03 Sep 2013

Governor Quinn Honors Illinois Workers by Fighting to Increase State's Minimum Wage

By Rick Martin

Governor's Key State of the State Priority Would Increase Minimum Wage from $8.25 to $10

CHICAGO - On this Labor Day holiday, Governor Pat Quinn today honored workers across Illinois by visiting Chicago's historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church to continue his ongoing fight to raise Illinois' minimum wage from $8.25 to $10. Governor Quinn made raising the minimum wage one of his priorities in his 2013 State of the State address and today's visit furthers his commitment to ensuring all Illinois workers are treated fairly and receive the compensation they deserve.

"No one in Illinois should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty," Governor Quinn said. "There is no better way to honor hard-working men and women across Illinois by raising the minimum wage. As we honor Illinois' workers this Labor Day, we should also remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said 'it's always the right time to do the right thing'."

At the church once visited by Dr. King in 1964, Governor Quinn - a longtime advocate of a higher minimum wage - noted that a full-time minimum wage worker in Illinois makes around $16,600 annually, which is well below the Federal Poverty Threshold of $23,550 for a family of four.

"If we want to fight poverty, curb crime and revitalize our neighborhoods, the best way to do it is with jobs," Governor Quinn said. "Increasing the minimum wage will ensure that many Illinois workers get a fair day's wages for a fair day's work and can pull themselves from poverty."

The Illinois minimum wage ($8.25) - which hasn't been increased since 2010 - is less than half of the average U.S. hourly wage ($19.97) and far less than the typical CEO's hourly pay ($3,072 per hour, according to an Associated Press analysis). By increasing the Illinois minimum wage to $10, a half-million Illinois consumers will make an extra $4,800 a year and much of that extra income will typically be spent at local businesses on food, clothing and furniture.

Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have raised their minimum wages higher than $7.25 per hour, which is the current federal rate.

In August, Governor Quinn signed three laws that fight questionable practices in order to protect Illinois workers' paychecks. House Bill 2649, House Bill 923 and House Bill 3125 deal with the misclassification of workers and the attempts of employers to avoid paying state employment taxes and premiums.

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03 Sep 2013

TWO JOIN BANDITS FRONT OFFICE LEADERSHIP TEAM

By Marco LaNave

Assistant General Manager of Special Events and Finance Manager introduced at press conference


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 31, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits introduced two new members of their front office leadership team Saturday, as team co-owner Dave Heller introduced new Assistant General Manager of Special Events Bridget Otten and new Finance Manager Dustin Miller at an afternoon press conference.

 

"The River Bandits make outstanding customer service our top priority, and Bridget Otten and Dustin Miller are exactly the type of people who bring that to the Quad Cities community," said team co-owner Dave Heller. "We are excited to have them as part of an outstanding front office leadership team."

 

Otten, a native of Rock Island, Ill., brings 10 years of experience in event management, weddings, fundraising and sales. Most recently, she has been the Catering Manager at the Radisson Quad City Plaza in Davenport the past three years. As the Assistant General Manager of Special Events, Otten will oversee all special events at Modern Woodmen Park, working with clients, vendors and community partners on the weddings, parties, reunions, business meetings, seminars and many other events year-round at the ballpark.

 

"I am extremely grateful to Dave Heller, Stefanie Brown and the entire River Bandits organization for allowing me the opportunity to join what promises to be such a great team!" Otten said. "I look forward to showcasing the phenomenal attributes of special events at what has proven to be the Best Minor League Ballpark in America."

 

Miller, a native of Elkhart, Ind., and graduate of St. Ambrose University, has worked 16 years in finance and accounting, most recently with Martin Engineering in Neponset, Ill. As the Finance Manager, Miller will manage all financial aspects of the River Bandits and Main Street Baseball.

 

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work for a professional sports organization like the Quad Cities River Bandits, who are an important part of the Quad Cities community and provide fans with a fun and affordable entertainment option," Miller said. "I am looking forward to joining the team and being part of the continued success and growth of the franchise."

 

Both Otten and Miller will begin their work in the River Bandits front office on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

30 Aug 2013

Ready to Make the Jump? Now's the Time for a Heartfelt Encore

By Rick Martin
Mother of Re-Invention Shares Tips for Finding Work
that Feeds the Soul

They're called second acts, encore careers or reinventing yourself - they're the completely new and different jobs people take in midlife or later.

Today, making that jumpis more likely to be a matter of following the heart than it was during the throes of the economic recession, whenprofessionalscaught up in corporate layoffs discovered they were too old to find jobs in a poor market and too young to retire. They started second careers not to follow a vocation but to pay the bills.

