13 Apr 2010

Survey Results Show Rock Island Improved

By Jennifer Fowler

Every two years, the Community Marketing program of Renaissance Rock Island conducts a telephone survey to determine statistically valid perceptions about Rock Island. Personal Marketing Research, Inc. (PMR) was contracted to administer the survey in the fourth quarter of 2009. The sample for the study was comprised of 800 respondents, allowing for an overall margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points at 95% level of confidence. 400 Rock Island residents and 400 non-residents were questioned.

The 34-page executive summary can be downloaded at this link  http://www.liveri.com/index.php/business/community-profile/community-survey

Overwhelmingly, Rock Island residents believe that Rock Island is a good place to live (91%). The majority of residents have a positive view of Rock Island (65%) and non-residents have a neutral perception (56%).

When rating City services and the School District, residents gave more positive answers than in 2007. Residents feel that the amount of property taxes paid for City services (46%) and School District services (48%) is appropriate. All City services were rated above average by residents. Residents think the schools are better or much better than five years ago (36%).

Respondents state that Rock Island has the best downtown (39%). This has changed dramatically since 1990 when respondents thought Rock Island had the worst downtown. People go downtown for entertainment, dining, and bars and this has remained consistent since 1990.

Residents and non-residents agree with the Rock Solid, Rock Island brand statements - now five years old: Rock Island is a welcoming environment, a place that supports entrepreneurial spirit, and a place that celebrates a diverse environment. Rock Island offers a wide variety of residential housing options, has innovative public and private schools, offers a complete set of recreational and leisure activities, provides outstanding city and governmental services and is a regional leader in downtown development.

Respondents feel that Rock Island is safe (76% stated very safe or safe), and more residents stated so (87% stated very safe or safe). Residents feel safe in their neighborhoods (84% stated very safe or safe). Respondents feel that Rock Island properties are well kept (63%), with residents feeling more so (71%). Respondents feel downtown Rock Island is safe (49% stated very safe or safe), while more residents felt safe (54% stated very safe or safe).

Perceptions of Rock Island have improved since 1990, due to continual improvements in the city. However, just as stated in the conclusions of the 1990 market research, work will need to continue.

13 Apr 2010

Jewish Federation and German American Heritage Center Museum team up to show "Saviors in the Night" film on May 2, 2010 in Davenport, Iowa

By Janet Brown-Lowe

DAVENPORT, IOWA (April 12, 2010)  In partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, the German American Heritage Center will be showing the film "Saviors in the Night" at the German American Heritage Center at 712 West Second Street in Davenport, Iowa on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. The film will be shown on the 4th floor program space and refreshments will be served. Cost is $5 per adult, free for museum members and free for students. For those who would like to explore the museum prior to the movie, please arrive early before the movie as the exhibits close at 4 p.m.

Ludi Boeken's "Under Bauern" (Saviors in the Night) tells of farmers ? unter bauern ? in Westphalia who sheltered Jewish friends from the Nazis. The movie is based on Marga Speigel's memoir "Saviour in the Night" who tells the story of how a little family survived in their hiding place because of the help of farmer families Aschoff, Pentrop, Sickmann and Silkenbömer from the Münsterland. The film will be subtitled. You can watch the movie trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WLAvZC91po

-END-
13 Apr 2010

Scott County Farmer Wins $2,500 for North Scott FFA in Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM Projec

By Rick Martin
ST. LOUIS (April 12) - Ronald Wilson of Bettendorf has been selected as a winner in Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM Project, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local non-profit organizations in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Wilson has designated the North Scott FFA Chapter located in Eldridge to receive the award.

Wilson says he is very excited to have been selected as the winner for Scott County. "There have been budget cuts, so the school might not have the funds available like they've had in the past to support groups like the FFA chapter," explains Wilson. "Not many kids are involved in agriculture anymore. One way to keep them involved is through programs like FFA. Monsanto's grant program is great. It will help give recognition to what farmers do."

