03 Apr 2012

Governor Quinn Convenes First Meeting of Illinois Export Advisory Council

By Leslie Wertheimer

Group Will Develop Recommendations to Increase Trade Opportunities and Business Investment in Illinois

 

CHICAGO - April 3, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today convened the first meeting of the Illinois Export Advisory Council. As part of Governor Quinn's commitment to strengthen the Illinois economy and create jobs, the group will work with the Governor's office and recommend strategies to increase trade and business investment in Illinois. Governor Quinn announced the group as part of his growth strategy during his 2012 State of the State Address.

 

"We have brought together some of the most successful business and economic leaders in the country with the single mission of advancing Illinois' growth in the global economy," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois goods and services are among America's best, and our council will bring that message to the world."

 

Following the meeting, the Governor and members of the council called on Congress to pass the four-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) and raise the limit on Ex-Im's loan portfolio. The Ex-Im Bank has financed exports since 1934, but could close in May without the reauthorization. Over the past five years, the bank has assisted more than 280 Illinois companies, 67 percent of which are the small- and medium-sized businesses that are crucial to Illinois' economic growth.

 

Chaired by Navistar Chairman and CEO Daniel C. Ustian, the Council will work to increase exports by providing recommendations on state and federal policies and programs, with the goal of maximizing Illinois' competitive strengths in the international marketplace. Council members will also serve as international ambassadors for Illinois. Members will work to promote Illinois firms and the inherent advantages Illinois can offer countries seeking trade opportunities. The group's initial discussions today centered on Illinois' current trade landscape, opportunities to expand trade, and diverse strategies to drive export growth and open up more global markets to Illinois companies.

 

The council consists of 21 top Illinois CEOs and private sector leaders that drive international trade for Illinois (complete listing is attached).

 

"Creating the environment for Illinois business to grow requires trade policies and practices that make it easy to access the expanding global marketplace," said Ustian. "Today's meeting is a great example of the public and private sectors coming together for a common goal.  We now have a robust structure in place to gather input from Illinois businesses - from the smallest start-ups to the Fortune 500 - and will move forward with our work to increase exports from Illinois throughout the world."

 

Governor Quinn has been one of Illinois' most active governors when it comes to promoting Illinois on the world stage, recently returning from an economic trade mission to Belgium where he met with key business and economic leaders from countries within the European Union. Also last month, he attended the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) trade show, which is the leading foodservices and

hospitality event in Canada, to promote Illinois' foodservices industry, as well as tourism and life sciences industries. The Governor also led a trade mission to China last fall that resulted in $370 million in new business agreements for Illinois-based companies.

 

Next week, Governor Quinn will travel to Washington D.C., where he will meet with Brazil President Rousseff and nine governors from Brazil. The Governor will lead a trade mission to Brazil later this year.

 

Governor Quinn has set an ambitious goal for Illinois to double exports by 2014. Illinois saw a $14.5 billion increase in exports in 2011, representing a nearly 30 percent increase over 2010, which was nearly double the nation's average growth of 16 percent. January 2012 represented a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2011, compared to the national average of 7.4 percent. Illinois is the sixth largest exporting state in the nation and ranks number one between the coasts for exports and foreign direct investment. There are nearly 1,600 foreign firms in Illinois employing more than 323,000 Illinois residents.

 

The Governor's aggressive focus on harnessing and promoting the strength of Illinois companies abroad will have a significant impact on job creation at home.  According to the latest U.S. Department of Commerce estimates, reaching Governor Quinn's goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014 will result in the addition or retention of nearly 230,000 jobs in Illinois.

 

More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

 

 

###
03 Apr 2012

1644th Transportation Company Returns from Kuwait

By National Guard PAO Illinois

Homecoming Ceremonies Planned April 5 at Rock Falls and Springfield National Guard Armories

ROCK FALLS, IL (04/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Homecoming ceremonies are scheduled for April 5 for approximately 170 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls. Ceremonies will take place in Rock Falls and Springfield.

