19 Dec 2014

Davenport featured in travel photographer's new book on 90-day road trip along the Mississippi

By Marissa Curnutte

Travel Photographer/Author Shares 90-Day Road Trip Keeping Pace with a Raindrop on the Mississippi

Gayle Harper's Words and Images Honor America's Beauty, her Greatest River and her Colorful People

When Gayle Harper learned that a raindrop falling into the headwaters of the Mississippi would travel the River for 90 days to reach the Gulf of Mexico, she knew immediately that her project of a lifetime had appeared.

Harper made a 90-day road trip along the nearly 2,400-mile course of the Mississippi, while keeping pace with a raindrop called "Serendipity." She was offered lodging, often in places unique to the heritage of each region. There was a fishermen's cabin in the north woods, a trendy downtown loft, a tugboat converted to a B&B, a plantation mansion, a sharecropper's cabin - and even an entire 30-room mansion.

She wandered back roads without plan, meeting people in farm fields, on their porches, in cafés, even while stopped for road construction, who invited her into their lives.  She went to dances, birthday parties, a wedding, a powwow, neighborhood barbeques and festivals. She was invited home to dinner, to meet friends and relatives and onto boats of all sizes, from a canoe to a towboat, pushing its flotilla of barges.

"The people I met," says Harper, "are the soul of this journey. They were welcoming, inclusive, playful, curious, colorful and authentic. There was two-year-old Hazel, who plopped down beside me to show me her green shoes, and 87-year-old Marshall Bouldin III, who moved me to tears when we talked about art. There was a north woods adventurer, a Southern Belle, a 'river rat,' a Delta Blues man and a pixie-like nun."

"The Mississippi River is the aorta of our country," says Harper, "it is essential to our ecology and our economy and it is deeply embedded in our history and our very identity.  I watched it grow from a fragile stream into a massive force of nature, yet its essence is always the same."

Roadtrip with a Raindrop is a celebration of America and of the simple moments that make life an adventure. In its 240 pages are 55 stories, with nearly 200 full-color photographs. Together, the words and images invite readers to leave agendas behind, to travel at the pace of a raindrop and to rediscover the fine art of letting life happen.

Harper embarks on a book tour along the Mississippi in 2015.

BOOK DETAILS

Roadtrip with a Raindrop: 90 Days Along the Mississippi River

By Gayle Harper

Published by Acclaim Press, November 2014

ISBN: 978-1-938905-63-6

Hardcover, 240 pages, $39.95

15 Dec 2014

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation at Quad City International Airport, receives Distinguished Service Award for Aviation and Airport Industry Achievements

By Cathie Rochau
Alexandria, VA - Bruce E. Carter, A.A.E., Director of Aviation at the Quad City International Airport has been selected as the recipient of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award, presented to airport executives in recognition of career-long leadership and contributions to the aviation industry.
"Bruce is a valued colleague who is well-known for his leadership in the nation's airport management community and the broader aviation industry," said AAAE Chair Randall D. Berg, A.A.E., Director of Airport Operations at the Salt Lake City International Airport. "Distinguished service is a hallmark of Bruce's career, and it is fitting that AAAE has recognized him for the numerous contributions he has made during his remarkable four decades in the industry."
The Distinguished Service Award, given annually, is one of AAAE's highest levels of recognition. Men and women receive this award as a reflection of outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these men and women also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community. All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.) and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire.
Carter began his 40-year career as an air traffic controller in Des Moines, IA, and has held Director of Aviation positions in Waterloo, Iowa and Springfield and Peoria, Illinois before he joined the Quad City International executive team in 1999.
Carter currently serves as a Second Past President of the AAAE Board of Directors and is a Past President of the Great Lakes Chapter AAAE.
The Award was announced at the 86th Annual AAAE Conference and Exposition held in San Antonio, Texas in May and will be presented to Carter at a Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County board meeting to be held this week.
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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world's largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
03 Dec 2014

Dominique Williams selected as National Treasurer for National Society of Minorities in Hospitality

By Rick Martin

AMES, IA (12/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Dominique Williams, a senior in hospitality management in the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University, was chosen to serve on the national board as the Treasurer for the National Society of Minorities. The National Society of Minorities is the premier student-led organization for minorities students studying hospitality. The National board is comprised of five positions, including treasurer.

