23 Aug 2010

Mandus Group / Spirit Partners Plans to Expand in Rock Island

By Jennifer Fowler

Mandus Group / Spirit Partners plans to expand in Rock Island. On August 23, Rock Island City Council will vote on an agreement between the City and Mandus Group / Spirit Partners that will help foster a significant expansion by the company at their 2408 4th Avenue location in the city. The project involves two phases that in total could result in close to $4 million in new investment and 60 jobs.

The first phase involves construction of a 7,500 square foot addition to support assembly of mobile military vehicle maintenance units by Mandus Group and their associated company Spirit Partners. In support of the project the City will sell property it owns to the east and west to the company's current facility for $1. The property to the east is a vacant lot. The property to the west is the site of a former fuel station/auto repair business. The site is currently undergoing an environmental clean-up through support from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Development plans call for the lot to be redeveloped as a landscaped parking lot to help support the anticipated increase in employment at Mandus Group / Spirit Partners. Additional City support during the first phase will be through City programs such as: Commercial / Industrial Revolving Loan Fund, Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund, Enterprise Zone, Sustainable Improvements Loan Fund, and the Façade Improvement Program.

Sam Kupresin, President of Mandus Group / Spirit Partners stated, "We are very excited to be expanding our business in Rock Island, due in part to the location of the Rock Island Arsenal, which is important to our business of dealing with military equipment. Working with the City of Rock Island was pleasant and enjoyable because the staff was supportive in helping us. The City's pro-business attitude, especially in helping a small business grow, is appreciated."

Mayor Dennis Pauley said "This project offers many positives for our community. It supports the growth of a small business in Rock Island, complements other investment in this neighborhood, adds much needed jobs to the economy and leverages significant private investment. Since locating in Rock Island in 2007, the City has worked to support the growth of Mandus Group / Spirit Partners and we are pleased that the company will continue its investment Rock Island."

A second phase of the project involves acquisition of the property at 2435 5th Avenue. This is an approximate 26,000 square foot building which currently houses the Rock Island Register Company. Mandus Group / Spirit Partners plan to renovate the building for their use as well as for use by tenant businesses. City support for phase two includes a $50,000 loan and $83,600 in façade improvement funds to support installation on new widows and tuck pointing of the exterior brick surface. In addition, the City will reconstruct 25th Street between 4th and 5th Avenue and cover one-half the cost to replace sidewalks on 4th Avenue and 24th Street. It is expected this work will take place over the next five years as the company's primary focus will be on constructing the new building.

23 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Highlights Importance of Job Training for Veterans

By Laurel White

Helmets to Hardhats Trains Veterans for Good-Paying Jobs

August 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today visited Rend Lake College (RLC) to highlight the importance of job training and opportunities for Veterans through the Helmets to Hardhats program. Twelve Illinois Veterans began training through the program at RLC last month to gain the skills necessary to pursue careers in the construction industry.

"It is our responsibility to make sure that the servicemen and servicewomen who have answered the call to duty have the opportunity to come home to a good job," Governor Quinn said. "Thanks to the Helmets to Hardhats program and training at schools like Rend Lake College, our Veterans are getting the training they need to transition into good-paying jobs."

Helmets to Hardhats is a national initiative which connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military service members with high-quality construction industry training and employment opportunities. The program, administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment, seeks to ease the challenging transition to civilian life for servicemembers and their families.

"Rend Lake College is very proud to be a Helmets to Hardhats site, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Plumbers and Pipefitters local and Governor Quinn's office," said RLC President Charley Holstein. "It's a great program. It allows these soldiers who have gone and served their country to come back and have an opportunity to get some accelerated training to get out in the workforce."

The Pipefitters Local 551 of West Frankfort and the Pipefitters Local 651 of Centralia are involved in RLC's program and are training 12 Veterans. The 16 weeks of training conclude with each Veteran's assignment to an area union as a second-year apprentice.

"We were able to put this program together after reaching out to Governor Quinn," said Thomas Caliper, business manager for UA Local 551 in West Frankfort. "We knew we could count on Governor Quinn's support because Veterans are so important to this governor."

Launched in 2003, Helmets to Hardhats is co-sponsored by all 15 building and construction trades organizations and their employer associations, together representing around 82,000 contractors. There are currently 157,755 Helmets to Hardhats candidates registered, all of whom have access to program's Web site. The site currently lists over 80,000 careers for member access.

The Illinois Helmets to Hardhats program is generally recognized as the model for the national Helmets to Hardhats campaign. Much of this success can be attributed to a strong effort from teamster local unions, state agencies and local Veteran support groups.

