:

  • Broadband-connected businesses bring in approximately $300,000 more in annual median revenues than non-broadband adopting businesses
  • 24,000 Iowa businesses use the Internet to advertise job openings or accept job applications
  • 22,000 businesses in Iowa are still not connected to broadband and are unable to actively participate in the digital global economy
  • Approximately 21,000 Iowa businesses allow employees to telework, including approximately 11,000 small businesses with fewer than 5 employees
  • About 43,000 Iowa business establishments have websites, including 21,000 rural Iowa businesses

For several years, Connect Iowa's parent organization, Connected Nation, has worked to quantify the impact that increased broadband availability and utilization has on the economy. The broadband and business study is an annual study to provide insights in the business side of broadband adoption. Across Iowa, 73% of businesses subscribe to broadband service, a slight increase from 2010 when 72% of businesses subscribed.

Connect Iowa's Business Technology Assessment was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The business survey results have been independently peer reviewed, and this survey will be used by state and local leaders to help drive increased adoption and use of broadband. In particular, these surveys will be used to inform Connect Iowa's Connected community engagement program where local and regionals volunteers in dozens of communities are undergoing a broadband assessment and identifying technology needs and opportunities.

Through broadband mapping, education, and research such as this business survey, nonprofit Connect Iowa has been working on promoting broadband access, adoption, and use since 2009. Find out more at www.connectiowa.org or contact Kuhlers at info@connectiowa.org or (515) 421-2561.

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About Connect Iowa: Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Iowa to promote broadband access, adoption, and use. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and develop a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. For more information visit: www.connectiowa.org.

02 May 2012

Braley Statement on US-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement in response to the United States-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement announced by President Obama in Kabul last night:

"I have serious concerns that the President's agreement with Afghanistan announced last night will lead to permanent American involvement there.

 

"For years, our nation's leaders have spoken about their intention to end the American presence in Afghanistan.  All that time, the end date has been pushed further and further down the road.

 

"We have accomplished the main objectives of our mission in Afghanistan.  Osama bin Laden is dead, al-Qaida has been marginalized, and the Afghan government has been stabilized.

 

"At some point, the Afghanis need to take control of their country's own future.  I believe that point is now - not two, ten, or twenty years from now.  We've already been in Afghanistan for more than a decade.  It's time to focus on strengthening America here at home."

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02 May 2012

Mother's Day the Most Popular Holiday to Dine Out Jump on Those Brunch Reservations

By Robert Jackson Jr.

May 2, 2012, Des Moines, Iowa– Don't wait to make those restaurant reservations, Mother's Day surpasses even Valentine's Day as the most popular holiday on which to dine out according to research from the National Restaurant Association. In fact, nearly half of moms would pick a favorite restaurant as the place to celebrate Mother's Day. The study also indicated that restaurant gift cards and certificates are a top gift pick for moms, with one in five saying this is their preferred gift.

Children Important Part of Choice
"There's really no need to worry about how to celebrate the moms in your life," said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. "Moms love restaurants. Not only do restaurants provide a much-deserved reprieve from cooking at home, they also provide a celebratory atmosphere."
Atmosphere can be an especially important factor because children are a major part of the mix when dining out on Mother's Day.  The study found that two-thirds of those dining out on Mother's Days this year will have children under the age of 18 in their party.
Mother's Day Celebrated at All Meals
Dunker noted that it is important to get on top of making those Mother's Day restaurant reservations. "It's not too soon to make those reservations regardless of the meal you're planning to celebrate," said Dunker.  Fifty-eight percent of Mother's Day diners will go out to a restaurant for dinner, 32 percent lunch, 24 percent brunch, and 10 percent for breakfast.  In addition, one in five Mother's Day diners (19 percent) will go out for more than one meal that day.
Find a Restaurant
Looking for a new restaurant to try this Mother's Day? Dunker encourages people to check out Dine Iowa, a free statewide restaurant directory.  Available online as well as a free smart phone app and on Facebook, Dine Iowa allows consumers to check out menus and hours, as well as run unique searches on everything from Gluten Free offerings to patio seating.  It is available at www.dineiowa.org.
Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa's hospitality industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.  www.restaurantiowa.com.

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02 May 2012

PARKS AMBASSADORS PATROL CITY PARKS IN DAVENPORT

By Ron Summers

Davenport, Iowa, May 2, 2012 - Anyone using a park in Davenport is now likely to see some new members of the team at Davenport Parks and Recreation. Called Parks Ambassadors, these full-time seasonal employees have begun driving around the parks and other facilities in Davenport to help patrons of the parks systems and to ensure that everyone is being courteous and sensible when using city parks.

The program was started earlier this year, and will soon boast 3 full time seasonal employees who will be out and about from 8am to midnight every day of the week. "Many other communities around the country use an Ambassador Program, and it has been very successful," according to Seve Ghose, Director of Davenport Parks and Recreation. Ghose got the idea from other Parks Departments he has been associated with.

