03 Jun 2013

Iowa Representative Phyllis Thede Launches Digital Marketing Initiative

By Rep. Phyllis Thede
District 93 representative hopes to expand reach to new and current constituents

JUNE 02, 2013 BETTENDORF, IA - In an effort to expand her reach and connect with voters using social media, three-term Iowa State Representative Phyllis Thede (D) has partnered with Internet Marketing Professionals Group (I.M. Pros) to launch her campaign's Digital Marketing Initiative (DMI). "In my five years as an Iowa State Representative, I've seen firsthand how technology and social media have changed the way voters access information. This is an effort to use new technology and social media to reach out to my constituents in new and exciting ways."

Robert Jackson Jr., president of I.M. Pros (improsgroup.com), echos this sentiment. "We're excited to work with Phyllis because she is one of a handful of enterprising politicians who recognize we're living in a new reality. Web 2.0 sites, the effective use of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and creating YouTube channels are ways we can more effectively reach voters where they live. By having these social media properties work in concert with each other we can create a powerful marketing vehicle that will sustain her message."

Deep Quad Cities Roots
Since serving her first term in the Iowa House since 2009, Phyllis Thede represents the families of Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa. She is a Ranking Member of the Ethics Committee and, serve on the Committees of Environmental Protection, Local Government, Natural Resources, and Health and Human Services Appropriations subcommittee.

Currently living in Bettendorf, Iowa with her husband Dave, they have three successful daughters and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. Phyllis and family have been proud to have called the Quad-Cities home since 1980.

To connect with Phyllis, visit her website at PhyllisThede.com.

31 May 2013

Governor Quinn Praises House Passage of Hydraulic Fracturing Legislation

By Brooke Anderson

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the Illinois House of Representatives' passage of Senate Bill 1715, the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act, and encouraged the Illinois Senate to act swiftly on this bill that contains the nation's strongest environmental protections and significant economic potential. The governor called for passage in his 2013 budget address and the Quinn Administration helped negotiate the bill:

"Today's passage of hydraulic fracturing legislation in the House brings good news for jobs, economic development and environmental protection in Illinois. This legislation will unlock the potential for thousands of jobs in Southern Illinois, while ensuring that our state has the nation's strongest environmental protections in place for this industry.

"Over the past year, we have brought together lawmakers, industry and labor leaders and environmental groups in a collaborative, bipartisan effort to develop the best possible legislation. This approach has not only worked, but been praised as a national model for transparency, public participation, environmental safety and economic development.

"I want to thank Rep. John Bradley for his hard work on this issue and environmental advocates for their efforts to ensure Illinois' natural resources are protected.

"I urge the Senate to send this bill to my desk as soon as possible."

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31 May 2013

Midland Communications Launches a Mobile Device Management Program to Monitor and Secure Devices That Are Attached to Customer Networks

By Janet Dufour
DAVENPORT, IA - May 30, 2013 - Midland Communications, a leading unified communications provider, announced today that the company has launched a Mobile Device Management Program to Monitor and Secure Devices that are attached to customer networks. With the proliferation of Smart phones and tablets in today's business world, companies need a way to monitor and secure mobile devices that enter their company space. Whether a mobile device is company-issued or employee-owned, Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the fastest, most comprehensive way for organizations to centrally secure devices and protect their networks from intrusion.
Smartphones are here to stay and businesses need to be certain that they have an infrastructure established to bring these devices into the workplace. According to The Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, "the growth of global mobile data traffic in 2012 is up 70%" from the previous year and when comparing Mobile traffic in 2012 versus entire Internet in 2000 we find that mobile traffic today has twelve-folded that of the entire Internet in 2000."
The best MDM solutions perform several functions and have a set of unique characteristics which make them the best fit for small to medium-sized businesses. First, they must integrate into existing networks well. Many MDM solutions integrate seamlessly into enterprise systems and don't require on-site servers or network reconfiguration. Another trait of a great solution is the ability to remotely locate, lock and wipe lost or stolen devices. This is vital for enhancing security, especially in an environment with shared data and content. Many solutions rely on encryption settings and established passcodes in order to monitor device compliance and detect potentially unsafe devices before they make it on the network.
"The growth of mobile is representative of a culture shift where people expect instant communication and want to be connected," stated stated Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications. "This has tremendous implications for our industry and as we've noticed this evolving over the years we knew that our customers needed some way to bring security and data management to their networks. That's exactly why we have spent substantial time, effort and energy investing in leading edge technologies so our customers can be better equipped to protect their businesses. We consider it our duty to equip our customers with the best technology tools available, so they constantly have a leg up on their competitors. In the end, making them successful, keeps us successful and prolongs our relationship."

