29 Apr 2011

NAM and Vermeer Corporation Honor Senator Chuck Grassley for Supporting a Pro-Manufacturing Agenda

By Grassley Press

Senator Grassley's Votes in 111th Congress Show His Support for Economic Growth and Job Creation

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2011 - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence today in recognition of his consistent support of manufacturers and their employees across the United States. The Award was presented at an event sponsored by NAM member Vermeer Corporation at its facility in Pella, Iowa.

Members of Congress who maintained a voting record of 70 percent or higher during the 111th Congress (2009-2010) received the Award. Senator Grassley received a 77-percent key vote rating.

"On behalf of Vermeer Corporation and our employees, I thank Senator Grassley for championing the causes that will help manufacturers thrive in Iowa and across the United States," said Vermeer President and CEO Mary Andringa. "We're fortunate to have Senator Grassley supporting the efforts of Iowa manufacturers, advocating policies that will enable us to grow, create jobs, expand internationally and stay ahead of our global competition."

"Senator Grassley supports common-sense policies that will enable manufacturers to create and maintain good high-paying jobs in Iowa and throughout America," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.  "A vibrant manufacturing base is vital to getting our economy turned around and ensuring quality of life for all Americans. It is critical to have lawmakers like Senator Grassley whose actions consistently match their words when it comes to a pro-manufacturing agenda for economic growth and job creation."

Each key vote was selected by an NAM member-led advisory committee comprised of executives from small, mid-sized and large manufacturing companies. Members of Congress are notified in advance when key votes are pending and why the key vote designation has been made.

Key manufacturing votes for the 111th Congress included energy policy, taxes, regulations and labor law reform, among others. These policies are important components of the NAM's "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," a comprehensive plan for supporting jobs and the U.S. economy. You can view the Strategy at www.nam.org.

"The Award is a non-partisan indicator to help manufacturers and their employees sort out the true allies of manufacturing based on their votes on key issues that affect the manufacturing economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness," Timmons noted.

Voting records for all members of Congress are available at www.nam.org/votingrecord along with further details about NAM Key Manufacturing Votes.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs.  For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-NAM-

29 Apr 2011

AUGUSTANA GRADS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW PREMIUM MICRO-ROAST COFFEE TO THE QUAD CITIES

By Darlene Murphy

Tom Weigand and Annette Zapolis Introduce True Coffee at Cool Beanz 

Rock Island, Ill. (April, 27 2011) - Rock Island native, Augustana College graduate (1985) and Trustee Tom Weigand has again brought one of his entrepreneurial ventures to the Quad Cities.  Three years ago the Noodles & Company co-founder opened a restaurant in Davenport, Iowa and this time Weigand is working with fellow Augustana graduate Annette Zapolis (2009), owner and manager of Rock Island's Cool Beanz, to sell True Coffee, from his premium artisan coffee company launched in Madison, Wis. in 2010.  Weigand and four partners founded True Coffee Roasters with a commitment to roasting coffees from the great coffee-producing regions of the world using a small-batch roasting process that ensures premium flavor.  According to Weigand "Once we got up and running, I wanted to make our coffees available in the Quad Cities and preferably near Augustana because of all the requests from family and friends!"  He continued, "I learned about Annette's wonderful coffeehouse near Augustana and it was the perfect fit."

As a student at Augustana, Zapolis also began to study coffee, espresso, restaurant management and the needs of the community.   After finding the right location, applying a year of research and fixing up a 100-year-old building, Zapolis opened Cool Beanz in August 2009.  The goal of Cool Beanz coffeehouse is to provide a comfortable environment for the Quad Cities community, as well as a place for Augustana and Blackhawk College students to study, relax, interact and enjoy high quality products in a warm atmosphere.  On any day, guests include families spending time together by the three sided fireplace, students diligently working in books and laptops and couples and friends enjoying gourmet sandwiches, salads and beverages. On weekends, local talent graces the Cool Beanz stage for toe-tapping entertainment. Entertainment schedule, events and more can be found at www.coolbeanzcoffeehouse.com.

