Fashion Retailer is Drop-Off Site for Holiday Toy Collection

Clinton, IA - Children are busy making their holiday wish lists with the hope that they'll find "that special toy" under the tree. But with countless families experiencing tough financial times, many children won't find any toys waiting for them this holiday season.

maurices is pledging to do its part. The fashion retailer for young women has become a new national partner with Toys for Tots and will collect toys for disadvantaged children at its Clinton Square location.

All new, unwrapped toys collected from Thursday November 19 to Thursday December 10 at maurices, 2712 s 25th St. Clinton Square STE E and F Clinton Square IA 52732, will be distributed to local families by Maurices. As a special thank you, maurices will give those who make a donation a coupon for 20 percent off a regular-priced item.

"Many families are facing difficult times," said maurices Store Manager Maren Esnard, "but we want children to still experience the joys of the holiday season. Our hope is that this toy drive brings lots of happiness and unending smiles to the young people in our community."

Gifts are needed for children of all ages. "It's so much fun to buy little dolls and toy trucks," said Esnard, "but we're also encouraging customers to think about buying presents for tweens and teens who are sometimes forgotten. Things like board games, books, fragrances, jewelry and accessories make great gifts for older children."

The goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope, through a new toy during the holidays, to less fortunate youngsters. The organization estimates that there will be 1 million more children in need this holiday season.

"We're so grateful to maurices for becoming one of our newest national partners," said Bill Grein, Toys for Tots vice president of marketing and development. "Many of their 730 stores are located in smaller markets where there may not be a lot of programs for disadvantaged children. Their partnership will help us bring more smiles to more children this year, which is terrific."

About maurices

maurices inspires young women to find their style, with adorable, affordable fashions in sizes 1-24. Whether it's jeans or jewelry, maurices offers everything a girl needs to fill her closet with the latest trends. From loungewear to office wear, evenings in or out on the town, maurices fits the way women live and work. The community-based fashion retailer has grown to more than 740 locations nationwide since its first store opened in 1931. maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn Inc. (NASDAQ: DBRN).

For fashion inspiration, store locations and career information, visit maurices.com.

 

WILL BE OPEN DURING THE PARADE FOR

FESTIVAL OF TREES

 

Come on down and watch, where Quad City Fun begins

at the

 

FREIGHT HOUSE FARMERS MARKET

 

(enter by Rhythm City Casino)

 

421 W. River Dr.

IS OPEN

ALL

YEAR LONG

TUESDAY 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Your local market vendors are ready to provide

You with products and services including:

Variety of baking items, produce, meats, cheeses, wine, coffee, jams, jellies, salsas,

candies, chocolates, nuts, honey, crafts, pottery, jewelry, soaps and amenities, and even massages.

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

Many of the vendors offer samples, comfort food, and beverages.

 

COME SEE WHAT'S GOING ON!

 

Checks, credit cards, EBT (food stamps) are accepted by a number of vendors.

Gift certificates are available for that hard to buy for person.

"Big Three" Seed Companies, Environmental, Industry Experts Among Featured Speakers

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Nov. 17, 2009 - Iowa farmers find themselves at a crossroads, faced with state and federal budget cuts, a downturned economy and difficult commodity markets.  These challenges impact not just farmers, but all Iowans who depend on the continued availability of safe, affordable food grown right here in Iowa.  These and many other issues will be discussed at Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) 91st annual meeting Dec. 2 and 3 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines.  The meeting will be held in conjunction with Iowa Farm Bureau Week (Nov. 29 - Dec. 5), as proclaimed by Governor Culver.

"Iowa Farm Bureau's 91st annual meeting theme, 'Right Time, Right Now,' is a perfect testament to the challenges facing Iowa farmers as they work to provide food, fiber and energy for a growing world population," says IFBF President Craig Lang.  "Our members believe we stand on the precipice of great opportunity, provided we take the time, 'right now,' to make some tough decisions for the betterment of all." Lang will speak with members about the difficulties facing the state and its farmers and opportunities to meet them during his annual address on Dec. 3.  The address will start at 8 a.m., opening Thursday's general session.

