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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29 Jul 2010

Healthcare Tax Credit a Big Question Mark for Iowa

By Kristin Kunert

Healthcare Tax Credit a Big Question Mark for Small Business; the Iowa numbers that supporters toss out just don't add up

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 28, 2010 - "We're from Washington and we're here to help" never had a more hollow ring or was more factually baseless than in the claims made by some health reform supporters in the number of small businesses that would qualify for the new health insurance tax credit passed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"Supporters claim 4 million small businesses are eligible for the temporary credit, but the fact is less than 2 million small businesses will receive it," said NFIB tax counsel Bill Rys. "This recently-released research shows how many small businesses will be eligible, but it doesn't take into account whether the firms even offer health insurance."

The research referred to by Rys was put out by Families USA and the Small Business Majority. But the small business authority, NFIB, paints an entirely different picture. In Iowa, the Small Business Majority/Families USA data claim 51,100 small businesses would benefit from the new tax credit. The NFIB Research Foundation, however, pegs the real number at 17,651, using data from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Kaiser Foundation.

"Will a temporary credit help some of the smallest, lowest wage businesses? Sure," said Rys. "Is it the 'saving grace' it's being made out to be? Probably not. The minimal benefits of this tax credit are easily outweighed by the new and expensive burdens of this law."

"Of the four required criteria to receive a credit, they [SBM/Families] only looked at two pieces (firm size, average wage). They leave out whether the business offers insurance and pays for half (both are required to receive a credit)," Rys continued. "The truth is about one-third of firms under 25 employees offer insurance. And, the lower the average wage of a firm, the less likely it is to offer insurance."

None of the talk over the putative benefits and very real drawbacks of the national legislation even takes into account what states have been doing to ensure small businesses can't insure, reminded NFIB/Iowa State Director Kristin Kunert. "States, and Iowa is no exception, continually add more and more requirements onto the basic plans businesses can buy, and each one raises the cost of premiums and pushes affordability further and further out of the reach of small business owners. Having the option of low-cost plans tailored to the needs of each, individual business would do more to bring the uninsured into coverage than some elusive tax credit out of Washington, D.C."

[Business owners can see if their enterprises qualify for the healthcare law's new small business tax credit on health insurance, and if they do, how much it is, by going to www.nfib.com/creditcalculator]

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20 Jul 2010

Statement by Governor Quinn on the Settlement of the Operating Engineers and Laborers' Strike

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - July 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the settlement of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 and The Laborers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity strike:

"I want to salute the Operating Engineers and Laborers' for coming to an agreement that will allow Illinois' workers to return to their jobs and get important infrastructure projects back on track. We must continue to work together to keep these projects moving for Illinois residents and for the future of our state's economy. The Illinois Department of Transportation continues to announce new projects that are part of the largest construction season in the history of Illinois. I want to again commend both parties - the unions and contractors - for the agreement reached last night that will help keep this construction season moving in the right direction."

The agreement was reached with the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association (MARBA).

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19 Jul 2010

ALDI to Launch "One Week Challenge"

By Rick Martin

Grocer to dare shoppers to compare savings, average family to save nearly $2,000 annually

Batavia, Ill. (July 15, 2010) - Starting Monday, select assortment discount grocer, ALDI, will boldly launch a "one week challenge," daring consumers to shop ALDI for one week and compare the cart-to-cart savings to their typical weekly shopping bill. The new campaign comes with its own reward for shoppers: a family of four can save approximately $1,996.80 per year - each year - compared to traditional supermarkets' store brands, or $998.40 compared to big box store brands.

"Everything we do is designed with one goal in mind - to help our customers stretch their grocery dollars," said Joan Kavanaugh, ALDI vice president of corporate purchasing. "Competitors may offer specials or sales on an item here or there, but cart-to-cart, no one matches the quality and value ALDI offers everyday."

Known for offering high quality grocery items, fresh meats and produce at up to 50 percent less than the competition, customers can expect to find more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased items sold under its exclusive select brands.

The grocer's streamlined, efficient approach eliminates hidden costs (such as in-store banking, pharmacies, bagging clerks, check cashing, photo processing or other non-essential grocery store services), and passes on the savings to customers in the form of lower prices.

ALDI stores' efficient layout makes it easy for shoppers to get in, get out and get on with their day, and the smaller store footprint uses less land and utilities, all helping keep prices low on the high quality items offered every day.

"We know that anyone who shops ALDI will save money, but there's nothing like seeing those receipts for yourself and feeling the satisfaction of having more money left in your pocket," said Kavanaugh.

Quality, taste and satisfaction are always double guaranteed at ALDI. If for any reason a shopper is not 100% satisfied with any product, ALDI will replace the product and refund the money.

