24 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Action

By Andrew Mason

Governor Quinn Announces Leading Scrap Metal Recycling Company Will Move to Illinois; Relocation to Create Around 40 Jobs, Support 198 Construction Jobs

 CHICAGO - January 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that one of the Midwest's leading scrap metal recyclers, Becker Iron & Metal, Inc., will relocate its headquarters from St. Louis, Missouri to Venice, Illinois. The company's move will help create at least 42 permanent Illinois jobs and support another 198 construction jobs as part of an overall $4 million investment in Madison County.

"We are continuing to take the necessary steps to increase our competitiveness in the global economy, which is why more businesses are choosing to move to Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "We are stabilizing our fiscal climate, investing in state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure and supporting emerging green technologies - and it's giving us an edge over competing states."

The $4 million construction project will be partially financed by a $928,400 grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Freight Rail Program. The grant will help finance construction activities, including new rail track, radiation detection and lighting.

Becker Iron & Metal is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that has served the scrap metal industry for more than a century. The new state-of-the art facility in Venice will accommodate the shipment of more than 500 railcars of scrap metal per year. Becker is currently preparing final engineering plans for the site, and occupancy on the new facility is expected in June 2011.

"This agreement exemplifies a great partnership between the private and public sectors to stimulate the regional economy," Becker Iron & Metal President Mike Becker said. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the state of Illinois."

"The cooperation among state and company officials was critical in this success story," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Most importantly, however, this move again proves that Illinois' robust transportation network is one of many advantages our state offers businesses."

"This is a great example of how our collective efforts are helping to bring greater economic development and creating jobs in all areas of the state," said Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley. "I would like to congratulate Becker on their expansion and look forward to their continued growth in Illinois."

Becker Iron & Metal is the second company this week to relocate to Illinois. Governor Quinn announced yesterday that steel producer Evraz Inc. will relocate its North American headquarters to Chicago. The Governor also announced major agreements between Chinese government officials and a dozen Illinois soybean producers to sell their products to China.

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Governor Quinn Announces Agreement toBoost Trade Between Illinois and China; Continues State's Efforts to Remain at Forefront of Global Marketplace

CHICAGO - January 21, 2011.  Governor Pat Quinn today announced an agreement to strengthen Illinois' trade with China. Under the agreement, the Beijing International Brand Management Center (BIBMC) will set up "American Goods Distribution Centers" in Beijing and Shanghai to promote Illinois products and services in China, and an "American Goods Purchase Center" in Chicago to encourage Chinese investment in Illinois.

"Today's agreement will boost small- and mid-sized businesses throughout Illinois, while ensuring that our state remains a leader in the global marketplace," said Governor Quinn. "This partnership will provide Illinois businesses with the tools they need to enter the Chinese market and continue to grow our economy."

Under the agreement, the state will recommend Illinois products to the BIBMC - particularly in the agricultural, auto parts and construction machinery sectors - and will assist with the establishment of the American Goods Purchase Center in Chicago. Through the distribution centers, BIBMC will provide intellectual property rights protection, Chinese distribution development, channel construction, marketing and other comprehensive services to Illinois companies in China.

"By setting up two American Goods Centers in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and the Changning District of Shanghai, the International Brand Management Center will provide a 'one-stop-shop' to promote Illinois products and services to be sold in the Chinese market. The centers will also be an important platform to promote Chinese investment to Illinois," said Mr. Tan Li, Vice Director, China Association of International Trade, Beijing International Brand Management Center.

"Establishment of these distribution centers in Beijing and Shanghai is a strategic decision that will help put the state in an extremely competitive position as we continue our efforts to market Illinois globally," said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "These centers give us an opportunity to further investment and trade in China and around the world."

China is Illinois' third largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states in agricultural exports to China. Illinois agriculture exports to China have increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall exports to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. In the first nine months of 2010, Illinois' exports to China reached $2.33 billion, representing a 37.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2009. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois residents.