"I'm glad to see the tide turning again - especially for all the baby boomers who don't want to  retire but do want to do something gratifying," says Betty Hechtman (http://BettyHechtman.com), who was on the eve of her 60th birthday when her first mystery series prompted a bidding war between St. Martin's Press and Berkley Books.

She has since published eight "cozy mysteries," including her newest, "Yarn to Go" - the first in her Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Mystery series.

Hechtman has had a lot of practice reinventing herself. She has volunteered as a farmworker on a kibbutz in Israel, waitressed and worked in retail sales, and made connections as a telephone operator, among a host of jobs.

"I've held jobs just for the paycheck and I've pursued my passions, so I know how profoundly different it is to do one versus the other," she says. "No matter what age you are, if there's work you feel called to, you should most definitely give it a try -- you may well experience a joy unlike any you've ever known."

Hechtman offers these tips for people considering an encore:

• Do your homework. There's nothing more disappointing them jumping in to something new only to become disillusioned and frustrated because you didn't take the time to prepare. If your dream is to open a particular business, research the market. Is there a demand for what you hope to sell? Should you give it a trial run as an online business before investing in shop space and other overhead? Start by checking the resources at Score.org, a nonprofit supported by more than 12,000 volunteers dedicated to helping small businesses off the ground. For other encore pursuits, you might take classes or spend a few hours a week working as a volunteer to learn the ropes.

• Join a group of like-minded people. This is particularly helpful for aspiring artists who want to paint, play music, write a book or indulge some other creative talent. You can brush up on your skills and make valuable contacts by becoming a part of a community theater, joining a writers circle, or finding a group of hobbyists. You may find your skills develop much more quickly with the support and guidance of collegial peers who are all helping one another achieve a dream.

• Consider working in one of the five most popular encore fields. Most people seek second their careers in health, education, government, environment and non-profits -- all fields expected to provide abundant job opportunities in the next couple of years, according to Encore.org, a non-profit that supports second careers "for the greater good." If you need training to qualify, now is the time to get it, Hechtman says. "Invest now in the education, and you can soon have a job that feeds the heart, the mind - and the body!"

About Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman is the author of "Yarn to Go," the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet  mystery series. The eighth book, "For Better or Worsted," comes out in November.  She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children's culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago.

30 Aug 2013

Quad City International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Presents a FREE Seminar on Monday, September 9, 2013

By Kat Riley

The Quad City International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) will be presenting a FREE Seminar on Monday, September 9, 2013 at the WIU River Campus, 3300 River Drive in Moline, Illinois.  The speaker will be Dr. Mary Hogg, Associate Professor, WIU and she will be presenting "Nonverbal Communication in the Organizational Setting".

Networking/Gathering begins at 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM (reservation is required - meal cost is $8.00) and the speaker will begin at 6:30 PM. Following the presentation, a short chapter business meeting will be held.

To register, please contact Chris Brown by 11:00 AM by Friday, September 6, 2013 at 309-371-9587 or email her at MC-Brown2@wiu.edu.

 

For more information, go to our website at www.iaap-quadcity.org/quadcity/meetingsevents.
30 Aug 2013

Branstad rejects bids for Iowa Communications Network

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today announced their intention to reject bids related to the sale of the Iowa Communications Network (ICN).

"Though I appreciate the time and effort it took for Iowa Network Services to develop their bids, I believe the ICN is worth more to the State of Iowa than what the bidder was willing to pay," said Branstad. "Not only were the bids significantly less than the amount the state has invested in the network over the years, the bids were less than the recent $25 million upgrade of the network."

The state received two bids for the ICN, which the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission voted to reject. Their recommendation was then sent to the governor for consideration. Under Iowa law, the ICN cannot be sold without the prior authorization of the governor and a constitutional majority of both houses of the Legislature.

"It would be a disservice to the taxpayers of Iowa to sell this important asset for pennies on the dollar," Branstad continued.

Reynolds noted the wide input sought as the administration weighed the future of the ICN.

"Our office heard from a variety of stakeholders, including legislators, public safety leaders, health care providers, and members of the telecommunications industry," said Reynolds. "In addition to valuable stakeholder input, this decision was also informed by a detailed review of the bid proposals, along with the unanimous recommendation of the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission to reject the bids."

Branstad said the ICN will continue to play an important role for Iowans.

"The ICN has been an important resource for Iowans over the past two decades, and we believe it can continue to provide an important service to those who depend on it," said Branstad.

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30 Aug 2013

Can You be the Next Business Thought Leader?