Mobilized in July 2011, the 1644th deployed to Kuwait in August in support of Operation New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

The mission of the 1644th included hauling cargo throughout Iraq and Kuwait. The unit completed approximately 175 transportation missions in Kuwait and Iraq with no casualties. The Soldiers traveled 4.1 million miles, hauled more than 35,000 tons of cargo and transported more than 7,500 pieces of equipment to help the United States in its withdrawal from Iraq. The achievements of the 1644th resulted in 185 awards, including 28 Soldiers recommended for Bronze Stars. The 1644th also received a Unit Safety Streamer for its vigilance while deployed.

The 1644th was the last long-haul transportation convoy to leave Iraq Dec. 18, 2011 as the United States concluded operations in Iraq.

"This was a historic moment for the United States of America and the people of Iraq," said Capt. Michael Barton of Greenview, commander of the 1644th. "Just the fact that the Illinois National Guard and the 1644th played such a big part in the final convoy is very special."

The 1644th was previously mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2004 to October 2005.

Media attending one of the homecoming ceremonies should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the anticipated start time. Media attending the Springfield ceremony are asked to RSVP to the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 to be granted access onto Camp Lincoln.

Location/Time/Number of Soldiers

Rock Falls Armory; 716 6th Ave.; Rock Falls at Noon for approximately 115 Soldiers

Camp Lincoln; 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield at 8 p.m. for approximately 60 Soldiers

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

-30-

03 Apr 2012

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 8 of "20 Weeks to Preparedness Program"

By Ross E. Bergen
Welcome to Week 8 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland
Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership. This program will help to better prepare you and your family,
a little at a time, over a 20 week period. Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a
list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit. Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-
be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period. Remember to change
and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last
approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

Extra batteries for flashlight and radio
Pan to use on camp-style stove
Bleach
Pain reliever e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen
Canned fruit (one can for every two people)

Personalized Item (if applicable):

Pet food

To do:

Make a record of your personal property for insurance purposes. Take photos or video of the
interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory. You may
want to download the free Household and Personal Property Inventory Book from the University
of Illinois (http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/pdf_pubs/houseinv.pdf) to help you record your
possessions. Store your photos or video contents of your home on your e-mail or in an alternate
location.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator at
563-484-3050 or visiting their website at www.iascema.com. Visit Safeguard Iowa Partnership at
www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning,
training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton,
Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to
working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.
03 Apr 2012

Wildflower Hike Planned

By Lisa Gerwulf

On Saturday, April 14 the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a wildflower hike at 10:00 A.M. Spring has sprung early in the woodlands of the Wapsi River Center!  Join naturalist, Mike Granger, for a hike to identify some spectacular botanical sights like rue anemone, hepatica, Dutchman's breeches, Jacob's ladder, spring beauty, dog tooth violet and many more.  Consider bringing a camera to capture these woodland wildflowers at their "springiest".

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.
03 Apr 2012

Author to speak at GAHC

By Nicholas Depew

The German American Heritage Center will host acclaimed author Susan Goldman Rubin on Tuesday May 1st at 7pm to discuss her book Searching for Ann Frank: Letters from Amsterdam to Iowa.

The book details the relationship between the Frank sisters and their penpals from Danville, Iowa. Admission is $5 with a book signing to follow.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library, the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Holocaust Education
Committee of the Greater Quad City Area, and GAHC. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA. Call 563-322-8844 or email kelly.lao@gahc.org for more information.

03 Apr 2012

Nova Singers Scheduling Auditions

By Nicole Warren

Nova Singers, the region's premier professional vocal ensemble, is currently scheduling auditions for the 2012-2013 season.

Singers with extensive choral experience and vocal training are invited to audition. Singers may choose to audition for the entire 2012-13 season or for the Brahms Requiem, which Nova Singers will perform October 20-21, 2012. Interested individuals may contact Nova Singers' founder and music director, Dr. Laura Lane, at 309-341-7229 or llane@knox.edu for more information or to schedule an audition.

The award winning Nova Singers have remained committed to the highest artistic standards since their founding in 1986. The ensemble has performed throughout the Midwest, as well as at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association.