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Governor Quinn Welcomes Chinese Delegation, Announces Global Business Agreements; Chinese Businesses Sign Agreements to Purchase Illinois Soy Products

CHICAGO - January 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed a delegation of Chinese government and business leaders to Illinois and announced that more than a dozen Illinois providers of soy products have entered into sales agreements with buyers from 24 Chinese companies.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure that Illinois remains a leader in the global marketplace. We are the transportation hub of the Midwest; we have the best farmland in the world; and we are committed to growing green technologies," said Governor Quinn. "These important agreements with China will further grow our economy, and we will continue to show the world why Illinois is a premier place to do business."

China is Illinois' third-largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states for agricultural export to China. Farmers and companies with operations in Illinois, including ADM, Bunge, Cargill, CHS, Columbia Grain Trading and Louis Drefyus, participated in the agreements with Chinese firms.

Governor Quinn was joined at today's event by China's Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao, Danny Murphy, Chairman of American Soybean Association Trade Policy and International Affairs Committee and Treasurer of U.S. Soybean Export Council, entrepreneurs from China and the representatives of the Illinois Soybean Association.

"The Chinese government highly values and supports the Sino-U.S. business cooperation that aims at a win-win result, and it is the mission of the Chinese delegation to encourage more Chinese purchase from and Chinese investment in the United States," said Vice Minister Wang.

Agriculture export to China from Illinois has increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall export to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois citizens.

"The Illinois Soybean Association is very pleased to have Governor Quinn be part of this signing ceremony with China, our number one customer of Illinois soybeans," said Ron Moore, Illinois Soybean Association chairman.  This is a testament to how the Governor recognizes the value and importance of Illinois soybean production, which ranks second in the U.S. with 466 million bushels harvested in 2010."

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Governor Quinn Makes Three Appointments to University of Illinois Board of Trustee: All Three Appointees are Alumni of State's Flagship University

CHICAGO - January 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made three appointments to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Patricia Brown Holmes and Ricardo Estrada will join the board as new appointees, while Karen Hasara will continue to serve following her September 2009 appointment.

"Students from all over the world come to Illinois because they know that they will receive the highest quality of education from the University of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I am confident that today's appointees will help ensure the continued integrity and quality of our state's flagship university."

All three appointees are alumni of the University of Illinois. Holmes, a partner at Schiff Hardin LLP, has been named one of Illinois' "Top 50 Women Lawyers" by Illinois Super Lawyers. She received both her bachelor of science and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois. Estrada currently serves as the first deputy commissioner in the Department of Family and Support Services for the City of Chicago. He received his master of business administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Governor Quinn also reappointed Karen Hasara to the university's board. Hasara, a current trustee for the Springfield Mass Transit District, served as mayor of the city of Springfield from 1995-2003. She received both her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The primary governing body of the university, the board is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the use of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. It exercises jurisdiction over all matters except those which it has delegated to the president of the university or other officers or agencies.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees consists of 13 members, including the Governor as an ex officio member. Nine are appointed by the Governor and serve six year terms. Three student trustees, one from each University of Illinois institution, are elected by referenda on their respective campuses for one-year terms. One of these student trustees is designated by the Governor to have an official vote.

 

CHICAGO - January 18, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:
Bill No.: SB 2814
Regulates fire equipment suppression systems and employees who work on those systems through licensure requirements.
An Act Concerning: Professional Regulation
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: SB 3461
Extends the Emergency Budget Act until June 30, 2011.
An Act Concerning: State Government
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
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20 Jan 2011

Recycled Card Craft Program Planned

By Lisa Gerwulf

On Saturday January, 29 at 2:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host recycled card crafts program.  Did you know that during the holiday season we generate 5 million tons of trash?  Recycling is the key!  By attending this fun afternoon program, participants will learn to make gift boxes, decorative tags, ornaments and much more from recycled holiday cards.  Scissors, glue, rulers and pencils will be provided; participants need only to bring cards.  Pre-registration is required by calling (563) 328-3286.  BYOM ~ Bring Your Own Mug.

