Funding will establish a workforce training facility at Southeastern Community College

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that Southeastern Community College in Keokuk will receive $1,000,308 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). These competitively awarded funds will be used to construct a new Industrial Maintenance Technology facility. The facility will provide training in advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies to meet the demands of the local and regional industries.

Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of establishing similar partnerships between businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need. Last year, large portions of his jobs and workforce investment bill, the SECTORS Act, was signed into law as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

"I have long believed that community colleges are the principal intersection between education and workforce development. When traveling around Iowa meeting with business leaders, I hear time and time again that they can't find workers with the skill set they need to be able to hire, despite high unemployment rates. I am very pleased that Southeastern Community College has received this funding to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills local business need."

Week-Long Celebration and Contests Kick Off Monday, August 24th

DAVENPORT - In celebration of the completion of the new state-of-the-art Ascentra Credit Union branch at 1800 Brady Street in Davenport, the community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Work began on the 3,400 square ft. structure in October 2014 and features a unique, modern design that has beautified the landscape and enhanced pedestrian access to the corner in the Hilltop Campus Village.

This brand new location will replace the nearby branch Ascentra merged with in 2013 and is located within walking distance from St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic.  The branch will provide much needed access to financial services for students and area residents such as Co-op Shared Branching - which allows credit union members to establish membership and use a nationwide network of over 5,000 credit union branches to conduct business as if they were at Ascentra.

"We're very excited to relocate our office to this new full service branch at a much more visible location," Ascentra Credit Union President & CEO Dale Owen says. "We look forward to further economic development in the Hilltop and playing a major role in further revitalization of the area.  We've been very pleased to work with the city staff, Mayor, City Council, the Design Review Board and the Hilltop Campus Village to help bring this project to completion."

The ribbon cutting will kick off a week-long celebration that allows people to stop by and register for a chance to win a 40" HDTV, a Go-Pro camera, Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, and a Fitbit workout band. A special social media Pay it Forward: Cash Stash will allow people to win cash by following clues on Ascentra's Facebook and Twitter pages.

About us:

Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $340 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, LeClaire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra.

Spellbound, a new shop unlike any other in the Quad Cities, has generated great anticipation leading up to its Grand Opening, set for Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the Shoppes on 2^nd in the District of Rock Island.

Because of the unique nature of Spellbound, it has already generated quite a bit of "buzz" in social media. Its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/spellboundqc, has received many messages and more than 170 "likes" prior to opening.

According to owner/operator Sarah Jacoby, "Spellbound will offer a number of gifts and New Age items, including jewelry, crystals, books, incense and herbs, dragons, candles, fairies, figurines, wind chimes, and much more."

Customers at the Grand Opening, taking place during Ya Maka My Weekend in The District, will be treated to unique free gift bags and refreshments, while supplies last.

Spellbound will open its doors to the public on Tuesday, August 11, with the Grand Opening on Saturday, August 15. The address is 1700 2^nd Avenue, Suite 5, Rock Island, IL 61201. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Spellbound will also offer personal dream analysis, with both appointments and walk-ins welcome.

Fun Fact: The name "Spellbound" comes from a line in the song Witchy Woman by the Eagles: "She held me spellbound in the night, dancing shadows and firelight."

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By Nathaniel Sillin

If you're over age 50 and not sure whether you're going to be able to retire, it's time to focus, get advice and build a realistic plan.

You're not alone. The U.S. Government Accountability Office recently reported that most households approaching retirement have low savings, adding that nearly half of households led by individuals or couples aged 55 and older having no retirement savings accounts at all.

The first step is to define where you really stand financially. Consider speaking with a qualified financial and tax advisor to define your present financial circumstances. Such a conversation should take into account your household income, tax situation, debt and retirement assets in any form. Reviewing these factors can help shape your decisions about supersizing your retirement plan for maximum safe returns. While a customized plan is generally the best way to approach shortfalls, here are some general approaches.

Take time to reevaluate your budget (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/budgeting). To accelerate retirement saving and investing, you need to find the money first. Non-mortgage debt is a major retirement savings obstacle. Better budgeting can help you find the money to pay off debt quicker. Adjust your spending across the board so you can accomplish this while adding more money to savings over time.

Know that you're going to need to accelerate your savings. Estimates vary, but generally, after age 50, it's best to direct at least 10 percent of your gross income in savings and investments to cover living expenses when you stop working. If you are employed, review your contribution and income limits for the most popular self-directed and tax-advantaged retirement savings vehicles. Those include :

• 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans, which will have a maximum annual contribution limit of $18,000 in 2015
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) - both Traditional and Roth - which will have maximum "catch-up" contribution limits of $6,500 (the regular $5,500 limit plus $1,000 for taxpayers aged 50 or over by yearend 2015)

If after all this effort you're still not able to find enough money to put away, consider making a greater effort on the income side. Many individuals boost their savings through a second job or freelancing from home. Consult qualified financial and tax professionals to make sure you're handling this extra income correctly from a tax perspective and putting it in investments that make sense for you.

Downsizing to a smaller home or an apartment in a lower cost-of-living destination or deciding to move in with friends or family at minimal costs may also provide additional savings for retirement. But first, consider what you might get for your home. If you are able to sell a primary residence at a significant profit over your purchase price - above $250,000 for a single taxpayer and above $500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly -speak to a tax professional about ways to avert a significant tax liability.

Finally, put proper financial safety nets in place. Make sure you have an emergency fund (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/emergencycalc) set up so you won't be forced to dip into savings to cover unexpected expenses. And don't forget insurance - having the right amount of property and casualty, health and disability insurance can protect your retirement nest egg from significant risk.

Bottom line: Building a retirement fund after age 50 is challenging, but not impossible. Get solid tax and financial advice, start downsizing immediately and don't forget critical financial safety nets.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa's financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.