In addition to small batch roasting, True Coffee practices many sustainable initiatives such as purchasing predominantly Fair Trade and Organic coffees.  According to Weigand, "These coffees come at a higher cost, but we know we are making a difference in coffee-producing communities throughout the world and in return our customers get a really well-grown coffee."  To take sustainability one step further, True Coffee has launched a unique Can Refill program for customers who purchase coffee beans to use at home or office.  Rather than selling the coffees solely using the industry-standard disposable bag, which is likely to end up in a landfill, True Coffee offers a 12-ounce, refillable can made from tin, which is the most recycled material in U.S.  When guests return to refill their can, they receive 20% discount on their coffee purchase, each and every refill.  "We wanted a program that allowed customers the ability to purchase the freshest coffee, promote sustainability by using a refillable can and reward them with a 20% discount for doing so," said Weigand.  The program is rapidly expanding in coffee shops where True Coffee is sold throughout the Midwest, and the same program is now available at Cool Beanz.  Find out more about True Coffee Roasters at www.truecoffeeroasters.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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25 Apr 2011

Treasury secretary on Small Business Lending Fund

By Grassley Press
Thursday, April 21, 2011 

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is concerned that banks will use taxpayer money from the Small Business Lending Fund to repay their loans under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.  Last month, he sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, asking for detailed information on the department's oversight plan for the Small Business Lending Fund and information on TARP recipients that have applied for Small Business Lending Fund money.   Last year, Grassley exposed the misleading nature of a General Motors and Treasury Department public relations effort over how General Motors had repaid its government loan.  Today, Grassley released the Treasury secretary's response to his inquiry on the Small Business Lending Fund and made the following comment on the response.

"This response confirms what I was afraid of.  It's okay with Treasury if banks use their small business lending funds to repay TARP because supposedly TARP already has made a profit.  That's not how the small business program was sold to the public.  This was supposed to get small businesses back on their feet and create jobs.  It sure seems like small businesses are getting left out again.  So far, this fund might only have created jobs for the banks shuffling public money around.  Well, we've been there, done that, and that approach has been rejected by the grass roots.

"Beyond that, it's disappointing that Treasury won't disclose the names of banks applying for these loans.  These banks are applying for tax dollars.  There's no reason why their names should be kept secret from the public.  And the Treasury Department doesn't name a single step to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in this $30 billion program.  From this response, it seems the Treasury Department is content to give the money out and let the inspector general and GAO try to police any abuse on the back end.  As we've learned with TARP and the stimulus program, especially in the weatherization program, it's nearly impossible to recoup wasted money after the fact."

19 Apr 2011

Braley to Hold Budget Town Halls Across District

By Alexandra Krasov

Invites Iowans to create own balanced budget, reduce deficit

Washington, DC - April 19, 2011 - Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) invites Iowans from across the first Congressional district to attend a series of budget and deficit reduction town halls the week of April 25th. The town halls will be fully interactive and attendants will be able to decide how to balance the budget and reduce the deficit.

"It's long past due time for a serious, responsible conversation about our fiscal future - and that's why I want to bring the budget discussion directly to my constituents," said Rep. Braley. "These town halls will give Iowans an opportunity to see first-hand how the budget process works in Congress. Together, we can find the best ways to balance the budget and reduce our deficit. I look forward to hearing from my constituents and discussing these important issues with them."  

***The town halls will be open to all press.***

Attendants can RSVP on Rep. Braley's website at: http://go.usa.gov/TQa

Rep. Braley will hold four town halls over the week of April 25th:

Monday April 25th - Quad Cities
The Rogalski Center
St. Ambrose University Campus
Corner of Ripley and Lombard Streets
Davenport, IA 52803
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday April 26th - Cedar Valley
Commons Ballroom
University of Northern Iowa
1224 West 23rd Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday April 27th - Dubuque
Grand River Center
500 Bell Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday April 27th - Fayette
Student Center Ballroom
Upper Iowa University Campus
East side of Washington Street in the middle of campus
Fayette, IA 52142
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


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18 Apr 2011

Budget Showdown Previews Nation's Fiscal Cliffhanger

By Rick Martin

Friday, April 15, 2011

As hundreds of millions of Americans zeroed in on highly publicized negotiations in Washington to avert a shutdown of the federal government, tens of millions of people from around the world were riveted by a live video stream coming out of Decorah, Iowa. Nestled 80 feet above ground in a cottonwood tree, three eaglets fascinated their online audience by hatching one-by-one under their parent's 24-hour supervision.

