17 Apr 2012

Conference Highlights Governor Quinn's Commitment to Affordable Housing

By Rick Martin

Two-Day Event Features HUD Secretary Donovan, Assistant Treasury Secretary Eberly and Housing Industry Leaders from Across Illinois

 

CHICAGO - April 17, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn sent a message of welcome to Illinois to federal housing leaders to Illinois as they addressed the 500 attendees at the Illinois Governor's Conference on Affordable Housing at Chicago's Navy Pier. Governor Quinn commends the state's housing industry leaders for their dedication to ensure working families, seniors and people with disabilities access to have safe, affordable housing.

 

"We are focused on creating and stabilizing affordable housing in Illinois communities to build momentum for our state's economic recovery," Governor Quinn said. "Housing is key to job growth and strengthening communities, and we are committed to continuing our progress in boosting affordable housing opportunities throughout our state."

 

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan delivered the keynote address, and U.S. Department of the Treasury's Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy Janice Eberly also addressed Illinois' housing leaders.

 

"I want to thank Governor Quinn for his leadership on housing issues and for providing a collaborative forum to address the most critical housing issues impacting Illinois communities," HUD Secretary Donovan said. "We are impressed by the innovative approaches to housing we are seeing here in Illinois. The Obama Administration is committed to encouraging local solutions and to ensuring that Illinois' successes can be a model for community transformation across the country."

 

"I applaud Governor Quinn's commitment to helping people stay in their homes - tens of thousands of struggling Illinois homeowners have already received help through the administration's programs, including the Illinois Hardest Hit Program," Assistant Secretary Eberly said. "This is a good start, and we will continue to do more to address the economic challenges we face here in the state of Illinois and throughout the country."

 

The conference's two days of sessions also featured state housing leaders discussing supportive housing, rental housing development, community stabilization, financing and affordable homeownership. Representatives of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and the Illinois Department on Aging participated in the event.

 

Governor Quinn's administration has created new programs to make homeownership more affordable and create solutions for families and communities hurt by the foreclosure crisis.

 

·         Last year, Governor Quinn launched the Illinois Hardest Hit program (www.illinoishardesthit.org) to offer up to $25,000 in temporary financial assistance to help homeowners who have experienced a job loss or pay cut continue to make their mortgage payments. The program uses $445 million in federal Treasury funds. To date, nearly 1,800 Illinois homeowners are approved to receive assistance that will help them stay in their homes.

 

·         In December, Governor Quinn introduced the Welcome Home Heroes program to help Veterans secure a home. The program offers secure, fixed-rate loans and up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to thousands of military families, creating more than 400 jobs throughout Illinois. To date, $14 million in Welcome Home Heroes financing has enabled 130 military families to buy a home. Under Governor Quinn, IHDA has helped over 6,000 Illinois families buy homes and stabilize communities with $342 million in loans, grants and down payment assistance.

 

·         In February, Governor Quinn announced the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN). The IFPN is a one-stop-shop linking homeowners with available foreclosure prevention assistance. The collaboration between IHDA, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides access to counseling services, legal advice, mortgage payment assistance programs, foreclosure prevention events and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud. Network resources are available at www.KeepYourHomeIllinois.org, and via a free hotline 1-855-KEEP-411 (1-855-533-7411) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

·         The Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program, a joint program of the state and Cook County launched in February, is rehabilitating vacant properties and increasing affordable housing in the communities of Berwyn, Chicago Heights, Maywood, Park Forest, Riverdale and South Holland. The $55 million pilot phase of the program targets the six communities to stabilize neighborhoods, protect property values, preserve the existing local tax base and increase affordable housing. Foreclosures have devastated both families and communities. Studies have shown a foreclosed property can decrease property values located in the same block by as much as $10,000.

 

"Governor Quinn has long worked as a strong advocate for affordable housing, and his administration has supported important legislation and housing initiatives," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "The Illinois Governor's Conference on Affordable Housing provides an opportunity for our state's housing partners to share best practices and forge new partnerships to continue positioning Illinois as a national leader."

