17 Apr 2015

Learn. Protect. Participate April 22nd

By Cheryl Frame

Fraud Protection:  Money Smart for Older Adults

CASI, The Center for Active Seniors will host Money Smart for Older Adults Wednesday, April 22, 2015 beginning at 7:30am at the CASI Center, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport.

"Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordination effort of organizations across the country including not-for-profits such as CASI, AARP, government agencies, the media and more", said Laura Kopp, President/CEO of CASI.  "Our focus is on older adults stressing the importance of safety, scam awareness and bringing the senior consumer in touch with resources and experts to help protect their financial future and provide educational information on fraud protection."

CASI will kick-off their annual event at 7:30am next Wednesday with its first session presented by Jenefer Duane and Kari Gomer, both with FDIC.  Together they will present Money Smart for Older Adults - an educational seminar geared towards professionals working with Older Adults and financial exploitation protection.  They'll cover ways to identifying older adults who may be vulnerable to scams or financial abuse.

Mary Muehl, Executive Council at AARP Iowa, will present the second session will discuss ways of protecting yourself, enrolling in AARP's Watchdog Alerts.  The day wraps up with local representatives of the TRIAD group, a joint venture of Scott County Law enforcement agencies and those working with the senior population in and around the Quad City area.

CASI's Money Smart Event for Older Adults is open to the public and is free of charge, however, reservations are required as the session will end with a light lunch provided and sponsored by AARP.  For reservations to CASI's Fraud Protection for Older Adults event, call 563.386.7477 or email your reservations to info@casiseniors.org.

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17 Apr 2015

Emma Rae's Antiques & Uniques Open Houses

By Emma Rae's

Emma Rae's Antiques & Uniques 714 6th Ave DeWitt IA 52742, Vendor Open House April 18th, 8am to 5pm.  Antique, unique & craft vendors welcome.  Stop in to see us.  Month-to-month lease @ $2.00 sq ft. Pick a premade booth or build your own. Contact us at 563-659-3723 or email us at antiques@emmaraes.com.

Emma Rae's Antiques & Uniques 714 6th Ave DeWitt IA 52742, Grand Opening April 25th, 7am to 7pm. Refreshments, door prizes & meet and greet with Emma Rae from 1-3. Contact us at 563-659-3723 or email us at antiques@emmaraes.com.

16 Apr 2015

State Treasury Invests in Iowa's Economy

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (04/15/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced that, as a result of Tuesday's online auction, $61.6 million will be deposited in thirty-two banks across the state. The state will receive an average rate of return of 0.2% on these six-month certificates of deposit. "We use an auction format offering state deposits to Iowa financial institutions six times a year. This allows the state to earn a competitive return on the funds while ensuring local financial institutions have the money they need to keep the economy moving," Fitzgerald said. "The program currently has over $240 million invested in Iowa banks."

Fitzgerald created the Invest in Iowa program in 1983 as a way to deposit state funds in Iowa financial institutions. The financial institutions hold the funds as CDs and use the money to make loans.

"Demand for funds has been great this year," Fitzgerald stated. "This is a reflection of the current market. I am glad this program is available to help stimulate lending around the state."

Invest in Iowa quarterly auctions are held on the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October. In response to growing interest in this program, two auctions offering one-year term CDs are also held throughout the year. The next auction is scheduled for July 14, 2015 at 10 a.m and will offer six-month term CDs. Each auction has an established minimum interest rate and a minimum bid. To learn more about the Invest in Iowa program, visit IowaTreasurer.gov, select "Invest in Iowa" under the "For Businesses" tab or contact the treasurer's office at 515-281-5368.

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15 Apr 2015

Iowa's February AIM Work Force Index Nation's Eighth Best: Q1 Online Jobs Rise by 6.5 Percent

By Rick Martin

March Summary

  • For quarter one of 2015, Iowa's number of online job openings rose by 6.5 percent.

  • Iowa's WFI ranked 8th best in the nation, which as a significant improvement from the state's 14th best for February.

  • Iowa's job market, based on online openings, remains healthy.

  • In absolute numbers, the greatest numbers of online job openings were in management followed by sales, and next healthcare positions.

  • As a percent of employment, the largest numbers of online openings were in finance, engineering, and then automobile sales and services positions.

Iowa WFI: AIM's March Work Force Index (WFI) climbed to a healthy 72.2 from 65.3 in February. The WFI is a statistically based measurement tool produced by AIM, a nonprofit organization in Des Moines, Iowa. The Index is a ratio of unique online job postings and the number of unemployed in Iowa (not seasonally adjusted). The Index ranges between 0 and 100. A WFI below 50.0 indicates short-term job contraction while an Index above 50.0 indicates job expansion. At 72.2, Iowa's WFI is in a range indicating a very healthy level of online job openings. Iowa's online job openings expanded by a healthy 6.5 percent for the first quarter of 2015.

