02 May 2011

Harkin Praises New Guidelines for Food Marketed to Kids

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON - April 28, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) welcomed new proposed guidelines to encourage companies to make the foods they market to kids healthier announced today by the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children.  The Working Group was created by a measure Harkin authored in 2009 directing the Federal Trade Commission to establish the group and charge them with developing a set of principles to guide industry efforts to improve the nutritional profile of foods marketed directly to children ages 2 to 17 years.  Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds health and wellness efforts.

"I commend the interagency working group and all of the representatives from the FTC, CDC, USDA and FDA for devising these proposed guidelines on food marketing to kids.  These guidelines make the healthy choice the easy choice, and they take an important step in the fight against childhood obesity - a fight we cannot afford to lose as a nation.

"On a daily basis, kids across the country are barraged with ads for junk foods and it is long past time that we put some limits on the advertising of these unhealthy foods.  Armed with these guidelines, it is now my hope that companies will voluntarily abide by them and work to implement them as soon as possible.  Our kids' health cannot wait," Harkin said.

Harkin is a longtime champion of food policy and wellness initiatives, fighting for fresh and healthy school lunches, disclosure of nutritional facts in chain restaurants, and food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

###

02 May 2011

Grassley supports Branstad's request for federal disaster assistance

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON - April 28, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked the President to grant the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster in response to the tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain, large hail and thunderstorms that swept through Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac counties on April 9 and 10.

In a letter of request sent today to President Barack Obama, Grassley said, "The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed."

Grassley visited Mapleton and Early two weeks ago to see the tornado damage and talk with local residents about the recovery effort.

Here is the text of Grassley's letter to the President:

April 28, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Iowa as a result of a severe weather system that produced tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain, large hail, and thunderstorms on April 9-10, 2011.  The storms moved into Iowa and severely impacted Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas, and Sac Counties.

The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

02 May 2011

Yard and Garden: Planting a Tree

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office
There are many reasons besides celebrating Arbor Day on April 29 to plant a tree -- trees conserve energy,
bring beauty to the yard, attract birds and help clean the air, to name just a few. Iowa State University Extension
garden experts have tips for planting trees and caring for newly planted trees. Gardeners with additional
questions can contact the experts by calling or emailing the ISU Extension horticulture hotline at 515-294-3108
or hortline@iastate.edu.

What is the proper way to plant a balled and burlapped tree?

When planting a balled and burlapped tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the diameter of the
tree's rootball. The depth of the hole should be two or three inches less than the height of the rootball. Slope the
sides of the hole so the top of the hole is several inches wider than the bottom.

Grasping the tree's rootball, carefully lower the tree into the hole. The top of the rootball should be
approximately two or three inches above the surrounding soil line. Make sure the trunk is straight. Then begin
backfilling with the original soil. Do not add compost, peat or other organic materials to the soil. Gently firm
the backfill soil in the hole with your hands.

When the planting hole is one-half full, cut and remove all twine. Also, cut away and remove the burlap on the
top one-third to one-half of the rootball. If the rootball is in a wire basket, remove the top one-third to one-half
of the basket. Completely fill the remainder of the hole with soil. Place soil up to the top of the rootball and
gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line. Thoroughly water the tree.

Poorly drained sites are difficult locations for many trees. When selecting trees for these sites, choose trees
that can tolerate poorly drained conditions. In poorly drained soils, the depth of the planting hole should be
approximately two-thirds of the height of the rootball. When placed in the hole, the top one-third of the rootball
should be above the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil. Place soil to the top of the rootball and gradually
slope it down to the surrounding soil line.

What is the proper way to plant a container-grown tree?

When planting a container-grown tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the diameter of the
container. The depth of the hole should be two or three inches less than the height of the soil ball. Slope the
sides of the hole so the top is several inches wider than the bottom. In poorly drained soils, the depth of the hole
should be approximately two-thirds the height of the soil ball.

