WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - July 26, 2012 - Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic (AMVC), long recognized by Iowa farmers as an industry leader in assuring livestock health and welfare, is credited with also providing a valued service to farmers in six other states.  The AMVC model of excellence and strong community commitment helped the Audubon business earn the July Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award.

AMVC is a veterinary clinic, first and foremost, which offers services to small and large animals, but on a much larger scale.  Dr. Daryl Olsen, one of AMVC's founders, says, "We offer services and management for 100,000 sows in seven states, which in turn, give birth to 2.5 million pigs and employ 450 people. We just listened to our customers and we tried to offer the services that they need.  It's helped our business grow and find the best ways to serve our farmers," says Olsen.  "We have grown to seven states now and we do that by hiring good people.  We have employees at management levels, CBA's, PHd's, agronomists, vets but also we get the typical person who will work directly on farms."

Michelle Sprague, ISU grad, works at AMVC and oversees herd health. "I chose AMVC when I graduated because it seemed like a very progressive company that did a lot of things right, that cared about the community, the swine industry and the business as a whole.  You can also tell that the employees are happy and it's fun to work here.  Since I wanted to end up in rural Iowa, this is a great fit for me personally as well," says Sprague.

Randy Dreher, Audubon hog and cattle farmer, says AMVC's commitment to farmers is unparalleled. "Not only do we look to them for insight, but it's a valuable service for them to be a sounding board for my operation: to know what things I need to look for, not just for a profitability standpoint, but for livestock health as well," says Dreher, a local Farm Bureau leader.

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources.   Visit with Renew Rural Iowa staff and partners at the Iowa State Fair on August 16 in Farm Bureau Park.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.

 

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Ames, Iowa - The Iowa State University College of Human Sciences and its academic departments offered over $800,000 in scholarships to students for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Local recipients include :

Stephanie Blaser, senior from Bettendorf, dietetics major and Assumption High School graduate and daughter of Mark and Nancy Blaser, receives the Helen A. Foster Scholarship, College of Human Sciences, and the Bonnie Glatz Scholarship in Food Science and Human Nutrition, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Taylor Finney, senior from Bettendorf, apparel, merchandising, and design major and Bettendorf High School graduate, Sherril and Charles Finney, receives the Barbara and Alf Odegaard Scholarship, Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, and the Polly Baichly Fund Scholarship, College of Human Sciences

Elizabeth Fry, junior from Bettendorf, kinesiology and health major and Bettendorf High School graduate, daughter of Don and Kathy Fry, receives the Achievement Award and the CHS Honors Scholarship, College of Human Sciences,

Amanda Haffarnan, senior from Bettendorf, a nutritional science, genetics, and dietetics major and Bettendorf High School graduate, daughter of Robert and Wendy Haffarnan, receives the Letitia Jones Olson Scholarship and the Doris A. Adams Scholarship, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Lindsay Hoffman, Bettendorf, MS candidate in diet and exercise, Pleasant Valley High School graduate receives the ISU Dietetic Alumni Scholarship and the Agnes Frances Carlin Scholarship, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Benjamin Stecker, senior from Bettendorf, kinesiology and health major and Pleasant Valley High School graduate, son of Kim and Tim Stecker, receives the Achievement Award, College of Human Sciences,

Sara Turke, freshman from Bettendorf, apparel, merchandising, and design major and Pleasant Valley High School graduate, daughter of Stephen and Sally Turke, receives the Multicultural Award, College of Human Sciences

Kelly Wagner, senior from Bettendorf, dietetics major and Bettendorf High School graduate,  child of Mark and Kim Wagner, receives the International Experiences Scholarship and the Wayne H. and Gladys T. Scholtes Scholarship, College of Human Sciences, Elinor and Walter Fehr Family Fund Scholarship, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Samantha Zust from Bettendorf, kinesiology and health major and Pleasant Valley High School graduate, daughter of Brad and Georgene Zust, receives the Dean's Scholarship, College of Human Sciences

Megan  Strong, freshman from Blue Grass, IA, dietetics major and West High School graduate, daughter of Tonya and Jason Strong, receives the Frances L. Harding Thiesfeld Scholarship, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Hannah Adams, junior from Davenport, apparel, merchandising, and design major and graduate of Assumption High School, daughter of Don and Mary Adams receives the Elizabeth Beveridge Memorial Endowment Fund, College of Human Sciences.

Vanessa McNeal from Davenport, child, adult, and family services major and Central High School graduate, daughter of Deb and James McNeal, receives the Charlotte Gustafson Akins Home Economics Scholarship and the Jan Korslund Endowed Fund Scholarship, College of Human Sciences.