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23 Aug 2010

Hurley and Weezer "Rocks You Back to School" Presented by Pac Sun

By Tiffany Caronia

(Costa Mesa, CA. August 19, 2010)   Hurley "Rocks You Back to School" with Weezer is a very special and timely fashion and music collaboration bringing the best of both worlds together for kids across the country. The collection available exclusively at select PacSun stores starting September 10, 2010, includes limited edition gear such as Weezer inspired men's and women's wovens, t-shirts, and hoodies. Reaching out directly to their fans, the band will offer unique access, new music and an exclusive line of clothing making for a perfect convergence between artists and fans.

"It was swell working with the good people at Hurley on our first adventure into a clothing line. My favorite piece we've created is the zip up hoodie - especially for those cool fall nights." - Pat Wilson, Weezer

The first product of this major merger is a capsule collaboration of Hurley men and women's clothing, available exclusively in select PacSun stores nationwide starting September 10th, 2010. The clothes, designed especially to capture the casual and comfortable style of America's indie rock heroes, make a perfect addition to Hurley's beloved collection of youth apparel. The collection reflects a simple color pallet based on a quirky, yet classic green tone, that feels both retro and futuristic all at the same time. Hurley designed every day items, with the creativity and freedom of Weezer's music and the Hurley lifestyle in mind that make these pieces feel fun and new.

 

 

"Certain words come to mind when I think of Weezer....youth, innovative, creative, inclusive, classic. and fresh. These are the very principles that the Hurley brand was founded on. Weezer's core values parallel Hurley's bloodlines and brand truths. It seemed like a no brainer to join minds, and embrace these values together. Designing this collection with the design team came naturally, we love the band, their vibe, and their fans. Aren't we all Weezer fans?" - Ryan Hurley, VP of Men's Design for Hurley


Additionally, Weezer will be releasing a brand new album cleverly titled "Hurley" with their new label Epitaph Records, but PacSun will have the album exclusively for sale on Sept 10th with nationwide listening parties at all PacSun locations.  So if you want it first this is the only place to get it


Lastly between September 10th and October 15th kids who purchase the exclusive Hurley/Weezer product at PacSun will receive a free download card with bonus content.  Every card is a winner, and one lucky Weezer fan will receive a special lunchtime concert with Weezer at their high school or college. Other prizes include Hurley merchandise, Weezer albums, signed posters, guitars and much more.


This collaboration and contest unites music, clothes, user generated designs and an unbelievable hometown concert into a perfect storm of excitement for kids going back to school.

 

Stay tuned to www.hurley.com , www.pacsun.com and www.weezer.com to make the most of it.

About Hurley

Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic "Microphone for Youth" brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, loungewear, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley's corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney,

Barcelona and Bali. www.hurley.com

 

About PacSun

Pac Sun is a leading lifestyle specialty retailer rooted in action sports and the youth culture of California. The store caters to young men and women and sells casual apparel with a limited selection of accessories and footwear. As of January 30, 2010, the Company operated 894 stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico. Pac Sun's website address is www.pacsun.com.

23 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Announces $2.3 Million Investment Package to Support Illinois Boeing Expansion

By Andrew Mason

Project will Bring 70 New Jobs, Spur Future Economic Growth and Boost Illinois' Manufacturing Industry

MASCOUTAH - August 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois is providing a $2.3 million business investment package to assist Boeing with its plans to locate a new facility at MidAmerica Airport in St. Clair County. The state's investment will leverage a $7 million Boeing investment and is expected to bring 70 new jobs to the Metro East region, with the potential to create more jobs over the next few years. It will also boost manufacturing and spur economic growth throughout the state.

"Our top priority is to get people back to work and continue our economic recovery," said Governor Quinn. "This investment is bringing dozens of good-paying, sustainable jobs to the region, boosting Illinois' manufacturing industry and helping MidAmerica Airport reach its full potential. I want to thank Boeing for continuing to invest in the people of Illinois."

The state's investment package will support Phase I of a potential three-phase project by Boeing to expand its Defense, Space and Security Group operations and create a Strategic Manufacturing Center at MidAmerica Airport. The center will serve as the lead facility for manufacturing complex sub assemblies for Boeing products and will be the company's first manufacturing facility in the state of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will administer the state's business investment package consisting of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits, which are based on job creation; job training funds; and local benefits from being located within an enterprise zone.

"Our partnership with Boeing reinforces that Illinois has a quality workforce and the right resources to help any company succeed," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "This is a great example of how - through our collaborative efforts - we are creating jobs, expanding our economy and helping Illinois businesses grow."

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and defense, space and security systems. The company is headquartered in Chicago with 158,000 employees in more than 70 countries.

In 2010, Illinois' manufacturing sector has added more than 12,000 jobs, which is a higher growth rate than the national average.

