11 Aug 2014

Loebsack to Host "Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour in Davenport.

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will bring his "Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour to Davenport on Monday, August 11th. At this forum, Loebsack will bring together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers to discuss the SECTORS Act. This legislation, a jobs and workforce investment bill that Loebsack introduced in the House, creates partnerships to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need. Large portions of Loebsack's SECTORS Act were recently signed into law by the President as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

"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," said Loebsack. "There is a gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills that businesses need. The tools created by the SECTORS Act work to address this gap by targeting workforce development efforts to foster the kind of skills that local businesses need right now."

Loebsack will also hold forums in Burlington, Ottumwa, Muscatine, Newton, Keokuk and Osceola. Media and cameras are invited to attend.

"Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour - August 11th

Davenport

1:00pm

Genesis Systems Group

8900 N. Harrison St.

 

Attendees will include :

Joel Lorentzen, President/CEO, Genesis Systems Group

Chuck Keibler, Executive VP, Genesis Systems Group

Donald Doucette, Chancellor, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Dan Martin, Director of Operations for Blong Technology Center, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Keith Kramer, President, Sivyer Steel

Thomas Flaherty, VP- Business Development, QC Chamber

Scott VanDeWoestyne, Director of Government Affairs, QC Chamber

Additional local industry and labor representatives

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07 Aug 2014

Open House for new Hilltop business

By Scott Tunnicliff
NextGen Climate Action has leased space at 234 W. 15th St. and is having an Open House at 6pm tonight for interested parties and folks wishing to welcome them to the area. This is being sent to you as a supporter of the Hilltop Campus Village effort, but also as someone possibly interested int their mission. The office is next to Nicole's Chicago Style Clothing, and close to the Eastside Bakery at Harrison and 15th.
Will Oppermann is the Quad Cities Field Organizer who will be running this local office of a national effort. Please contact him at 202-909-5624 to indicate your attendance and/or interest in the issue of climate change. Will is copied on this, so you'll have his email address
Come welcome Will to the Hilltop! For more information on the organization, go to www.nextgenclimate.org.
07 Aug 2014

Sport Clips Brings MVP Hair Care to Davenport

By Margaret G. Allee

Fresh Take on Barbershop Amenities for Guys of all Ages

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 6, 2014) -- Sport Clips Haircuts, the nation's largest franchise dedicated to men's and boys' hair care, opened Saturday on 4760 Elmore Avenue in Davenport. This new business is the latest of the franchise's more than 1,200 locations across the country and the first for Davenport. "Sport Clips offers our clients the expertise of well-trained stylists in a fun, casual environment where they can enjoy watching sports on TV during their haircut. We're looking forward to introducing clients to our services and distinctive experience," says Chris Burgmeier, who owns the new location with his wife, Katie. The couple plans to open an additional location in the area next year.

Sport Clips offers:

·         A fresh take on barbershop amenities and services like the "MVP Experience" that includes a precision haircut, massaging shampoo, hot steamed towel treatment, and neck and shoulder massage

·         Stylists who specialize in hair care for men and boys and stay up-to-date on industry trends

·         Large, flat-screen televisions playing sports programming at each haircut station and in the lobby, along with reading materials

·         Affordable luxuries like special lighting and massaging chairs in the shampoo area

·         Haircut services without an appointment - walk-ins are welcome

The new Sport Clips is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sportclips.com/IA501

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About Sport Clips Haircuts

Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and started franchising in 1995 by founder and CEO Gordon Logan. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 20 "Fastest-Growing Franchises" and in the top 40 in the "Franchise 500." There are currently over 1,200 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada.  Sport Clips is the "Official Haircutter" of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and was named as one of the "Top Franchises for Veterans" by Franchise Business Review. Our "Help A Hero" program has raised more than $2 million to help deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members call home through the VFW's Operation Uplink™ and provide scholarships for veterans transitioning to a civilian career. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing's NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin and Elliott Sadler and partners with numerous NCAA and professional sports teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit sportclips.com.
07 Aug 2014

LeClaire Business Fair rescheduled

By LeClaire Chamber
The Business Fair scheduled at the LeClaire Community Library, August 12, 2014, has been postponed until October 9, 2014. Please watch the Chamber Friday Announcements for an update and more information. It will also be posted on Facebook and the Chamber website.
07 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Walgreens

By Katie Hickey

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the Walgreens Company's decision to remain headquartered in the United States.

"I commend the Walgreens Corporation for their decision to stay and continue growing in the United States of America, right here in Illinois

"As part of our Illinois family for over a century, Walgreens' decision respects their thousands of workers, managers and customers who also call our state home.

"Walgreens' decision is the right one for the company, our state and our nation."