Sally Stringham, sophomore from Davenport, apparel, merchandising, and design major and graduate of Central High School, daughter of Jeff and Jill Stringham, receives the Barbara and Alf Odegaard Scholarship, Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management.

Alexandra Howard, junior from Erie, IL, elementary education major and graduate of Erie High School, daughter of Matt and Patty Howard, receives the Maxine Dennis Brown Scholarship and the Iva and Stephen Inman Scholarship, College of Human Sciences.

What:
11th Annual ALS Walk4Life
When:
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Time:
Check-in 9:30 a.m.; Walk start 11:00 a.m.
Where:
Solider Field, Chicago
Registration/More Info:
www.alswalk4life.org or 847-679-3311

Along Path.jpg
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Join the Les Turner ALS Foundation for the 11th Annual ALS Walk4Life on September 22nd.
This 2+ mile walk along Chicago's lakefront is a celebration of hope, courage and community,
and is an ideal way to support for those affected by Lou Gehrig's disease.

Emceed by meteorologist Phil Schwarz of ABC7 and Kathy Hart of The Mix 101.9FM, the event
will include music, entertainment, food and children's activities. The Walk4Life will occur rain or
shine.

Most participants walk as a team, honoring those living with ALS or in memory of someone
who has passed away from the disease. Teams have clever names such as "Hoofin' for Helga"
and "Pat's Warriors" and nearly every group designs their own colorful T-shirt.

The ALS Walk4Life is one of the world's largest gatherings for the ALS community, and in
its 10-year history, the Walk4Life has raised more than $7 million. Registration is free, but
participants are encouraged to fundraise for the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron
disease (MND), causes motor neurons to stop working and die. The result is loss of voluntary
movement and muscle functions such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing. In the United
States, someone is diagnosed every 90 minutes, and 35,000 people are living with ALS.
Average lifespan is three to five years from diagnosis. Approximately 10 percent of all cases
are inherited, and a faulty protein pathway is known to play a role in all types of ALS. Though
treatment of symptoms often improves quality of life, there is no cure for ALS.

Les Turner ALS Foundation
Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is recognized internationally and is the only
independent, publicly supported non-profit organization in the Chicago area dedicated solely

to the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Foundation is
affiliated with Northwestern Medicine where it supports two scientific research laboratories and
a large multi-disciplinary clinical program. Currently, the Foundation serves 90 percent of the
ALS population in the Chicago area with an array of patient services, such as support group
meetings, professional in-home consultation services, and respite care grants.

For more information, contact the Les Turner ALS Foundation at 847-679-3311 or visit
www.alswalk4life.org.
###

(DES MOINES)  - Today, Gov. Branstad issued a disaster emergency proclamation that will provide relief to Iowa farmers hit hard by the drought being experienced in the state.

This proclamation takes affect at noon today for the next 60 days.  The assistance comes in the form of a suspension of state laws and regulations affecting the transport of hay, straw and stover. The drought has destroyed or depleted sources of these products that are necessary for livestock production and feed.

Specifically, this proclamation allows for:

  • Overweight loads: Hay, straw and stover may be transported in loads weighing up to 90,000 pounds gross weight without obtaining an overweight permit normally required by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Overweight loads cannot travel on the interstate without a permit.  This proclamation applies to noninterstate roadways.  Specific axle weight limits do apply. Visit the Iowa DOT's website www.iowa.dot.gov to see the maximum gross weight table and determine the legal limits for your vehicle/trailer combination.  A vehicle that is overweight, but not overwidth, can travel at all hours.
  • Overwidth loads: A vehicle transporting these goods can be overwidth, without an Iowa DOT permit, if they do not exceed 12 feet 5 inches wide.  An overwidth load can travel on any road, including the interstate, as long as its gross weight does not exceed 80,000 pounds.  Movement must occur between the hours of 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.  All flags, signs and lights normally required are still needed.
  • Overweight and overwidth loads: A vehicle transporting these goods can be both overwidth, up to 12 feet 5 inches, and overweight, up to 90,000 pounds.  However, these vehicles cannot travel on the interstate.
  • Driver hours of service: The driver hours-of-service regulations pertaining to persons transporting these specific agricultural goods are suspended. Certain rest periods must be provided to drivers to prevent fatigued or ill drivers from operating on the roadways.

 

For additional details, call 1-800-925-6469 or visit the Iowa DOT's website at www.iowadot.gov where a question and answer sheet can be found.

The proclamation reads as follows:

 

PROCLAMATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY

 

WHEREAS, The State of Iowa is in the midst of a severe drought; and

 

WHEREAS, the drought has destroyed and depleted sources and stores of hay, straw, and stover necessary for livestock production and feed; and

 

WHEREAS, the lack of hay, straw and stover threatens the health and viability of Iowa livestock and the economic health and well being of Iowa livestock producers and the State of Iowa; and

 

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the permit and fee requirements of Iowa Code sections 321.454, 321.463, and 321E.29 and 761 I.A.C. 511 allowing overwidth and overweight loads, and strict compliance with the hours of service requirements of section 321.449 of the Iowa Code will prevent, hinder, or delay timely transportation and delivery of hay, straw, and stover necessary to protect and preserve Iowa livestock and Iowa livestock producers from the effects of the drought.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the power and authority invested in me by the Constitution, Article IV Sections 1 and 8 and Iowa Code section 29C.6(1), do hereby proclaim a state of disaster emergency for the entire State of Iowa.  Further, pursuant to Iowa Code section 29C.6(6), I hereby suspend the following regulatory provisions:

 

  1. I hereby suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code sections 321.463, paragraphs "5.a" and "5.b" and 321E.29  and 761 I.A.C. 511 to the extent that those provisions restrict the movement of overweight loads of hay, straw, and stover only and require a permit to transport such loads.  Suspension of these provisions applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the nonprimary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code section 321.463 paragraph "5.b" by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

  2. I hereby suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code sections 321.454 and 321E.29  and 761 I.A.C. 511 to the extent that those provisions restrict the movement of overwidth loads of hay, straw, and stover only and require a permit to transport such loads.  Suspension of these provisions applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa and which are a width of 12 feet 5 inches or less, are of a length that complies with Iowa Code section 321.457, are of a height that is 13 feet 6 inches or less, and are within the weight restrictions set forth in paragraph "1" above.  This paragraph and paragraph "1" above are intended to allow vehicles transporting hay, straw or stover only to be overwidth but not overweight, not exceeding 12 feet 5 inches, on all highways within Iowa including the interstate system without a permit, and to be overwidth and overweight, not exceeding 12 feet 5 inches and 90,000 pounds gross weight, on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation. 

    Persons transporting hay, straw, or stover without a permit under authority of this declaration are responsible for assessing and determining their route and should consult Iowa Department of Transportation travel information at www.511IA.org to determine road closures and restrictions.

    Movement of vehicles operated without a permit under authority of this declaration that are overwidth shall be permitted only during the hours from one-half-hour before sunrise to one-half-hour after sunset, and shall comply with the flags, signs, and lights requirements applicable to overwidth vehicles set forth in 761 I.A.C. 511.15(3).

  3. I do hereby suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code section 321.449 pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, only while transporting hay, straw, or stover during the duration of this proclamation.

4.       Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed as an exemption from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements (49 CFR 382), the commercial drivers license requirements (49 CFR 383), the financial responsibility requirements (49 CFR 387), or any other portion of the regulations not specifically identified in this proclamation.

5.       No motor carrier operating under the terms of this proclamation shall require or allow a fatigued or ill driver to operate a motor vehicle.  A driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off duty before the driver is required to return to service.

6.       Upon the request of a driver, a commercial motor carrier operating under this proclamation must give a driver at least 34 consecutive hours off when the driver has been on duty for more than 70 hours in any eight consecutive days.

7.       Motor carriers that have an out-of-service order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulations that this declaration provides under title 49 CFR 390.23.

8.       This proclamation only applies to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles while transporting hay, straw, or stover only.

9.       Upon the expiration of the effective date of this proclamation, or when a driver has been relieved of all duty and responsibility to provide direct assistance to the emergency effort, a driver that has had at least 34 consecutive hours off duty shall be permitted to start his or her on-duty status hours and 60/70 hour clock at zero.

This proclamation of disaster emergency becomes effective at noon on the twenty-sixth day of July, 2012 and expires 60 days from the date issued.  The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of vehicles involved.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the great seal of the State of Iowa to be affixed. Done at Des Moines this 26th day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve.

__________________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

Will form basis of a strategic plan for Rural Affairs Council

MOLINE - July 26, 2012. More than half of participants at a series of rural listening posts held across Illinois this year said they expect their quality of life to improve in the next five years and cited job creation, education funding and access to affordable healthcare as the top issues facing their communities, Lt. Governor Simon said today.

These are the major themes in a report written by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University detailing the feedback Simon gathered from citizens during her rural listening tour in the spring, which took her to Carbondale, Freeport, Gibson City, Mattoon, Peoria and Quincy.

Simon presented the report to the 25-member Rural Affairs Council during a council meeting in Moline today and said the information will form the basis of a strategic plan that will guide the council's work and complement its focus on expanding local food access and strengthening rural emergency medical services.

"I look forward to working with council members to turn this feedback into a plan that ensures state government is meeting the needs of rural citizens," said Simon. "Being from Southern Illinois I appreciate the need for innovative ideas that will boost rural economies."

Over 360 people attended the listening posts and were asked to rank top concerns in the areas of health care, education, infrastructure, business climate, workforce training and quality of life before giving more detailed input during small roundtable discussions.

Despite the overall optimism of listening post attendees, 37 percent thought the quality of life in their community would get worse due to a lack of good paying jobs, and nearly 35 percent voiced concerns about inadequate school funding. Close to half of participants said the ability of local schools to prepare students either for college or for the workforce was the most important education issue.

Participants gave several ideas on how to alleviate these issues including a greater emphasis on vocational and technical training in addition to better collaboration between schools and local businesses. Participants also identified skills such as literacy and math as skills workers need to improve.

Governor Quinn recently signed a bill that Simon helped draft that directs the Illinois State Board of Education to develop model math curricula that will improve college readiness and workforce preparedness. The law is part of Simon's efforts to strengthen the state's community college system and improve college completion rates.

"Too many students arrive at college not prepared for college-level math and too many employers, especially in manufacturing, say workers lack the necessary math skills needed in today's global economy," Simon said. "We aim to reduce remediation and  prepare students for careers by strengthening math instruction in middle school and all four years of high school."

Rising healthcare costs were a top issue for participants as 32 percent of attendees said affordable healthcare was the most important healthcare issue, while another 22 percent cited access and availability of health insurance. Participants said that improved preventative care and healthier lifestyles could help stem rising costs.

Participants also discussed the critical role technology, particularly access to high-speed internet, will play in offering rural areas expanded access to specialists, preventive care and education services and helping control costs through improvements such as electronic medical records.

Improving high-speed internet access was seen by participants as vital to all parts of rural life in Illinois and attendees said it could offer solutions that enable rural residents, businesses and institutions to collaborate, increase efficiency and control costs. But the biggest barrier to expanding internet use was cost, according to 32 percent of attendees.

"We were impressed by the quality of the discussion and the passion that many of the attendees brought to the conversation," said Christopher Merrett, director of the IIRA. "By participating in the Listening Posts, rural residents demonstrated their commitment to their communities and their belief that rural areas are great places to live, work, and do business."

The report directs the Rural Affairs Council to form a work group and use participants' feedback along with data from the IIRA's Rural Life Poll, which formed the foundation of the questions asked at the listening posts, to begin work on a strategic plan.

Rural listening posts were held by Lt. Governor George Ryan across Illinois in 1986 and led to creation of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council the following year. In 1998, 2000 and 2007, the Rural Affairs Council, the IIRA and the Illinois Rural Partners, a non-profit, organized listening posts across Illinois to directly gather input from rural citizens.

The Rural Affairs Council is comprised of citizen members and representatives from various state agencies, institutions and organizations that impact rural Illinois. For more information on the council or to read the listening post report visit www.ltgov.illinois.gov.

###


OELWEIN, Iowa - Shooting sports enthusiasts from across the upper Midwest will enjoy a fun day of sporting clays competition on Sunday, Aug. 12 while raising thousands of dollars for the fight against cance.

Fayette County Conservation Club will host the fifth annual Shootout Against Cancer on Aug. 12, featuring a 100-target sporting clays course, lunch on the grounds, special shooting games, raffles and prizes -- all to fund cancer research supported by the University of Iowa Foundation.

All the day's events will be held on the club's grounds at Oelwein. Cost for the sporting clays course and lunch is $50.

The sporting clays shoot begins at 9 a.m., is open to all, and is designed for all levels of shooters from novices to veterans.

All participants will register on the club grounds the day of the shoot. Event organizers encourage shooters to register in three-person teams. Individual shooters can also register and be assigned to a team.

All teams must be registered, entered, and on the course by 1 p.m.

The Fayette County Conservation Club extends a special invitation to anyone interested in learning about and taking part in the game of sporting clays.

The Fayette club grounds are on the west edge of Oelwein off County Highway C50 (West Charles Street).  Signs will be posted with directions to the grounds and parking areas.