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YARD AND GARDEN: PLANTING A TREE

Once the hole has been prepared, carefully lay the tree on its side. Tap the sides of the container to loosen the
soil ball from the container, and then slide the tree out of its container. All containers should be removed, even
supposedly plantable containers. If the sides of the soil ball are a mass of roots, carefully shave off the outer ½
to 1 inch of the soil ball with a sharp spade or saw. Place the tree in the hole. The top of the soil ball should be
approximately 2 or 3 inches above the surrounding soil. In poorly drained sites, the top one-third of the soil ball
should stick above the surrounding soil.

Gradually fill the hole with soil. With each new addition of soil, firm it in place with your hands. Place soil to
the top of the soil ball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil. Once planted, water thoroughly.

Should I fertilize a newly planted tree?

It is generally not necessary to fertilize newly planted trees. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of
nutrients during establishment. If trees are growing poorly two or three years after planting, fertilization may be
beneficial. Poorly growing trees often exhibit sparse foliage, yellow-green leaves or short annual twig growth.

Should I stake a newly planted tree?

Staking is not required for most newly planted trees. However, large trees and those planted in windy, exposed
sites may require staking. If staking is necessary, allow the trunk to move or sway for proper trunk and root
development. To prevent damage to the trunk, use strong, wide strips of canvas, rubber or other materials to
support the tree. Remove the stakes as soon as possible. In most cases, stakes should be removed after one
growing season.

How should I prune a newly planted tree?

Trees utilize sugars and other carbohydrates manufactured by the foliage for plant growth. Therefore, avoid
the temptation to severely prune newly planted trees. Severe pruning reduces the tree's ability to manufacture
food and actually slows plant growth. Newly planted trees require only corrective pruning. Remove structural
defects, such as double leaders and dead, broken or crossing branches. Retain most of the lower branches to
help stabilize the tree. The lower branches also provide food for the growing tree. Gradually remove the lower
limbs as the tree grows during the next five to 10 years.

How often should I water a newly planted tree?

The key to watering newly planted balled and burlapped and container-grown trees is to keep the plant's
rootball moist for several weeks after planting. Water newly planted trees every day for four or five days and
then gradually reduce the frequency of watering. When watering, slowly apply water to the rootball and the
surrounding soil. A thorough watering every seven to 14 days (in dry weather) should be sufficient four to five
weeks after planting. Continue this watering schedule through summer and into fall. Small trees usually require
watering for one or two growing seasons. It may be necessary to periodically water large trees for two or three

-30-
02 May 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

Deadline Extended for May 4 PQA Plus® Advisor Training Program

AMES, Iowa -- The application deadline for the May 4 Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) Advisors
certification program being offered by the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) has
been extended. James McKean, IPIC associate director and ISU Extension swine veterinarian, is coordinating
the training program and said those interested in participating now have through Friday, April 29, to submit
their application to attend.

"A few spaces remain for this session and we want to be sure people have ample opportunity to submit the
application," McKean said. "That's why we're extending the deadline to this coming Friday."

The session will be held in the Ensminger Room in Kildee Hall on the ISU campus and will be taught by ISU
animal science and veterinary medicine faculty members who are certified PQA Plus trainers.

McKean said those who qualify and are interested in the program should download, complete and submit the
two-page application form available online at www.ipic.iastate.edu/PQAPapp050411.docx. The form also is
available by fax by calling Sherry Hoyer at IPIC at 515-294-4496.

"If you're interested in attending, please let us know by submitting an application as soon as possible so we can
contact you after receiving your application," McKean said. "The $75 fee for approved applicants can be paid at
the door on May 4."

The qualifications and other requirements are included in the application form.

- 30 -

Iowa Beef Producers Invited to Grazing Systems Program

CHARITON, Iowa - Beef producers interested in learning the latest on fescue management and
forage-based diet supplementation will want to attend one of two grazing systems workshops in
southern Iowa next month. The program brochure is available on the Iowa Beef Center (IBC)
website.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Joe Sellers said both sessions will
have the same speakers and content, so people can choose the most convenient location and date.
The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Osceola
and Wednesday, May 18, at the Wayne County Courthouse in Corydon. Both begin at 7 p.m.