Williams, a Davenport, Iowa native, will oversee of Chapter Financial Procedures, National Society of Minorities Accounts Payable and Receivable, Disbursement of Scholarship Funds and other regional treasurers.

The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality provides events and programs that bring together college-level students with company sponsors, industry representatives, other hospitality organizations, advisors and mentors, and hospitality high school students.

03 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Announces First Ever Charging Station Network for Route 66 Electric Corridor

By Dave Blanchette
New Charging Stations to Help Expand Illinois' Sustainable Transportation System

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $1 million to establish a network of charging stations for electric vehicles along historic Route 66 through Illinois. The network will support commuter and tourist driving for the growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois toward a sustainable future.

"We are building a 21st century infrastructure across Illinois and we need to make sure that it is sustainable for future generations," Governor Quinn said. "This new project exemplifies Illinois' place as the innovation capital of the Midwest, with cutting-edge business practices that create jobs and encourage sustainability."

The state has joined local governments and the private sector to create the Illinois Route 66 Electric Corridor, a partnership that connects communities along the 300-mile stretch from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River in the Metro East area with a network of high-power EV charging stations. The network will make it possible for EV drivers to travel between Chicago and St. Louis, two of the key urban markets for EVs in the nation.

The cities of Plainfield, Dwight, Pontiac, Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Carlinville and Edwardsville will each install one or more fast charging stations that are easily accessible from historic Route 66, allowing EV drivers to retrace its original pathway. Each of the seven charging points in the network will include one fast charging station capable of charging vehicles with either CHAdeMO or SAE connectors within 15-20 minutes and one level 2 (240/120 volt) charging station. Installation of the charging stations will begin this month, with targeted completion by summer 2015.

The project is supported by auto manufacturers, including BMW, Illinois-based Mitsubishi and Nissan, which is contributing the charging station to be installed in Edwardsville.

"The State of Illinois' Route 66 EV corridor is consistent with Mitsubishi Motors North America's desire to affect a broader acceptance of EVs through user-friendly infrastructure," MMNA General Manager of Corporate Communications Dan Irvin said. "It is our belief that projects like this will help our state maximize the possibilities of EVs."

"Residents and visitors alike will soon be able to enjoy the sites, attractions and mystique of the state's Historic Route 66 with easy access to charging stations for their electric vehicles," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. "It's truly an electrifying addition to the 'mile after magnificent mile' to be discovered in Illinois."

The University of California - Davis, one of the world's leading universities on sustainable transportation, provided technical assistance for project planning.

"Illinois has one of the better combinations of price and carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity in the nation," Gustavo Collantes, with the UC Davis Policy Institute and lead of the Zero Emission MAP initiative, said. "This infrastructure has the clear potential to save drivers money while delivering environmental benefits to the state and the nation."

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25 Nov 2014

'Tis the Season for Holiday Travel: The Skin Cancer Foundation Offers Sun Protection Tips for Tropical Winter Getaways

By Carla Barry-Austin
New York, NY (November 24, 2014) - Planning a beach vacation this winter? Travelers should be aware that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun plays a significant role in the development of skin cancer. In fact, about 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to its UV rays.
Skin cancer risk depends greatly on cumulative lifetime sun exposure, but melanoma has been linked most frequently to intense exposure - The kind often obtained during beach vacations. This kind of periodic, concentrated UV exposure frequently causes sunburn and severely damages the skin. It is believed to also play a part in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer. On average, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.
"It's important to properly protect your skin every day and you need to be extra cautious in very sunny conditions," said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Prolonged exposure to UV radiation causes premature skin aging and can lead to skin cancer."