The annual Shootout against Cancer has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. The 2011 Shootout drew 144 shooters and raised $7,810 for University of Iowa Foundation cancer research funding.

The 100-target sporting clays course will be designed and set up by sporting clays range designers Targets On The Move. The course will offer a variety of targets and will be fun for both veteran and novice shooters said Hugh Curtis, Fayette County Conservation Club member and organizer of the annual Shootout Against Cancer.

Raffle tickets for a Beretta A400 Xcel 12 gauge semi-automatic sporting clays target shotgun will also be available on the grounds for $10 each or three for $20.

"The Shootout Against Cancer is a fun event for shooters of all ages and ability levels," said Don Stohr, club member and Shootout organizer. "In addition to raising funds for the fight against cancer, this is also an opportunity to get more people involved in the shooting sports."

For more information, contact Stohr, telephone 319-283-0217.

-30-

DES MOINES, Iowa - After using a combination of his own numbers and an easy pick on his Mega Millions® ticket, a Davenport man won $10,000 in the July 17 drawing.

Brian Dahl, 52, said he always chooses the Mega Ball number when he plays and lets the machine choose the rest of the numbers.

"I play all of our birthdays on the Mega Ball," Dahl said. "I couldn't believe I got the first three, then skipped one and got the last one."

Dahl, who is a dealer representative for the Greater Quad Cities Auto Auction, called his wife to tell her the good news.

"She was excited," he said. "I've been telling her I'm going to win for a long time."

Dahl purchased his winning ticket at Kwik Shop, 3129 Rockingham in Davenport. He said he plans to share the big news with the store he's been visiting for years.

Dahl used his son's birthday for this particular Mega Millions play.

"He couldn't believe it," Dahl said.

Dahl checked his ticket July 18 while at home and claimed his prize shortly after at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids.

"My youngest son is getting married in a month, so this is going to come in really handy," he said.

The winning numbers in the $28 million Mega Millions drawing on July 17 were 1-13-21-49-55 and Mega Ball 17. The Megaplier® number that night was 4. Dahl's ticket matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball to win a $10,000 prize. If he had added the multiplier to his ticket, he would have multiplied his $10,000 win by four to claim a $40,000 prize.

Players can multiply their prizes (except the jackpot) with the Megaplier up to four times. The cost is $1 per play.

Winning numbers may be checked at the lottery website at www.ialottery.com or through the winning numbers' hot line at (515) 323-4633. Winning numbers may also be checked with lottery retail outlets or by calling the lottery at (515) 725-7900 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Since the lottery's start in 1985, its players have won more than $2.9 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $1.3 billion for the state programs that benefit all Iowans.

Today, lottery proceeds in Iowa have three main purposes: They provide support for veterans, help for a variety of significant projects through the state General Fund, and backing for the Vision Iowa program, which was implemented to create tourism destinations and community attractions in the state and build and repair schools.

###

Since former President George W. Bush amped up standardized testing throughout the nation in 2002 with the No Child Left Behind Act, critics say results have been negative.

"The bottom line is that there is no clear correlation between standardized testing and the knowledge and skills kids will need to prosper in the 21st century world of work," says Peter Weddle, former CEO of Job Bank USA, Inc., and author of A Multitude of Hope: A Novel About Rediscovering the American Dream (www.AMultitudeofHope.com).

"It seems we're more interested in creating a homogenized workforce than a nation of individuals who have learned what their talent is and how to bring it to work with them," he says.

Consider these statistics:

• Annual state spending on standardized tests has increased by 160 percent - from $423 million in 2002 to $1.1 billion in 2008, according to the Pew Center on the States.

• Since 2002, the United States dropped from 18th in the world in math on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to 31st place in 2009, with a similar drop in science and no change in reading.

• The NCLB Act has drastically narrowed content, according to a study by the Center on Education Policy.

"This problem begins very early on. We take kids in elementary school and give them tests. Those who do well are designated as 'gifted and talented,' which means that everyone else is, by definition, ungifted and untalented. And, that's just not true.  In effect, we're devaluing all the capabilities that are not reflected in a standardized test," he says.

"Of course, we want to take care of our academically proficient kids, but we have to find a way to do that without signaling to every other child that they were at the end of the line when talent was handed out."

Too many Americans are stuck in old ways of thinking, from the classrooms of our elementary schools and colleges to the workplace," Weddle says. "But we're in a new economy and the path to the American Dream has changed. That means our old-school thinking must change as well."

