State Unemployment Rate Reaches Lowest Level Since 2008

CICERO - As Illinois' unemployment rate fell to its lowest point in more than five years, Governor Pat Quinn today visited an innovative and growing local manufacturer, United Gasket Corporation, to discuss the state's ongoing economic recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression. Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Today's event is part of the Governor's commitment to driving Illinois' economy forward.

"Illinois is making a comeback," Governor Quinn said. "Today's news that unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 is further proof that our economy is expanding and creating jobs. Companies like United Gasket Corporation are hiring, small companies are being created and larger companies are growing and adding more workers."

"While we know we have much more work to do to create more jobs and growth in Illinois, this is good news and we must continue driving our economy forward," the Governor said.

The Illinois unemployment rate hit a new five-year low in April when it fell to 7.9 percent, according to data released earlier today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. More people working pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Today Governor Quinn is pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

United Gasket Corporation is an innovative Illinois company that has reported double-digit percentage growth in revenue and profit for each of the last three years. The manufacturer of custom die cut parts for automobiles and other industries currently employs 90 people, but expects that number to increase by 10 to 15 percent in the next six months.

"We are thrilled with the support we have received from the state for job training and to improve our production," United Gasket President Mark Pahios said. "The resources here have helped us develop business in Mexico and China. We are working hard to send Illinois products into those markets."

United Gasket has received about $20,000 in state job-training grants over the last decade for services accessed through University of Illinois Business Innovation Services. The company has invested in lean manufacturing techniques to take out unneeded costs and push into new markets overseas.

Governor Quinn said the company's commitment points to a need for state government to adopt a responsible budget that supports Illinois' core strengths in the global economy - its education, workforce training and transportation systems.

For more information on doing business in Illinois, visit illinois.gov/dceo.

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The bill provides an income tax credit for volunteer EMS technicians and fire fighters

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced he will sign House File 2459 Friday, May 16, 2014, at noon. The bill signing will be held at West Des Moines Public Safety Station 19, where the governor was previously scheduled to sign an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week proclamation.

May 18 - 24, 2014, is National EMS Week. Gov. Branstad's proclamation will make May 18-24, 2014, EMS Week in Iowa.

The following proclamation and bill signing is open to credentialed members of the media:

Friday, May 16, 2014

Noon Gov. Branstad signs EMS Week proclamation and House File 2459

West Des Moines Public Safety Station 19

8055 Mills Civic Parkway

West Des Moines, IA

House File 2459: an Act relating to the individual income tax by creating a tax credit for reserve peace officers and by modifying the tax credit for volunteer fire fighter and volunteer emergency medical services personnel and including retroactive applicability provisions.

 

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Everyday politicians and the talking heads in the media bombard us with messages that humanity is screwed and capitalism needs improving. They also try to lead us to believe that if we vote for a particular politician, or for a piece of legislation, that humanity will be unscrewed and capitalism improved--this is flat-out wrong. We the people are responsible for humanity, and if capitalism needs improving, we the people are responsible for that as well.

Humanatapilism is a new economic model that combines the best aspects of our humanity with the best aspects of capitalism, Humanity + Capitalism = Humanatapilism. In his new book, Unscrew Humanity & Improve Capitalism, Humanatapilism, Part Deux, author Aaron R. Lema outlines a simple approach to redistributing our humanity through free-market capitalism. The approach is based on the formula Psquared = P (R-T=N) + D = Q. This simple, I'll be it strange looking, formula allows all of us to work together to improve the quality of life, or Q, of our fellow human beings. And improving the quality of life of our fellow human beings is how we are going to unscrew humanity, while working together with improving the quality of life of our fellow human being as a goal is how we are going to improve capitalism.

for more information on humanatapilism, and how your participation in humanatapilism can help make the world suck less, purchase a copy of, Unscrew Humanity & Improve Capitalism, Humanatapilism, Part Deux, by author Aaron R. Lema from Amazon Books today.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following legislation into law:

House File 2464: an Act providing for the rebate of state sales and use tax to the owner or operator of a raceway facility, and providing penalties.