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.
20 Jan 2011

Four-Year-Old Program Partner Organizations Host Information Session and Tour At Children's Village West

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa -The Davenport Community School District has announced that the Four-Year-Old Program community partner organizations will host an information session and tour from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 at Children's Village West, 2826 West Locust Street, Davenport (across from the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds). Legislators, community partners, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce representatives, and members of the media are being invited to attend.

The session will begin with an overview of Iowa's statewide voluntary preschool program for four-year-old children which will include local, state and national data showing the impact of quality preschool education. Several brief presentations by community partner organizations will follow, concluding with a tour of the facilities and an opportunity to observe the program first-hand.

The Four-Year-Old Program provides more opportunities for all children aged four in the State of Iowa to attend a quality preschool and enter kindergarten ready to learn. The program in the Davenport Area Community School District alone impacts more than 800 students and includes over 20 partner sites.

A recent analysis of over 120 studies of students in preschool programs from over the last five decades showed these students made gains in both cognitive and social-emotional skills that persisted well beyond the early elementary years. "The Perry Preschool Project" clearly lays out the long term economic impact of these programs beyond school.

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20 Jan 2011

BIX BEIDERBECKE MEMORIAL SOCIETY ELECTS 2011 OFFICERS

By Leo Schubert

Davenport, IA - The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society has elected officers to lead the 40 year old organization during 2011.

Mike Boyler, President

Jim Petersen, Vice President

Muriel Voss, Treasurer

Leo Schubert, Secretary

Plans for the 40th Annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, August 4 -August 7, 2011, are well in place for the most exciting weekend in the Festival's history.

In addition to concerts in Davenport's riverfront LeClaire Park , the best of traditional jazz will be heard in three other venues; the historic Hotel Blackhawk, the Col Ballroom, and the River Music Experience.

"We are bringing Bix home to downtown Davenport", is how one Board member characterized the 40th Festival.

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20 Jan 2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters Putt-A-Round

By Samantha Shryack

DAVENPORT, IOWA (January 10, 2011) - The Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its annual Putt-A-Round Wednesday through Friday January 19 to 21, 2011 in the Mississippi Hall of the River Center- Davenport, Iowa. This year's course features 21 holes custom built by area businesses, with more than 800 people are expected to participate.

The organization goal is to raise $60,000 to underwrite over 1,000 one-to-one mentoring relationships established and supported in Scott and Rock Island counties.

Shift Schedule for Tournament:

  • Wednesday - January 19th- 5:30-7:30PM "Big Little Night"

  • Thursday- January 20th- 11:30AM - 1:00PM, 3:30 - 5:00PM, 5:30 - 7:00PM, 7:30-9:00PM

  • Friday - January 21st, 11:30AM -1:00PM, 3:30 - 5:00PM, 5:30-7:00PM

Thursday and Friday shifts will be adult/corporate teams.

Over 800 participants expected.

Sponsors:

Presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo Bank.

Major sponsors: River Center, Quad City Amateur Tour

Hole/Contest sponsors: Iowa American Water, Ryan Companies, Tri-City Electric, Ascentra Credit Union, DMW Design, Builders Sand and Cement, Estes Construction, Russell Construction, Treiber Construction, Galaxy 1, Heritage Landscape, Valspar/River Valley Turf, Pigott Interiors, Northwest Bank & Trust, Lujack's, Climate River Valley, City of Davenport, SMG, Bush Construction, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.

NOTE: Media is invited to attend any shift!

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18 Jan 2011

Internships with Senator Grassley

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Q.  Do you offer Iowa students opportunities to intern in your office?

