Data Portal Increases Access to Information;
Establishes Platform for Creative Uses

CHICAGO - June 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of a state website designed to provide open access to state data and greater transparency in state government. The platform is the second initiative of the Governor's Illinois Innovation Council.

The State of Illinois Open Data site, www.Data.Illinois.Gov, is a searchable clearinghouse of information from state agencies that will help inform residents about the operation of state government and encourage the creative use of state information, including the development of applications for mobile devices that can be built around the data.

"The Open Data initiative opens the doors of state government to everyday citizens and technology professionals alike in creating an unprecedented level of transparency and access to information. This is a creative new opportunity to use state data in novel and interesting ways that engage residents, plugging them into their state government like never before," Governor Quinn said. "It will also help spur economic development by encouraging software developers to create innovative and useful applications for this data."

The data site is an initiative of the Illinois Innovation Council, created by Governor Quinn in February, to promote economic development through innovation and the engagement of citizens, developers, academia and industry. The council promotes the role and importance of innovation in economic development and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.illinoisinnovation.com.

"The Illinois Innovation Council is working to connect the dots between research, talent, capital, ideas, government and technology to accelerate the growth of businesses and industries in the Midwest. Today, we start to add the troves of public data to the mix. This underutilized asset holds untapped potential to fuel the growth of Illinois' innovation economy," said Lightbank Managing Partner, and Groupon Co-Founder and Director Brad Keywell.

The first phase of the site was launched with data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Residents who explore the site will find a host of helpful information, such as traffic data from IDOT or tourism data from DCEO. The site will continue to grow with data as more state agencies are added, with the goal of being a comprehensive source of information on how state government operates.

The council held its second meeting this week and will hold two additional meetings in the coming year. The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is also assisting the council.

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ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (Grassroots Newswire) June 21, 2011 - 

Andrea Iossi of Davenport was among those honored on the Lewis University Deans' List for spring semester 2011. To be eligible for this honor, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.25 out of a possible 4.0.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. 

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Reaffirms Commitment to Doubling State's Exports by 2015;

Presents 2011 Illinois Export Awards

CHICAGO - June 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today reaffirmed his commitment to doubling Illinois' exports by 2015 during an address to kick off Illinois Export Week, a five-day event that helps Illinois businesses expand into the global marketplace. The Governor also presented the 2011 Illinois Export Awards.

"More than half a million Illinois jobs are supported by exports, but we cannot stop now. Our state's continued economic vitality depends on our ability to build key global partnerships," said Governor Quinn. "To continue to grow and lead in the 21st century, we must continue to take every step necessary to increase our exports, ultimately doubling them by 2015."

Expanding global trade partnerships is critical to Illinois' continued economic recovery. Illinois ranks first in the Midwest for exports and foreign direct investment. The state's exports totaled nearly $49.8 billion in 2010, a 19.6 percent increase over 2009. In the first quarter of 2011, Illinois exported more than $14.74 billion worth of non-agriculture goods - an increase of 30.43 percent compared to the same period in 2010.

Illinois Export Week, which runs June 20-24, features a series of seminars designed to help educate business owners on export opportunities. The Illinois Export Awards recognize companies that have achieved excellence in exporting and organizations that have provided substantial export assistance to Illinois companies. Governor Quinn presented 17 companies and organizations with awards at a luncheon on Tuesday. A list of 2011 Illinois Export Award winners is attached.

Illinois Export Week events feature top leaders from Illinois's export business community. Caterpillar Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Oberhelman was the keynote speaker.

"Last year Caterpillar exported more than $13.4 billion in products from the United States?more than a third of that is from Illinois ? two figures that would have no doubt been higher had the U.S. fully embraced trade liberalization," Oberhelman said. "Simply put, many of our 47,000 employees in the U.S. and 23,000 employees in Illinois depend on trade."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is partnering with local Small Business Development Centers this week to provide businesses with insight into export opportunities around the world. Information is available at www2.illinois.gov/gov/exportweek.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/21/2011)(readMedia)-- The following local students have been named to the President's List at Drake University. This academic honor is achieved by earning a grade point average of 4.0 during the Spring 2011 semester at Drake.

Lauren Brandt of Bettendorf, IA

Amanda Cleppe of Bettendorf, IA

Jared Dammann of Bettendorf, IA

Erika Milas of Bettendorf, IA

Caitlin Pryor of Bettendorf, IA

Jordan Porter of Eldridge, IA

Marshall Phares of Princeton, IA

The following local students have been named to the Dean's List at Drake University. This academic honor is achieved by earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the Spring 2011 semester at Drake.

Kelsey Berneking of Bettendorf, IA

Stuart Bildner of Bettendorf, IA

Leah Christensen of Bettendorf, IA

Nicholas Oestreich of Bettendorf, IA

Steven Soseman of Bettendorf, IA

Stephanie Merrick of Eldridge, IA

Steven Merrick of Eldridge, IA

Eric Hartmann of Davenport, IA

Daniel Pelletier of Davenport, IA

Katherine Foley of Davenport, IA

Alise Farrell of Davenport, IA

Chelsea Rink of Davenport, IA

Ryan Hendricks of Rock Island, IL

Claire Vandercar of East Moline, IL

Kayla Pearson of Milan, IL

Drake is a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of approximately 3,300 full-time undergraduate students from 50 states and 50 countries. Drake University's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.