The close-up has fascinated classrooms of students and households across the country, enriching curriculum and showcasing the uncommon stateliness and regal beauty of America's national emblem.

While the hatchlings feasted on trout, carp and carrion brought to the nest by their parents in northeast Iowa, the budget debate ramped up in Washington.

How did Washington reach the brink in the first place? The Democratic-controlled Congress failed last year to pass a budget by the September 30 deadline. In the meantime, the federal government had been kept open with seven temporary spending bills.

So when the 112th Congress opened for business in January, it needed to hammer out a budget for the current fiscal year already underway before starting work on a budget for 2012.

After a week of showdowns, even a veto threat, that brought unnecessary uncertainty to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including military families and federal workers, the leadership in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate reached a last-minute agreement with the White House. It will cut nearly $39 billion from the federal budget that will finance the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Although a relatively small victory for taxpayers considering the size of the deficit, the spending reduction represents a positive shift in the debate over the cost and size of the federal government. It's a victory for taxpayers because it established a new bottom line for future budget negotiations:  Washington needs to champion policies that grow the economy and create jobs, not defend ways that grow the government.

Although a resolution was achieved, the debate sets the stage for what is sure to be even more intense debate in the months ahead.

That's because the federal government still faces an unprecedented $14 trillion national debt. By mid-May, the United States will reach its legal debt ceiling.

For too long, the federal budget has ridden the rails of Washington's spending spree, picking up even more speed over the last two years with federal bailouts, stimulus handouts and new entitlement spending that have ratcheted up deficit spending and dug a bigger hole for American taxpayers to fill.

It's time for Washington to come clean with the American public. The federal government cannot borrow-and-spend our way to prosperity. The growing national debt poses serious risk to the long-term economic health of the United States.  It puts a heavy burden on taxpayers who will have less take-home pay to save, spend and invest if they have to send more money to Washington.

The recent budget stalemate is actually overshadowed by the much graver fiscal cliffhanger looming on the horizon. The national debt and unsustainable entitlements pose serious challenges to America's long-term prosperity.

Let's hope Washington gets serious about shutting down deficits and reforming entitlement spending. By doing so, Congress and the White House will go a long ways towards strengthening the U.S. economy and America's safety nets for retirees and the disabled.

Lawmakers and the President might find inspiration from the eagles nesting in Decorah. For 235 years, America has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity and for freedom and prosperity. Chosen by America's Founders to symbolize freedom, strength and longevity, the eagle graces the Seal of the United States. With widespread wings, the eagle carries a scroll in its beak inscribed with "E Pluribus Unum." The Latin phrase translates "Out of Many, One."

The president and 435 members of Congress collectively represent many different constituencies across the ideological, political, geographic and demographic spectrum. Although representing many, we all can work to make America an even better place for posterity. If we continue to live beyond our means, we'll push future generations over a fiscal cliff of no return. That's why Washington must clamp down on new spending and shrink the national debt.

15 Apr 2011

Capitol Comments - Week 14 in the Iowa Senate

By Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck

All bills must pass the House and Senate with the exact same language before it is sent to the governor.  Thus far, the House and Senate have passed separate versions on all budget bills except two.  The two which made it through to the Governor's desk were vetoed.  Think of running bills through the Legislature like running the Bix 7; the House has reached the finish line but can't cross until it joins hands with the Senate and receives permission from the Governor.  In a scenario like this, joining hands and gaining permission to take the last step may be more difficult than running the previous seven miles.

