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.

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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.
01 Oct 2014

45th Annual Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

By Lindsay A. Baessler

45th Annual Celebration of Pioneer Bridge Builders

On October 11-12, 2014 the 45th Anniversary of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival will be celebrated in Winterset, Iowa, with the theme "Timeless Treasures".  The six remaining covered bridges, some over 140 years old, are center-stage during this much-loved community festival and celebration.

The Festival runs from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily on the courthouse lawn in downtown Winterset, Iowa.  Entry to the festival grounds is $2 each day which children ages 11 & under being free.  Parking is free with shuttle services to outlying lots and various other Festival venues.

Guests to the Covered Bridge Festival will enjoy old-fashioned demonstrations including sheep shearing, woodcarving, jewelry, and pottery making.  A quilt show, car show, Spelling Bee, festival food, plus two live entertainment stages offer something for everyone to enjoy.  Horse and carriage rides through the Winterset City Park are available as well as scavenger hunts, a re-enacted civil war battle, and courthouse tours.

A collectable coin is struck each year commemorating local historic structure.  This year the North River School is featured which many Madison County residents remember fondly and housed lessons from 1874-1945.  Local artist Kristy Hoefing provided original artwork for the coin.

For more information or to schedule an interview, call the Madison County Chamber of commerce at 515-462-1185 or visit the website:  www.MadisonCounty.com.  Images are available upon request.

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29 Sep 2014

Send Us Your Video Ideas

By QCCVB

Bacon, Bacon, Bacon

Bacon is a popular topic everywhere right now so we thought it would be fun to feature the Quad Cities' best bacon bits in an online video as part of our social media campaign.

Do you have a bacon dish on your menu or sell a bacon-related product?  Or anything bacon-related?  We want to know!  Send them to David Breisch at dbreisch@visitquadcities.com

Behind the Scenes

Our other new video series idea is to feature some places from behind the scenes where the public is not normally allowed to go.  Does your business have something cool that fits the bill?  Send them to David Breisch at dbreisch@visitquadcities.com

15 Sep 2014

SEPTEMBER PASSPORT EXTENDED HOURS & PHOTO SPECIAL

By Grace Cervantes

As a courtesy to our customers, the Scott County Recorder's Office will have extended passport hours and a discount on passport photos.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 4:30-7 pm.

Saturday, September 27, 2014 9 am-1 pm.

*Photo Discount $5 each (Reg. $8)

www.scottcountyiowa.com/recorder

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