"Our featured speaker is Craig Roberts from the University of Missouri. He'll review
management practices that reduce health problems and increase cattle production on fescue
pastures," Sellers said. "Fescue toxicosis continues to create problems in Iowa beef herds,
particularly where producers have pastures with longer rest periods than normal, resulting in
mature fescue with higher alkaloid levels."

Roberts also will help producers determine which grazing systems may work for their operations.
Sellers will present information on supplementing forage-based diets and will lead a question-
answer session on local issues.

Cost is $10 per person, payable at the door. For more information, contact Sellers by phone at
641-203-1270 or by email at sellers@iastate.edu.

-30-

Update for Veterinarians Program Planned

CHARITON, Iowa - Veterinarians who work with cattle are invited to sharpen their skills and learn the
latest information on a variety of topics at a May 18 workshop in southern Iowa. The 18th annual Update for
Veterinarians will focus on topics of specific interest to beef practitioners, according to Iowa State University
(ISU) Extension beef program specialist Joe Sellers, who is organizing the event at the ISU McNay Research
Farm.

"Our featured speaker is Craig Roberts from the University of Missouri and he'll review management practices
that reduce health problems and increase cattle production on fescue pastures," Sellers said. "Fescue toxicosis
continues to create problems in Iowa beef herds, particularly where producers have pastures with longer rest
periods than normal, resulting in mature fescue with higher alkaloid levels."

The program also will include results from a cow feeding trial at McNay farm and the Iowa Beef Center's hay
quality survey, as well as sessions on disease, euthanasia, grazing systems and coproduct feeding. In addition to
Roberts and Sellers, ISU presenters are Grant Dewell, Mary Drewnoski and Renee Dewell.

"The Iowa Beef Center at ISU and ISU Extension have put together a great program of current topics and
presenters, and it's been approved for six hours of continuing education credits," Sellers said.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the first of four morning sessions starting at 9 a.m. Three more sessions
will follow lunch. Those who preregister by May 12 will pay $50 per person, which includes the noon meal.
Pre-registrations after May 12 and walk-ins will cost $70.

The brochure with registration form is available on the Iowa Beef Center website. For more information,
contact Sellers by phone at 641- 203-1270 or by email at sellers@iastate.edu.

-30-

Iowa Hosts National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop May 15-20

AMES, Iowa - Volunteer shooting sports instructors from throughout the United States will come to Central Iowa for the
National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop May 15-20.

Iowa State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension are co-hosting the workshop at the Iowa 4-H
Center near Madrid. Registration is open to current adult volunteers in state 4-H shooting sports programs. Participants
at national workshops must have the approval of their state's 4-H shooting sports coordinator, said Bryan Whaley, who
coordinates the program in Iowa.

The registration form, schedule and more information are available online at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/
ShootingSports/sessevents.htm.
The registration fee is $325 through April 30; after that date the fee increases to $375 per person. No registrations will be
accepted after May 4, Whaley said.

"We are training volunteer instructors to work with kids to develop skills for their future ? because shooting sports are
lifelong activities," Whaley said. "4-H shooting sports bring together youth and trained adults and emphasize positive
youth development through building shooting, wildlife, conservation and outdoor skills."

During the weeklong workshop, volunteers will receive training to become nationally certified instructors in one
discipline of their choosing: archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, coordinator, or hunting skills. The certification
will enable them to teach other volunteer instructors in their own states, Whaley said.

Participants also will have many opportunities to exchange ideas, both formally and informally, Whaley said. "You can
share approaches and tactics that have worked for you and ways you handle situations in your own club, county or state,
as well as learn what is going on in other states. We already have people registered from as far away as Alaska, Oregon
and Mississippi."

In 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports (SESS) youth work with trained adult volunteers to learn safe and
responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration.
The shooting sports program promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior, Whaley said.
The program also encourages youth to develop an understanding of natural resources as well as a personal environmental
stewardship ethic through participation in shooting, hunting and related activities.

Shooting sports is one of the fastest growing 4-H programs in many states, with an estimated 300,000 youth participating

nationally. These programs across the nation have proven effective in engaging both boys and girls and retaining older
youth in 4-H. In Iowa 570 volunteer instructors work with 1,660 youth in 4-H shooting sports activities.