The main issue in the Senate is making sure enough runners stay on the track to find the finish line.  Over the last two years when the Senate was divided at 32-18 with Democrats in control, Majority Leader Gronstal could move forward even when some members deviated.  This year with the Senate Democrats having a 26-24 majority, any one member has the same power as the Majority Leader.  If one person walks on any issue, 25 votes does not make a majority.  Delays in the Senate are not due to partisan politics.  In fact, it is the exact opposite.  Senate Republicans are more than willing to help Senate Democrats end this session as soon as Senate Democrats finalize what bills they want to run.

One issue that no politician can shy away from is the budget.  Picture the General Fund as a bucket which only so much money can flow into.  When the bucket overflows, money falls into the Cash Reserve Fund and when that bucket overflows money ends in the Economic Emergency Fund.  The real debate between the House and Senate right now is over how many items can be stuffed into the General Fund and whether or not some items should be paid out of the Economic Emergency Fund and Cash Reserve Funds.  At the core of this debate is whether or not additional ongoing expenditures for items like education should be funded out of one-time money from accounts like the Economic Emergency Fund.  Here is a bigger question, if we do this, how do you pay for emergencies when the Mississippi and Wapsi flood?

Throw redistricting into this marathon we're running and let's hope some don't just walk off the track.  The redistricting plan, which passed the Senate on Thursday, immediately put thirty-one Senators up for re-election.  Attitudes and personalities change when politicians are thrown into the same district and are facing a new campaign season.  This is becoming the opposite of the "not in my back yard effect."  Nearly everyone has shopped at least one time at Wal-Mart, yet not very many people want Wal-Mart in their backyard.  In this scenario politicians are asking themselves, "What do I get in my back yard?"  At the end of the day, there will be districts and a representative form of government and politicians should stop worrying.

Thank you for letting me represent you at the Capitol.

Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senate District 42

15 Apr 2011

Braley to Hold Budget Town Halls Across District

By Alexandra Krasov
Invites Iowans to create own balanced budget, reduce deficit


Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) invites Iowans from across the first Congressional district to attend a series of budget and deficit reduction town halls the week of April 25th. The town halls will be fully interactive and attendants will be able to decide how to balance the budget and reduce the deficit.

"It's long past due time for a serious, responsible conversation about our fiscal future - and that's why I want to bring the budget discussion directly to my constituents," said Rep. Braley. "These town halls will give Iowans an opportunity to see first-hand how the budget process works in Congress. Together, we can find the best ways to balance the budget and reduce our deficit. I look forward to hearing from my constituents and discussing these important issues with them."  

***The town halls will be open to all press.***

Attendants can RSVP on Rep. Braley's website at: http://go.usa.gov/TQa

Rep. Braley will hold four town halls over the week of April 25th:

Monday April 25th - Quad Cities
The Rogalski Center
St. Ambrose University Campus
Corner of Ripley and Lombard Street
Davenport, IA 52803
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday April 26th - Cedar Valley
Commons Ballroom
University of Northern Iowa
1224 West 23rd Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday April 27th - Dubuque
Grand River Center
500 Bell Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday April 27th - Fayette
Student Center Ballroom
Upper Iowa University Campus
East side of Washington Street in the middle of campus
Fayette, IA 52142
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


###

12 Apr 2011

Allegiant Schedules First Quarter 2011 Earnings Call

By Jordan McGee

LAS VEGAS, April 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq: ALGT) has scheduled its first quarter 2011 financial results conference call on April 28, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern). A live broadcast of the conference call will be available through the company's Investor Relations website homepage at http://ir.allegiant.com. The webcast will be also be archived on the "Events & Presentations" section of the site.

