DES MOINES, IA (12/09/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants shoppers to give themselves a present this holiday season while giving their children or grandchildren one of the best gifts of all - an education. He's talking about College Savings Iowa, a convenient and tax-advantaged way to help children save for college. "Opening a College Savings Iowa account has two-fold benefits," said Fitzgerald. "Not only are you helping a child prepare for his/her future education, you can take advantage of the tax benefits as well. It's the perfect gift!"

Iowa taxpayers contributing to College Savings Iowa can deduct up to $2,811 per account from their state taxable income in 2010.* To take advantage of this great tax-savings opportunity, investors can contribute online at www.collegesavingsiowa.com. All other contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2010. If the contribution is being mailed, checks must be postmarked by December 31, 2010.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, call 888-672-9116 or visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

Renaissance Rock Island hosted the 22nd Annual Hard Hat celebration today at the new Comedy Sportz. The event is designed to recognize investment in the community and thank those who have helped strengthen Rock Island. The organizations of Renaissance Rock Island - Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), and The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) - are pleased to present the following awards.

Golden Brooms - Golden Brooms are awarded for outstanding maintenance.

§  Big Catz House of Chrome

Located on the corner of First Avenue and 16th Streets in Rock Island, Big Catz House of Chrome receives more than their share of traffic. Tending not only to their existing property, the owners work to improve and maintain the landscape of surrounding parking lots, sidewalks and green space.

§  Illinois Casualty Insurance

Having just celebrated their 60th Anniversary, Illinois Casualty Insurance, located at 225 - 20th Street, consistently maintains their property to spotless perfection.

Golden Paintbrush - New in 2010, the Golden Paintbrush is awarded for outstanding painting improvements.

§  El Patron Bar & Grill

Step into this establishment, which opened in March of this year, and you feel as though you have entered another country. No surface has been left untouched, with hand painted original murals throughout.

§  Phil Scott

A lot of paint and imagination went into painting the wall of an adjoining property to create an undersea view for patrons of Cabana's outdoor patio. This larger than life aquatic mural can be seen by passers-by as well, enhancing the landscape along Fourth Avenue.

§  Regalia Manufacturing

Located at 2018 Fourth Avenue, and family owned since 1897, Regalia Manufacturing recently repainted the entire façade of their historic building.

§  Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company

Located at 4515 - 6th Avenue, Fanth Curry sits at the gateway to Rock Island. Extensive exterior painting has improved the look of this business, and offers a much improved first impression.

Golden Hammers - Golden Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment.

§  RILCO - Rock Island Lubricants

The Golden Hammer was awarded to RILCO for brush removal, cleanup and concrete work. Located at 1320 - 1st Street RILCO also underwent a major expansion project.

§  Realm Wellness Spa

A new business that opened in March 2010, located at 150 - 16½ Street, Realm Wellness Spa offers a wide array of spa services, a natural juice bar and other wellness services. Since their opening, Realm Wellness Spa has expanded both in space and services.

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  Mainstream Commercial Group Ltd. - for Watchtower Plaza

Located on 11th Street, Watchtower Plaza repaired the existing parking lot and applied new asphalt, a major project with noticeable impact. In addition, management has been diligently working to fill spaces.

§  Dial Properties - for Rock Valley Plaza

Located at 4800 Blackhawk Road, Rock Valley Plaza has a new front façade, a major upgrade

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  City Limits Saloon and Grill

This property has undergone major exterior work, including decks and a new addition. Located at 4514 - 9th Street, City Limits recently completed this work and is now open for business.

§  Bill's Moving & Storage

Bill's Moving & Storage added foam insulation, coping and EFIS, greatly improving the facility and property value located at 104 - 10th Street.

Green Hammers - New for 2010, Green Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment utilizing a "green" initiative.

§  Steve's Old Time Tap

A long time Rock Island establishment recently installed new, energy efficient windows and dramatically improved the appearance of the façade with new awnings. Located at 223 - 17th Street.

§  Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern

A new façade , new awnings and new "green" windows and door are just some of the recent improvements to this business, which has been working on several improvements over the past few years.

§  Klauer Heating & Air Conditioning

Three commercial buildings have been installed with new windows and doors. Many of the upgrades to these buildings are energy efficient.

Mayor & City Council Trophy

The Mayor & City Council's Trophy is awarded for the most strategic new investment.

Finalists:

• Rock Island Center for Math and Science

Located at the former Villa de Chantal property, this 64,000 square foot building holds 550 students from pre-K through 6th grade. The facility includes a science lab, state of the art technology, a community room, music room , media center and production room, and separate gymnasium and cafeteria. 

The school is situated in the heart of Rock Island, on almost 10 acres of wooded nature trails. It is a place where creative, innovative ideas are encouraged to challenge students and make learning exciting, where teachers can be flexible in meeting students' needs. It is a place where parents and teachers are partners in helping their students to learn and grow.

• Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant

With an investment of $2.2 million dollars, The City of Rock Island rehabilitated an aging powerhouse that now offers significant environmental benefits for all. City utility customers and taxpayers will benefit directly in the future due to lower costs for the electricity needed to operate city facilities. The Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant operates as an enterprise fund, like the city's water and sewer utilities. 95% of its revenue is earned by selling electricity to the largest City-owned users, such as the water and sewage treatment plants. The remainder is earned by selling excess electricity to Mid-American Energy.