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS

Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.
24 May 2013

Explore the Amazing World of Insects this Summer

By Amanda Heitz
Join us this summer at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Scott County as we explore the amazing world of insects in "Insectaganza!" our 4-H Clover Kids summer program.  Youth ages five through nine will closely investigate insects such as crickets, butterflies and ladybugs to learn how they communicate, eat, grow, and survive in their natural habitats.  Please note that 5 year olds must have completed kindergarten during the 2012-2013 school year.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis.  Families can chose from a Monday group OR a Wednesday group.  Both groups will meet from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for eight weeks beginning the week of June 10, 2013.  The program costs $10.00 for new 4-H Clover Kids.  For more information and to print the registration forms visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott or contact Jodi at (563) 359-7577 or jmbecker@iastate.edu.
09 May 2013

Grassley says wind energy key component of America's energy supply

By Rick Martin
WASHINGTON - In a weekly video address, Senator Chuck Grassley said continued investment in wind energy production emphasizes the value and the success of the federal production tax credit.

Click here for the audio.

Here is the text of Grassley's address:

This week, Iowa's largest energy company announced it will seek to add enough wind generation in Iowa by the end of 2015 to require an additional 656 wind turbines in Iowa.

This investment is more good news about wind energy production.  It emphasizes the value and the success of the federal production tax credit.

Wind energy is proving that it's a force in America's energy supply -- providing clean, renewable, and home-grown power.  Wind energy comes from local farms, it's for local customers and, most often, adds investment value to local communities.

Nationwide, the wind-energy industry supports 75,000 jobs.  Iowa ranks second among all states for wind production, and there are 6,000 wind-energy related jobs in Iowa.

I've worked to extend the wind energy production tax credit numerous times since I first authored it as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.  Producers are eligible for a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a qualified project during the first 10 years of operations.  Right now, the tax credit is 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The wind-energy production tax credit is available when wind energy is produced, so it's tax relief that rewards results.

 

09 May 2013

Efforts to add 1,050 megawatts of wind generation in Iowa by year-end 2015

By Various
Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley today commented on the announcement by MidAmerican Energy Company that it plans to seek authority to add up to 1,050 megawatts of wind generation in Iowa by year-end 2015, which would include up to 656 new wind turbines.

Grassley comment:

"Continued investment in wind-energy production emphasizes the value and success of the federal production tax credit.  Wind energy has proven that it's a force in America's energy supply, providing clean, renewable, and home-grown power.  Wind energy comes from local farms, it's for local customers and, most often, it adds investment value to local communities."

Background information:

A Grassley amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 established the production tax credit for wind energy.  The idea behind Senator Grassley's proposal was to try to level the playing field with coal-fired and nuclear electricity generation.  Today, the wind-energy industry supports 75,000 jobs nationwide.  Iowa ranks second among every state for wind production, and there are 6,000 wind-energy related jobs in Iowa.  Under the wind-energy production tax credit, which Senator Grassley has worked successfully to extend numerous times, producers are eligible for a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a qualified project during the first 10 years of operations.  Right now, the tax credit is 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.  This tax credit is available only when wind energy is produced, so it's tax relief that rewards results.

Loebsack Statement on MidAmerican's Announcement of a $1.9 Billion Investment in Wind Energy

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after MidAmerican Energy announced they will be investing $1.9 billion in wind energy infrastructure in Iowa.  Loebsack has long supported wind energy production and led the way in the House to renew the Production Tax Credit for wind energy.  Last year he was named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association.

"Iowa is already a leader in wind energy production and today's announcement by MidAmerican Energy that they will be investing an additional $1.9 billion is great news for the state.  The wind industry creates good paying jobs in local communities and this announcement will create new jobs in addition to the over 7,000 Iowans who are already employed in the industry.  I am pleased this investment will help strengthen not only Iowa's leadership in wind energy but also create homegrown and affordable energy for Iowans and continue to grow our manufacturing sector in the state."

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09 May 2013

MidAmerican Energy Announces $1.9 Billion Investment in Additional Wind Generation Capacity

By Tina Potthoff
(DES MOINES) - MidAmerican Energy Company is announcing its plans to add up to 1,050 megawatts of wind generation, consisting of up to 656 new wind turbines, in Iowa by year-end 2015. The wind expansion will enhance economic development and provide in excess of $360 million in additional property tax revenues over the next 30 years. Landowner payments totaling $3.2 million per year also are expected as a result of the expansion. In addition, the expansion is planned to be built at no net cost to the company's customers and will help stabilize electric rates over the long term by providing a rate reduction totaling $10 million per year by 2017, commencing with a $3.3 million reduction in 2015.

Gov. Terry Branstad, a champion for wind energy in Iowa, commented on the proposal. "As a leader in wind generation, the state of Iowa welcomes the opportunity to expand our renewable energy portfolio. MidAmerican Energy's proposed project will be the largest economic development investment in the history of the state, bringing needed jobs to Iowa, as well as significant economic benefits."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds reiterated that message. "MidAmerican Energy has been a long-standing partner with the state of Iowa, and we look forward to working with them on this wind proposal. In addition to helping boost our state and local economies, the expansion would create approximately 460 construction jobs over a two-year period and an estimated 48 permanent jobs in our state."

Greg Abel, chairman, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company - the parent company of MidAmerican Energy - recognized and thanked Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their unwavering support of renewable energy in Iowa.

"The administration has continued its focus on creating an environment that allows for significant investment in Iowa, and we are pleased to be working hand in hand with them to grow our state and create good jobs," said Abel.

Abel further thanked Iowa's congressional delegation for their strong support of the production tax credit extension.

