OMAHA, Neb. -  Mar. 5, 2010:   Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, raised $105,000 during a three-week campaign to support American Red Cross relief efforts for victims of the Haitian earthquake disaster.

"Gordmans initiated this campaign to allow our guests and associates to easily make a contribution to aid the victims of this unprecedented tragedy," said Jeff Gordman, president and CEO. "Our guests and associates have traditionally been very generous in giving back to the communities in which they live and work through their strong support of the many fundraisers conducted by our Company over the past several years."

Gordmans guests purchased paper "Helping Hands" at the checkouts of each of the 66 stores throughout its 16 state trade area for $1 each. Associates made personal contributions to the campaign via payroll deduction, cash or check, and Gordmans also made a contribution.  All monies collected were donated to the American Red Cross Haitian relief effort.

Iowans encouraged to check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them

DES MOINES, IA (03/04/2010)(readMedia)-- According to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Iowans who are yearning to see something green after the long winter do not have to wait until St. Patrick's Day or for spring weather to roll around. A visit to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website at www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com might just add some green in the form of unclaimed property to their wallets.

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages everyone to visit the website even if they have searched for their names in the past. "We are consistently updating the list of those who have unclaimed property. This year you may find your wallet growing with green before the trees and grass have a chance to catch up," stated Fitzgerald. "In today's economy every little bit helps."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $100 million in unclaimed property to more than 280,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer's Office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include : savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

All Iowans are encouraged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that applications are being accepted to provide affordable rental housing to rural residents through the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program.

"The Obama Administration is committed to providing improved economic opportunities to the residents of rural America, and an important factor is clean, safe, affordable housing," said Vilsack.  "This program helps finance the construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable multi-family rental housing for rural residents and I encourage eligible parties to apply for these funds."

Through the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program, USDA Rural Development provides loan guarantees for private lenders and public agencies. Funds are not provided to individual renters. Up to $129 million is available for the program for Fiscal Year 2010.

In Fiscal Year 2009 USDA guaranteed loans to buy, build, or renovate more than 4,200 affordable rural rental housing units.  For application information see the Notice of Funding Availability which can be found in the February 26, 2010 Federal Register:  www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a100226c.html#Rural%20Housing%20Service.  Funding for this program is not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $130 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

Protections Under the Cemetery Oversight Act Take Effect March 1

CHICAGO - February 28, 2010 - Governor Pat Quinn announced that a series of protections for consumers provided by the Cemetery Oversight Act take effect March 1, including a new toll free consumer Helpline that will offer assistance to anyone who wants to file a complaint against a cemetery. The Act, which was signed into law January 17 by Governor Quinn in response to the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal, also provides a Consumer Bill of Rights for cemetery customers.

"The safeguards that we are putting into effect as a result of the Cemetery Oversight Act will ensure that we will never have to suffer through another ordeal like the Burr Oak Cemetery tragedy," Governor Quinn said. "Now when families are struggling with the loss of a loved one, they will know where to turn to find out what protections they have under the law, and who is responsible for protecting those rights."

The Cemetery Oversight Act created a rigorous and unified regulatory structure for the cemetery and funeral industries under the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The toll-free Helpline for complaints about cemeteries is 1-888-RLOVED1 (756-8331).

Among the safeguards provided under the Consumer Bill of Rights, a consumer is entitled to:

· Protection from deceptive or unfair practices by the cemetery.

· A standardized price list disclosing prices for all cemetery related products.

· A burial contract that describes the exact location of the burial.

A brochure that details all of the protections provided under the Consumer Bill of Rights is available at: http://www.idfpr.com/cemetery/cemeteryconsumerrights.pdf

The Act, which was the result of recommendations of the Cemetery Oversight Task Force created by Governor Quinn in response to the Burr Oak tragedy last summer, also called for the appointment of the state's first Cemetery Oversight board by IDFPR Secretary Brent E. Adams. For information about the appointees go to: http://www.idfpr.com/cemetery/cemeteryoversight.asp

"The launch of the Consumer Bill of Rights and the appointment of an Oversight Board represents a major step toward fulfilling Governor Quinn's commitment to making Illinois cemeteries more accountable to consumers and to the State," said Secretary Adams, who by law will serve as the board's chairperson.

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The latest scam being used on consumers is called "vishing." Like phishing, this is a scam criminals use to get your personal information in order to drain money from your bank accounts.  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's website, the scam usually happens in one of these two scenarios:

  • In one version, you get the typical e-mail, like a traditional phishing scam. But instead of being directed to an Internet site, you're asked to provide the information over the phone and given a number to call. Those who call the "customer service" number (a VoIP account, not a real financial institution) are led through a series of voice-prompted menus that ask for account numbers, passwords, and other critical information.
  • In another version you're contacted over the phone instead of by e-mail. The call could either be a "live" person or a recorded message directing you to take action to protect your account. Often, the criminal already has some personal information on you, including your account or credit card numbers. That can create a false sense of security. The call came from a VoIP account as well.