One of the new Parks Ambassadors, Mike, has thoroughly been enjoying his time out in the field. "People are getting used to me and recognize me immediately in my marked vehicle," he said recently. Mike, like the other parks ambassadors, frequently visits Davenport's recreational trails, softball diamonds, skate parks, and the dog off leash area in the city. The Parks Ambassadors are not a private police force for the Parks and Recreation Department, but they do occasionally remind patrons of city ordinances and ask politely for compliance. "Most people are more than happy to comply," says Mike.

02 May 2012

LOVE PROJECT VOLUNTEER EFFORT THIS SUNDAY

By Ron Summers

Davenport, Iowa, May 2, 2012 - This Sunday, May 6 over 200 volunteers will hit selected parks in Davenport to paint, mulch, clean, and pick up trash. The volunteers are from Bettendorf Christian Church and their volunteer effort is called the "Love Project". Church members of all ages will be out from approximately 9:30am - 2:30pm to work on projects at Credit Island, Garfield Park and Marquette Park in Davenport. The volunteers will provide about 1,000 man hours in donated labor to Davenport Parks and Recreation.

Members of the church will forgo their regular service on Sunday morning for this annual volunteer project. "Church leaders contacted Davenport Parks and Recreation and asked if they could help out this year," according to Ken Asta, Experience Manager for the department. Church members see the "Love Project" as a way for the church to give service to the Quad City community.

Davenport Parks and Recreation is always looking for other agencies or groups to volunteer for projects. Anyone interested in volunteering should call Ken Asta at 563-326-7859, or email kasta@ci.davenport.ia.us.

02 May 2012

Derby Day at the Outing Club

By QCSO

This is your last chance to make a reservation for Derby Day at The Outing Club on Saturday, May 5! You don't want to miss the mint juleps, the horse races, the new Kentucky Derby hat display, the free bourbon tasting, and the delicious derby cuisine. All proceeds from this event go to benefit the youth music education programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

The Outing Club
2109 Brady Street
Davenport, IA

Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m.

$75 per person
or $520 for a table of eight

Live auction items include a dinner prepared and hosted by Maestro Mark Russell Smith; a coaching session with one of the QCSO's principal musicians; a wine tasting for ten; a cabin rental in Estes Park, Colorado; a suite at Modern Woodmen Park; a children's pool party at the Outing Club; and a specially selected curio from the folks at American Pickers.

Make reservations at 563.322.QCSO (7276)
or by clicking here.

02 May 2012

Family of Area War Hero to be Presented Awards

By Andie Pivarunas

WHO: The family of late World War II veteran Private First Class (PFC) Theodore "Ted" Bruch, Congressman Bobby Schilling, and First Army Deputy Commanding General for Support, Maj. Gen. Mark MacCarely.  Also expected is East Moline Mayor John Thodos.  

WHAT: A ceremony presenting the family of late WWII veteran PFC Bruch with a number of awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the World War II Victory medal, the Army of Occupation with Germany clasp, the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

WHEN: Thursday May 3, 2012 at 12:00pm CST.

WHERE: East Moline City Hall's Council Room, 912 16th Avenue, East Moline Illinois 61244.

WHY: To give well-deserved recognition for the service of  PFC Bruch.  PFC Bruch was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1926.  He joined the United States Army in June 1944, and served as a Combat Engineer in the European Theater of Operations, conducting a number of engineer missions.  PFC Bruch served until he was Honorably Discharged in June 1946.  He passed away on July 26, 2011. 

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02 May 2012

Mississippi Valley Blues Society Fundraiser Features Silent Auction, Beale Street Theme

By MVBS

Saturday, May 12th at Martinis on the Rock

 

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents its annual Fundraiser on Saturday May 12 at Martinis on the Rock (4619 - 34th Street, Rock Island, just south of Blackhawk Road). Admission is $20, which includes food and entry into drawings for door prizes.  The party, which includes a silent auction, begins at 6:00 p.m., with the music starting at 7:00 p.m.  All proceeds will benefit the 2012 Blues Festival, to be held June 29-July 1 at Davenport's LeClaire Park.

Music will be provided by three bands who have won the Iowa Blues Challenge and represented the state of Iowa at the annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN.  The Steady Rollin' Blues Band, The Candymakers, and The Mercury Brothers will each take the stage in Martinis' brand new outdoor music pavilion, situated in back with a stunning view of the scenic Rock River.  After the three sets, the MVBS will host a jam session.

The theme for this Fundraiser is Beale Street, the storied avenue in Memphis where the blues was born and raised, and where Iowa Blues Challenge winners have pursued blues fame and fortune at the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge.  It's fitting that the MVBS bring Beale Street to the Quad-Cities, considering that since 2000, 10 of the 12 Iowa Blues Challenge winners have been from the Quad-Cities.

On May 12, MVBS will be featuring prize drawings, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction of valuable merchandise and gift baskets donated by area businesses and organizations, as well as rare blues memorabilia from the MVBS archives.

Along with our sponsors, donors, volunteers, members and supporters, the non-profit MVBS depends heavily on fundraisers such as this to keep our musical standards as high, and our Festival admission prices as ridiculously low, as they've been in the past.