 

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Investment in the Davenport market brings the finest automotive experience to the community in a LEED Certified Building

DAVENPORT, IA - May 12, 2014

NEW FACILITY FOR SMART TOYOTA

Today, Smart Toyota of Quad Cities, celebrates the ground breaking of its new facility at 1501 East 53rd Street, at the corner of 53rd and Eastern Avenue. The new location is expected to be ready for occupancy by late Fall 2014.

LEED CERTIFIED PROJECT

Smart Toyota of Quad Cities is reinforcing its commitment to the Davenport market by providing a state-of-the-art customer experience encompassing nearly 40,000 square feet on two levels. The dealership is planned as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) fully-certified structure - one of the few privately owned in the Quad Cities and the first area car dealership to use the industry standard for "green" design. This will be one of the area's most environmentally-friendly and energy efficient facilities.

LOCALLY BUILT

As a hometown business, and as part of the LEED Certification, materials and labor will be sourced from local contractors and suppliers. Earthmoving will begin on the site in mid-May. When the project is complete, Smart Toyota of Quad Cities will employ over 80 team members.

ENHANCED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

"We are pleased to bring to Davenport, and the entire Quad Cities Market, the finest Toyota sales, service and ownership experience with this new state of the art facility," said Nick Tarpein, a Quad Cities native and General Manager of Smart Toyota of Quad Cities. "With our additional space and new facility, we will be adding an automated car wash, as well as a luxury waiting area and multiple quick service lanes for our customers. None of this would have been possible at our current location."

TOYOTA HISTORY

Toyota has been in Davenport since 1969, and was purchased from the Guilfoyle family in June 2011 with a commitment of keeping it in the Davenport market for years to come. Smart Toyota of Quad Cities will continue to operate at its current location on Brady Street in Davenport and online at www.smarttoyotaquadcities.com before relocating in the Fall.

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NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, May 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland Express,
Inc. (Nasdaq:HTLD) (www.heartlandexpress.com) a transportation industry
leader for customer service in the truckload market has been recognized
by Walmart as the 2013 Walmart General Merchandise Diamond Carrier of
the Year. Walmart awards the designation each year to companies who
provide support to the retailer's Walmart Stores, Sam's Clubs and
distribution facilities located throughout the continental United
States.

President and CEO of Heartland Express, Michael Gerdin stated, "We are
honored to receive this award for our transportation services provided
to Walmart. To be recognized as a leader in service by Walmart speaks
to the daily efforts put forth by everyone at Heartland, especially our
professional drivers who transport the freight daily. It takes everyone
working together, including effective communication with the Walmart
team, to achieve this high level of success. We appreciate, value, and
thank our partners at Walmart for this award."

Heartland Express is an irregular route truckload carrier based in
North Liberty, Iowa serving customers with shipping lanes throughout
the United States. Heartland is considered the benchmark for financial
strength and stability in the transportation industry with a focus on
medium to short haul regional freight, offering shippers industry
leading on-time service so they can achieve their strategic goals for
their customers. More information about Heartland Express can be found
on the company website at www.heartlandexpress.com.

Discusses Agenda to Support Business Development and Expansion

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today addressed the Illinois Retail Merchants and Illinois Manufacturers Association's annual Business Day meeting and discussed his strong record of support for businesses in Illinois. Governor Quinn's initiatives have made Illinois a better place to do business and proposals he unveiled in his State of the State and Budget Addresses will continue to strengthen Illinois' economic comeback.

"Illinois is making a comeback and we're not stopping now," Governor Quinn said. "Our business owners are the economic engine of the Midwest. By cutting taxes for companies that train their workers and helping entrepreneurs get started, we are giving businesses the tools they need to create jobs and drive our economy forward."

Governor Quinn has worked to rebuild the Illinois economy. The state was recently ranked third in the nation for new corporate locations and expansions by Site Selection magazine. Illinois' unemployment rate is currently at its lowest point in five years, and the state has added 257,000 private sector jobs since January 2010.