"Iowa's congressional delegation created the opportunity for this investment through their support at the federal level and continued an environment that makes this type of investment possible," said Abel.

MidAmerican Energy began building wind projects in 2004. To date, 1,267 wind turbines have been installed in Iowa, representing a total investment of approximately $4 billion. In light of the recent federal production tax credit extension, the company is asking to expand its wind generation capacity to enhance its renewables portfolio. MidAmerican Energy estimates that by January 2016, when all new wind generation is expected to be operating, it may be capable of generating approximately 39 percent of its retail generation output through wind generation during that month.

"The proposed wind expansion will not only add to MidAmerican Energy's and Iowa's position as a national leader in wind generation capacity, it will help reduce future rates to our customers by as much as $10 million per year and further enhance our corporate principle of environmental respect by reducing our carbon footprint by 10.3 percent," said Bill Fehrman, president and CEO, MidAmerican Energy.

If the expansion is approved by the Iowa Utilities Board, MidAmerican Energy will own and operate approximately 3,335 megawatts of wind generation capacity in Iowa by year-end 2015. Currently, MidAmerican Energy owns and operates approximately 2,285 megawatts of wind generation capacity in Iowa and is No. 1 in the U.S. for ownership of wind generation capacity among rate-regulated utilities.

MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa's largest energy company, provides electric service to 734,000 customers and natural gas service to 714,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available on the company's website and its Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via www.midamericanenergy.com<http://www.midamericanenergy.com>.

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30 Apr 2013

Grassley urges Administration to consider formal protest of European Commission action against U.S. ethanol exports

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Trade Representative and the Acting Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating a challenge at the World Trade Organization regarding the recent decision by the European Commission to impose an anti-dumping duty on exports of ethanol from the United States.

"The administration ought to take a very aggressive position against this penalty because of the way it violates trade law standards and practices that are well established," Grassley said.  "What's happened is an unfair trade practice, and the negative impact on the U.S. renewable energy industry is already measurable."

The penalty is "unprecedented" with the Commission's "failure to make any particular finding of dumping by any producer or marketer investigated in connection with the case," wrote the bipartisan group of 15 senators led by Senators John Thune and Amy Klobuchar.  "We believe this rule sets dangerous precedent for trade and trade remedies in advance of the well-publicized state of important trade talks between the United States and the European Union, and will dramatically and unilaterally change the boundaries and limits of international dumping law," they wrote.

In addition to trade case precedent that has required findings of actual dumping, the senators' letter said there isn't an adequate finding by the European Commission that any injury was suffered in the European ethanol industry, noting it is another requirement of international anti-dumping trade law.

Certain member states of the European Union represent significant export markets for U.S. ethanol producers.  In 2012, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands represented the second and fourth largest importers of importers of U.S. ethanol.

-30-
29 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Announces New Human Services Digital Record System Saves Time and Resources

By Leslie Wertheimer

Will Eliminate Seven Million Documents per Year and Reduce Client Response Time from Days to Seconds

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new digital record system at the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) that will eliminate more than seven million documents per year is already reducing response times for client service from days to seconds. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to reduce government waste and save taxpayer money.

"Our human services caseworkers can best serve their customers by spending time with them, not battling wasteful paperwork," Governor Quinn said. "This system will allow us to increase accountability while eliminating millions of pieces of paper from the process, helping our caseworkers focus on the needs of their clients."

DHS is using IBM software to digitize three forms critical to the benefit eligibility determination process: calculation sheets, the combined application form and the chronological record of case processing. Digitizing these forms will eliminate more than seven million pieces of paper annually. With the new system, these forms are electronically filed, which produces an immediate paper savings. It also eliminates the need to wade through more than 100 million pieces of paper stored in case files at local offices and warehouses throughout the state when case workers need to retrieve and update information.

"This solution is an excellent example of state government and private industry working together to develop strategies for maximizing our limited resources," DHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler said. "Just as important, it helps us streamline our local offices and improve efficiency, which in turn enhances the workplace, employee morale and service to our customers." 

The IBM system cost $325,000 but paid for itself in just three months with the savings that were realized from its use by more than 2,000 DHS caseworkers. Caseworkers input information into the system and the system automatically determines program eligibility and stores the electronic forms in a central repository for later retrieval. Caseworker time spent retrieving information has gone from days to just seconds, which has been a big boost to customer service.

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25 Apr 2013

Explore the Amazing World of Insects this summer

By Amanda Heitz

Join us this summer at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Scott County as weexplore the amazing world of insects in "Insectaganza!" our 4-H Clover Kids summer program.Youth ages five through nine will closely investigate insects such as crickets, butterflies and ladybugs to learn how they communicate, eat, grow, and survive in their natural habitats. Please note that 5 year olds must have completed kindergarten during the 2012-2013 school year.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Families can chose from a Monday group or a Wednesday group. Both groups will meet from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for eight weeks beginning the week of June 10, 2013. The program costs $10.00 for new 4-H Clover Kids. For more information and to print the registration forms visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott orcontact Jodi at (563) 359-7577 or jmbecker@iastate.edu.

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