A.  Yes.  I strongly encourage college students and recent graduates to intern in my offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City, Waterloo and Washington, D.C.  Four-month internships are available during the fall and spring semesters, and six-week internships are available during two summer sessions.  Many colleges and universities recognize internships for college credit.  In addition to being a tremendous learning opportunity, the experience can make students more competitive in the job market, on and off Capitol Hill. Many members of my permanent staff are former interns.

Q.  What do interns do?

A.  Interns assist permanent staff members in the administrative, legislative, and press departments, as well as my Judiciary Committee staff.  Some intern responsibilities include assisting with scheduling, helping constituents with questions, giving Capitol tours and researching topics related to current Senate issues.  Internships are a great way for young Iowans to gain valuable work experience and learn first-hand about the legislative branch of government.

Q.  Who should apply for an internship?

A.  All college-age Iowans are welcome to apply.  I look for detail-oriented, enthusiastic individuals.  Internships aren't just for political science majors.  I've had interns who were majoring in everything from theater to business to Russian, as well.

Q.  How can students apply for an internship?

A.  My office is currently accepting applications for the summer sessions.  The first session runs from May 23 to July 1.  The second session runs from July 5 to August 19.  Applications for both sessions are due March 15.  Applications are available in the placement offices of many Iowa colleges, my Iowa offices, and online at http://grassley.senate.gov/info/internships.cfm.  Completed applications should be sent to intern_applications@grassley.senate.gov or faxed to 202-224-6020.

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17 Jan 2011

Muscatine Student Selected to Attend Naval Academy

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that Tyler John Husar of Muscatine has been selected to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Husar is a student at Muscatine High School, and is the son of Cindy L. Husar.

"The U.S. service academies offer students an excellent education and an opportunity to serve their country at the highest level.  I'm proud that another young Iowan is meeting the challenge at one of these great institutions," Grassley said.  "The Naval Academy accepts only the best and brightest, and Tyler will represent Iowa well on campus."

Each year, Grassley nominates young Iowans for the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY.  Information on the application process is available on Grassley's website at http://grassley.senate.gov/info/academy_nominations.cfm.  Applications for the 2012 school year are due on October 1, 2011.

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17 Jan 2011

Local media veteran joins Media Link to expand firm's PR & Marketing capabilities

By Media Link Inc

Rock Island, IL/January 5, 2011 -- A well-known name in Quad-Citiy media has joined forces with the region's only 8(a) certified marketing firm. Leigh Geramanis joins the Media Link team as an Account Manager and will develop and manage new accounts.

Geramanis has been consulting with Media Link over the past eleven months, assisting with client development. "It has been such a great fit for both of us that it just made sense to make it 'official.' I'm so inspired by Natalie Linville-Mass's business model. It's exactly what businesses are looking for in this challenging environment: the ultimate in quality service, flexibility and results."

Leigh's career prior to Media Link afforded her a rare perspective on the workings of media. Leigh has been an award-winning medical reporter and anchor, in the international medical destination of Rochester, MN. Leigh later helped facilitate Mayo Clinic's efforts to fight a railroad's plan to send high-speed coal trains less than 100 yards from the Mayo's Rochester campus. Leigh and her teammates helped educate policymakers, taxpayer watchdog groups, and the media about a proposed $2.3 billion federal dollar loan that would have financed the project. Their work resulted in the loan ultimately being denied. For six years, Leigh served clients of esteemed research and consultation firm, Frank N. Magid Associates, working with some of America's most successful local television stations. Among her clients: Fortune 500 executives, an ambassador, and a recent governor. Since returning to her hometown in 2007, Leigh has worked as News Director for WQAD, and Director of Marketing and Communications for Trinity Regional Health System. Leigh is a graduate of Rock Island High School, Black Hawk College and Southern Illinois University.

"I am so fortunate to have someone of Leigh's caliber on our team. Her expertise as a consultant and in the filed of media is a big help for our customers. She reinforces our scope and capability as a marketing firm," said Media Link founder and President Natalie Linville-Mass, who incorporated the company in 2001.

Media Link is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link is the only marketing firm in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.