Those tempted to get a "base tan" before hitting the beach should beware - there's no such thing as a healthy or protective tan. Whether obtained by lying out in the sun or through using a tanning bed, a tan represents DNA damage to the skin. In fact, just one indoor tanning session before the age of 35 increases your melanoma risk by 75 percent.
If you're headed to a sunny destination this winter, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following sun protection tips:
Cover Up: Clothing is your first line of defense against the sun's harmful UV rays and it is a consistent shield that helps protect the skin. In addition, wearing UV-absorbing swimwear like wetsuits and rash guards offers extra UV protection when you're in the water. Sarongs and cover-ups offer additional protection on shore.
Shield Your Face: Sunglasses that filter out the sun's UV rays will help protect your eyes and eyelids from conditions including cataracts, while a broad-brimmed hat (with at least a 3" brim all around) will help protect the top of the head, neck, face, ears and scalp.
Beware of Reflection: Water and sand reflect the sun's UV rays, adding to the intensity of exposure.
Apply Sunscreen: Using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day is crucial. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply one ounce, or two tablespoons, every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.
Seek Shade: During peak sun hours (10AM to 4PM) keep covered under a large sun umbrella. It's best to hit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon - you'll avoid the crowds and save your skin!
Avoid Tanning and UV Tanning Booths: Whether you "lay out" or visit a tanning salon, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning increases the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma. In addition, tanning leads to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, leathery skin and age spots.
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21 Nov 2014

Volunteers Needed

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

28 Oct 2014

Davenport is One of the 10 Best American Riverfronts

By QCCVB

Thank you to QCCVB members and others who voted for Davenport as Best American Riverfront in USA Today's 10best.com competition. We finished strong. Davenport moved into the Top Five on Saturday and moved up to the Top Three by the close of voting Monday, beating out many larger communities in the process. If this was the Olympics, we would have won a Bronze Medal for Best American Riverfront. Thanks again for voting and supporting the Quad Cities.

23 Oct 2014

Construction Begins on Chicago-Moline Rail Service

By Guy Tridgell

Eola Yard Improvements Add Capacity to Route, Create Jobs, Improve Travel Options

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today the start of construction on the new passenger rail route connecting Chicago and Moline. The $23 million in improvements underway at the BNSF Railway's Eola Yard in Aurora are made possible by funds from the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) $177 million grant toward the project, as well as $78 million in matching funds provided by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program.

"This project marks the start of better transportation between these two vital areas of the state," Governor Quinn said. "Passenger rail is creating jobs and opening new economic development opportunities across Illinois, and will help travelers get to their destinations quickly and efficiently for years to come. I am proud that our state is leading the way on this transportation trend of the future."

The work that just started consists of track improvements and all necessary signal and capacity upgrades to accommodate the additional trains that will be utilizing the Eola Yard each day once the Chicago-Moline  service begins. Grading and drainage improvements also are included. The estimated completion date is Summer 2015.

"This truly is an historic day and one more major step toward reestablishing passenger service between Chicago and Moline," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren. "The improvements at the Eola Yard would not be possible without the hard work of our partners at the FRA and BNSF Railway. By working together, we are creating jobs and economic development, improving travel options for communities along the line and building a 21st century transportation system for Illinois."

The Eola Yard project will facilitate additional passenger trains on the 109-mile stretch between Chicago and Wyanet and help improve operational efficiencies for existing service between Chicago and Quincy. Earlier this year, the state reached an agreement with the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) to begin designing the signal system, as well as the track and tie improvements, to permit passenger trains on the 53 miles from Wyanet to Moline. Once that process is completed later this year, IDOT can begin finalizing an additional agreement with the IAIS that spells out maintenance and operations responsibilities, as well as a construction timeline.

"Reestablishing passenger service between Chicago and Moline is critical to the development of a Midwest passenger rail network that will connect the 40 largest markets in the Midwest," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "These improvements at Eola Yard will help make this new service to Moline a reality, while also improving existing passenger rail service to Galesburg and Quincy - a real benefit for the traveling public."