-30-

02 May 2011

Leadership Program Grows at the Iowa 4-H Center

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

AMES, Iowa--Besides providing a summer getaway and fun for youth, the Iowa 4-H Center offers leadership experience opportunities
through counselor-in-training camps and a new Leadership Camp for 15-year-olds.

Leadership Camp is a weeklong camp that provides hands-on training, observation and practice. The camp is designed for 15-year-
olds to gain leadership skills, learn about safety and youth development strategies and camp traditions and operations. Visit the Iowa
4-H Center website to download a brochure and registration form.

The CIT Training Camp, for ages 16-18, is required for teens wanting to participate in counselor-in-training fieldwork. Full-time
professional staff and college-age summer staff lead this program to help participants learn how to supervise, handle behavior and
homesickness and how to lead activities and work as a team.

"I think that the CIT program is a great opportunity for high school students to gain quality leadership skills and have more
responsibilities," said Annie McGuire,a senior at Iowa State University and an Iowa 4-H Center camp counselor. "The program
allows them to lead activities and songs while learning what it is like to be a counselor."

All counselors-in-training must attend one of the following $35 training camp sessions:

May 14 from 1 p.m. to May 15 at 11 a.m.
May 21 from 1 p.m. to May 22 at 11 a.m.
June 9 from 4 p.m. to June 10 at 2 p.m.

The weeklong Counselor-In-Training Fieldwork camps are divided into two levels. CIT 1: Level 1 Fieldwork provides experience
working with 6- to 10-year-old campers. CIT 2: Level 2 Fieldwork provides experience working with 7- to 13-year-olds.

CIT 1: Level 1 Fieldwork participants are required to be 16 years old by June 1, 2011 and must attend a CIT Training Camp session in
2011.

CIT 2: Level 2 Fieldwork participants are required to be 17 years old by June 1, 2011 and also must attend a CIT Training Camp
session in 2011.

"My experience working with the CITs has been great because they are so eager to learn and are great role models for the campers, as
well as great help," McGuire said. "They typically have been coming to camp for years and are excited to have a different experience
at camp by seeing more of what it would be like to be a counselor."

To view which weeks offer the Leadership Camp and the CIT 1 and CIT 2 camps, visit the Iowa 4-H Center website to download
the Camp Registration Form. More information about the leadership program and the other summer camps at the Iowa 4-H Center is
available in the 2011 Camp Brochure.

The Iowa 4-H Center is an outdoor learning environment of 1,100 acres located in Boone County just 45 minutes north of Des
Moines. An American Camp Association accredited camp since 1954, the Iowa 4-H Center staff follows the 4-H model of "learning
by doing" and draws on the knowledge base of Iowa State University.

-30-

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

02 May 2011

Governor Quinn Activates Illinois National Guard Troops for Flood Assistance

By Andrew Mason

Visits State Emergency Operations Center

SPRINGFIELD - April 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today activated the Illinois National Guard to support flood-fighting and life safety missions in southern Illinois.  The initial activation includes up to 125 Guardsmen who are deploying to Marion to assist the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) with emergency response planning.  Additional troops may be activated if needed.

"The Illinois National Guard is a valuable asset to the state during disasters," said Governor Quinn.  "During the February snow storm, the men and women of the Guard helped save many lives and I am very grateful for their assistance during the flooding."

"The Illinois National Guard fully supports Governor Quinn's activation of our Guardsmen for flood relief," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "These Guardsmen are fully trained and motivated to assist in this mission to ensure Illinois citizens are safe from harm's way. As always, we stand ready to answer the call for additional support if needed."

Governor Quinn has received frequent updates on the situation from IEMA Director Jonathon Monken and today visited the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield where he was briefed on the current flood outlook and the state's assistance efforts.  Representatives from more than a dozen agencies and organizations are working in the SEOC to assure a coordinated response of state assets and personnel to communities affected by flooding.