 

About IHDA

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $11.1 billion to finance more than 221,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

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17 Apr 2012

Five Ways to Go Green in a Iowa Home

By Douglas Patch

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 (Davenport, IA) - From large scale renovations to quick redecorating projects, there are many great ways to go green while making updates to your home.  In celebration of Earth Day, Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home offers these five tips on making your project a little greener:

1. Repurposing vintage and antique furniture is one of the best ways to be kind to the planet. Family members' garages, yard sales, and online auction sites like eBay and Craigslist are great places to start. A repurposed piece might need some work but often times, a quick coat of paint or a good cleaning can reveal the perfect piece to add a layer of uniqueness to a new design.

2. Choose a paint that has no VOCs - volatile organic compounds - like Benjamin Moore's Natura® line. VOCs are also what cause that paint smell so this green choice will also make do-it-yourself painting projects a little more enjoyable.

3. Look for green options in unexpected places. "Many people are surprised to find that there are so many options for eco-friendly flooring," said Douglas Patch, of Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home. "And you're not just limited to hard surface. There are carpet options that are green too." At Carpet One Floor & Home, they indicate eco-friendly products with the Green Select label to make them easier for customers to find.

4.  Often times a home project is so focused on what is new that the old is forgotten. Donating old furniture and making sure that construction materials are disposed of properly is a big part of a green remodel. Gently used furniture can be sold in a yard sale or donated to charity. Even carpet can often be reused or recycled - gently used carpet can be cleaned and donated and certain types of carpet can be recycled. It make take a little extra work to keep your old room out of the landfill, but donating and recycling as much as possible is important for green home project.

5. Green goes beyond the actual remodel or renovation. This is a great time to add features that will save energy for years to come. Installing ceiling fans during a renovation can cut down on energy use year round. Energy efficient appliances are an important feature to consider during kitchen upgrades.   And, if exterior doors are part of the project, make sure they are energy efficient as well.

"I like to keep the environment in mind whenever possible," says Steve Suraci from Icarus Designs. "Products with earth-friendly labels like Energy Star and Green Select make it easy to make the green choice." Steve Suraci provides more green ideas in his video "Green Up Your Renovation"

Home renovation projects can be exciting and gratifying. Keeping the earth in mind will make the new space even more enjoyable for years to come.

For more ideas and information on green products mentioned in this article, please visit Carpet One Floor & Home's Pinterest Board "Green Home".

17 Apr 2012

Illinois Army National Guard Leadership Prepares for Training in Minnesota

By Sgt. Michael Camacho, 108th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

CHICAGO, IL (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard leaders gathered for a reduced forces rehearsal (RFR) drill hosted by the 108th Sustainment Brigade (Sust. Bde.) April 13 at the North Kedzie Illinois Army National Guard armory in Chicago.

The RFR drill allowed units to discuss and plan training for the nearly 4,000 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers attending annual training at the 2012 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) in July at Camp Ripley, Minn.

Participants included the 108th Sust. Bde. in Chicago and the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in Urbana and select units from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago and 65th Troop Command Brigade in Springfield, Joint Force Headquarters of the Illinois National Guard in Springfield and elements of the Wisconsin National Guard.

"The RFR is important because it allows us to physically view unit movements in the area which we are operating on a reduced scale," said Maj. Chris Heck of Chicago, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sust. Bde. "We use 20 foot by 40 foot maps of the areas of operation and each unit is represented by a small icon."

Each type of unit has a distinctive symbol that represents it on the icons, said Heck. These icons are moved around on the map to represent the planned movement of the unit at designated times.

"This is certainly impressive to see when you first walk in," said Brig. Gen. Johnny Miller of Tammes, the deputy commanding general of the Illinois Army National Guard. "I know for this exercise people have put in a lot of work preparing for it and there has been progress from the last (RFR) in 2008."

RFRs improve our readiness by allowing units to execute missions in a simulated environment and evaluate training and operating plans, said Heck. The key aspect is it allows the 33rd and 108th along with other supporting elements to jointly coordinate the details of a training mission of this size.

"This in turn allows the leadership and staff to plan and execute realistic training that is safe, fiscally responsible, and still meets the commanders' intent," said Heck.

This will be the second time the Illinois National Guard has conducted an RFR drill and XCTC, with the last in 2008 to prepare the 33rd IBCT for its historic deployment to Afghanistan in 2008 to 2009. It was the largest single deployment of Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers since World War II.

The 2012 XCTC will focus training on both brigades training and operating in the mission essential tasks.

The 2012 XCTC RFR was in the planning process for nearly a year. The 108th took the lead on planning the event and will begin on its logistical support mission before 33rd Solders arrive to Camp Ripley.

