28 Jan 2010

NEW REPORT THURSDAY: MAIN STREET BUSINESS OWNERS WEIGH IN ON WALL STREET REFORM

By Sue Dinsdale

Survey project finds Main Street small business owners at odds with big banks and DC business lobby on financial reform, consumer protection agency

IOWA - On Thursday, on the heels of a State of the Union address certain to feature the Obama Administration's new proposals for Wall Street reforms, the Iowa Main Street Alliance will hold a press conference call to release a new report on small business experiences with the financial crisis and views on financial reform. The call will begin at 1:30 pm, conferencing details below. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,200 small business owners from 14 states, including Iowa.

Small businesses, key to job creation strategies and economic recovery, could prove a pivotal voice in an unfolding debate where the DC-based business lobby has sided with the country's biggest banks in opposing financial reforms even as small businesses continue to pay the price in lost business and frozen credit for the reckless Wall Street activities caused the financial crisis.

The House of Representatives has passed a financial reform bill, HR 4173, the "Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act of 2009." The Senate Banking Committee is readying a bill for markup in the coming weeks.

28 Jan 2010

Ride the Wave of the Coming Wellness Movement

By Gordon Hester

Gordon Hester - Business and Financial Management Specialist

Monday February 1st at 6:45PM
3841 Utica Ridge Road @ Healing Heart Center, Inc.

Bettendorf, IA

You are welcome to a Nutritional Educational Experience

This session is geared to inform you and make available to you a wellness solution to improve your life.

For more information contact:

Byron ( B+...) Gaskins

www.beplusforjuiceplus.com

(309)236-0293

Or

Rochel Rittgers

www.rrrsharesjuiceplus.com

(309)269-6989

 

Always 24/7: 1-800-942-1260 Listen and Learn
25 Jan 2010

DHCU Community Credit Union celebrates new branch

By Melissa Brown

DHCU Community Credit Union recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest location at Southpark Mall in Moline.

The new office has a fesh look with updated technology, including eight drive-up and four lobby service windows. HomeBranch, DHCU's Internet banking service, is available along with a self-service Change Exchange machine.

"We're excited about the new location," says Terry Brahm, President and C.E.O. of DHCU. "It is more convenient for our members and highly accessible to people traveling on John Deere Road. After more than 25 years inside of Southpark Mall, this mondernized facility combines DHCU's traditional service delivery with today's electronically oriented consumer, mixing the best of both worlds in one conveniently located facility."

Hours at the new location are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and DHCU offers extended drive-thru hours on Friday night until 6:00 p.m.

 

25 Jan 2010

Governor Quinn Sign Law to Create "Gateways to Opportunity" Program

By Rick Martin

Program Ensures Students Benefit from Highly Qualified Educators

CHICAGO - January 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the "Gateways to Opportunity" program, which will award credentials to educators who go above and beyond in making sure they are able to provide the highest quality of education for Illinois' young minds.

"Today's students will be tomorrow's workforce, which is why it is critical that our children get top quality educations," said Governor Quinn. "By making sure our educators have learned the latest skills and techniques, we can accelerate children down the path of learning at an early age."

"Gateways to Opportunity" is a professional development system that aims to enhance children's learning by improving the quality of services they receive in learning environments, increasing positive outcomes, and expanding the availability of coursework and training available to educators.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the program and award "Gateways to Opportunity" credentials, as symbols of professional achievement, to educators who have completed approved college or university programs or who have compiled a portfolio that documents education and experience. "Gateways to Opportunity" also provides educators access to scholarships and wage supplements so that they can continue their own educations and professional development.

Also under the new law, children who attended a non-public preschool, a non-public kindergarten, were taught kindergarten by a certified teacher or will be 6-years-old on or before Dec. 31 of the upcoming school year may attend first grade once they have successfully passed evaluations to determine their readiness.

House Bill 806, sponsored by Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), goes into effect immediately.

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14 Jan 2010

SAYING YES TO NEW BUSINESS, Simply Amish brings Amish handcrafted furniture to the Quad City Market.

By Arlyn Tegler

Fromthe smooth feel of hand-sanded surfaces to the inviting look of finished furniture crafted from rich northern hardwoods, the new Simply Amish store is
more than a day at the store; it's a journey for your senses. Now open at 3711 Northwest Blvd, Davenport, Iowa.

Simply Amish furniture is made by authentic Amish craftsmen, working on more than 50 family farms scattered throughout the heartland of America. Most are small family shops with only four or five craftsmen, while some shops might employ as many as 30 skilled workers. Six days a week, Simply Amish craftsmen make some of the most beautiful handmade furniture known to man. And seven days a week, they struggle to refrain from unseemly pride.

Simply Amish - you'll find 100 different styles. And almost every piece of furniture can be custom-ordered with more than 75 combinations of rich woods and stains. Hardware is available in wood, porcelain and 11 different metals, ranging from Weathered Copper to Black Nickel.