Most banks will not contact you and ask for your bank account numbers or your PIN. Most will not ask you to call a number outside of the Quad Cities to give you us information. Most will not ask you to go through an automated system to enter account numbers.

If you are ever in doubt, even if your Caller ID shows our bank name, hang up and call us back. Don't risk being scammed.

Each year Youth For Understanding makes it possible for thousands of international students to live in the United States for an academic year. The 2010 - 2011 school year can be your opportunity to teach an international student about American culture and affect how Americans are portrayed internationally. When you open your home to an international student, you are building a life-long bond with them as you accept them as part of your family. Best of all - you'll learn about another culture and language? without leaving home.


Hosting is an enjoyable learning experience for the entire family. Hosting will forever change how your families think about the world. They will create lifelong memories and relationships for you and your entire family. Experience the world without leaving home!


Students can be placed throughout Iowa. Limited school slots are available this year, so apply early! These students are of high school age from one of over 60 countries. The students bring their own spending money and medical insurance. Families need to be able to share a loving and supportive family life as well as provide for an additional family member, including a separate bed, study area and three meals each day. Families should also be prepared share their community with their student.

To learn more visit us at www.yfu-usa.org. Just pick out the student you would like to host, complete the on-line Host Family application or contact YFU directly at 866-493-8872.

Governor Quinn Celebrates Black History Month

CHICAGO - February 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated Black History Month and declared "Edna Stewart Day" in honor of the Chicago restaurateur known throughout the state for offering soul food and a second chance for those in need.

"Black History Month gives us a time to reflect upon those who have made significant positive contributions to the African-American community in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I want to commend Edna Stewart for her remarkable impact on Illinois, devoting over four decades to serving delicious soul food and second chances on the West Side of Chicago."

Since 1966, Edna Stewart has been doling out some of the most popular soul food in Illinois at Edna's Restaurant in Chicago. Stewart is a native Chicagoan who learned to cook from her mother, a Tennessee-born sharecropper. The menu at Edna's Restaurant reflects her upbringing with simple but hearty soul food.

After more than four decades in business, Edna's Restaurant has become a Chicago institution and a landmark of the Civil Rights era. Edna's Restaurant became a haven of food and support to Civil Rights leaders working nearby, serving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

In addition to baking her famous biscuits, Stewart has also provided job opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals who have had difficulty finding jobs after being released. Over the years she has given a second chance to more than 100 formerly incarcerated individuals.

Last year during Black History Month, Governor Quinn honored Julieanna Richardson, founder and executive director of The HistoryMakers. For more than a decade, Richardson has been committed to preserving American history by highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of unsung African-Americans through thousands of taped and archived interviews. The non-profit HistoryMakers demonstrates the important role everyday people played in African-American-led movements and preserves the material for generations to come.

"Immigrant Rights & American Values:

Seeing with New Eyes ~ Postville: an Interpreter's Experience"

Presented by Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas

Dr. Erik Camayd-Freixas, a federally certified interpreter who translated at federal hearings in Waterloo, Iowa, after the 2008 immigration raid at Agri-Processors, Inc., a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, will speak to audiences throughout eastern Iowa in March.   "Immigrant Rights and American Values," the theme of his presentations, reflects his reaction to the hearings and the opinions he has expressed before Congress and in numerous essays published in the ensuing months.

Dr. Camayd-Freixas recounts his courtroom experiences after the raid as the saddest procession he has ever witnessed. He has lectured around the world and will share his experience and insight with audiences in five Iowa cities including presentations on the campuses of the University of Northern Iowa, Mount Mercy College and Clarke College, thanks to the organizing efforts of six congregations of Catholic Sisters based in the region.  Aside from the Iowa City luncheon in March, the presentations are free, open to the public and pre-registration is not required.

Dr. Camayd-Freixas will speak at a public event in Clinton at The Canticle, 841 13th Ave. North, on Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 9, he will be in Cedar Falls visiting the University of Northern Iowa and participating in two public events.  At 2:00 p.m. in the UNI Center for Multicultural Education (109 Maucker Union) Dr. Camayd-Freixas will take part in an informal discussion about some of his recent articles.  He will speak at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center (1019 W. 23rd St.).  His evening presentation in Cedar Falls will be filmed for inclusion in "The Postville Project: Documenting a Community in Transition" (a collaboration of the UNI Rod Library and the Luther College Archives) and for future use by the sponsoring organizations.