Each year Nova presents an eight-concert season of outstanding choral music in Galesburg and the Quad Cities. Nova Singers has also released nine professional recordings.
03 Apr 2012

Loebsack Public Schedule for Wednesday, April 4

By Joe Hand

Tour and Meeting at Vera French Mental Health Center

 

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

 

WHAT Dave will tour the facility and meet with staff for an informal roundtable about mental health issues in Scott County

 

WHERE 1441 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport

 

TIME 1:30pm

 

###
03 Apr 2012

This Week in the Senate by Senator Shawn Hamerlinck

By Shawn Hamerlinck

April 3, 2012

The 2012 Legislative Session is quickly coming to a close as debate begins on how to align budget bills and move the body to conclusion.  The calendar is designed in a way to limit the amount of legislation which can be sponsored in a year and also push politicians to pass budget bills and go home.  Notice, the longer politicians have time to mess with policy, the longer it takes to clean up in the future.  Only bills dealing with taxing and spending are now available for consideration.

The key is finding the size of the entire pie and then working in baseline appropriations for key projects like education, the prison system, and care of the poor.  Leftover funds are either saved for a rainy day, used for additional one-time projects or used to grow and create new, ongoing expenditures.  History shows using one-time money for ongoing expenses is rarely wise.  The total size of the pie for House Republicans is 1% larger than last year's total budget.  Governor Branstad has a budget proposal 4% larger than last year, and Senate Democrats have a budget 5% larger than last year.

House Republicans appear to spend 1% more due to their desire to fully fund property tax credits.  Historically, both parties have underfunded tax credits in tight budget years as a means of freeing up cash from the general fund.  Otherwise, they hold the line on spending less than they take in.

The only budget bill which was agreed upon and passed by the House and Senate is the transportation budget bill.  This legislation covers expenditures for roads and bridges from the Road Use Tax Fund.  Since this account is constitutionally protected, it is difficult for politicians to scoop funds; therefore the bill is usually the first to move.

The second bill moving towards passage is the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIFF), which largely spends gambling revenue for vertical infrastructure like the maintenance of buildings.  This bill caused consternation as it appeared in the Senate with funds for a Des Moines Social Club, water and recreational trails, the zoo in Des Moines, and $2 million for buses in Des Moines.  Apparently, it's not an earmark for some when the money goes to Des Moines.  I beg to differ.

Sound budgeting practices and a fiscally responsible mindset by Iowa politicians will ensure we don't find ourselves in the same self-destructive path as some of our neighboring states.

Thank you for letting me serve you in the Iowa Legislature.

For more information please visit www.shawnhamerlinck.com.

hamerlinck signaturesmall.jpg
Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senator
District 42

03 Apr 2012

Orthopaedic Surgeons Empower Young Athletes, Parents, Coaches to Protect Growing Bodies

By Lisa Weisenberger
New PSA Offers Tips for Avoiding Childhood
Overuse Injuries

Rosemont, IL -- More than five million kids under the age of 18 suffer a sports-related injury each year with approximately half of these due to overuse, according to the CDC.  April is Youth Sports Safety Month and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the STOP Sports Injuries campaign are teamed up with the release of a new radio and print public service announcement (PSA) on overuse sports injury prevention in kids.

Highlighted in the PSA is a common youth sport story:  A nine-year-old boy participates in baseball games and practices 12 months of the year.  He then plays on travel teams, on the local park's little league team, trains with a pitching coach and then throws balls in his own backyard.  The games become increasingly competitive and result in strain to his young, still-developing body.  Then due to too much use, an arm injury sidelines him from the game he loves, and he instead sits watching his friends play.

image

"The escalation of injuries in kids, especially as they relate to overuse is alarming," said orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, past president of AOSSM and STOP Sports Injuries Campaign Co-Chair.  "Sports participation teaches kids priceless lessons about life, health and sportsmanship, but they need to be playing various sports, switching up their routines and armed with the correct information and tools to stay on the field and out of my operating room."