Vignettes have been constructed throughout the store allowing customers to view Amish-made furniture in room settings. Bedroom furniture, dining room
furniture, and family room furniture is the core of Simply Amish Furniture.

When others may say it's not a good time to open a new business, Simply Amish is boldly opening a store in Davenport.

14 Jan 2010

YOUNKERS KICKS OFF FUNDRAISER COMMUNITY DAY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

By Christine Hojnacki

MILWAUKEE, WI. (January 13, 2010) - Younkers announced that its semi-annual Community Day event will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Non-profit groups may sign up now by logging on to communitydayevent.com to request event booklets and begin raising funds for their organization. The savings booklets can be used at Younkers on Community Day. Successful organizations have raised thousands of dollars by participating in this event. View testimonials on communitydayevent.com and find out first hand what groups are saying and learn more about how non-profits can benefit from this event. In 2009, over $10 million was raised by participating nonprofit organizations through Younkers semi-annual Community Day events.


Eligible Community Day organizations include local 501C-3 nonprofit organizations and schools. Non-profit groups sell savings booklets for $5 and in return, the purchaser receives a $10 off coupon, plus more than $50 in special savings on products as well as coupons valid on regular and sale price merchandise on Saturday, February 27. The organization keeps 100% of the $5 donation. The Community Day event provides an opportunity for local 501C-3 organizations to raise the funds needed to support their missions.


"Providing this fundraising opportunity is extremely important to our company," said Bud Bergren, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "It enables us to make a difference in our communities and provide exclusive shopping offers to reward those who purchase a booklet to support their community."


The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 278 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings.


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30 Dec 2009

GrowingOn 2010 Meetings to Help Producers Find Ways to Reduce Costs in a 2010 Tight-Margin Environment

By Lisa Jessen

OMAHA, Nebraska - (December 28, 2009) - Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is hosting a special meeting in 16 Iowa locations and a South Sioux City, Nebraska location in January.

The purpose is to share options and insights to help producers plan for the 2010 crop year.

Steven Johnson, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension, will be the keynote speaker. He will give a crop price outlook and reveal strategies for marketing and managing risks and costs. "Despite expected input cost declines in 2010, costs will remain relatively high by historical standards," says Johnson. "Couple this with price volatility brought about by the late harvest this year, farmers' margins will be tight. More than ever, in 2010, careful thought needs to be given to grain storage, marketing, production costs and risk management strategies."

FCSAmerica crop insurance specialists will also present at GrowingOn 2010. "Because of the anticipated 2010 tight margins, producers need to position themselves to take advantage of marketing opportunities," states  Doug Burns, vice president-insurance for FCSAmerica in Perry, Iowa. "Revenue insurance is the best tool to protect risks with forward contracting. Options to reduce insurance premiums, such as the Enterprise Unit and the Biotechnology Endorsement discounts should be considered as part of 2010 crop insurance decisions as well. A good crop insurance plan uses the right crop insurance products to help protect an operation's income and maximize profitability. A good crop insurance agency, an agency like Farm Credit Services of America, works with producers to create a plan that connects their financials, working capital and crop insurance coverage."

This two and one-half hour program will be held Monday, Jan. 4 in Newton and Marshalltown, Iowa; Tuesday, Jan. 5 in Mt. Pleasant and Waterloo, Iowa; Wednesday, Jan. 6 in Festina and Manchester, Iowa; Thursday, Jan. 7 in North Liberty and Davenport, Iowa; Friday, Jan. 8 in Yale, Iowa; Monday, Jan. 11 in Eddyville and Harlan, Iowa; Tuesday, Jan. 12 in Corning and Carroll, Iowa; Wednesday, Jan. 13 in Storm Lake, Iowa; Thursday, Jan. 14 in South Sioux City, Nebraska and Webster City, Iowa and Friday, Jan. 15 in Mason City, Iowa.

Pre-registration is required. Specific times, locations and registration details can be found at www.cropinsurancespecialists.com or by calling the nearest Farm Credit Services of America office at 1-800-884-FARM.

Farm Credit Services of America is proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With 79,000 customers, a cash patronage program and assets of $13 billion, FCSAmerica is one of the region's leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

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30 Dec 2009

Iowa Farmers Can Extend Community Support Through New Monsanto Award Program

By Mimi Ricketts

America's Farmers Grow Communities Project to Give $2,500 Awards in all 99 Iowa Counties

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 23, 2009) - Iowa farmers can kick off the new year by applying for an award to help a non-profit organization in their community that's dear to their heart.  The award is available through Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow Communities™ Project, a new pilot program being offered throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas.  Through the program, farmers can direct a $2,500 award to a local non-profit organization that's important to them and their community.

The program is intended to benefit non-profit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups.  Farmers can apply online or request a copy of the official rules of the award program at www.growcommunities.com, by calling 1.877.267.3332 or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Grow Communities Project, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, Mo. 63102. 

Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively involved in producing a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton are eligible.  The application period runs from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2010.  The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and there is no purchase requirement.  In Iowa, one winner will be drawn from each of the state's 99 counties.  Monsanto will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations they chose in March 2010.

"Farmers in Iowa and across America work hard to feed, fuel and clothe our country and the world," said John Raines, Vice President of Customer Advocacy for Monsanto.  "As a company whose only business is agriculture, we want to work together with farmers to help them grow their local communities through the America's Farmers Grow Communities Project."

The pilot program is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by reinvesting in their local communities.  The company also recently launched a national advertising campaign to build greater consumer awareness about the importance of U.S. agriculture, its economic impact and advances in preserving our vital natural resources. 

In addition, Monsanto, as one of the sponsors of America's Heartland, aired nationally on public television stations and RFD-TV, is helping educate consumers through first-person farm stories on the vital contributions of the American farmer. The program is in its fifth season. 

About Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit www.monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

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22 Dec 2009

New Online Tool Adds Convenience for Iowa American Water Customers

By Lisa Reisen
New website called My H2O Online is a free, easy and convenient way for customers to manage their water services account
DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 22, 2009) --- Iowa American Water residential customers are accustomed to the convenience of 24-hour customer service, but a new website is making it easier for those customers to manage their accounts quickly and easily when the time is best for them.
The new site, called My H2O Online and available at www.amwater.com/h2o, allows customers to take care of some of the most common reasons they have contacted the company in the past, from requesting appointments for turning service on or off to managing their account, checking their balance and paying their bills. Customers with more than one property will be able to see all of their accounts at a glance.
"We're excited about how this new site will help all of our customers - those who can take care of these common tasks online and those who need to speak with one of our representatives," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water. "Customers who use the site will benefit from taking care of important tasks when it's most convenient for them. If a customer needs to speak with one of our representatives - who are available 24 hours a day - we will be able to answer their calls and resolve their concerns even more quickly."
Any Iowa American Water residential customer can sign up for an online account and begin using that account today. All they need is the address of the property and the account number found on their most-recent billing statement, Moore said.
Customers can also reach the company's 24-hour customer service center at 1-866-641-2108.
Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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16 Dec 2009

Hupp ToyotaLift in Davenport Becomes Toyota Aichi Dealer

By Kevin Hupp

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (December 14, 2009) - Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. (TMHU), Inc. selected Hupp ToyotaLift to offer the company's line-up of Aichi, a Toyota Industries Company, aerial work platforms to the U.S. market.  Aichi's product line, including scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled-boom lifts, is designed specifically to meet a wide range of indoor and outdoor needs.

Hupp ToyotaLift was selected based on its excellence servicing of the industrial equipment industry, providing customers with top support in sales and rentals. Hupp ToyotaLift also operates a location in Davenport, Waterloo and Ankeny, Iowa, and in Peoria Ill.

"Hupp ToyotaLift was chosen to support the expanded offering of the Aichi product line to Iowa and central llinois because of its proven track record in supporting local businesses' needs," said Brett Wood, president of TMHU. "Hupp ToyotaLift will be a valuable resource for rental businesses, construction and other professionals seeking aerial lifts."

"We are honored to be among the distinguished list of Toyota Aichi dealers," said Kevin Hupp, president of Hupp ToyotaLift. "With the addition of Aichi's line-up including six models of scissor lifts, two SR-Series wheeled-boom lift models and four models ISR-Series crawler boom lifts, we are offering the market an extensive product portfolio, coupled with one of the best product warranties in the industry."

About Aichi, A Toyota Industries Company

Since its founding in 1962, Aichi has worked tirelessly to improve work environments in cooperation with its customers to create safer, more efficient and comfortable work sites for industries such as the utility, communication, construction and other industries.

The company has worked closely with its customers to improve job site methods by creating more efficient equipment tailored to each industry. Toyota Aichi dealers offer industry-leading support in every area of service, including parts, maintenance, financing, rentals and accessories.  For more information on Aichi products, please visit www.toyota-construction.com or call 1-800-852-0024.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Celebrating more than 40 years of established operations in the United States, Irvine, Calif.-based TMHU has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002 and currently offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. TMHU, as the sole United States distributor for Aichi, now offers a line-up of aerial work lifts, including scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts designed specifically to meet a wide range of indoor and outdoor needs.

Built on a reputation of excellence, Toyota remains the industry leader due to its quality, durability and reliability. Quality is the hallmark of Toyota's world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM). Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM, a zero-landfill facility, in Columbus, Ind.

TIEM, and all Toyota manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada, comply with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and have been honored for their environmental management systems and dedication to continuous improvement.

Toyota's commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-eight authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 188 dealership locations throughout the United States, offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts and service, fleet servicing, and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009.

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