"We started planning this RFR in August and we set out to organize a well developed a operational walk through of XCTC," said Lt. Col. Drew Dukett of Roodhouse, the acting commander of the 108th. "From the feedback I received from 108th and the 33rd, I'm confident every command team in attendance knows their unit's day-by-day mission and what will be required of them."

While none of the brigades are slated for a large scale overseas deployment, the XCTC allows leaders to ensure units are trained in the most up-to-date tactics and operating procedures. Both the 33rd and 108th are scheduled to attend training at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, La., in 2013. XCTC and JRTC measure overall unit readiness against the Army Forces Generation cycle to ensure the 33rd and 108th are fully capable for any missions ordered by the president to support overseas operations.

XCTC provides a realistic, multi-level, combined arms training for combat and combat support units during an extended annual training period in order to help the brigades build on the Soldiers' individualized and small-team training.

With nearly 3,000 Soldiers from the 33rd and roughly 1,200 from the 108th to train in Minnesota, both units will focus on their wartime missions.

"The 108th has a very unique mission when it comes to sustainment operations and that mission will play a vital role in XCTC," said Dukett. "Our Soldiers will be providing the logistical support for both the 33rd and 108th. While this is no easy task, the 108th stands ready and will excel in its mission, training and readiness while at XCTC."

XCTC is the top readiness priority for the 33rd IBCT, said Col. Paul Hastings of St. Charles, the commander of the 33rd. It'll ensure high training down to unit levels and heightens tactical and operational proficiency.

"With that I know our Soldiers will be confident in themselves, their equipment and their leadership," said Hastings.

17 Apr 2012

Passing of William R. Armstrong, Rock Island County Board Member

By Shelly Chapman
April 12, 2012

(Rock Island) It is with a heavy heart that we announce that William R. Armstrong, County Board Member District 8 from Moline passed away this morning. Mr. Armstrong was the most senior member of the Rock Island County Board, serving 34 years.

Beginning his tenure on the Board in December, 1978; Mr. Armstrong had the privilege of serving on every committee of the Board as well as serving as Chairperson of many of them. His personal favorite was always the Nursing Home Committee where his desire to provide all citizens of Rock Island County with compassionate affordable care blossomed.

During the period of time when the County had the County Executive form of government, he was the Ways & Means Chairperson. He became the County Board Chairman in May, 1998 and served until November, 2002.

Mr. Armstrong effortlessly treated everyone fairly and respectfully. His knowledge of constitutional facts, procedures and policies made him a desired member of committees and boards. He actively participated in the process and served our community well.

Our sincere sympathies are extended to Mr. Armstrong's wife, Dorothy and family. Further arrangements are pending.

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17 Apr 2012

Braley Joins Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to Announce New Pentagon Directives Aimed at Reducing Sexual Assault in the Military

By Jeff Giertz

Pentagon will implement several elements of Holley Lynn James Act

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) joined Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey today to announce new Department of Defense directives that will implement several provisions of Braley's Holley Lynn James Act - almost a year to the day after the bill's introduction.k,

 

The announcement came after Panetta and Dempsey joined Braley and a small group of House members to discuss addressing sexual assault in the military.

 

Braley introduced the Holley Lynn James Act last April to strengthen the legal process for addressing claims of sexual assault in the military and improve policies to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence.  The bipartisan bill is named after Holley Lynn James, a constituent of Braley's who was killed by her husband while both were in the service.  James had filed complaints against her husband, who was supposed to be restricted to his barracks the night he murdered her.

 

"The Pentagon's new directives incorporating aspects of the Holley Lynn James Act to improve the military's response to sexual assault in their ranks is a positive development," Braley said.  "Today's announcement is an important step in creating the zero-tolerance atmosphere that commanders and leaders frequently talk about with regards to these crimes.  I will keep pressing the Department of Defense to put their words into action when they say one sexual assault is one too many and to better care for the victims of these crimes."

 

The directives announced by the Pentagon today in many instances were based on language contained in Braley's Holley Lynn James Act.

 

First, the Pentagon will now require sexual assault allegations be immediately reported to senior commanders, who will then consider if the case should proceed to a court martial.  This provision ensures that sexual assault cases are considered by officers with maturity and experience and that these cases are not dismissed as a result of personal bias.