Guests from Monsanto, Pioneer, Syngenta, Heartland Power REC, Iowa Office of Energy Independence, Dairyland Power Cooperative, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), National Soil Tilth Lab and Iowa State University (ISU) will also join the conversation, offering their insights during panel discussions:
Tracy Blackmer of ISA, Jerry Hatfield of National Soil Tilth Lab and Matt Helmers of ISU will discuss reducing nitrogen use Dec. 2 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Roger Tjarks of Heartland Power, Greg Watkins of Iowa Office of Energy Independence and Kenric Scheevel of Dairyland Power will discuss issues surrounding the regulation and transmission of electricity Dec. 2 from 3 - 4 p.m.

Sam Eathington of Monsanto, Bill Niebur of Pioneer and Ben Hable of Syngenta will discuss emerging seed technology Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. - noon.  
Third generation logger Bruce Vincent provides the keynote address Dec. 3 at 9 a.m.  Vincent, a longtime logger and promoter of socially responsible business, is President of Communities for a Great Northwest, Executive Director of Provider Pals and co-owner of Environomics.  Vincent's message encourages farmers to share their expertise as food providers, environmental protectors and animal caretakers with the consumer public that depends on them.

The IFBF annual meeting also celebrates the contributions of Farm Bureau members with a recognition luncheon on Dec. 2 and a young farm leaders achievement luncheon on Dec. 3.  The meeting will also feature an industry trade show and evening entertainment.  Mulberry Lane, a quartet of sisters from Omaha, will perform a holiday concert at the Polk County Convention Center the evening of Dec. 2.

Farm Bureau will wrap up its annual meeting with a voting delegate session on Dec. 3.  At that time, the delegates will hold elections.  The following directors are up for re-election this year: Craig Lang, president; Carlton Kjos, District 1 director; Phil Sundblad, District 3 director; and Richard Merrill, District 5 director.  In addition, the county delegates will elect nine farmers to represent Iowa as delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Seattle, Wash., Jan 10 - 13.

Members can register for the 2009 IFBF annual meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices.  For more information about the 2009 Farm Bureau annual meeting, visit http://www.iowafarmbureau.com/images/ammtg.pdf.

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Davenport, IA - Russell Construction is proud to announce the recent promotion of Susan Burroughs from Financial Accountant to Accounting Department Manager. Her new responsibilities include oversight and supervision of staff, management of accounting department functions, and collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer to complete financial statements.

As a seasoned Russell Construction employee, Susan has been with the company for 10 years, eight of which were in her previous role as a Financial Accountant. Initially, Susan served as an accounts payable clerk for two years. Her dedication to excellence has earned her this valuable promotion.

Angela Bagby, the Director of Marketing & Client Relations at Russell was recently selected by 24 of her peers to receive the Young Professional (YP) of the Year Award. This award is given on behalf of The Network, a Quad Cities initiative of the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce and the Iowa Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to recognized leadership, talent and community involvement.

Angela has been deeply involved with The Network, serving on the Leadership Council, as well as an instrumental leader behind the inaugural i.network program which engages young professional interns outside the four walls of their workplace and college campus in hopes that they will stay in the Quad Cities upon graduation. Angela is also involved with the American Heart Association, Family Resources and United Way.

Judy Cushman, Executive Assistant to Jim Russell, was honored at the 22nd Annual Older Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony, as an Employee of Merit, from the Generations Area Agency on Aging, located in Davenport, IA. Judy, alongside twelve other individuals and one employer, were honored at an awards ceremony on November 10, 2009.

Judy has been with Russell for six years and serves as an integral employee, assisting Jim Russell, the Executive Team and Board of Directors. Her dedication to her job, impeccable organizational skills and positive attitude makes her a valuable asset to Russell.

Established in 1983, Russell Construction is a regional provider of Construction Management, Design Build and General Contracting services.  For more information on Russell Construction, please visit their corporate website at www.russellco.com.