20 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Increase in Visitors, Economic Impact of Illinois Tourism in 2010

By Andrew Mason

Visitors to state increase by 5 percent, generating $29.3 billion for economy

CHICAGO - June 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois' tourism industry generated $29.3 billion in revenue in 2010, an increase of more than $2.2 billion as visitor spending continued to provide a strong economic impact for the state, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

"The gains we experienced in 2010 clearly show that the tourism industry continues to play a critical role in our state's ongoing economic recovery," said Governor Quinn. "With our world-class destinations and accessible locations, more people from around the world are coming to Illinois and staying longer, which is creating new jobs and bringing additional revenue throughout the state."

The economic impact of tourism in Illinois has grown by more than $3 billion during the past five years. Additionally, the travel industry generated 287,500 jobs in Illinois in 2010, directly and indirectly supporting one in 10 jobs in the state. On average, visitors spend nearly $80 million with Illinois businesses every day.

State and local tax revenues from tourism totaled more than $2 billion in 2010, an increase of $93.5 million. The total tourism tax revenue (federal, state and local) saves the average Illinois household more than $1,000 in taxes each year.

Illinois hosted nearly 84.7 million visitors in 2010, according to D. K. Shifflet & Associates. This is up 5 percent from 2009. Both business and leisure travel saw increases in visitor volume, with leisure travel up 6 percent and business travel up 2.5 percent. Overnight leisure travel to the state was up 13.8 percent, increasing market share by 11 percent in this category and ranking Illinois 10th in the U.S.

Chicago was relatively flat in visitor volume, down less than one percent, drawing 38.11 million visitors. Business travel was up 4.9 percent while leisure travel was down 2.9 percent. Both overnight business and leisure travel increased 8.9 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

"Chicago's economic vitality is driven by its visitor industry, which generates more than $11 billion in direct spending, $616 million in tax revenue, and sustains more than 124,000 jobs for our city's economy," said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. "It is essential that Chicago continues to grow as a preeminent convention destination as well as a premier choice for visitors from around the globe. Success requires thoughtful branding, messaging, and coordination of the entire visitor experience - efforts in which the CCTB plays a critical role."

Dorothy Coyle, Executive Director of Chicago's Office of Tourism and Culture, said she is pleased with Chicago's tourism numbers.

"We are very encouraged that overnight leisure travel to Chicago has increased 7.4 percent, outpacing the U.S. average of 6.6 percent," Coyle said. "Visitors continue to be drawn to Chicago as a premier leisure destination that offers great value. Hundreds of free events and one-of-a-kind attractions keep visitors coming back and lengthening their stay."

Visitor volume outside the City of Chicago was up 10.8%, with leisure travel leading the way with an increase of 13.3%. Overnight leisure travel outside of Chicago was up 22.3%

Illinois maintained its ranking as the 7th most popular state for overseas visitors to the U.S. in 2010, hosting 1,186,000 such visitors, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism Industries. The City of Chicago, the 10th most popular U.S. city for overseas visitors, hosted 1,134,000 international visitors in 2010, a 2 percent increase over 2009 arrivals. 

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20 Jun 2011

Harkin Announces Nearly $7 Million for Snow Removal/Maintenance at Iowa Airports

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), today announced that several Iowa regional airports will receive a total of $6,974,811. The funds will be used to improve airports' ability to cope with inclement weather and to maintain and update existing airport facilities across Iowa.

"Airports in Iowa are impacted by so many elements: be they weather, general wear and tear or time.  This funding will ensure that our airports are running safely during every month of the year: from the winter snows to the heat of summer, making travel safe for passengers," said Harkin.

Today's funding comes from the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the DOT.

Details of the funding for inclement weather are below:
Belle Plain Municipal Airport- $228,000
Creston Municipal Airport - $218,500
Fairfield Municipal Airport - $76,000
George L. Scott Municipal Airport - $156,750
Les Mars Municipal Airport- $194,252
Oelwein Municipal- $421,420
Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field Airport- $380,000


Details of the funding for general maintenance are below:
Ankeny Regional Airport-$ 1,530,000
Audubon County Airport- $429,875
Decorah Municipal Airport- $296,000
Dubuque Regional Airport- $266,000
The Eastern Iowa Airport- $285,000
Fort Madison Municipal Airport: $301,874
Greenfield Municipal- $66,500
Knoxville Municipal Airport- $107,280
Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport- $66,500
Pocahontas Municipal Airport- $233,000
Sac City Municipal- $76,000
Shenandoah Municipal Airport- $76,000
Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field- $156,750
Waverly Municipal Airport- $250,656
Washington Municipal Airport- $1,096,704
Webster City Municipal Airport- $61,750

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20 Jun 2011

Mount Vernon Statue Honors Women Vets, Maj. Tammy Duckworth

By readMedia

MOUNT VERNON, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled a statue June 18 honoring female veterans in Mount Vernon. The statue, which shares the likeness of Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, was sculpted by Don Morris, a native of Flora. The statue depicts Duckworth standing adjacent to Revolutionary War hero Margaret Ludwig Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher.

"I am proud that America now finally realizes that her daughters are just as capable of fighting for liberty and freedom as her sons," said Duckworth.

In 2004, while co-piloting a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Duckworth's aircraft was hit by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents. The explosion resulted in the loss of both her legs and extensive damage to her right arm. In 2006, the governor appointed her director of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, and in 2009 President Obama appointed her to serve as the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Many people were on hand for the ceremony, including Congressman John Shimkus of the 19th Congressional District, numerous spectators, and a large contingent from the DAR, of which Duckworth is a member.

"I appreciate the fact that the state of Illinois (has) recognized women's service to the military," said Army Lt. Col. Natalie Northern, commander of the 633rd Theatre Gateway Personnel Accountability Team and a Springfield resident. Northern was deployed to Iraq the same time as Duckworth.

The ceremony was preceded by a parade that led to the Brehm Memorial Library, the site chosen by the DAR to house the veterans' memorial.

The memorial stands as a reminder of both the challenges faced and the strides women have made in the military.

"Women are rarely recognized, and as a woman, it's nice to be recognized," said Hallie Scott of Woodlawn. "It's nice that something big like this happens, (and) a big crowd from all over Illinois came here for people who are fighting for our country."

Duckworth said teamwork unites the country and makes the U.S. stronger.

During the ceremony Duckworth declared, "We are stronger as a nation when all of us participate, when it's not just men or women, or blacks or whites, when all of us participate together."

Photo 1: Photo by Spc. Brian Vorce, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates speaks at the statue unveiling June 18 in Mount Vernon. A statue sharing her likeness was uncovered at the ceremony.

Photo 2: Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ From left, Richard Groharing, the commander of the Illinois American Legion; Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Luanne Frosch Bruckner; Maj. Tammy Duckworth; Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley; Statue Sculptor Don Morris; Statue Architect Brian Edmison all stand before the new statue in Mount Vernon. The statue was unveiled June 18 and honors women veterans.

Photo 3: Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates is presented with a miniature replica of the Women Veterans Sculpture by Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Luanne Frosch Bruckner and statue sculptor Don Morris. A statue bearing her likeness was unveiled in Mount Vernon June 18. The statue honors all women veterans for their sacrifice.

Story by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt and Spc. Brian Vorce. 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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20 Jun 2011

HUD AND NEIGHBORWORKS® AMERICA ANNOUNCE EMERGENCY HOMEOWNERS' LOAN PROGRAM

By Administrator

Program is Designed to Help Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks® America announced the launch of the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP) today, to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure in 27 states across the country and Puerto Rico.

Congress provided $1 billion dollars to HUD, as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to implement EHLP. The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition.

Under EHLP program guidelines eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.

"Through the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program the Obama Administration is continuing our strong commitment to help keep families in their homes during tough economic times," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Working with our community partners across the nation through NeighborWorks® America, we are pleased to launch this program today in 27 states and Puerto Rico to help families keep their homes while looking for work or recovering from illness."

The EHLP program will pay a portion of an approved applicant's monthly mortgage including missed mortgage payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees. EHLP is expected to aid up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, with an average loan of approximately $35,000.

"Through our work around the country, NeighborWorks® America knows all too well that in these tough economic times, homeowners facing foreclosure are seeking help wherever they can find it. The deadline is July 22, 2011, so we encourage homeowners to apply now in order to find out if  they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs," stated Eileen M. Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks® America.

The EHLP program is a complement to the Hardest Hit Fund which makes available $7.6 billion to 18 states and the District of Columbia that were hardest hit by the housing crisis. The EHLP program will be offered in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and Puerto Rico.  Five states operating substantially similar programs are administering EHLP directly: Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. With today's launch, mortgage assistance is now available for unemployed and underemployed homeowners in every state.

Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more information on the EHLP program and its eligibility requirements can be found at www.FindEHLP.org or by calling toll free at 855-FIND-EHLP (346-3345).

About the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

About NeighborWorks® America

NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the NeighborWorks network ? more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

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20 Jun 2011

Garrett Alderson Earns Graduate Degree from the University of New Haven

By readMedia
WEST HAVEN, CT (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Garrett Alderson of Davenport IA graduated from the University of New Haven on May 15, 2011 with a M.S. in Forensic Science.

A leader in experiential education, the University of New Haven provides its students with a valuable combination of solid liberal arts and real-world, hands-on professional training. Founded in 1920, UNH is a private, top-tier comprehensive university with an 80-acre main campus. The University has an enrollment of more than 5,900: approximately 1,700 graduate students and more than 4,200 undergraduates, 70 percent of whom reside in university housing. The University offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and more than 25 graduate degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, the Tagliatela College of Engineering and University College. University of New Haven students study abroad through a variety of distinctive programs.

20 Jun 2011

Dominican University's Honor's List and Dean's List

By readMedia

RIVER FOREST, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Joshua Johnson, a resident of Port Byron, was named to the Honor's List for the Spring 2011 semester at Dominican University. Johnson is a graduate of Riverdale Senior High School.

To qualify for the prestigious Honor's List, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), based on a full-time enrollment of 12 credit hours.

RIVER FOREST, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaitlin Cleppe, a resident of Bettendorf, was named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2011 semester at Dominican University. Cleppe is a graduate of Pleasant Valley Community High School.

To qualify for the prestigious Dean's List, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.8 (on a 4.0 scale), based on a full-time enrollment of 12 credit hours.

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering bachelor's degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences and master's degrees through the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, the Brennan School of Business, the School of Education, and the Graduate School of Social Work. The university also offers a doctoral degree in library and information science. In the 2011 issue ofAmerica's Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked Dominican University in the top 20 of Midwest master's level universities. The magazine also ranked Dominican as one of three Great Schools at a Great Price in Illinois.
20 Jun 2011

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR THE "MOSES 2012 ORGANIC FARMER OF THE YEAR" AWARD

By Administrator
SPRING VALLEY, WI - The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is seeking nominations for the "MOSES 2012 Organic Farmer of the Year" award which will be presented at the 23nd annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, February 23-25, 2012.

MOSES will, for the 10th year, recognize an outstanding organic farmer or farm family who are innovators; who excel in managing their farm resources such as soil, water, wildlife, and biodiversity; and who serve as educators and shining examples in their communities and to the next generation of organic farmers.

"The Organic Farmer of the Year award is such a great opportunity to showcase the best in organic farming to a wide audience; farmers of all persuasions in rural and urban communities alike," said Linda Halley, MOSES board president. "Recognition of an Organic Farmer of the Year allows us all to say a public thanks to a farmer who has been a model and a teacher. It also says to the rest of the agricultural community, 'Check it out! This is why we're proud of organic farming!'"

Those who wish to nominate a farmer for the award must complete and return the nomination form which is available by calling the MOSES office at 715-778-5775 or at the MOSES website, www.mosesorganic.org/foy.html. All nominations are due by September 15, 2011.

The MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year award includes a cash gift of $500, full registration to the 2012 Organic Farming Conference, lodging during the conference, and a gift certificate redeemable at the conference book sales booth.

The Vetter Family of The Grain Place in Marquette, Nebraska, received the 2011 Organic Farmer of the Year Award. The Vetters have a diversified farm and affiliated processing company where they grow and process a number of specialty crops including edible soybeans, edible dry beans, blue and white corn, popcorn, heirloom barley, flax, amaranth, lupines, sunflowers and pasture.

The Vetters' care for their farm, its biodiversity and bounty, is informed by their deep spiritual bond with the land. They are outstanding stewards of its natural resources and shining examples in their community.

MOSES is a non-profit education and outreach organization working to promote organic agriculture in the Upper Midwest. MOSES provides education, resources and training to farmers interested in learning more about organic and sustainable farming practices.

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20 Jun 2011

Firework Safety

By Shelly Chapman

The Village of Milan welcomes all area residents to the annual Fireworks Celebration, planned for July 3rd at Camden Park. In keeping with state laws and as a matter of safety; fireworks of any sort will not be allowed in the park.

Safety is of the utmost importance due to the crowds normally experienced at this event. Additionally, it is against Illinois state laws to ignite fireworks, bottle rockets and other explosive devices without the proper certificates and permits. Sparklers are of a great concern, given the large number of children that attend this event, and therefore will not be allowed.

Blackhawk Fire Department does not issue firework permits for public displays of fireworks. These may be obtained by following the regulations of the County of Rock Island. Information is available on their website, www.rockislandcounty.org.

Your assistance in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated.

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20 Jun 2011

International Healthcare Educator to Visit Davenport

By Ron Thiele

Dr. Meir Schneider, PhD, LMT, will share his self-healing knowledge at lectures, workshops and individual sessions in Davenport, Iowa June 22-28.

Meir Schneider, PhD, LMT, an international health educator, author, therapist and inspirational speaker, will be in Davenport, Iowa, June 22-28, 2011. Dr. Schneider will be presenting a lecture entitled "Overcoming Vision and Spine Problems" on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 7:00PM at the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness, 1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport. Dr. Schneider's transformational workshop, "Self-Healing Through Movement and Vision Improvement" will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th. Private sessions with Dr. Schneider will also be available.

Born blind, Dr. Schneider read by Braille until the age of  17, when he embarked upon his own healing journey. Through years of research, he is now able to read and write without glasses. Today he holds an unrestricted California driver's license. Dr. Schneider is regarded as one of the leading world experts on Natural Vision Improvement, a method of working with the eyes non-invasively. His  vision improvement exercises are designed for individuals who are motivated to learn how to improve their vision, whether they have a simple error of refraction, a serious pathology, or suffer lifestyle or profession-related eyestrain.

Over the years, Dr. Schneider has developed a comprehensive system of preventative and rehabilitative healthcare. His self-healing method is effective with repetitive strain injuries, back problems, stroke, paralysis, neuromuscular conditions, and circulatory, digestive and respiratory problems. Tens of thousands of people have used his holistic methods to improve their health and function.

For more information about the Davenport lectures, workshops or private sessions, call Ron Thiele at (563) 570-8552 or visit the School for Self-Healing on the web at http://www.self-healing.org.

About The School for Self-Healing The School for Self-Healing is a non-profit school that teaches and provides movement work, massage, vision therapy, and  cures for blindness in San Francisco as well as around the globe for a wide variety of disorders, diseases and injuries. The school provides private sessions, free and low-cost public workshops, and training in the self-healing method.

Founder Meir Schneider, PhD, LMT used the Bates Method to cure himself of congenital blindness, and went on to develop "The Meir Schneider Method of Self-Healing Through Bodywork and Movement." The technique has been medically documented to help people with a wide variety of degenerative conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, and can help increase mobility, improve the function of body systems, relieve pain, improve vision, and increase productivity.

Meir Schneider is celebrating his 40th year of working with his eyes and would like to share his knowledge through lectures, workshops, and individual sessions. He helps patients overcome vision problems, back problems, arthritis, and neurological problems.

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20 Jun 2011

ROCK ISLAND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS SAVING OLD LINCOLN SCHOOL

By Barb Braun
ROCK ISLAND - The board of the Broadway Historic District Association has voted unanimously to recommend the Rock Island City Council stabilize old Lincoln School at 22nd Street and 7th Avenue. The board made the decision at its meeting June 16, 2011, based on results from a recent email survey sent to Broadway residents and property owners, as well as surrounding neighborhoods. The 118-year-old school is located within the boundaries of the Broadway Historic District, a residential area comprised of late 19th and early 20th century homes.

Of the 100 survey respondents, 83.5 percent are in favor of the city council spending $221,000 to repair the building's roof and structural elements, and install basic electric service and ventilations. About 16 percent said they would prefer the school to be demolished. An architect firm's study estimated it would cost $200,000 to $300,000 to demolish the building. The Broadway board was dismayed to learn last Monday the city council was leaning toward demolishing the school without a plan to enhance the property.

"Demolishing a structure of great significance to the neighborhood and the city without a purpose in mind reflects a lack of vision," says Deb Kuntzi, president of the Broadway Historic District Board. "The support from the neighborhood and other Rock Island residents for saving this school is tremendous, and so is its potential for reuse. We urge the city council not to make a hasty decision without further thought and exploration." 

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