Last month, President Barack Obama announced that Illinois had won a new digital manufacturing hub, supported by the federal government and corporate partners. The Governor personally petitioned the United States Secretary of Defense twice and made the case to key White House officials about the benefits and importance of Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DMDI) Institute. The institute will apply the newest technologies to help manufacturers try and use new innovations in digital manufacturing and design, with an emphasis on defense manufacturers.

Under Governor Quinn, small businesses across Illinois have helped drive our economic recovery. Illinois' tourism industry is breaking records - more than 100 million visitors for the first time ever and $33.5 billion in spending in local economies across the state. Illinois' film industry has also set new records, generating over $350 million in economic activity. In 2012, a new digital company was launched in Chicago every 24 hours.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has fought to make historic and fundamental reforms to improve Illinois' business climate. In 2011 he worked with the General Assembly to enact historic workers' compensation reform that is allowing Illinois businesses to save hundreds of millions of dollars. The Governor continued that progress last year by signing historic legislation that addresses the most critical fiscal challenge in Illinois by reforming the state's pension systems. This comprehensive pension reform solution will eliminate the state's unfunded liability and fully fund the pension systems.

To keep the progress going, Governor Quinn is proposing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this tax cut will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small business to start and grow in Illinois.

Governor Quinn is also proposing a bipartisan working group to develop a new capital construction plan for the next five years. This would build on the success of the Illinois Jobs Now! program that has supported more than 400,000 jobs and built and repaired 7,731 miles of road, 1,330 bridges and 1,048 schools. These projects strengthen and improve infrastructure to provide better access and support for local businesses, and they employ thousands of workers from local construction companies, who also spend their hard-earned salaries locally.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement urging the Illinois Senate to pass House Bill 8, which provides job protections for working pregnant women. The bill has passed the Illinois House and recently passed out of the Illinois Senate's Executive Committee.

"I salute bill sponsors Representative Mary Flowers and Senator Toi Hutchinson for their hard work on this important legislation.

"As we approach Mother's Day, I urge the Illinois Senate to vote in favor of this bill to protect Illinois' expectant mothers.

"While many moms-to-be continue working long into their pregnancies, part-time and full-time employers should provide reasonable accommodations on the job.

"This legislation will ensure all working pregnant women are guaranteed a supportive work environment without worrying about their baby's safety.

"Protections under House Bill 8 will ensure healthier women and babies, and a stronger workforce across our state."


IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - The city of Pamplona in Spain may have the Running of the Bulls, but the Quad-Cities has a much friendlier bovine activity coming up, and no one will need to worry about being trampled. 

The Chick-fil-A mascot cows will greet attendees of Leadercast Quad Cities 2014, a leadership-based learning event to be held Friday, May 9. Registration begins at 7 a.m.
The media is welcome to witness the Camaraderie of the Cows! The media is also welcome to stop by at any other point during Leadercast. Please let Mark McLaughlin, Public Relations Director of Results Marketing, know in advance if you plan to show up: call Mark at 563-322-2065 or email Mark@ResultsIMC.com.

Leadercast Quad Cities 2014 will be held 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 9, at the  i Wireless Center, 1201 River Drive, Moline, IL.
The event will feature a big-screen broadcast of nine acclaimed speakers, discussing leadership issues we all face in life. Leadercast is a one-day event which will be broadcast live, May 9, from Atlanta, Georgia, to 600 metro areas worldwide, including the Quad-Cities. Quad-Citians can watch the live simulcast at Leadercast Quad-Cities 2014.
Leadercast Schedule for the Day:
7:00 am: Registration
8:00 am: Session 1
9:30 am: Break
10:00 am: Session 2
11:15 am: Lunch (Chick-fil-A)
12:30 pm: Session 3
2:00 pm: Break
2:30 pm: Session 4
4:00 pm: Program Concludes

The nine speakers who will be giving presentations via simulcast at this year's event will be Andy Stanley, Malcolm Gladwell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Randall Wallace, Bill McDermott, Laura Schroff, Dr. Henry Cloud, Simon Sinek, and Laura Bush.
To find out more about Leadercast Quad Cities 2014 or to register online, visit www.leadercast.com/location/quadcities/. To register by phone, call Les Flesher of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065


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Award-Winning CEO Shares Tips for Developing Them

A first-quarter survey of start-up entrepreneurs' confidence levels found a whopping 91 percent were "confident" or "very confident" that their companies would become more profitable in the coming 12 months.