AOSSM, AAOS and the STOP Sports Injuries campaign have several tips to share with all parents, coaches and young athletes to help prevent injuries:

  1. Schedule an appointment for your child to receive a pre-participation physical to determine any pre-existing conditions or injuries

  2. Encourage your child to properly warm up and cool down before and after an activity

  3. Obtain instruction on proper training and technique 

  4. Develop skills that are age appropriate, and increase training gradually. Recent research has shown that specializing in one sport at an early age can actually be detrimental to skill development.

  5. Encourage your child or player to rest and take a break, and to speak up if they are in pain or think they are hurt

"Young athletes want to be the best they can be, and they believe intense training and competition can help them achieve their goals.  Sometimes, however, this approach can have the opposite effect.  Frequent and repeated duplication of the same movement - whether in swimming, pitching, tumbling, jumping or serving - can produce an overuse injury that may jeopardize a child or teenager's sports career.  With a few adjustments, parents and coaches can help make sports fun - and safe - again for young people," said Frederick Azar, MD, second vice president of the AAOS.

Parents, coaches, athletes and healthcare providers also can help to increase awareness in April and throughout the year by getting involved with the STOP Sports Injuries campaign at www.STOPSportsInjuries.org, which is focused on educating the public about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy.

April Events
Help us spread the word about youth sports safety and injury prevention this April by joining in one or more of our events:

  • Webcast - Preventing Injuries in Youth Sports - April 17th, 2012
    • Our first-ever webcast, made possible by the generous support of DePuy Mitek, will be free and open to the public! It will feature renowned sports medicine professionals, including James Andrews, MD, Peter Indelicato, MD, Christopher Harner, MD, Lyle Micheli, MD and William Levine, MD presenting injury prevention strategies as well as an opportunity for attendees to interact through a question and answer session. Click here to register.
  • Twitter Tweet Chats - Youth Sports Safety - April 4, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET &  April 25, 2012 at noon ET
    • Have a Twitter account? Log-in or set one up and join us for two, hour-long Tweet Chats hosted by Dr. David Geier. On April 4th, we will be discussing youth sports safety and injury prevention, and on April 25th we will be focusing on concussions in youth sports. Follow us on Twitter or e-mail Joe Siebelts at joe@aossm.org to find out more! Follow the Conversation at #SportsSafety.

April also is the perfect time to host a community event to help promote youth sports safety. Register your event online and receive a free STOP Sports Injuries campaign starter kit, including 50 copies of each of our printed tip sheets, posters, stickers, tattoos, folders and more. To learn more or participate in these events, visit www.STOPSportsInjuries.org

03 Apr 2012

Braley Formally Announces Re-Election Campaign for US House in Brooklyn, IA

By Molly Scherrman
Braley running for Congress to continue work to create jobs, stand up for veterans

Waterloo, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) formally announced today that he is running for re-election in the new First Congressional District of Iowa in his hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa.  

Braley made the announcement on the first day of a three-day, six-city "Works for Iowa" tour that will take him to Brooklyn, Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, and Waterloo.

"I learned about Iowa common sense from my parents growing up in Poweshiek County," Braley said.  "They taught me to work hard, to spend money wisely, and to help other people when they needed help.  

"To me, being a representative means working as hard as the people who elected you - to create jobs, stand up for our veterans, and get this economy back on track.  

"I'm running for re-election because there's still work to do.  The only way that we're going to fix the mess in Washington is by sending people there who have the experience to bridge the divide and get things done."

Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa.  He took his first job in 2nd grade and has been working ever since.  Braley worked his way through college at Iowa State and law school at the University of Iowa waiting tables, bartending, and building roads and bridges for the Poweshiek County Roads Department.  Braley worked as an attorney in Waterloo for 23 years, representing people against some of the most powerful corporations in the world.  Braley also volunteered for years in the Waterloo community, as a football coach, with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, with the Waterloo Historic Preservation Commission, and more.

Bruce lives with his wife Carolyn in Waterloo, Iowa.  They have three children - Lisa, David, and Paul - who all graduated from West Waterloo High School, where Carolyn works as a social studies teacher.

Braley was joined in Brooklyn and Cedar Rapids by his mother, Marcia, who still substitute teaches in Poweshiek County.

# # #

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar