September marks the first full month of the new school year in Iowa, which means that around the state, kids are putting books in their bags, teachers are sketching out lesson plans and administrators are walking the halls, all excited for the school year ahead.

As I prepare for the start of fall here in Washington D.C., I would personally like to welcome back to school all the students in Iowa, from those headed to their very first day to the students attending our great colleges and universities. Education is essential to our state and Iowans know and value the importance our education system gives to our children.

September is also a time to remember that even as we grow older, learning never stops. And a valuable resource to continue learning is the Library of Congress, where tools are available to teachers, students and their families online at www.loc.gov.

The Library of Congress posts historical pictures, documents and many other resources for of all students, young and old. Pieces from the Civil War, works of art from the American Revolution, personal histories of those who experienced the Civil Rights Movement, along with maps, photographs and historical artifacts, are part of over 19 million primary sources available online. And the information is completely free of charge.

The Library also has a page dedicated to teachers. At www.loc.gov/teachers, educators can access tutorials, webcasts, interactive activities and standard-based lesson plans based on grade level. In short, the Library of Congress has put together a great resource for students and faculty and I highly recommend taking a look at the website.

As Iowans start a new school year, I wish all of the administrators, students and teachers good luck and a successful year ahead.

A PDF version of the column is available by clicking here.

(Davenport-Rock Island-Moline, IA) For many experienced businesspeople, a franchise opportunity can offer a fresh start in the business world and a new challenge. Especially during the recession, when talented executives and managers were losing their jobs at unfathomable rates, franchising remained a strong business structure, as it attracted these individuals.

"They called it rightsizing - they had all sorts of euphemisms for it," franchisee Reynolds Corea, a 50-year-old father of two college students, told the Indianapolis Star. "But it was a layoff."

Fortunately, Corea and many other "corporate refugees," as the source calls them, found a second opportunity in the strong franchising sector. In fact, franchising as an industry is preparing to grow at a rate of 2.5 percent in 2011, according to the International Franchise Association's 2011 Franchise Business Economic Outlook. Furthermore, franchising is expected to add 2.4 million jobs in 2011, helping to propel its economic output from $706.6 billion in 2010 to $739.9 billion.

Why has this model become so popular, especially in a time of economic turmoil? Because it reduces the risk for businesspeople. In an independent business, individuals can sink their retirement funds and home mortgages in a venture without a marketing strategy, proven product or developed audience.

Franchising, however, provides all three of these aspects and also offers franchisees a support system, including experts and training programs,that they can lean on in times of trouble.  "Franchising shortens the learning curve and allows the franchisee to apply all of their professionals skills while the system compensates for less developed areas," added Sarkauskas, Liberty Tax Area Developer.

"You are accepting someone else's business model, their public image, their cost structure, and you are agreeing by and large to follow their policy manual quite rigidly. That arrangement can be a source of great comfort," John Pearce II, endowed chairman of strategic management and entrepreneurship at Villanova's School of Business, told the paper.

However, a support system does not mean that a franchisee is forfeiting a sense of ownership and independence. Especially for individuals exiting the corporate world, being their own boss is of paramount importance.

About Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax Service is the fastest-growing retail tax preparation company in the industry's history.  Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service has prepared over 8,000,000 individual income tax returns.  With 42 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Liberty Tax Service is the only tax franchise on the Forbes "Top 20 Franchises to Start," and ranks #1 of the tax franchises on the Entrepreneur "Franchise 500." Each office provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing, and online filing through eSmart Tax.

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Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced today that Jeff Giertz will rejoin his office to serve as communications director, effective next Monday, September 19th.

"I'm thrilled that Jeff is returning to my office," Braley said.  "His deep experience in communications and passion for serving the people of Iowa will make him a great addition to my team.  I know he will serve the press - and Iowans - with the responsiveness and professionalism he is known for."

Giertz, a native of Moline, Illinois, first worked for Rep. Braley during his successful 2006 Congressional campaign.  Giertz then served as Rep. Braley's communications director during his first two terms in Congress from 2007 until October 2009.  After leaving Rep. Braley's office, Giertz worked as communications director for US Rep. Charlie Melancon's unsuccessful 2010 bid for US Senate in Louisiana.  Since January, Giertz has worked as communications director for the North Carolina state Senate Democratic Caucus in Raleigh, NC.

Giertz is a 2005 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

Sergeant Pepper's Auto Shop, 323 E 3rd St, Davenport, is hosting the 6th Annual Classic Car Cruise for Toys for Tots on Saturday, September 24th.

Join us at NorthPark Mall in the parking lot between Sears and JCPenney.  The party starts at 3:00pm and the cruise begins at 4:30pm. A police escort will lead us down Welcome Way/Harrison Street to 3rd Street, then back up Brady Street to NorthPark Mall. 

Please bring an unwrapped, new toy and help fill the "Santamobile."  U.S. Marines will be on hand to collect toys.

A.B.A.T.E. district 15 motorcycles will be positioned along the route.  Get out your lawn chairs and watch the classic cars go by.

Music provided by 3D Sound D.J. Dave Palmer.  Door prizes, 50/50 drawing to benefit Toys for Tots, food available from Hy-Vee.  We ask that this event remain alcohol-free.