 

Second, the Pentagon also recognized the need for better prevention and oversight of the Department sexual assault policy.  The Pentagon will take steps to improve the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases by setting up Special Victims Units in each service branch that are trained to investigate sexual assault crimes, appropriately counsel victims and interview offenders, and give them the ability to better recognize the characteristics and behaviors of offenders. The Department of Defense will also require all servicemen and women to receive training on the Department's Sexual Assault Prevention policy within 14 days of entering service.

 

The Pentagon also agreed to support Guard and Reserve members who may be sexually assaulted while on active duty but who have seen the investigation and prosecution of their assault go cold when they return to their civilian lives.  The new directives will create a way to ensure these individuals have full access to the same resources available to active duty members to seek justice.

 

A number of provisions of the Holley Lynn James Act focusing on the prevention of sexual assault were previously enacted into law as part of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act.

 

# # #
17 Apr 2012

Take the Leap into Organic

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

The steady growth of organic farming and ranching across rural America and the economic impacts of organics on rural communities cannot be ignored. In 2012, the USDA is again investing $50 million in funding for the EQIP Organic Initiative, which provides a 75% share of the estimated cost of implementing organic conservation measures to those who qualify - 90% for beginning, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic as well as established organic producers have another opportunity to apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative funding to assist their organic efforts. Friday, June 1st is the third and final 2012 deadline to file an application through your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Fifty million dollars in national funding available this year provides farmers and ranchers a tremendous opportunity to take the leap into organic. Rural cities and towns as well as local food systems will reap rewards as well.

The Center for Rural Affairs' long history of helping family farmers and ranchers access new conservation programs offers opportunities. We've created an Organic Initiative fact sheet available at - http://www.cfra.org/2010-eqip-organic-initiative. We also operate a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call (402) 687-2100, ask for the helpline and receive assistance in accessing EQIP Organic funding and other related initiatives, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative, Value Added Producer Grants and a host of beginning farmer and rancher programs.

17 Apr 2012

Give Blood in Honor of World Red Cross Day

By Ben Corey
May 8th is World Red Cross Day and the American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to celebrate by donating lifesaving blood in their communities. The need is constant. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as they are coming in and all blood types are currently needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

For 130 years, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to helping people in need, every day, in communities large and small across the United States. The Red Cross is the only blood collection agency that offers health and safety training, serves as the vital emergency communication link between military personnel and their families at home, teaches disaster preparedness, and responds to disasters of all types and sizes. Join the Red Cross family and make an appointment to donate blood today.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18  years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Blood donation opportunities:

CARROLL COUNTY
5/4/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive, Savanna

CLINTON COUNTY
5/9/2012, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, Ashford University Calling Center, 1310 19th Avenue North,
Clinton

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

HENRY COUNTY
5/3/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 224 N. State,
Geneseo

5/9/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

5/10/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street, Cambridge

5/15/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church, 214 N. W. Second Ave, Galva

MERCER COUNTY
5/12/2012, 1:30 pm- 7:30 pm, Sherrard Public Library District, 205 5th Ave., Sherrard

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
5/8/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm, DHL Global Forwarding, 3100 69th Ave #2, Moline

SCOTT COUNTY
5/13/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Family Video, 2402 E. 53rd St., Davenport

WHITESIDE COUNTY
5/1/2012, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/2/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
FallsAll presenting donors will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Shell Gas card!

5/2/2012, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Erie High School, 435 6th Ave, Erie

5/5/2012, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Dillon Elementary School, 1901 8th Ave, Rock Falls

5/7/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside, Prophetstown

5/8/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/9/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
FallsAll presenting donors will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Shell Gas card!

5/10/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave, Tampico

5/15/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/15/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church, 200 West Lincolnway, Morrison

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17 Apr 2012

Teen Poetry Contest at the Moline Public Library

By Jan LaRoche

The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to enter the Teen Poetry Contest at the Moline Public Library is Saturday, April 21. Students can enter one (1) original poem of up to 25 lines for a chance to win a gift certificate of up to $25. Entry forms are available at the library or online at http://molinelibraryteens.. Poems may also be emailed to jlaroche@molinelibrary.org and should include the poet's name, phone number, grade, school, and the title of the poem. Anyone who submits a poem for the contest can read at the Poetry Café at the Library on Saturday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. Prizes will also be handed out at that time. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265.