Fading and improving areas: The areas showing the greatest percentage improvements in online job openings from February were: 1) construction and extraction occupations, 2) automobile sales and servicing positions and 3) finance jobs. The areas recording the largest percentage declines from February were: 1) insurance, 2) general business positions, and 3) engineering.

Online Openings: In March, the largest number of open online positions in absolute numbers were in 1) management, followed by 2) sales, and then 3) healthcare. As a share of employment, the largest numbers of online job openings in descending order were in: 1) finance openings, followed by 2) engineering positions, and then 3) automobile sales and services positions.

State Rankings: In terms of Work Force Indices among the states for March, Nebraska ranked number one with the highest WFI. Nebraska was followed by Kansas at number two, North Dakota at three, Delaware at four, and Vermont at five. The state with the lowest WFI was West Virginia, followed by Maine at 49, and California at 48. Rounding out the bottom five states were Alaska at 47, and Arkansas at 46. Iowa ranked as the 8th best in the nation, which was an improvement from the state's 14th best in the nation for February 2015.

About the AIM WorkForce Index
AIM and the Creighton University College of Business produce the AIM WorkForce Index each month to track the relationship between the WFI and the changes in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. This comparative analysis measures the relative strength of the Colorado labor market. It can also be compared to Creighton University's monthly survey of bank CEOs in 10 states including Colorado. Creighton's survey has also been pointing to an expansion in the Colorado Rural Mainstreet economy.

This type of information is of value to both the employer and the job applicant as they develop plans and strategies for participation in the local and regional labor market. For more information on the WFI, please visit www.aimforbrilliance.org/wfi.html, http://business.creighton.edu/economicoutlook, or dol.nebraska.gov.

About AIM
AIM is a not-for-profit community organization that promotes technology to empower people, enhance organizations, and create brilliant communities. AIM's signature services include : Careerlink - the region's leading career development website, Infotec - the Midwest's premier business and IT conference, and Hatchfund - a crowdfunding source for artists. For more information about our services - training, youth programs, research and more - visit www.aimforbrillance.org

14 Apr 2015

Mayor's teen job fair is next week

By Rick Martin

Mayor Bill Gluba will welcome students to his third annual Teen Job Fair at the RiverCenter on April 23.

The job fair, from 3 to 6 p.m., will feature employers taking applications and workshops on interviewing and résumé writing for teens between the ages of 15-19.

More than 1,000 teens attended the previous two job fairs, including 600 in the first year.

"We brought area businesses together and made it easy for teens to meet them, attend workshops and apply for jobs right on the spot," Gluba said. "We were happy to do our part to help put young people on a path to economic opportunity."

Representatives from the City of Davenport, NorthPark and South Park malls, Hy-Vee and Happy Joe's are expected to be on hand to talk to teens and give out applications.

As teens enter the event this year, they will receive a passport and be directed to attend workshops before visiting with businesses. Someone who attends the workshops will win a $100 Visa gift card.

An area will be provided where teens can fill out job applications. Pens will be available.

Participants will also be asked to fill out a feedback form. For more information, call (563) 326-7701 or email khatfield@ci.davenport.ia.us.

13 Apr 2015

Branstad, Reynolds announce Give Back Iowa; Challenge encourages employer supported volunteering

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the launch of Give Back Iowa, a six week challenge running from April 14-May 31 to engage Iowans in employer supported volunteering.

"Give Back Iowa complements my 'Call to Service' initiative to increase the number of Iowans that are volunteering, as well as the number of hours they serve to 50 hours a year to make Iowa a leader in volunteerism nationwide," said Governor Terry E. Branstad.

Iowa employers are invited to participate in the Give Back Iowa Challenge to encourage their employees to volunteer and report their volunteer hours. Employers with the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee will be recognized with a visit by the governor or lieutenant governor to their workplace.

Volunteering has not only a significant impact on meeting community needs, but employer supported volunteering leads to improved employee engagement, organizational commitment, job satisfaction and retention, which can improve business outcomes, according to research.

"As the Governor and I look to increase employer volunteerism in Iowa, we are asking for the support of employers across the state. We believe Iowa should strive to be the leader in volunteering," said Reynolds.  "Service is a key ingredient for meeting Iowa's goals for education, job creation, and health."

The launch of Give Back Iowa aligns with National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, a program of Points of Light, which is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to demonstrate their collective power to make a difference.

Employers can register at any time during the challenge. Employers who have already registered include :

  • Alliant Energy
  • Bankers Trust
  • Casey's General Stores, Inc.
  • Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
  • Des Moines University
  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
  • Fifth Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services
  • Hy-Vee, Inc.
  • Iowa Bankers Association
  • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
  • Iowa Department of Corrections
  • Iowa Department of Public Health
  • Iowa Division of Banking
  • Iowa Economic Development Authority
  • Iowa Finance Authority
  • Iowa Veterans Home
  • Midwest Heritage Bank
  • Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
  • U.S. Cellular
  • Vermeer Corporation
  • Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Wells Enterprises, Inc.
  • Wells Fargo
  • West Music Company

Complete information and resources on how to participate and find volunteer opportunities are provided in the Give Back Iowa toolkit available at www.volunteeriowa.org/employers.