[Note: Estimated savings based on the average $416 monthly grocery shopping bill for a family of four, according to Consumer Reports, 2009. ALDI prices are typically 30 to 40 percent less than store brands at traditional supermarkets and 15 to 20 percent less than big box store brands.]

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry since 1976, ALDI has more than 1,100 U.S. stores located in 31 states primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. In the spring of 2010, ALDI opened a new division in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. A select assortment discount grocer featuring its own ALDI select brands, ALDI applies smart and efficient operational and business practices to save more than 20 million monthly customers up to 50 percent on their grocery bill. ALDI, named 2009 Retailer of the Year by PL Buyer, sells more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items in manageable, non-bulk packaging. For more information about ALDI, go to www.aldi.us.

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15 Jul 2010

10th Anniversary Celebration of John Taylor Salon and Day Spa

By MacKenzie Griffin

John Taylor Salon and Day Spa will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary by putting on a Fashion Show. Miss Iowa Contestants, including Miss Iowa, will be modeling the latest trends in Hair, Make-up, Nails and Fashion on the runway. This event will be judged by a panel of fashion experts and one former runway model.

Event begins at 5:30 on Thursday, July 15th at John Taylor Salon and Day Spa, 4102 Black Hawk Road.

1,2, FREE!!!! Now through July 31st, buy 2 Pureology, Redken, Bioelements or Identity Cosmetics and Receive the 3rd for FREE (must be of equal or lesser value). Come in today and save. You Deserve it!!!

13 Jul 2010

Braley Announces $5.1 Million for Cedar Falls, Davenport and Waterloo

By Caitlin Legacki

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today a total of $5.1 million in grants for cities in Iowa's First District. The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to stimulate the local housing markets.

"These grants invest in eastern Iowa's economic future at a very critical time," Braley said. "As Iowa continues to recover from the economic downturn, investing in the housing market and Iowa's local economies is key to achieving successful growth. This grant will directly benefit middle class families in Iowa and help our local economies get back on track."

The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program is sponsored by HUD and aims to develop housing and expand economic opportunities specifically for low to moderate-income workers. The HOME grant program helps expand housing available to low and very low-income families by providing grants that meet local needs and priorities.

The grants will be distributed as follows:

CDBG

Davenport $1,883,503

Waterloo $1,507,033

Cedar Falls $335,659

HOME

Davenport $713,195

Waterloo $673,556

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13 Jul 2010

Mississippi River Distilling Company Breaks Ground In LeClaire

By Garrett Burchett

The new business will bring a unique new tourist attraction to LeClaire and the Quad Cities metro area.

LeClaire, Iowa -- July 12, 2010 - Work began today on a new building in downtown LeClaire that will soon be the new home of Mississippi River Distilling Company. With plans to open on the banks of the Mississippi in late 2010, Mississippi River Distilling Company will produce handmade, premium spirits made from locally grown grains.

This start-up business will be the first whiskey distillery in the Quad Cities area since prohibition. Once in operation, the public will be able to tour the facility daily to see the production of vodka, gin and bourbon whiskey up close.

"We are so excited about the potential for our company in LeClaire," said company partner Garrett Burchett. "The town fits our company's image and the proximity to Interstate 80 gives us a steady stream of potential tourists to visit our facility. The community has been a great partner in bringing this dream to reality."

People who visit the distillery will be able to witness the entire process of liquor creation on site. From the milling of the grain to the fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling; everything from grain to glass will be done at the distillery.

A new Iowa law that went into effect on July 1 allows micro-distilleries in Iowa to offer limited retail sales and tastings on the distillery premises. Mississippi River Distilling Company plans to be the first new distillery in Iowa to open after the passage of this legislation.

As the building is being constructed, operators are also awaiting the construction of a 1,000 liter handmade German pot still that will be the focal point of the facility. This copper and stainless steel instrument takes craftsmen up to six months to fabricate. Once shipped from Germany and installed, it will be the only one of its kind in the Midwest. The steam heated still gives producers the flexibility to create vodka, gin, whiskey and other spirits.

Aside from the production facility, the building will also house a retail area and large tasting room. Tours will conclude in the tasting room that will feature a large glass window looking into the production facility as well as a large window view out to the Mississippi River.

This building is the first of four to be constructed that will extend the existing downtown retail area of LeClaire to the north and develop a block of land that has stood empty for several years. This commercial expansion in LeClaire has many business people excited.

"LeClaire is experiencing continued growth and this development will enhance the experience of our visitors," said Deb Mulvania, the president of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. "We are excited that Mississippi River Distilling Company has chosen to locate their unique new business in our downtown area. They will compliment our existing businesses and create excitement for further economic development."