Nearly half anticipate hiring more employees in that time, according to the April poll of nearly 2,000 CEOs by LegalZoom.

That doesn't surprise Corrine Sandler, CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp., a global business intelligence companyranked on Profit Magazine's list of top 50 fastest-growing companies and featured two years in a row on the W100 (top woman entrepreneurs in Canada) list.

"Any natural entrepreneur is bursting with confidence, both in him- or herself and in the conditions they control," says Sandler, author of "Wake Up or Die" (www.wakeupordie.us), a comprehensive guide to the use of intelligence in the contemporary business environment.

In fact, she says, confidence is one of the five key traits shared by successful entrepreneurs.

"Entrepreneurs need risk to thrive, so believing in themselves and the people they've put in positions of responsibility is essential," she says. "There's no room for doubt and second-guessing yourself."

Use your strengths to shine and hire people to handle the jobs that don't play to your strengths, she advises. You'll reinforce your own positive self-image and you'll give those around you even greater confidence in you, which will help feed your belief in yourself.

Sandler, who has worked with Fortune 500 companies for more than 20 years and is a member of the global Entrepreneurs' Organization, says true entrepreneurs (economic change agents, as she calls them) also share the following personality traits.

•  Passion: It can't be developed through leadership training, but everyone has the capacity for it, Sandler says.

"It's the source of incredible energy that feeds on one of our most powerful emotions and compels entrepreneurs forward with excitement and enthusiasm."

•  A fighter's instinct: The best fighters have studied their competition, identified their strengths and weaknesses, and used that knowledge to develop a strategy to beat them. They're determined to give it their all whether they're winning or losing.

"When things are going well, the entrepreneur who thinks the fight is over and he has won will quickly find himself knocked to the mat - just look at the Gola brand," Sandler says. "Equally important is having the mental fortitude to keep fighting when you're at the bottom, bruised and bloodied."

Of course, "the fight" doesn't involve punches or artillery. In business, it involves constantly assessing the competitive market and taking proactive measures to ensure your business holds the advantage.

•  Vision: Successful entrepreneurs are always thinking ahead - planning the future with imagination and wisdom. Having a vision means being able to manifest original ideas.

Strategic coaches can help you define your vision, if that's not your strength. Sandler relies on worksheets to crystalize and drive the vision home, such as the BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) from "Mastering the Rockefeller Habits" by Verne Harnish.

"What you visualize will materialize," she says.

•  Rebel: Entrepreneurs are agents of change; they predict the future by creating it.

"You can't be content with maintaining the status quo, you must push the limits," Sandler says. "Use intelligence to quickly and accurately identify - and act on - market trends. Dare to be different!"

She cites WattPad and specifically Allen Lau, founder and CEO of Wattpad. A compelling, thought-provoking entrepreneur, Lau has built the world's largest community for reading and sharing stories.

The "big 6" publishing giants missed the idea, which Lau capitalized on, creating a social media platform that allows amateur authors to connect directly with readers. It hosts more than 5 million user-generated stories in 25 languages, with half a million new stories every month.

"Now, that's a rebel with a cause," Sandler says.

Not everyone was born to be an entrepreneur, she says.

"But if that's what you believe you want, do an honest self-assessment. If you're lacking in one of these traits, address it!"

About Corrine Sandler

Corrine Sandler is the founder and CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp, a global market research agency; international professional speaker and author of  "Wake Up or Die," (www.wakeupordie.us) a new book that applies lessons from Sun Tzu's ancient classic, "The Art of War," to contemporary businesses. Corrine has been on Profit's top 100 Female Entrepreneurs list two years in a row. With more than 20 years' experience, she has established a reputation for unparalleled consumer understanding and insight development working with Fortune 500 companies.

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