The restoration of service to the Quad Cities for the first time since 1979 will begin with two daily round-trips, with stops in LaGrange, Naperville, Plano, Mendota, Princeton and Geneseo. "BNSF Railway is pleased to be partnering with the State of Illinois on this important project," said D.J. Mitchell, BNSF assistant vice president passenger operations safety and technical training.

"We look forward to working with state and federal officials to complete this segment of the Chicago-Quad Cities Passenger Rail program."

For more information on the project, visit
goo.gl/6W6YuS.

# # #

09 Oct 2014

U.S. Fuel Economy Reaches All-Time High

By Christopher Whitley

Fuel economy gains for new vehicles continue under President Obama's Clean Car Program

(WASHINGTON, October 8, 2014) - New vehicles achieved an all-time-high fuel economy in 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency announced today. Model year 2013 vehicles achieved an average of 24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) ?-- a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and an increase of nearly 5 mpg since 2004. Fuel economy has now increased in eight of the last nine years. The average carbon dioxide emissions are also at a record low of 369 grams per mile in model year 2013.

EPA's annual "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2014" report tracks average fuel economy of new cars and SUVs sold in the United States. The report also ranks automakers' achievements in model year 2013.

Some additional top-line findings from the report:

  • The recent fuel economy improvement is a result of automakers' rapid adoption of more efficient technologies such as gasoline direct injection engines, turbochargers, and advanced transmissions.
  • Mazda vehicles averaged the highest fuel economy and lowest greenhouse gas emissions
  • Nissan achieved the greatest improvement in average fuel economy and greenhouse gas reductions
  • SUVs achieved the greatest improvement in all classes of new personal vehicles.

"Today's announcement points to the greatness of American ingenuity and the strength of our auto industry. Our report shows that today's vehicles are saving Americans money at the pump while emitting fewer greenhouse gasses. We are thrilled to see that manufacturers continue to innovate and are bringing technologies to improve fuel economy online even faster than anticipated," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Consumers now have many more choices when shopping for vehicles with higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to just five years ago. These choices reflect both a more diverse range of technology packages on conventional gasoline vehicles as well as more advanced technology and alternative-fueled vehicles."  

Under President Obama's leadership EPA and the Department of Transportation have implemented standards projected to double fuel economy by 2025 and cut vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by half.

The EPA estimates these standards will save American families more than $8,000 in fuel costs per vehicle by 2025. Throughout the duration of the program, Americans will save $1.7 trillion in fuel costs, use 12 billion fewer barrels of oil, and in 2025, reduce oil consumption by more than 2 million barrels a day - as much as half of the oil imported from OPEC every day.

The new report is at: http://epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm

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Learn more about EPA Region 7:  http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region7.html

08 Oct 2014

IN-STORE QCCVB SALE

By QCCVB
 These new Zooviners will make an extra-special treat this Halloween for your little trick-or-treater. The cute, plush animals are dressed in a Quad Cities t-shirt that lists the five main cities. You can also pick up a matching t-shirt in children's sizes. Choose from a plush bear, eagle, cow, or pig. Print this email with the coupon at the bottom to bring in for 20% OFF your Zoovenir purchase through Oct. 31.
A local Quad Citian decided to create her own salsa after not finding one that captured what she wanted. After starting to can her own salsa in 1998, Jodi got so many requests she decided to bottle her own salsa and calls it Jodi's Top Shelf Salsa. It can also be found a supermarkets throughout Iowa and Illinois.  During the month of October, receive 20% OFF at www.quadcitiesgifts.com with the code FALL14. You can also print this email for the coupon at the bottom to receive 20% OFF an in-store purchase of Jodi's Top Shelf Salsa through Oct. 31.
STORE LOCATIONS
Quad Cities Gifts                      Union Station Visitor Center
1601 River Dr., Suite 110        102 S. Harrison St.
Downtown Moline, IL               Davenport, IA
Hours: 8:30 am-5 pm M-F      Hours: 10 am-4 pm M-Sat.

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