By Ginny Grimsley
Corporate Thought Leader Architect Shares Tips

Plug "thought leader architect" into the title field of a LinkedIn search and only one name pops up: Mitchell Levy, CEO of THiNKaha and author of the new book, "#Creating Thought Leaders Tweet," (www.thinkaha.com/experts2gurus).

"The truth is, a lot of people are trying to become viewed as 'thought leaders' because they recognize that being a well-publicized, well-respected expert in their field is good for business," Levy says.

"But most people have a hard time figuring out how to do it on their own."

Levy, who works with corporations to develop thought leaders among employees, says CEOs recognize that the wide availability of information on the internet has changed how customers do business.

"Customers are quite knowledgeable, and they get that way by using the resources available online," Levy says. "It doesn't take long before they know enough to spot a true expert - someone with vision; someone with a strong track record of success; someone who knows their field so well, they can tell you where it's going, and where it should go."

When we had only the traditional media and its well-guarded access, our thought leaders tended to be people who were already in vaulted positions, such as elected officials, CEOs of major corporations and entertainment personalities, Levy notes.

Today, thanks to the egalitarian nature of social media, anyone can become one. But many people don't know where to begin.

Levy offers these suggestions for developing your reputation as a thought leader.

• Start by zeroing in on an area of your field in which you excel. Focus on one area of your business or profession that excites you. Rather than stepping out as the consummate expert on a broad range of topics, choose one slice of your expertise that you enjoy - that you love to talk about. The beautiful thing about social media is that it caters to niche interests, which is a great way to start building your following. The more focused you can make the space you want to be a thought leader in, the easier it will be for you to reach your audience.

• Develop your own message and share it in a distinctive style. Think about who your audience is and what they want and need - remembering that they don't care about you, they care about themselves. Are there better ways to do something that everyone has been doing the same way for years? Can you solve problems or foresee trends that others seem to be blind to? Craft a message that will resonate with your audience. Share it in a distinctive, authoritative voice. Don't be afraid to show some personality. Do you need to be bigger, tougher, louder, stronger, wiser? You don't need it all, but you do need to set yourself apart.

• Create useful, valuable content that people can use. Online, you can write a blog; create video tutorials on YouTube; share nuggets of information on the various social media sites. Write a book on your topic! By constantly sharing information that solves problems for users and readers, you begin developing a reputation as knowledgeable, helpful and reliable. This should be an ongoing process - which is why you need to be passionate about it! Thought leaders make it look easy, but they work at it every day.

About Mitchell Levy

Mitchell Levy, Thought Leader Architect and CEO at THiNKaha, has created and operated 15 firms and partnerships since 1997. Today, he works with companies who are active in social media to leverage their IP and unlock the expertise of their employee base to drive more business. He is also an Amazon best-selling author with 18 business books, including the new "#Creating Thought Leaders Tweet." Levy is a frequent media guest and a popular speaker. In addition to the companies and joint ventures he has started, he has provided strategic consulting to more than 100 companies, has advised more than 500 CEOs on critical business issues through the CEO networking groups he's run, and has been Chairman of the Board of a NASDAQ listed company.

29 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Opens Railroad Spur to Mount Vernon's Continental Tire

By Brooke Anderson

State-Funded Improvement Will Strengthen Company's Expansion and Lead to 100 New Jobs

MOUNT VERNON - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local and company officials to open a new railroad spur to Continental Tire in Mount Vernon, a state-funded infrastructure improvement that will strengthen the company's expansion and pave the way for 100 new jobs by 2015. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Continental Tire is one of the largest single site downstate employers in Illinois with 3,000 employees already in Mount Vernon, and this improvement will allow them to add even more jobs to the local economy," Governor Quinn said. "We must continue to work every day to create job opportunities for the people of Southern Illinois."

The new $1.1 million railroad spur, supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, will help the company bring more resources in and ship out more finished goods to national and international markets. The recently completed Truck Access Route at Continental Tire has already helped improve the flow of products in and out of the facility.

"The new rail spur will allow Continental to reduce logistics costs," Benny Harmse, Mount Vernon plant manager said.  "This rail spur is a key component in supplying raw materials required to ensure continued growth at the Mount Vernon facility."

Continental Tire is in the process of investing $129 million in its Mount Vernon facility to expand operations, and will add 100 new full-time jobs over the next three years, which was announced in January. The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2015, and will increase production to more than three million truck tires a year.

"The Continental Railroad Spur Project is an example of the partnership and confidence established between the State of Illinois, the City of Mount Vernon and Continental Tire to support a project that aids in expansion, leading to the creation of new jobs for Mount Vernon, Jefferson County and the Southern Illinois region," Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley said.