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04 Aug 2014

Braley and Harkin Call for Minimum Wage Increase

By Sam Lau
Braley and Harkin visited a local business in Norwalk to highlight the importance of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 and restore its purchasing power

Des Moines, IA - Bruce Braley and Senator Tom Harkin today discussed the importance of raising the minimum wage and providing 300,000 Iowans with a pay raise during a visit to the La Quercia company plant in Norwalk.  Braley and Harkin have both been fighting to increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour to restore its purchasing power and strengthen Iowa's economy.

In contrast, State Sen. Joni Ernst has repeatedly said that she does not support a federal minimum wage and that she thinks $7.25 an hour - which means roughly $15,000 a year for a full-time worker - is an appropriate minimum wage for hardworking Iowans.

Braley said, "No one in Iowa should work a full-time job and live near or below the poverty line.  It's been over five years since the last federal minimum wage increase, and the minimum wage buys less and less for Iowa's workers. Small businesses like La Quercia know raising the minimum wage is good for working Iowans, good for business, and good for the economy - and yet my opponent thinks $7.25 is an appropriate wage for Iowa's workers. Senator Harkin has been a champion on this issue, and I am committed to continuing his efforts to raise the minimum wage, boost Iowa's economy, and provide 300,000 Iowans with a raise."

A report from Progress Iowa earlier this year found that increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would provide 300,000 Iowans with a pay increase and infuse more than $270 million into Iowa's economy.

Since reaching its peak in 1968 at $10.69 an hour (in 2013 dollars), the minimum wage's purchasing power has steadily declined and left working Iowans struggling to support their families. 

"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is an issue of basic economic fairness and opportunity," said Harkin. "There's a clear choice in this election - Bruce Braley knows that a fair minimum wage is good for Iowa's working families, and good for the economy.  Iowa families need a U.S. Senator like Bruce who will fight for them."

Braley is a sponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act that would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10/hr and then tie future increases to inflation. According to a Des Moines Register poll, 65% of Iowans believe the minimum wage should be increased.
# # #
01 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Announces $16.8 Million for Construction Projects in Quad Cities Area

By Dave Blanchette

Investments Will Create Jobs and Drive Local Economy Forward

ROCK ISLAND - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of more than $16.8 million for construction projects in Rock Island and Whiteside Counties. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"With these investments we are making our transportation system stronger, safer and more efficient," Governor Quinn said. "The investments are also creating jobs and generating future economic development in the Quad Cities area."

The projects will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Rock Island and Whiteside Counties

Milling, patching and resurfacing will be done along I-88 from half a mile west of the I-80/Illinois 92 interchange to just northeast of the 122nd Avenue/Fargo Road overpass. Advanced Asphalt Company of Princeton was the lower of two bidders at $15,584,118.

Rock Island County

Signs will be removed and installed at various locations throughout the county for $271,941 by Western Remac, Inc. of Woodridge, the lowest of three bidders.

Whiteside County

Illinois Route 2 westbound from 19th to 9th Avenue in Sterling will be milled and resurfaced for $459,655 by Civil Constructors, Inc. of Freeport, the lower of two bidders.

The structural steel on the I-88 bridges over Moline Road will be cleaned and painted for $276,958 by Eagle Painting & Maintenance Co., Inc. of Lansing, the lowest of six bidders.

The westbound lane of Illinois Route 2 at 45th Avenue northeast of Sterling will be milled and patched for $78,644 by G.M. Sipes Construction, Inc. of Rushville, the lowest of four bidders.

U.S. Route 30 at Jackson Street in Morrison will be milled and resurfaced for $164,540 by Martin & Company Excavating of Oregon, the lower of two bidders.

The projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

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31 Jul 2014

Royal Neighbors of America earns prestigious Great Rated! designation from Great Place to Work® Institute

By Lynnette Tarchinski

(Rock Island, IL)--Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurers, has earned the designation of Great Rated! from the Great Place to Work Institute. The designation is based on the Trust Index© Employee Survey which was completed by Royal Neighbors employees.

The survey results are reviewed by the Institute for key strengths, culture fit, management involvement, career development, benefits, and actual employee comments to determine the designation. Other companies awarded this prestigious designation include Google, Microsoft, American Express, Nordstrom, and Hyatt Hotels.

The Great Rated! Review describes Royal Neighbors' unique culture and reflects responses to the survey according to the five dimensions of the Great Place to Work® Trust Index©: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Organizations that build trust and create a rewarding cycle of personal contribution and appreciation create workplace cultures that deliver outstanding business performance, improved retention, successful recruitment, and engaged employees.

"This is a great honor because it comes from our employees," said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. "It demonstrates their pride in Royal Neighbors and how they feel about their careers with us. When our employees are engaged in their careers, they are more productive at work and at home."