 

  • Fundraiser Raffle and Silent Auction Items Include
  • Lifetime free admission to ALL shows at The Muddy Waters in Bettendorf
  • Two original 1985 1st annual BluesFest posters, professionally matted and framed, very rare (1 to be raffled, 1 to be auctioned)
  • Two past fest posters, signed by performing artists, framed
  • Fest VIP passes
  • 3-day Fest tickets
  • Signed guitar
  • MVBS merch (t-shirts, fest posters, CDs, etc.)
  • MUCH MORE!


Fundraiser Entertainment Lineup (A Night on Beale Street):

Steady Rollin' Blues Band, The Candymakers, and The Mercury Brothers (All Iowa Blues Challenge winners and IBC Memphis semi-finalists), Jam featuring members of four more Iowa Blues Challenge winning bands and IBC Memphis semi-finalists, plus other local blues talent

02 May 2012

Loebsack Statement on the President's Speech on Afghanistan

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement regarding President Obama's speech on Afghanistan.  Loebsack is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and has traveled to Afghanistan six times to meet with the troops and receive briefings from the commanders on the ground.

"With far too many Iowa families struggling here at home, I strongly believe that our nation's focus must be on rebuilding an economy that works for all Iowans. As I have long said, I also believe that we have done more than enough nation building in Afghanistan.  The situation we face there has changed.  It is past time to focus on rebuilding our economy here at home.

"As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I know the serious threats facing our nation.  We must continue to protect our country from the terrorist threats we face. As our military leaders have also testified, the strength and security of our nation is based on the strength of our economy.  Our current presence in Afghanistan does not address those threats."

"Our servicemembers and military families have made great sacrifices over the last decade and we owe them our unyielding gratitude, respect, and support.  As a nation, we have a responsibility to serve them with the same dedication and honor with which they have served us.  We must ensure that our wounded warriors, including those whose wounds are not visible, receive nothing but the best medical care and support, and that those looking for civilian jobs are able to find them..

"Our men and women in uniform, including our Iowa National Guard, have served courageously and performed their duty; it is now time to responsibly bring them home."

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02 May 2012

9 Ways to Protect Everything You Own - From Everyone, Every Time

By Rick Martin

Hillel L. Presser, author of "Financial Self-Defense," and a lawyer specializing in establishing comprehensive asset protection plans. www.assetprotectionattorneys.com

Lawsuits have become big business, especially since the economic downturn. They're a cheap way for people to make lots of money, often with an investment of just a few hours' time. Consider -- the plaintiff may never even have to prove a thing; the prospect of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills can scare a defendant into opting for a settlement without ever putting up a fight. Even if he did nothing wrong.

More than 100 million lawsuits are filed each year; one in three people will be sued in the next 12 months. No one's immune, but people with a lot of assets showing are especially vulnerable. If someone thinks you've got a lot to lose - and thus, they've got a lot to gain - you become a choice target. People who are less affluent are vulnerable in a different way: If a person with $100,000 in assets gets sued for $1 million, they'll be wiped out, whereas the person with $5 million can survive a $1 million lawsuit.

The time to protect your assets is before you get sued; it's much more enforceable, costs less and you'll have more options available.

Here are some tips to help guide you:

1. Inventory your wealth. Most people have a lot more than they think. Take stock of valuable domain names, telephone numbers, intellectual property, potential inheritances, and other non-liquid assets.

2. Convert non-exempt assets into exempt assets. State laws protect some personal assets from lawsuits and creditors. Those assets typically include your primary residence; personal items such as furniture and clothing; pensions and retirement funds; and life insurance. Find out the exemptions for your state and convert non-exempt assets (i.e. cash) into exempt assets (i.e. life insurance).

3. Protect every asset from every creditor. There's no point in protecting your money if your business is exposed.  There's no point in protecting your business if your house is exposed. There's no point in protecting your house if your boat is exposed.  Protect everything!  Your asset protection plan should hold up whether your neighbor is suing you or the most powerful attorney downtown.

4. Don't rely solely on liability insurance. Buy as much insurance as you can; it's cheap and it helps you sleep at night. But realize that 70 percent of claims are not covered.  Your coverage may be inadequate for a particular suit; your insurance company may go bankrupt. Having insurance and an asset protection plan is the belt and suspenders approach to hanging onto your pants.

5. Avoid fraudulent transfers. A fraudulent transfer occurs if your creditor doesn't get paid because you sold an asset to a person or entity for less than its fair market value when faced with a lawsuit. Such a transfer, done with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor, can invalidate your entire asset protection plan.

6. Don't title your assets solely to your spouse or to "straw men." They may have more financial problems than you.

7. Protect with liens. What is a $100,000 car worth if you owe $95,000?  What is a $1 million house worth if you owe $950,000?  Take out lines of credit.  Record mortgages against your property.  Make all of your assets valueless.  Become an unattractive candidate for a lawsuit.

8.  Transfer your assets to a protective entity. The key to asset protection is to own nothing while controlling everything.  Transfer any non exempt assets out of your name to protective entities such as trusts, LLC's (limited liability companies), limited partnerships, etc.

9. Keep your plan up to date. Laws change every year. Have your plan reviewed yearly.

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