When:     Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. EST

Who:       Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Andrew C. Levy, President 
Scott Sheldon, Chief Financial Officer
How:       Web Address: http://ir.allegiant.com
12 Apr 2011

BEST WESTERN DEBUTS INDIE FILMS FEATURING INDEPENDENT BEST WESTERN HOTEL OWNERS

By Laura Zilverberg
Short films celebrate the small business entrepreneurs behind the chain's hotels

PHOENIX (April 11, 2011)  Best Western International, the World's Biggest Hotel FamilySM,unveiled this week the brand's first series of Independent Films three-minute documentaries that tell the inspiring stories of five Best Western hotel owners. These films exemplify the independent spirit and commitment to hands-on management of the brand's more than 2,200 individually owned and operated hotels across North America.

The first five films are being released in celebration of Best Western's 65th birthday this year and can be viewed on Best Western's Facebook and YouTube pages as well as at www.bestwestern.com/indiefilms. An additional series of Best Western Indie Films is currently in production.

These unique films are also being entered within a number of regional and national film festivals in 2011, including the LA Shorts Fest, NXT Stage and Atlantic Film Festival, to further share the personal stories of Best Western's hotel owners, the backbone of the iconic hotel chain.

"Thanks to the dedication of our independent owner-operators and their ability to connect with guests, which is the essence of the hospitality industry, Best Western has become one of the most trusted and respected hotel brands in the world," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "Our owners have long been featured in Best Western advertising, and are truly the heroes of our brand. We want guests to peek behind the curtain to see the generations of hard work and commitment that have made our owners important contributors to their local communities."

The Best Western Independent Films feature the following hoteliers:
Alnoor Tejpar, British Columbia
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Country Meadows
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Langley Inn
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Suites Downtown
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Regency Inn & Conference Center
Bart Baker, Davenport, Iowa
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Steeplegate Inn
Bill O'Connell, Anaheim, Calif.
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Pavilions
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Stovall's Inn
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Anaheim Inn
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Park Place Inn & Mini-Suites
Dale Gerstner, Jefferson City, Mo.
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Capital Inn
Jim Cosgrove, Paradise, Paradise, Penn.
o BEST WESTERN PLUS Revere Inn & Suites

These films were created by Best Western and its partner advertising agency, New York-based Gotham, Inc.
01 Apr 2011

Galesburg School District Selects New Partner

By Kaitlin Kulovitz

Russell Construction awarded the largest contract in company history

Galesburg, IL - Russell Construction is proud to announce a new long-term relationship with a local educational district. Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 has selected Quad City based Russell Construction to serve as Construction Manager for the district's $110,000,000 school improvement plan, which will take place over a 20-year period. It is the single largest project Russell Construction has ever received in its 28 years of business.

The Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 construction plans include the renovation and remodeling of five of the district's elementary schools, as well as the existing High School facility. The schools will be updated to contemporary standards and will incorporate the latest in "green" technologies. Plans also call for construction of a new 28,000 s.f. multi-purpose academic / athletic facility. This facility will first be used to house students displaced by phased construction work at the Galesburg High School and then transformed into a permanent multi-purpose structure to support physical education classes and interscholastic athletic teams.

Russell Construction was among several firms from all across the Midwest that competed for this particular contract. Upon completion of a proposal submission and review process, Russell and a much larger contractor, based out of Chicago, were invited to present final interviews to the Galesburg School District on March 17. "We kind of felt like it was a David and Goliath competition," Senior Vice President of Russell Construction Thomas Fennelly stated.

According to Guy Cahill, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Russell Construction was selected because "They were big enough, but not so big that they couldn't provide that friendly service." "Additionally, Russell has a demonstrated ability to finish projects on time and on budget. However, being local was a huge plus," Cahill went on to state. School leaders stated Russell had everything they were looking for. Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 is committed to working together with teachers, parents and the community to offer a comprehensive and challenging education for every student. Their extensive construction and renovation project plans aim to improve student achievement, increase property values, and reflect a feeling of pride and investment in their schools, students and staff. For more information on the Galesburg CUSD #205, please visit their website at www.galesburg205.org.

As a Midwest leader in Construction Management, Design/Build and General Contracting services, Russell is dedicated to supporting the local Quad Cities economy through competitive and efficient construction services. For more information on Russell, please visit their corporate website at www.russellco.com.

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