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About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need. The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base. Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure. More information is available at www.volunteeriowa.org.
10 Apr 2015

Unique Creations & Gifts - Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting April 11th

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art

RIBBON CUTTING!

Unique Creations & Gifts Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting!

118 N. Cody Road, LeClaire

April 11th - Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m.

Grand Opening April 10th-12th

We will be giving away several gift baskets and of course a couple of our unique chalk boards!

Everyone welcome!

09 Apr 2015

TRIUMPH COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW LOCATION

By Kevin Gibbs

BETTENDORF, IA - [April 9, 2015] - Triumph Community Bank, N.A. (www.bankwithtriumph.com) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of its new branch location in Kimberly Commons at 3325 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa.  The event will be held Tuesday, April 14th at 2:00 pm.  The new 3,000 square foot building will be a full-service banking center, offering a wide range of deposit and loan products to local businesses and residents. This new branch will bring the total number of Triumph Community Bank locations to nineteen.

"We are excited to have a location in West Davenport to better serve our existing customers and attract new ones," said John D. DeDoncker, President and CEO of Triumph Community Bank.  "We believe that with this additional location, it will continue to show Triumph Community Bank's commitment to the communities that we serve."

ABOUT TRIUMPH COMMUNITY BANK

Triumph Community Bank, N.A. is a full service community bank headquartered in Bettendorf, Iowa.  Additional offices are located in Davenport, Iowa; Canton, Chadwick, East Moline, Elgin, Havana, Milan, Moline, Morrison, Mt. Carroll, Rapids City, Savanna, Silvis, and Sterling, Illinois.
07 Apr 2015

Launch of new start up business

By Carol Slaughter

You will soon be asked to text JumpOnItQC in order to be a part of new technology for coupons through text messaging.  Not only will JUMP ON IT launch in the Quad Cities, there will be launches in multiple markets throughout the country.    Katie Wilson company president and digital talent behind the new company says, "

Here is how the system works.  First, text your city's keyword to 88678.  Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you will receive a text message containing coupons with great savings for you in your area.  Then you can share the coupons with your friends via social media such as Facebook, Twitter or text and this unlocks a bonus coupon for yourself.  It is completely free to sign up, and a great way to save money on your favorite restaurants, salons, stores, etc. in your neighborhood and around the area.

There are many successful coupon programs in the marketplace with excellent reputations.   Most coupon programs currently have been directed to email addresses and usually require printing out coupons.  The down side is this has led to loss of coupons so JUMP ON IT sees it has not been as efficient as what a texting coupon can be.  People carry their cell phones most of their time and XX% of text messages are opened and responded to.   JUMP ON IT is launching a fresh, new couponing opportunity.

SAY MORE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND WHY........
06 Apr 2015

Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds To Lead Trade Missions to South Korea and Brazil

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Visits aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds announced today that they will lead trade missions to South Korea and Brazil respectively.  Both trips are aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities and are being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

Brazil is Iowa's fifth-largest trading partner, with exports exceeding $500 million in manufactured and value-added goods in 2014.  South Korea is Iowa's ninth-largest export destination, with exports close to $367 million in manufactured and value-added goods during the same period.  The Governor and Lt. Governor have led trade missions to both destinations in the past.

"We have reaped benefit from previous trade missions and look forward to building on the foundations we have laid in the past," said Governor Branstad.  "Trade missions like this one allow Iowa companies to expand their export markets outside of the U.S. and ultimately create more jobs here at home."

Iowa companies in all industry sectors are participating or will be invited to participate in these trade missions.  Companies will have one-on-one, pre-qualified appointments targeted to their objectives, whether that is developing or expanding direct export sales, locating distributors or agents, or conducting market research, among other goals.  Company recruitment for the Brazil mission has already concluded, while recruitment for the South Korea mission will begin shortly.

"These trade missions will help build on Iowa's success in exporting to Brazil and South Korea and will continue to strengthen our partnership with these countries," said Lt. Governor Reynolds. "With a record-breaking $15.1 billion in exports last year, Iowa is truly prospering from international trade.  It is important that we continue this positive momentum."

Under Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa's exports have increased by nearly 39 percent, from $10.8 billion to $15.1 billion.

The Brazil mission will take place April 25 - May 2, 2015 and is comprised of visits to Sao Paulo and Ribeirão Preto. The South Korea mission is scheduled for September 7-13, 2015, with Seoul being the primary destination for this mission.  Highlights for both missions include exploring foreign direct investment opportunities, meetings with government and industry association officials, briefings on each market and Growing Iowa's Global Partnerships events.  Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA not only markets Iowa products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa, but also explores opportunities internationally for investment within the state.   To find out more about these services or other trade missions that the IEDA is planning, please visit http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/Programs/Intl.

Taxpayer dollars will not be spent on the governor's and lt. governor's travel. Their travel will be paid by private donations to the Iowa Economic Development Authority Foundation.

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