Also attending the SEOC briefing today were state Reps. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

Governor Quinn on Monday issued a disaster proclamation to ensure state resources are readily available to support local governments affected by a series of severe storms that have affected southern Illinois during the past two weeks.

State assistance provided to southern Illinois communities includes more than 210,000 sandbags, 89 rolls of plastic, two inmate crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections, several barricades and generators.  In addition, inmates at four Illinois Department of Corrections facilities filled more than 6,000 sandbags that were transported to communities by trucks from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, IEMA deployed the agency's Unified Area Command vehicle to Marion, which will enable representatives from several state and local agencies to work together on a coordinated response.

Earlier this spring, IEMA pre-positioned 325,000 sandbags and 200 rolls of plastic at an IDOT facility in Carbondale to facilitate quick deployment if floods threatened.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

###

29 Apr 2011

DAVENPORT PARKS AND RECREATION AND B100 LAUNCH FAMILY FEST ON MAY 14TH

By Ron Summers

For the fifth year, Davenport Parks and Recreation and B100 Radio will sponsor Family Fest on Saturday, May 14th from noon to 3pm, at the River's Edge, 700 W River Dr, in Davenport. The event is free!

Family Fest is an exciting event for family members of all ages designed to get families out and in motion. Families will enjoy games, entertainment, crafts, and a variety of group activities on the indoor turf at the River's Edge. Davenport Parks and Recreation instructors and camp counselors will be at the event to offer a sampling of other summer Parks offerings, and will be available to answer any questions about other Parks programs.

After Family Fest, participants are invited to grab their bikes and join the Parks Director for a "Ride with the Director" bike tour along the riverfront trail to hear about parks projects and other upcoming projects that will be completed this season. Helmets are required.

Family Fest is a free family event kicking off Quad City in Motion Week. Quad Cities in Motion Week is a week of activities, May 14-21 to challenge all adults to get active. Everyone is encouraged to walk, bike or bus to work each day during the week. Free bike and bus transportation will be available all week on Transit, CitiBus and Metro. For more information about Quad City in Motion Week, visit
www.activatequadcities.org

29 Apr 2011

The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences adds a performance of Charlotte's Web

By Rick Martin

Amana - To accommodate its growing fan base, The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences will add a performance of Charlotte's Web on Saturday, May 14 at 1 p.m. The show was originally scheduled to end May 7.

A true favorite for so many, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was dramatized for the stage by Joseph Robinette and is directed by Sean McCall of Marengo. The cast consists of Laura Ambrose of Coon Rapids, Minn.; T.J. Besler of Manchester; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana; Jackie McCall of Marengo; Amber Snyder of Memphis, Tenn.; Ian Zahren of South Amana; and Kamille Zbanek of Ely, IA.

McCall said he doesn't want to turn anyone away who would like to see the show. "There are many things to consider when we think about adding a performance," he said. "But, our audience has spoken loudly with two sold out show, one on opening day. They want to see this show and that is why we are providing them with another opportunity to do that."

Seats are still available for May 7 and May 14 but going fast. Tickets are $8 per person and all seating is reserved.

Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for information or to purchase your tickets.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

29 Apr 2011

NAM and Vermeer Corporation Honor Senator Chuck Grassley for Supporting a Pro-Manufacturing Agenda

By Grassley Press

Senator Grassley's Votes in 111th Congress Show His Support for Economic Growth and Job Creation

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2011 - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence today in recognition of his consistent support of manufacturers and their employees across the United States. The Award was presented at an event sponsored by NAM member Vermeer Corporation at its facility in Pella, Iowa.

Members of Congress who maintained a voting record of 70 percent or higher during the 111th Congress (2009-2010) received the Award. Senator Grassley received a 77-percent key vote rating.

"On behalf of Vermeer Corporation and our employees, I thank Senator Grassley for championing the causes that will help manufacturers thrive in Iowa and across the United States," said Vermeer President and CEO Mary Andringa. "We're fortunate to have Senator Grassley supporting the efforts of Iowa manufacturers, advocating policies that will enable us to grow, create jobs, expand internationally and stay ahead of our global competition."