17 Apr 2012

griculture Secretary Vilsack to Travel to Wisconsin and Iowa, Highlight Administration Efforts to Spur Economic Development Through Education and Workforce Training

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2011 - This Wednesday and Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Platteville, Wis. and Waterloo, Iowa to host White House Rural Council events with local producers and stakeholders to discus Administration efforts to spur economic development through education and workforce development.

On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will host a White House Rural Council event with agriculture teachers from across Wisconsin to discuss the RESPECT (Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching) project. RESPECT is an Administration proposed initiative to make teaching America's most important and respected profession. The Secretaries will discuss how important agriculture educators are to the nation's economy and future, the need to provide better support for current teachers, and how to inspire the next generation to teach. This event will be live streamed at www.uwplatt.edu, and viewers can participate in question-and-answer via Twitter, hashtag  #ruraled.

On Thursday, Agriculture Secretaries Vilsack and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will travel to Waterloo, Iowa where they will be joined by Jay Williams, executive director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers at the U.S. Department of Labor, and local students, faculty, and business leaders, to host a White House Rural Council workforce training roundtable discussion. The discussion will focus on improving rural economies by training and retraining workers for in-demand careers.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Wisconsin Agriculture Teachers

WHAT: White House Rural Council Town Hall on the Teaching Profession

WHEN: 12:25 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. CT

A media availability will be held from 1:35 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. CT

WHERE: University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Farm, 29200 College Farm Rd., Platteville, Wis.

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Executive Director for the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Jay Williams, U.S. Department of Labor

Principals

Waterloo Community Schools Superintendent Gary Norris

WHAT: White House Rural Council Roundtable on Workforce Training

WHEN: 9:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. CT

A media availability from 10:20 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. CT

WHERE: Hawkeye Community College's Fennemen Center Farm Lab, 5503 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, Iowa

 

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17 Apr 2012

Nominate the next America's Farmers Mom of the Year!

By Nancy Hallahan

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE A FARM MOM FOR AMERICA'S FARMERS MOM OF THE YEAR

 

April 23 is the deadline to nominate a farm mom for the national title and $10,000 grand prize

 

ST. LOUIS (April 16, 2012) - Monsanto's search for the next America's Farmers Mom of the Year is winding down, but there's still time to nominate your favorite farm mom for the national title and up to $10,000 in prize money. Nominations will be accepted through April 23 at www.AmericasFarmers.com.

For its third year, Monsanto will again partner with American Agri-Women to spearhead the judging process. Each of five regional winners will receive $5,000 and will be featured on AmericasFarmers.com from May 1-12, where online voting will determine the national winner. The new America's Farmers Mom of the Year will be announced on the site on Mother's Day, May 13, and she will receive an additional $5,000.

"From the outpouring of entries we've received thus far, it's clear that farm moms are loved and appreciated by their families, students, neighbors and friends," says Consuelo Madere, America's Farmers spokesperson. "I encourage everyone whose life has been impacted by a farm mom to visit AmericasFarmers.com and nominate her before the contest ends this month. It's one small way to say 'thank you' and 'Happy Mother's Day' to that extra-special farm mom."

April Hemmes, America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2011 for the Midwest Region, feels the contest is a great opportunity to recognize women in the male-dominated farming industry. "I think this effort really brings awareness to farm women, who are often under-recognized," she says. "This contest is a great way to tell her you love her and she's doing a great job.'"

Bette Lu Lerwick, America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2011 national winner, recalls the day she received the call telling her she had won. "I was very surprised, and a little astounded, to be honored for the things I do just living my life, here on the farm in my little Wyoming community," she says. "I'm so glad that Monsanto is recognizing this very real, very necessary side of farming."

Anyone can submit a nomination by visiting AmericasFarmers.com and explaining how their favorite farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and the agricultural industry. Complete eligibility requirements and official rules can be obtained on the website or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, 914 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. The nomination deadline is Monday, April 23.

America's Farmers Mom of the Year is an element of Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow America program, an advocacy effort promoting, recognizing and supporting U.S. farmers through communications, awards and special programs that highlight the importance of agriculture.

 

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

 

About American Agri-Women

American Agri-women (AAW) is a national coalition of more than 50,000 farm, ranch and agribusiness women, representing state and commodity affiliates. "We are a force for truth, a reasoned, nonpartisan voice for the agricultural community to the public."

 

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