Jamie Gray, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, says the $2,500 will be used to help the students develop leadership skills by attending career development events, state leadership conferences and the National FFA Convention.

"American farmers are the backbone of this country, and without them we wouldn't have anything," says Gray. "The communities that make up the North Scott School District are very lucky to be surrounded by the farming industry. It felt good to know that Ron felt the North Scott FFA Chapter could benefit from this program. Monsanto has always been giving back to the communities and supporting organizations like the FFA. They know the importance of FFA and agriculture in the classroom and all it has to offer students and the community."

Brandon Messer, North Scott FFA member adds: "I would like to thank Ron Wilson for nominating us for this award. I feel our farming community is very supportive of our FFA chapter and would like to thank them for all their support."

The $2,500 donation was awarded at a ceremony held April 8 during the North Scott FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony in Eldridge. The America's Farmers Grow Communities Project was offered throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas. It is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Company to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. More than 7,500 farmers participated in the program, which is designed to benefit non-profit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. The program is currently in the process of being expanded to include additional states. Visit www.growcommunities.com to see a complete list of winners.
13 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Calls On Illinois Taxpayers To File For Earned Income Tax Credit

By Alicia Anderson

Use Free Tax Preparation Help; Avoid Refund Anticipation Loans


 

CHICAGO - April 10, 2010. Governor Quinn today hailed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for providing tax relief to thousands of hard-working families and urged all eligible Illinois taxpayers to use the credit when filing their 2009 returns this year.

The Governor also encouraged those who need help filing their returns to utilize the free tax preparation assistance offered by community groups and he warned taxpayers to avoid using costly tax refund anticipation loans that are offered by some commercial tax preparation companies.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best pro-job, pro-family and anti-poverty tax relief ever devised, and every eligible family in Illinois should receive the full credit," said Governor Quinn. "With the income tax deadline just five days away, it is important that Illinois' working families take advantage of free tax preparation assistance to help get their full refunds quickly and painlessly."

State partnerships with the Center for Economic Progress' Tax Counseling Project and Ladder Up (formerly the Tax Assistance Program) will offer free tax preparation assistance and e-filing for families across Illinois. Services are free for families who earned under $50,000 and individuals who made less than $25,000.

Through the partnerships, volunteer tax counselors will provide free tax assistance and counseling more than 30 sites throughout the state. Most sites will provide services from January 23 through April 15. Governor Quinn made today's announcement at Truman College in Chicago, which will serve as a Center for Economic Progress site. (A full list of locations is attached.)

Taxpayers can walk in to any of the locations, without an appointment, and work with trained volunteers who will help fill out their returns and make sure they file for all the credits, deductions and other benefits to which they're entitled.

Families raising three or more children in their home can get up to $5657 from the federal EITC with earnings of less than $48,279 (married, filing jointly). Illinois residents who claim the federal EITC may also receive the state EITC, which can save them up to $283.

Governor Quinn also encouraged residents to avoid the high cost of refund anticipation loans (RALs) offered by commercial tax preparation companies. According to a 2009 study by the Consumer Federation of America and the National Consumer Law Center, the price of a RAL for a typical loan of $3,000 can range from $62 to $110.

Most Illinois taxpayers can file state taxes for free at www.tax.illinois.gov and receive a refund in about a week. Additionally, many can file their federal taxes online for free as well. Information about filing federal taxes online can be found at www.irs.gov.

###

13 Apr 2010

Nearly $30 million for Disaster Recovery and Economic Development

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration has awarded five grants totaling nearly $30 million to Iowa communities that are still recovering from severe flooding over the last several years.

The Economic Development Administration serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States through the promotion of innovation and competitiveness and preparing regions for growth and success in the global economy.

According to the Economic Development Administration, the disaster recovery projects work to minimize economic dislocations resulting from natural and other disasters, improving responsiveness and effectiveness in the recovery process.

The Economic Development Administration has awarded funds as described below.