 

About Royal Neighbors

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, empowers women to meet the needs of their families with annuities and life insurance products such as whole life, term, final expense, and universal life. With assets over $868 million and life insurance in force totaling more than $2.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2013, Royal Neighbors has the financial strength and stability to ensure its nearly 200,000 members are protected when the expected, and unexpected, happen. In addition to insurance products, Royal Neighbors provides member benefits at no additional cost which currently include scholarship opportunities, health and retail discounts, and participation in volunteer activities that give back to communities through the organization's local chapters. Royal Neighbors' philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Royal Neighbors is headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ. For more information, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (800) 627-4762.

About Great Place to Work Institute

Dedicated for 26 years to building a better society by helping companies transform their workplaces, Great Place to Work Institute is a global research and consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco with 30 affiliates in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceana. The Institute produces the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For and the "Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America" lists, in addition to best companies lists in over 30 countries.

END
31 Jul 2014

Loebsack Launches "Getting Iowans Back to Work" Tour

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will kick off the August District Work Period by hosting a series of forums on his "Getting Iowans Back to Work" tour. At these forums, Loebsack will bring together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers to discuss the SECTORS Act. This legislation, a jobs and workforce investment bill that Loebsack introduced in the House, creates partnerships to help close the gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and skills that businesses need. Large portions of Loebsack's SECTORS Act were recently signed into law by the President as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

"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," said Loebsack. "There is a gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the skills that businesses need. The tools created by the SECTORS Act work to address this gap by targeting workforce development efforts to foster the kind of skills that local businesses need right now."

Loebsack will hold forums in Burlington, Ottumwa, Muscatine, Davenport, Newton, Keokuk and Osceola. Media are invited to attend.

Background on the SECTORS Act

Loebsack's SECTORS Act links together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers connected to a particular industry. These partnerships work to develop or implement plans for growing or saving that targeted industry, promoting long-term competitiveness and advancing employment opportunities for workers. The inclusion of the legislation will ensure employees on the local level are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy. Loebsack first introduced the SECTORS Act in 2009 and the House of Representatives unanimously passed it in 2010. While it was not taken up in the Senate at that time, Loebsack continued to fight for its passage.

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31 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Historic Workers' Compensation Rate Reductions

By Rick Martin

Savings from 2011 Reforms Expected to Save $450 Million for Businesses Across Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has filed a request for lower workers compensation rates, recommending a 5.5 percent drop in the advisory rate for 2015. This decrease will bring the total rate reduction since historic reforms championed by the Governor were enacted in 2011 to more than 18 percent, saving Illinois' employers more than $450 million.

Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to strengthen Illinois' business climate, drive economic growth and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and receive the compensation they deserve.

"We've been getting the job done on workers' compensation reform and now that reform is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends for Illinois businesses and workers," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois is making a comeback and historic reforms like these will keep it going strong, driving our economy forward and creating jobs in every corner of our state."

State officials at the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) estimate the latest proposed reduction in workers' compensation advisory and loss cost rates could result in overall reduction in premiums of up to $143 million in 2015, with the total savings since the reforms were enacted of $458 million. This estimate is based on the credit rating organization A.M. Best's calculations as they reviewed 2011 premiums. Individual rates for businesses may vary based on claims experience, payroll and other factors.

The NCCI advisory rates determine the premiums businesses pay for workers' compensation insurance. DOI actuaries must confirm the calculations submitted by NCCI, a process that typically takes about 60 days.

"We're pleased that the NCCI has proposed a rate reduction in Illinois for the third straight year," DOI Director Andrew Boron said. "The lower rate will deliver significant savings for Illinois employers. This rate review process will ensure the state has a responsible advisory rate that supports business growth and protects workers."

Upon taking office in 2009, Governor Quinn made it a priority to reform workers' compensation and to work with business owners and legislators on legislation to make it easier to do business in Illinois. He launched a working group on the issue, proposed legislation and worked with the General Assembly to enact historic reform that is allowing businesses to save hundreds of millions of dollars, driving economic growth throughout the state.

A steady and significant decline in the advisory rate for workers compensation insurance in Illinois shows that these reforms are working. The advisory rate dropped 3.8 percent in 2013, 4.5 percent in 2014 and will have dropped an additional 5.5 percent for 2015. The downward trend reflects actuaries' observations that the reform of workers' compensation in Illinois reduced costs.

"NCCI's reduction of its advisory rates for Illinois workers' compensation provides objective proof that demonstrates that workers compensation costs have been reduced in Illinois," Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Chairman Michael Latz said. "Actuaries are very careful - and before they recommend that insurance companies reduce their rates - they must first have confirmed data showing reduced costs."

With the implementation of the proposed rate reduction, the advisory rate level will have dropped 18.1 percent below the advisory rate level prior to the 2011 workers' compensation reform legislation. This will be the fourth rate reduction in five years since the reforms were enacted. Individual companies may experience rate changes at different levels.

If DOI accepts the filing, to be effective Jan. 1, 2015, employers should contact their insurance agent prior to their 2015 renewal date to determine the impact on their premium.

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