Governor Quinn was joined at the event today by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), State Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville), State Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security Dennis Muilenburg, and other civic and business leaders.

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16 Aug 2010

House action keeps U.S. on the road to economic recovery

By Iowa State Education Association

DES MOINES, IA (08/10/2010)(readMedia)-- The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation containing emergency funds to help states cope with the Great Recession and stave off massive layoffs of educators. The House joined the Senate in passing H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, legislation that will keep educators working and help states with Medicaid funding. It provides $10 billion for educators' jobs and $16 billion for a Medicaid funding assistance program known as FMAP.

The legislation would provide $96 million in federal funding for Iowa and help save an estimated 1800 jobs.

A Congressional Budget Office analysis found that the legislation, which is fully paid for, will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years. The bill, which the Department of Education estimates will save some 161,000 educators' jobs, now goes to President Obama for his signature.

"This is a great day for Iowa's kids and schools. $96 million will go a long way toward reducing overcrowded classrooms, improving program offerings and bringing educators back into their buildings so they can do what they do best, help Iowa's kids to learn and grow," said Chris Bern, President of the Iowa State Education Association. "Everyone wins with this important legislation," Bern added.

"We deeply appreciate Senator Harkin's leadership in moving this legislation forward and keeping the best interests of students ahead of politics. We also appreciate the support from Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack and Governor Culver's strong commitment to Iowa's kids and public educators," Bern said.

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16 Aug 2010

Braley Votes to Cut Deficit, Create Jobs

By Amanda Crawford

Bill Saves 1,800 Jobs in Iowa, Delivers Medicaid Assistance

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) voted today to cut the nation's deficit by $1.4 billion while saving nearly 2,000 Iowa jobs and delivering essential Medicaid Assistance to Iowa. The Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will create opportunities for middle-class workers while significantly reducing the nation's debt.

"I came back to Washington today to pass legislation that prioritizes education, community safety and middle-class family values," Braley said. "Investing in education is investing in our state's economy. This bill is fully paid for and will save 1,800 jobs in Iowa. Cutting the national deficit and putting teachers back to work are common-sense, important steps to getting our nation's economy back on track. This legislation directly benefits families and children in Iowa, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law."

The Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will give Iowa $96 million to fund as many as 1,800 jobs and deliver $128 million in Medicaid assistance. The bill is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes that currently reward companies for shipping jobs overseas.

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16 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Law to End Pre-Employment Credit Checks

By Laurel White

New Law Prohibits Employers from Discriminating Based on a Job Seeker or Employee's Credit History

CHICAGO - August 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that prohibits Illinois employers from discriminating based on a job seeker or employee's credit history. The new law will remove a significant barrier to employment for the growing segment of the population whose credit history has been affected by the historic national recession.

"A job seeker's ability to earn a decent living should not depend on how well they are weathering the greatest economic recession since the 1930s," said Governor Quinn. "This law will stop employers from denying a job or promotion based on information that is not an indicator of a person's character or ability to do a job well."

House Bill 4658, sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), creates the Employee Credit Privacy Act. Under the act, Illinois' employers may not use a person's credit history to determine employment, recruiting, discharge or compensation.

The new law forbids employers from inquiring about an applicant or employee's credit history or obtaining a copy of their credit report. The law does not affect an employer's ability to conduct a thorough background investigation that does not contain a credit history or report.

Employers who violate the new law can be subject to civil liability for damages or injunctive relief.

Under the new law, employers may access credit checks under limited circumstances, including positions that involve: bonding or security per state or federal law; unsupervised access to more than $2,500; signatory power over businesses assets of more than $100; management and control of the business; access to personal, financial or confidential information, trade secrets, or state or national security information.

Pre-employment credit screenings are on the rise throughout the nation. The Society for Human Resources Management recently found that 60 percent of employers run a credit check on at least some applicants. That is an increase from the 42 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 1998.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.

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10 Aug 2010

IOWA FARM BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, FIELD SERVICE STAFF