· Columbus Junction will receive $2,902,500 to help construct a new water treatment facility outside the floodplain.

· Dubuque will receive $1.5 million to help construct a multi-level parking facility.

· Iowa City will receive $22 million to help relocate the north wastewater treatment facility out of the Iowa River floodplain and $3 million to help design and perform engineering work to reconstruct and elevate Dubuque Street and the Park Road Bridge.

· Shenandoah will receive $232,500 to reconstruct storm sewer infrastructure in downtown Shenandoah.

-30-

13 Apr 2010

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day May 4 celebrates the kings, queens of the crosswalk.

By Margo O'Hara

In honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day May 4, 2010, Chicago Department of Transportation and the Active Transportation Alliance are asking neighbors to share stories about their local crossing guards. Chicago and suburban residents can share how much they value their crossing guard at www.activetrans.org/crossingguard

The survey will be open until through May 4, 2010, the day Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn declared as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day "in recognition of the services that these dedicated professionals provide to keep our citizens and their children safe."

"Crossing guards provide an invaluable service to our communities," said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. "They are out there every day making the streets safer by helping children get to school and guiding residents as they walk to the bus."

There are plenty of ways you can show your crossing guard appreciation May 4. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians all owe a bit of thanks to our unsung heroes.

  • Download and present them with this certificate of appreciation
  • Write a thank you note
  • Draw a picture of you and your crossing guard
  • Respect the crossing guard's authority
  • Bring them flowers from your garden
  • Pay attention when driving through the intersection
  • Introduce yourself
  • Smile! Wave! Wish them a Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

###

13 Apr 2010

Governor Pat Quinn Names Julie Hamos To Lead Healthcare and Family Services Agency

By Andrew Mason
New Director to Boost Illinois' Quality of Care, Support Initiatives

CHICAGO - April 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named State Representative Julie Hamos as Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). As agency director, Hamos will focus on expanding access to healthcare while improving patient safety.

"Julie has served our state with professionalism and integrity for many years and is a longtime champion of improving access to healthcare," said Governor Quinn. "In this new role, she will continue to be a strong advocate for families in need of better, more efficient and patient-centered healthcare. Julie will also be instrumental in the Illinois implementation of President Obama's ground-breaking healthcare reform plan."

Hamos has served in the Illinois House of Representatives since 1999 and represents the 18th District. Previously, she worked as the legislative counsel and policy advisor to then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley, before being appointed director of the Child Support Division, which overseas more than 300,000 child support cases each year. Hamos earned a Bachelor's degree from Washington University and a law degree George Washington University. (See attached background sheet.)

"I am honored to serve the people of Illinois as Director of Healthcare and Family Services and thank Governor Quinn for this opportunity," said Hamos. "I am a longtime advocate for expanding access to healthcare and believe in improving the quality of healthcare for Illinois families and protecting patients."

In 2003, Hamos worked to enact the Consumer Guide to Health Care Act, which requires hospitals and outpatient surgical treatment centers to disclose data on key measures for 30 medical procedures - part of a national movement to help consumers make comparisons based on quality healthcare data.

In 2005, Hamos sponsored legislation that created the Electronic Health Records Taskforce, and this year she is sponsoring the Illinois Health Information Exchange and Technology Act. That Act will establish a public-private Health Information Exchange Authority to work in conjunction with the Governor's Office of Health Information Technology to enable providers throughout Illinois to securely share patient health information, and it is a step toward the adoption of statewide electronic health records.

"Just a few weeks ago, President Obama signed historic legislation into law that will reform the healthcare system in our country," said Hamos. "I look forward to working on the frontline to carry out that reform throughout Illinois." 

Hamos succeeds former HFS Director Barry Maram, who is assisting in the leadership transition. Her position is effective April 16, 2010.