Winner:

• Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Officially opened in July of this year,  this 1/5 of a mile long park is the former site of the Jumer's Casino Rock Island riverboat gaming operation and National Guard Armory building.  The new demountable flood protection wall provides continued protection when necessary, while maintaining an unencumbered view of the Mississippi River. The main stage area and great lawn mimics the former Armory Building footprint.  In keeping with the RiverVision Plan, Schwiebert Riverfront Park has reconfigured urban public open space into a park-like setting that includes a state of the art playground, interactive water feature and performance stage that  are sure to improve the quality of living in Rock Island. 

CC Wilson Trophy for the Most Dedicated - Kevin Koski

Kevin Koski has served on the Renaissance Rock Island Exec Board for the past 17 years. With a goal of making Rock Island a better place to work, live and play, Kevin's own family is a testament to the success of his efforts. His children returned to Rock Island and have made it their home.

He has a proven track record that includes being a vital force in the clean-up of discarded tires for many years. His dedication and contribution to the betterment of the community has earned Kevin this year's award for being the most dedicated DARI member. 

Mo Payton for the Volunteer of the Year - Jan Masamoto

Jan Masamoto has served on countless boards and committees, including DARI and GROWTH as well as her current role as Chairman of The District Board of Directors.  Jan is intelligent, tireless, entrepreneurial, passionate and well respected throughout the Quad Cities. In addition to running her own company, JTM Concepts, Jan does more than her part to support many charitable organizations throughout the community.

The Renaissance Rock Island Vision Award - John Phillips 

John Phillips has the vision necessary to move forward.  In his role as City Manager, John Phillips has devoted more than 20 years with a vision and a single purpose -the betterment of the city of Rock Island. Through leadership, hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment, John has steadfastly worked to make this community the best it can be.

Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) has been recognized by Community College Week as one of the top 20 fastest growing community colleges in the nation.

EICCD was listed as the 14th fastest growing community college among those with enrollment between 5,000 and 9,999. The college posted a 22 percent enrollment increase between 2008 and 2009 (8,480 students in 2008 compared to 6,975 the prior year).

"I'm very excited that we made this list and received this recognition," said EICCD Chancellor Dr. Pat Keir. "We knew, of course, how much we have grown these past two years but we didn't realize how well that compared with other colleges across the country."

EICCD includes Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges.

Dr. Keir pointed out that the ranking only tells part of the story. On top of the 22 percent increase in 2009, enrollment increased by another 10.4 percent in 2010. Fall enrollment at the three colleges this year was 9,365 students.

The college's students attend classes at the three main campuses and satellite sites in Maquoketa, Wilton, downtown Davenport and the Blong Technology Center just off Interstate 80 in Davenport. Partnerships with high schools throughout the EICCD region also allow for current high school students to take college classes right in their school buildings.

"There's no doubt that economic factors have contributed to that growth," Dr. Keir said. "But we need to also recognize the tremendous amount of work being done by our staff and faculty in providing educational opportunities to students. Without all of the work that our people are doing, without all of the partnerships they are building with high schools and the community, none of this would have been possible."

"It's also very important for me to mention and thank the public for its support," she added. "Without that support, especially their approval of our bond referendum three years ago, we would have not been able to accommodate the growing number of students."

Voters in the eastern Iowa district approved a 2007 bond referendum for $33 million. That funding has allowed the college to build new science centers at all three colleges, a new university center in Muscatine, CCC's Maquoketa Center, expansion of the career technologies wing and construction of the new Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center at SCC, and support of a new Wilton Library and Community Center with classrooms dedicated for MCC. Additional renovations are still underway and future plans call for construction of a new west Davenport center, located next to the city's Fairmount Street Library, scheduled to open next fall.

In addition to the students in the traditional classrooms, the college's online enrollment is also increasing. The number of students in online programs increased to 2,837 in 2010, compared to 1,957 in 2009. Approximately half of these students are enrolled exclusively in online classes while the other half are in both online as well as traditional classroom-based classes.

EICCD partners with six other Iowa community colleges in the online program, making it possible for students to earn their Associate in Arts Degree entirely online. The local college also has unique online programs available in Health Information Technology, Cancer Information Management, and Health, Safety and Environmental Technology.

For more information about the colleges' programs call 1-888-336-3907 or e-mail eiccinfo@eicc.edu

ST. LOUIS (December 9, 2010) - In the season of giving, Iowa farmers can get into the holiday spirit by registering to win $2,500 for their favorite nonprofit organizations through the America's Farmers Grow Communities^SM program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. One farmer in each of Iowa's 99 participating counties will win.

As the holidays are quickly approaching, so is the Dec. 31 deadline for registration. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or by calling 1-877-267-3332 for the chance to direct $2,500 to organizations such as 4-H, FFA, local libraries or fire departments.

Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture, are eligible.

Pilot programs in 10 states resulted in $1.2 million being donated to nonprofit organizations in rural communities. Now, farmers in more than 1,200 counties across 38 states have the opportunity to support youth organizations, schools and community groups of their choice.

In addition to the $2,500 donation to a local organization, local United Way chapters will receive a $1 donation from the Monsanto Fund with each farmer sign-up, providing yet another opportunity for farmers to make a difference in their communities.

Eligible counties in Iowa include Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth, and Wright.

Visit www.growcommunities.com to sign up and to learn more about the America's Farmers Grow Communities program. This opportunity is open to qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations in February 2011.

The program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities, in order to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society. To obtain a copy of the official rules for this program, visit www.growcommunities.com or send a written request to Eileen Jensen, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63102.

About Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company.  Incorporated in 1964, the Fund's primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.

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