Sacramento, CA - January 21, 2011 - Small, non-farm businesses in 33 Iowa counties and the neighboring counties in Illinois and South Dakota are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). "These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the severe storms with excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, hail, high winds and tornadoes that occurred in the following primary Iowa counties from May 1 through September 30, 2010," announced Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center West.

Primary Iowa counties: Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Louisa, Madison, Scott, Sioux and Washington;
Neighboring Iowa counties: Adair, Benton, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clinton, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Guthrie, Henry, Jefferson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Lyon, Muscatine, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Polk, Poweshiek, Tama, Union and Warren;
Neighboring Illinois counties: Carroll, Henderson, Jo Daviess, Mercer and Rock Island;
Neighboring South Dakota counties: Lincoln and Union.

"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster," Judd said.

Small, non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

"Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 3% for private, non-profit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, non-profits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship," Judd said.

By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster at the request of Governor Terry Branstad.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration.

Information and application forms are available from SBA's Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The deadline to apply for these loans is September 19, 2011.

For more information, visit SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
SBA Field Operations Center - West, P.O. Box 419004, Sacramento, CA 95841

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"Serve Illinois" Website Offers More Than 70,000 Volunteer Opportunities"

CHICAGO- January 14, 2011 Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinois residents to take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service this Monday, January 17th. This year's theme is "A Day On, Not a Day Off."

"During this day of service, people of all ages and backgrounds will come together to improve lives and move our nation closer to the 'Beloved Community' envisioned by Dr. King," said Governor Quinn. "Through volunteerism, we work together to strengthen communities and put people to work."

Persons interested in giving back to their community can visit Serve.Illinois.gov to connect with more than 70,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois. Website visitors can search based on location or area of interest, and even generate results for ongoing, one-time or web-based volunteer opportunities.

"Volunteerism helps everyone, and everyone can serve in a variety of ways" said IDHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. "Research shows that communities with higher rates of volunteerism have reduced crime and higher educational achievement rates. Similar studies have shown that those engaged in their communities on a regular basis live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives."

Visit Serve.Illinois.gov to find a volunteer opportunity, as well as information regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The website is a joint project of IDHS and the Serve Illinois Commission.

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America's youngest heroes may not serve in a traditional sense, but they make sacrifices as well. Modern Woodmen of America has committed to donate $30,000 to support Operation Purple camps in 2011. This will be completed by fundraising by members across the country and a donation from the organization.

To help military families, the National Military Family Association launched Operation Purple camps in 70 locations across the nation. At camp, children of deployed military parents come together to make friends and experience the great outdoors.

Modern Woodmen adult chapters and youth service clubs across the country are assisting in the fundraising effort by selling patriotic window clings in January, February and March 2011. To support the effort, patriotic window clings are available for a donation by contacting Ann Held at 786-6481, ext. 7427.

"This is a way we can thank our nation's military for their sacrifice," says Steve Van Speybroeck, Modern Woodmen's Fraternal Director. "We are grateful for the opportunity to support the children while these men and women bravely serve our nation."

In what other ways does Modern Woodmen support our troops?

Modern Woodmen members across the country support veterans through chapters and youth service clubs. Members donate to and visit VA hospitals, collect items to send to troops overseas and raise money for veterans in need. Veterans are also honored along with other community members through Modern Woodmen's Hometown Heroes program.

How did Modern Woodmen support Quad-Cities area veterans and active military in 2010?

o  Modern Woodmen sponsored an entire Honor Flight, sending 100 World War II veterans who are also Modern Woodmen members to Washington, D.C. The veterans visited war memorials, enjoyed time with other Modern Woodmen members and were honored during a special program at Modern Woodmen's 41st National Convention.

o  Modern Woodmen employees partnered with AmeriCorps and the River Bandits to assemble 300 America Cares packages for veterans and their children at the VA Hospital in Iowa City. These bags included items that many veterans desperately need, including snacks, personal care items and phone cards.

o  Modern Woodmen employees beautified the Eagles Nest Veterans Home, a Davenport home for homeless veterans. The volunteers cleared the yard, planted nearly 100 plants and a tree, and covered graffiti.

o  Modern Woodmen members wrote thank-you cards to Honor Flight veterans. More than 200 of these messages were delivered to the World War II veterans on the Honor Flight.

o  Modern Woodmen sponsored WQAD's flight to Egypt, where reporters told the stories of local military men and women and taped video messages to loved ones at home.

What are other ways Modern Woodmen gives back to the Quad Cities community?

o  Modern Woodmen employees donate more than $100,000 annually to area organizations including United Way. All donations are matched by Modern Woodmen.

o  Annually, the Quad Cities received more than $221,000 through fraternal programs - including chapters, youth service clubs, fraternal benefits and youth educational programs.

As a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment products not to benefit stockholders but to improve the quality of life of its stakeholders - members, their families and their communities.  This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities.  Annually, Modern Woodmen and its members provide more than $23 million and nearly 1 million volunteer hours for community projects nationwide.