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17 Jan 2011

Winter play reflects classic myths with modern twist

By Clyde Andrew Walter

Rock Island, Ill.-Augustana's Department of Theatre Arts will meld tradition with the avant-garde in its upcoming performances of Metamorphoses, a contemporary retelling of Ovid's classic tales written by American playwright Mary Zimmerman. Performances will run Jan. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Potter Theatre, located in Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 - 7th Ave.).

Metamorphoses made its debut in Chicago in 1998 with the famous Lookingglass Theatre Company.  Rather than telling one story, the play is divided into short segments, each of which portrays a different classic Greek myth. Because of the segmented structure, the actors play multiple roles throughout the show.

One of the play's most striking features is the scenery it requires. The separate vignettes all focus on human change, which is illustrated symbolically through frequent references to water. To convey this central theme, the majority of the stage is occupied by a large reflecting pool, which serves as everything from a wash basin to the River Styx during the production.

In addition to the pool, the myths are mostly conveyed through "ensemble movement" rather than with physical props. Director Saffron Henke explains, "[With ensemble movement,] instead of putting an actual tree onstage, the actors themselves create a tree." Although this technique is difficult, Henke says the students have risen to the challenge. "The cast has come a long way in terms of working together and creating an ensemble. They have been very willing to try new things."

Henke was asked to direct Metamorphoses after visiting Augustana to conduct a short workshop on movement for actors. An accomplished director, educator and performer, Henke currently lives in Iowa City. She has performed in more than 60 professional plays around the world and in television and film. Her directing credits include shows with the Sacramento Theatre Company, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble.

Tickets for Metamorphoses are available at $11 for the general public and $9 for senior citizens and full-time students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.augustana.edu/tickets, by calling the ticket office at (309) 794-7306 or at the door. This show is appropriate for older youth and adults.

Metamorphoses is the second production of Augustana's 2010-11 theatre season, "Reflections." At the end of April and beginning of May, the Department of Theatre Arts will perform Thornton Wilder's classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town.

For more information, contact Andrew Walter at clydeandrewwalter@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7833.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world. 

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17 Jan 2011

Come Together For Music Education

By Tom Vaccaro
Date: Saturday, Feb. 5th, 2011-7:30 pm

Location: Moline High School Auditorium

Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 at the door

Proceeds to benefit the music dept. at Moline HS

Starring: The Liverpool Legends,  Beatles Tribute Band

Meet Louise Harrison!

 

The Beatles took America by storm when they were barely out of high school. Now Moline High School music students can benefit, thanks to The Beatles Tribute Band, The Liverpool Legends and their spectacular multimedia extravaganza, "Come Together For Music Education".

On Saturday, Feb. 5th at 7:30 pm, George Harrison's sister Louise brings this live, Broadway styled stage production to the Moline High School Auditorium to benefit the Maroon's music students. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet Louise Harrison and the band!

In a new, special feature, students of the Moline High School music department will perform onstage with the Liverpool Legends, backing them vocally and instrumentally on "Got To Get You Into My Life", "Sgt. Pepper", "Hey Jude", "Yesterday", Hello Goodbye", "Something" and more.

The Liverpool Legends are 4 talented musicians and actors handpicked by Louise Harrison making them the only Beatles Tribute Band in the world with a direct, biological link to the original Fab Four. "The Liverpool Legends present the very best portrayal of The Beatles" says Louise.

Headlining their own production in Branson, Mo. since 2006, Liverpool Legends have been voted Best New Show, Best Band, Best Show and the prestigious Branson Visitor's Choice Award. The Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the entire career of The Beatles and on through the solo years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments, big screen documentary footage narrated by Louise and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing! Together, these four lads will bring "A Complete Beatles Experience."

In this era of state budget cuts, school music programs are struggling to survive.  George Harrison did one Public Service Announcement in his life and it promoted the creative and financial well being of music and performing arts programs within our nation's schools.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Call 309-743-8833 for tickets.

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