He offers ways Americans can get back in the game as world leaders:

• We need to accept that the economy has changed: The first step to change is acknowledging it's needed, Weddle says. "Our employers are no longer competing with cheaper labor; they're up against smarter labor worldwide," he says. We hold a trump card, however: We have the most diverse pool of talent on the globe, whereas countries such as China and India have, by choice, a homogenous workforce.

• We must give career education greater priority: In China, every college student must, as a requirement of graduation, take a yearlong course that teaches them the skills and knowledge to manage their own careers effectively.  In the United States, that instruction is missing from college curricula. Yet, 53.6 percent of all college graduates under the age of 25 are now either unemployed or underemployed.

• We need to redefine talent so we can use it: "Our culture has taught us that talent is the province of exceptional people doing exceptional things," he says.  "We can see the talent of Lady Gaga, but not the talent of an accounts payable clerk.  And that's myopic.  We are all endowed with talent, but we have to discover it, nurture it and then bring it to work with us."

• We have to see ourselves as a 'work in progress': "The world of work is changing at warp speed - new technology, shifts in the global marketplace and changes in consumer tastes," he says. "That's why we need to be committed to continuous learning.  Regardless of our educational degree, years of experience or level of seniority, we need to be acquiring new skills and knowledge all of the time."

About Peter Weddle

Peter Weddle, a former recruiter and human resource consultant, is the CEO of the International Association of Employment Web Sites, a trade organization. He has written or edited more than two dozen non-fiction books regarding careers and employment; "A Multitude of Hope" is his first work of fiction. Weddle is the founder and former CEO of Job Bank USA, Inc., one of the largest electronic employment services companies in the United States.

(Quad Cities) - The newest addition to Street Fest this year features a competition for local and regional
firefighters to show off their skills while competing for a trophy and bragging rights! The event will be the
first time Firefighter Water Fights have been held in Davenport since 1972. The competition starts at noon on
Saturday, July 28 at 2nd & Ripley Streets.

The object of Water Fights is straight forward; it's essentially a reverse tug-of-war. A water ball is suspended
ten feet above the ground on a cable. Two teams of three firefighters are placed on either side of the ball
and on the starting command, use their fire hoses to push the ball towards the opposing team's territory. A
winner is announced when the ball reaches the marked point on the cable or if the ball is in the opponent's
territory when time ends.

While the object of the game is simple, its execution isn't. Add full firefighting protective gear, water spray,
the heat of the day, and another determined team of firefighters across from you, and the task at hand
becomes increasingly difficult. The competing firefighters must use their training to keep the water on target
while listening for commands from their teammates and moving forward to push the water ball into their
opponent's territory.

Firefighter water fights have long been a way for firefighters to practice essential skills needed at the scene
of a fire or rescue site. These firefighters take great pride in their skills and abilities and enjoy putting those
into action in a friendly competition.

The Firefighter Water Fights will be an exciting addition to Street Fest and will surely become a tradition in
future years!

DES MOINES, IA (07/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Music-loving Fairgoers still have time to purchase tickets for this year's line-up of award-winning Grandstand entertainment and track events. "Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair set August 9-19.

Seats are still available for performances by hit Christian performer TobyMac, country stars Hank Williams Jr. and Miranda Lambert, pop-rockers Big Time Rush, and comedian Larry the Cable Guy.

All reserved seats for the Journey concert with Pat Benatar and Loverboy on Saturday, August 18, are sold out.

Tickets for all other concert and track events are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. The Fair's Ticket Office, located on the front porch of the Administration Building, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). During the Fair, the Ticket Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair.

Complete line-up follows:

2012 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

Presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 9 TobyMac with special guests Tenth Avenue North and Jamie Grace, 8 p.m., $32

Friday, August 10 Happy Together Tour 2012 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 11 Larry the Cable Guy with special guest Reno Collier, 8 p.m. $35

Sunday, August 12 Miranda Lambert with Pistol Annies and special guest RaeLynn, 8 p.m., $48

Monday, August 13 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 14 The Band Perry with special guest Easton Corbin, 8 p.m., $35

Wednesday, August 15 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m. $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 16 An Evening with Big Time Rush, 7 p.m., $38

Friday, August 17 Hank Williams Jr. "Taking Back the Country Tour," with special guest George Thorogood and the Destroyers 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 18 Demolition Derby, 11:30 a.m., $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 18 Journey with Pat Benatar and Loverboy, 8 p.m., $48

Sunday, August 19 Farmers Insurance presents Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge, 7 p.m., $59

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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