HFS provides affordable healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify. The department also provides free child support enforcement services to help ensure that Illinois children receive financial support from both parents. For more information on HFS, please visit www.hfs.illinois.gov.
###
13 Apr 2010

American Airlines envisions new distribution model

By BTCgram
American Airlines takes on GDS charges with a new distribution model - and intermediaries fight back
9 April 2010

American Airlines wants to deal directly with corporate travel managers and is attempting to cut out the middleman by putting up pay wall for Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and Travel Management Companies (TMCs) to access the content on AA.com. Predictably there is a chorus of opposition from intermediaries; but Wall Street likes it. Meanwhile, airlines around the world will be watching avidly.

"At the airline firm level, this probably seems very rational to (American)," said Business Travel Coalition (BTC) Chair Kevin Mitchell, who is leading a fight to stop Direct Connect. "It generates more revenue while lowering and shifting costs. But it also throws so much complexity and burdens the industry with so many new costs, it is irrational at the industry level. The airlines just don't get it. They want to eliminate the middle man but corporations have a very efficient and time-tested way of doing business and this will undermine that."

FULL STORY HERE: http://centreforaviation.twi.bz/b
13 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Delivers Keynote Address To 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium

By Robert Reed
Declares April "Earth Month", Presents Environmental Hero Awards
CHICAGO - April 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today delivered the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium at Walter Payton College Prep. Governor Quinn was joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Education and Chicago Public Schools in declaring the month of April "Earth Month" and presenting Environmental Hero Awards.
"We've come a long way in protecting precious natural resources and making our state 'green' but we can't stop now.  We must continue this important effort by recognizing that every month is Earth Month," said Governor Quinn. "By working together, we can teach today's youth the importance of conservation and creating a sustainable environment now and in the future."
Participants from across Illinois - including school administrators, superintendents, school board members, custodial staff, teachers, government officials and high school student environmental leaders - gathered at the daylong symposium in Chicago to exchange ideas that will enhance and promote green practices in K-12 schools.
The symposium is hosted by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter and Chicago Public Schools, and features presentations from local, state, and federal policy-makers, educators, green businesses and non-profits. Workshops cover a variety of topics aimed at giving participants ideas for making schools across Illinois green. Green school construction and renovation, energy usage in the classroom, environmental education and health, and ways to finance sustainability projects are just some of the areas that were discussed.
Governor Quinn also issued a proclamation declaring April as "Earth Month" in Illinois. Throughout the month, various state agencies will hold events and programs aimed at educating the public about the importance of environmentalism and conserving natural resources. Details about those events will be released in the coming weeks.
Governor Quinn serves as the chairman of the Great Lakes Commission, the Illinois River Coordinating Council and the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council. Governor Quinn has also signed numerous Executive Orders and statutes into law to ensure greater energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and protection of Illinois' land, air and water resources. For more information about Governor Quinn's sustainability initiatives, please visit www.Green.Illinois.gov.
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13 Apr 2010

Hamlet Insurance Agency recognized as Grinnell Mutual top agency

By Joseph Reid
Hamlet Insurance Agency, Inc. of Reynolds, Illinois was recently named to the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company President's Club for 2010 as a top agency for the company.

Recognized by Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Steve Crawford, Hamlet Insurance Agency ranks among the company's top 50 agencies and 15 farm mutual companies for outstanding production and profitability over a five-year period. President's Club members provide insights on key insurance and business issues to board members and management staff from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and Grinnell Select Insurance Companies.

"Our President's Club members provide valuable input as we seek their opinions on many topics, from product development to marketing," said Crawford. "The dynamics of today's insurance market continues to evolve quickly. For that reason, listening to our top agents and mutuals keeps our partnership and our service to the policyholder strong and stable."

The agents and staff at Hamlet Insurance Agency were recently presented with a plaque and letter of recognition from Grinnell Mutual for the agency's notable achievement.

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, with headquarters in Grinnell, Iowa, has been in business since 1909 and provides reinsurance and property and casualty insurance products for home owners, farm owners and business owners through nearly 1,600 independent agents in 11 Midwestern states. The company is the largest primary reinsurer of farm mutual companies in North America.
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