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) manufactures and distributes a complete premium line of passenger, light truck and commercial tires for original equipment and replacement markets. CTA is part of German-based Continental AG who is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires, and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 175,000 employees in 46 countries.

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29 Aug 2013

Microsoft Phone Scam Targets Local Consumers

By BBB News

The Better Business Bureau has received an influx of calls from consumers who have been targeted by the "Microsoft phone scam."  In this scam, the consumer receives a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Corporation. The caller states that Microsoft has detected a virus on the consumer's computer and they are calling to assist in remedying the problem. In actuality, these cybercriminals are either trying to gain remote access to the consumer's computer or trying to download malicious software to extract personal information such as account numbers and passwords.

The BBB reminds consumers that Microsoft's Online Safety and Security Center states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls.

The following tips will help you avoid falling victim to cybercrime:

  • Do not trust unsolicited calls. Never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don't know. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly.
  • Install virus detection. Help protect your computer from viruses by making sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer.
  • Educate yourself and your family on safe web surfing. Always be attentive of what you click on and download, including, movies, files, browser plug-ins and add-ons. Also, simply avoid clicking on pop-up ads as they can direct you to other harmful sites. You can also adjust your browser settings to turn on safe search options.

If you think you may have fallen victim to a cybercriminal or allowed someone access your computer, the BBB recommends you immediately change your computer's password as well as any other passwords you keep on your computer such as your email or online banking and proceed to find a computer repair company or person you can trust. Go to iowa.bbb.org to find reputable companies near you.

 

About the BBB. The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.  Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior.  The BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region was founded in 1940 and is one of 113 BBBs.  Locally, the BBB has over 3,500 Accredited Businesses and provides reports and on companies throughout the state.  Contact the BBB at 1-800-BBB-1600 or info@dm.bbb.org.
28 Aug 2013

Iowa Finance Authority to Host Statewide 2013 HousingIowa Conference September 4-6 in Coralville

By Nicholas Depew

Nearly 500 Expected to Attend 2013 HousingIowa Conference Sept. 4-6

CORALVILLE - The Iowa Finance Authority will host housing professionals from throughout the state at the Coralville Marriott for the HousingIowa Conference Sept. 4-6. Attendees will hear from national housing experts, discuss local housing issues and network with housing professionals from throughout the state. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the housing industry. The registration fee is $175. More information is available at www.IFAMeetings.com.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4 - FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

WHAT: 2013 HousingIowa Conference

REGISTRATION: $175

LOCATION:   Coralville Marriott, 300 East 9th St., Coralville, IA

MORE INFORMATION AND FULL AGENDA:  www.IFAMeetings.com

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26 Aug 2013

FTC to Examine Anti-competitive allegations against Big Oil

By Grassley Press
Thursday, August 22, 2013

Klobuchar, Grassley: FTC Will Examine Allegations of Possible Anti-Competitive Practices by Oil Companies, Good News for Consumers

In a letter, FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez assured the senators that the FTC will evaluate concerns that oil companies may be undermining efforts to distribute renewable fuels that help boost energy security and lower the price of gas for consumers

Recently the senators sent a letter to FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez urging the Administration to take action to investigate recent reports indicating this potential anti-competitive behavior by oil companies

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D, MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will examine possible anti-competitive practices by oil companies that limit consumers access to homegrown renewable fuels. Recently, Klobuchar, the chair of the Antitrust Subcommittee and Grassley, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez urging the Administration to take action to address recent reports indicating that oil companies may be undermining efforts to distribute renewable fuels, including higher ethanol gasoline blends, that help boost our nation's security and lower the price of gas for consumers.

"Consumers deserve to have access to homegrown renewable fuels that not only lower costs at the pump but also help boost our energy security," Klobuchar said. "It is imperative that the Administration investigate any possible anti-competitive behavior by the oil companies that might limit consumers' access to renewable fuels. I'm pleased to see the Federal Trade Commission is taking steps to investigate whether certain practices by oil companies may be impeding competition, and I will continue to work to ensure that Americans can continue to realize the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable fuel."

"The allegations from retailers about possible anticompetitive practices from Big Oil are disheartening, but not surprising, knowing the lengths Big Oil will go to in order to keep biofuels out of the fuel supply," Grassley said. "It's going to take an 'all-of-the-above' approach to wean the United States off of foreign sources of oil, so it only makes sense that we all work together. I appreciate the FTC taking a look at the allegations and look forward to their conclusions."

 

In the letter to Klobuchar and Grassley, Ramirez assured the senators that the FTC will evaluate the information provided and address the concerns expressed in the senators' letter under pertinent antitrust standards.

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