By Zach Bader
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 6, 2010 - Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is proud to announce four staff promotions within its Government Relations and Field Service departments.
Joe Johnson becomes IFBF's Director of Field Service, replacing Pat Regan, who retired at the beginning of July following 22 years of service to Farm Bureau. Joining Johnson in Field Service is Tim Prunty, who becomes Regional Manager of six counties in southwest Iowa. Marty Schwager assumes Johnson's previous role as State Policy Advisor for Farm Bureau. With this transition, Megan Ritter has accepted Schwager's former position with Farm Bureau, National Policy Advisor. Ritter comes to Farm Bureau from the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF), where she worked directly with Iowa's farmers to build and manage their livestock barns responsibly.
As Director of Field Service, Johnson oversees the department, IFBF's leadership development program and the young farmer program. He is responsible for recruiting, supervising and training Farm Bureau's 17 regional managers, directing the annual membership drive and delivering member service programs to county Farm Bureaus. Johnson joined Farm Bureau in 1985 as a regional manager in southeast Iowa, before becoming State Policy Advisor. The Wartburg College graduate lives in Grimes with his wife, Karen.
Prunty will supervise the operation of Farm Bureau's offices in Clarke, Dacatur, Lucas, Madison, Ringgold and Warren counties as Regional Manager. He will also work with county officers and committees to develop and carry out program activities and organize and assist with the annual membership campaign. Prunty joins Farm Bureau after serving eight years as a biology and agriculture teacher for Wayne Community Schools in Corydon, Iowa. A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Prunty currently resides near Corydon with his family. Prunty begins Aug. 23.
As State Policy Advisor, Schwager helps coordinate state legislative efforts and promotes Farm Bureau initiatives with the Iowa Legislature. He also works with county Farm Bureau campaign committees and the IFBF Political Action Committee (PAC). Schwager joined Farm Bureau as a regional manager in central Iowa and most recently served as national policy advisor. Before joining Farm Bureau, he spent 12 years working for the Iowa Pork Producers Association; he is also the past president of the Clive Chamber of Commerce. Schwager and his family reside in Clive.

As National Policy Advisor, Ritter will work with Iowa's congressional delegation and federal agencies on issues that affect Iowa's farmers. She will also work with county Farm Bureaus on national issues and coordinate Iowa Farm Bureau's activities with the American Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C. Ritter assumes this role with extensive experience in the national policy arena. Before working as Senior Field Coordinator with CSIF, she served as national legislative counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF). She also assisted in implementing voluntary environmental management programs on farms through partnerships with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. The Michigan State graduate and her family reside in Bondurant. Ritter begins her role with Farm Bureau in September.

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09 Aug 2010

Acquisition forms largest adoption agency in Illinois

By Sarah LoCoco
On August 1, Lifelink International Adoption became a subsidiary of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS) creating Illinois' largest provider of adoption services. The move strengthens services and creates a new program with a comprehensive set of domestic and international adoptions. All Lifelink International Adoption employees and programs will become part of LCFS, including your local service sites in Moline and the Quad Cities.

Both agencies have worked with adoptions domestically and abroad for years. LCFS has focused mostly on domestic adoptions, while Lifelink's specialty has been international adoptions. The combination brings together the expertise of both organizations in a way that gives adoptive parents more options.

While many non-profit agencies are struggling and cutting back on services during these tough economic times, LCFS has been strengthening their range of services to meet the increasing needs of the children and families they serve. This acquisition also allows LCFS to diversify their revenue sources in order to become less dependant on public funds.
02 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Increase Wage Protections for Thousands of Illinois Workers

By Andrew Mason

New Law Strengthens Penalties for Unpaid Wages; Helps Workers to Recover Wages More Quickly

CHICAGO - July 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to increase protections for Illinois workers who are not paid the wages they have earned. The new law amends existing state law to help thousands of Illinois workers recover unpaid wages more quickly.

"Illinois workers deserve every penny they have earned, on-time and in-full," said Governor Quinn. "This important legislation will help Illinois workers recover unpaid wages faster and will further crack down on wage theft throughout our state."

Senate Bill 3568 strengthens the rights of Illinois workers who have been victims of wage theft. The bill makes both first and repeat wage theft violations more serious crimes. Civil and criminal penalties for wage theft will increase under the new law, and repeat offenders can face up to three years in prison.

Workers will now be able to take alleged violations directly to the state circuit court and collect all costs and reasonable attorney's fees. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) will also establish a streamlined process to resolve small claims. For the first time ever, employees will be expressly allowed to file class action lawsuits against employers. Additionally, workers will be protected from retaliation for reporting alleged violations in public forums.

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Chicago's Center for Urban Economic Development underscored the negative impact of wage theft on more than 300,000 workers in Chicago and suburban Cook County, as well as the economy overall. The study found that nearly half of the approximately 1,100 low-wage workers surveyed experienced at least one pay-related violation. The study estimates that full?time, year-round workers participating in the survey annually lost an average of $2,595 out of total earnings of $16,753, due to workplace violations.

In 2009, the IDOL recovered $3.1 million in unpaid and underpaid wages and continues to provide assistance to workers for the collection of wages and final compensation that include unused vacation pay, commissions, bonuses or other fringe benefits. Under Illinois law employees must receive their final wages, vacation pay, commissions and bonuses on their next regularly scheduled pay day. Further information on the law's requirements and penalties are available at www.state.il.us/agency/idol.

Senate Bill 3568 was sponsored by Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago) and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

 

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