The construction of this facility has been the culmination of efforts from many entities across the region. Mississippi River Distilling Company has worked closely with the City of LeClaire, First Central State Bank in LeClaire, New Ventures Initiative in Davenport and the Iowa Department of Economic Development to develop and fund the project. "We can't say enough about the community support we've received throughout this process," said Burchett. "It really strengthens our connection to the local community to have such wonderful support from LeClaire, the greater Quad Cities region and the State of Iowa."

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12 Jul 2010

USDA Announces Recovery Act Efforts Aimed at Creating Jobs, Supporting Local and Regional Food Systems

By USDA Communications Office

CORVALIS, Ore., July 12, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced Recovery Act investments for 11 businesses in 9 states to strengthen rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Victor Vasquez made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack at the annual conference for the National Rural Economic Developers Association.

"Our farmers are the most productive in the world, supplying much of the nation's food, and in so doing, are creating the create jobs that are necessary to strengthen our economy," said Vilsack. "By connecting farmers and ranchers more closely with consumers of food, we are creating new economic opportunities for producers and helping consumers to access healthy, nutritious food."

These announcements come as part of USDA's "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which seeks to create new economic opportunities, to promote local and regional food systems that help keep wealth in rural communities, and to encourage a national conversation about what we eat and where it comes from in order to benefit producers of all sizes.

"The Obama Administration and USDA are committed to strengthening and supporting rural business and regional economies in order to revitalize our small towns and communities," Vasquez said. "This funding will help create and save jobs and build on America's economic recovery."

For example, in O'Neill, Neb., Garden Fresh Vegetables, LLC was selected to receive a $3.9 million guaranteed loan to expand its greenhouse business by purchasing a 10-acre greenhouse, and by constructing a new facility. The expansion will create an estimated 35 new jobs in the community. The company is one of the largest employers in O'Neill, whose population is 3,733. Garden Fresh Vegetables currently employs 50 full time and an additional 10 part-time workers and also offers seasonal employment opportunities to high school and college students. Their produce is currently used in many local grocery stores and they also participate in the local Farm to Schools program.

Meanwhile, in Dundee, Ore., the Torii Mor Winery, LLC was selected to receive a $6 million guaranteed loan that will enable the company to restructure debt and establish a working capital reserve to create and retain jobs -- including preserving nine existing positions. Established 17 years ago, the business is in the heart of Oregon wine country and is an integral part of the local value-added agricultural economy. The winery purchases nearly 90 percent of its grapes from local vineyards, which helps sustain additional jobs and agricultural businesses in the region.

The loan guarantees announced today are from USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry (B&I)Guaranteed Loan Program, which received $1.57 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to help rural businesses stimulate their economies and support local communities. Under the B&I program, eligible applicants include private businesses, cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, non-profit groups, Federally-recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals. The funds are targeted to create and retain quality jobs and serve difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal Government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

A list of borrowers receiving loans is shown below. Funding is contingent upon borrowers meeting conditions in the loan agreement.

Iowa

North American Co-Pack, LLC; Iowa State Bank: $1,890,000 loan
World Food Processing, LLC; Bank Iowa: $8,000,000 loan

12 Jul 2010

Davenport Walmart Unveils New Design

By Stephanie Austin

DAVENPORT, Iowa, July 12, 2010 - The Davenport Walmart, located at 3101 W. Kimberly Road, will celebrate a grand re-opening this week, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company's next generation of store design and customer experience. The results of a two month remodeling project will be unveiled at the Davenport Walmart at 7:30 a.m., Friday, July 16. Among the many improvements are a new layout, wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signage to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before.

"We listened to our customers and have redesigned the store to make shopping at Walmart even easier," said store manager Daniel Cosner.

New Layout Improves Customer Experience

The remodeled Davenport store features a more open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently, making it quicker to purchase everyday items.

"The new layout is easier to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for necessities," said Cosner.

A bright interior paint scheme and enhanced lighting create a more inviting shopping experience and help define the store's merchandise areas. Low-profile shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage helps customers find the products they need.

Expanded Departments Add Value and Savings

The remodel also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The interactive experience enables shoppers to test new technology.

A new department called Celebration Station has been added and will feature party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.

Grand Re-opening Activities Include Support for Local Organizations

The grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 16, and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. During the ceremony, store associates will present $2,500 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to three local organizations including Children and Families of Iowa, lowa Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Scott County Family YMCA.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $2 billion to U.S. hunger relief efforts through 2015. The Fighting Hunger Together campaign will also engage Walmart customers and associates in the fight against hunger. More information can be found at walmart.com/fightinghunger.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), or "Walmart," serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,400 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine's 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Walmartnews. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.

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