On Wednesday, March 10, Dr. Camayd-Freixas will address the noon meeting of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council at the Congregational Church, 30 N. Clinton St., Iowa City ($8/$9 - reservation required), and then travel to Cedar Rapids and give a public program at Mount Mercy College at Basile Hall, Flaherty Community Room, 1330 Elmhurst Drive, at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, March 11, Clarke College will host Dr. Camayd-Freixas' public presentation in the Jansen Music Hall in the Atrium, 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, also at 7 p.m.

Dr. Camayd-Freixas, a Harvard-trained communications analyst, was one of 26 interpreters who started the court hearings at Waterloo on May 13, 2008, and one of approximately 16 interpreters who stayed the whole two weeks. Shortly after his experience, he composed an essay entitled Interpreting after the Largest ICE Raid in US History, which has been read by thousands and made its way to Congress. In his essay, he recalled his courtroom experience: "Driven single-file in groups of 10, shackled at the wrists, waist and ankles, chains dragging as they shuffled through, the slaughterhouse workers were brought in for arraignment, sat and listened through headsets to the interpreted initial appearance, before being marched out again to be bused to different county jails, only to make room for the next row of 10."

In his statement at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Dr. Camayd-Freixas identified 13 problems in the judicial process that he observed, including inadequate access to legal counsel and no meaningful presumption of innocence at initial appearance.

Dr. Camayd-Freixas is Professor of Latin American Literature, Director of Translation Studies, and Founder of the Research Initiative on Immigration Reform at Florida International University, Miami. He has published and lectured worldwide on language, literature, and cultural studies. A literary critic, social theorist, and expert in forensic linguistics for federal and state courts, he has trained more than 3,000 interpreters in professional ethics and standards of practice, and regularly works on Spanish television broadcasts of presidential speeches, debates, and special events. He has interpreted internationally for eight different heads of state, including President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI.

Dr. Camayd-Freixas' presentations are sponsored by a Peace & Justice Coordination Committee whose members include leaders from local religious congregations: Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Ia.; Davenport, Ia.; the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Family, Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, Ia.; and, Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, Sinsinawa, Wis.  Co-sponsors include Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Ia.; Sisters of Mercy West Midwest; Clarke College, Dubuque; First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls, Ia.; Iowa Center for Immigrant Leadership and Integration, Cedar Falls; Sisters United News of the Upper Mississippi Valley; Peace & Justice Center of the Cedar Valley-a ministry of Cedar Falls Mennonite Church; St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, Cedar Falls; UNI American Democracy Project, Cedar Falls..

Braley has led efforts ensuring thousands of troops will finally receive benefits

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today that the Iowa National Guard will have a timeline by Friday detailing a plan of action to release long-overdue "Respite Leave" benefits to members. Braley has been leading efforts to fix this back pay problem and ensure that thousands of troops nationwide receive proper compensation. His Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act (HR 1222) was signed into law in October as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act and enables the Pentagon to release the promised benefits.

"I'm happy to announce that thousands of troops are one step closer to receiving the benefits they were promised and deserve," Braley said. "This is a problem I've been fighting to fix for more than two years now, and the Army's plan of action is a long-awaited step forward. Thousands of troops who bravely served our country deserve the compensation they earned, and I'll continue working on this issue until every affected soldier has a check in their hands."

Under Braley's fix, hundreds of Iowa National Guard members will be provided benefits they were promised under the Department of Defense's Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) program, commonly known as "Respite Leave."

Due to a delay between the announcement of the PDMRA program by the Department of Defense and the implementation of the program by the individual services, thousands of soldiers from the Army National Guard - including almost 800 members of the Iowa National Guard - have not received proper Respite Leave compensation.  Over 22,000 Army National Guard members across the country were affected by this problem.

Braley first introduced the Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act in July 2008.  It allows the Pentagon to retroactively grant up to $200 per day to affected troops.

The Department of the Army's memo is attached.

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Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today Rachelle Szall of Bettendorf received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Ms. Szall will enroll at the Academy in Fall 2010.

"I'm proud to announce that Rachelle Szall was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy," Braley said.  "I nominated Rachelle because of her excellent academic record and her outstanding character. Rachelle's qualifications are outstanding, and Iowa should be proud to have such an exceptional young person representing our state at one of America's finest service academies."

Szall will graduate from Bettendorf High School this spring.  She is the daughter of Christine and Richard Clopton.

Each year Congressman Braley nominates students to the military service academies.  Nominees must demonstrate upstanding character, academic achievement, physical fitness, and leadership skills.  A nominating committee comprised of community leaders reviews all applicants, with Congressman Braley recommending top candidates to the respective academies.  All nominated students may not receive appointments, as final acceptance decisions are made by the service academy.

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