"Senator Grassley supports common-sense policies that will enable manufacturers to create and maintain good high-paying jobs in Iowa and throughout America," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.  "A vibrant manufacturing base is vital to getting our economy turned around and ensuring quality of life for all Americans. It is critical to have lawmakers like Senator Grassley whose actions consistently match their words when it comes to a pro-manufacturing agenda for economic growth and job creation."

Each key vote was selected by an NAM member-led advisory committee comprised of executives from small, mid-sized and large manufacturing companies. Members of Congress are notified in advance when key votes are pending and why the key vote designation has been made.

Key manufacturing votes for the 111th Congress included energy policy, taxes, regulations and labor law reform, among others. These policies are important components of the NAM's "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," a comprehensive plan for supporting jobs and the U.S. economy. You can view the Strategy at www.nam.org.

"The Award is a non-partisan indicator to help manufacturers and their employees sort out the true allies of manufacturing based on their votes on key issues that affect the manufacturing economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness," Timmons noted.

Voting records for all members of Congress are available at www.nam.org/votingrecord along with further details about NAM Key Manufacturing Votes.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs.  For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-NAM-

29 Apr 2011

AUGUSTANA GRADS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW PREMIUM MICRO-ROAST COFFEE TO THE QUAD CITIES

By Darlene Murphy

Tom Weigand and Annette Zapolis Introduce True Coffee at Cool Beanz 

Rock Island, Ill. (April, 27 2011) - Rock Island native, Augustana College graduate (1985) and Trustee Tom Weigand has again brought one of his entrepreneurial ventures to the Quad Cities.  Three years ago the Noodles & Company co-founder opened a restaurant in Davenport, Iowa and this time Weigand is working with fellow Augustana graduate Annette Zapolis (2009), owner and manager of Rock Island's Cool Beanz, to sell True Coffee, from his premium artisan coffee company launched in Madison, Wis. in 2010.  Weigand and four partners founded True Coffee Roasters with a commitment to roasting coffees from the great coffee-producing regions of the world using a small-batch roasting process that ensures premium flavor.  According to Weigand "Once we got up and running, I wanted to make our coffees available in the Quad Cities and preferably near Augustana because of all the requests from family and friends!"  He continued, "I learned about Annette's wonderful coffeehouse near Augustana and it was the perfect fit."

As a student at Augustana, Zapolis also began to study coffee, espresso, restaurant management and the needs of the community.   After finding the right location, applying a year of research and fixing up a 100-year-old building, Zapolis opened Cool Beanz in August 2009.  The goal of Cool Beanz coffeehouse is to provide a comfortable environment for the Quad Cities community, as well as a place for Augustana and Blackhawk College students to study, relax, interact and enjoy high quality products in a warm atmosphere.  On any day, guests include families spending time together by the three sided fireplace, students diligently working in books and laptops and couples and friends enjoying gourmet sandwiches, salads and beverages. On weekends, local talent graces the Cool Beanz stage for toe-tapping entertainment. Entertainment schedule, events and more can be found at www.coolbeanzcoffeehouse.com.

In addition to small batch roasting, True Coffee practices many sustainable initiatives such as purchasing predominantly Fair Trade and Organic coffees.  According to Weigand, "These coffees come at a higher cost, but we know we are making a difference in coffee-producing communities throughout the world and in return our customers get a really well-grown coffee."  To take sustainability one step further, True Coffee has launched a unique Can Refill program for customers who purchase coffee beans to use at home or office.  Rather than selling the coffees solely using the industry-standard disposable bag, which is likely to end up in a landfill, True Coffee offers a 12-ounce, refillable can made from tin, which is the most recycled material in U.S.  When guests return to refill their can, they receive 20% discount on their coffee purchase, each and every refill.  "We wanted a program that allowed customers the ability to purchase the freshest coffee, promote sustainability by using a refillable can and reward them with a 20% discount for doing so," said Weigand.  The program is rapidly expanding in coffee shops where True Coffee is sold throughout the Midwest, and the same program is now available at Cool Beanz.  Find out more about True Coffee Roasters at www.truecoffeeroasters.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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