GALENA, Ill. - The Mississippi River is the second most-visited natural resource in the United State, after the Grand Canyon. The bald eagles find it a pretty popular place to visit as well.

 

Each year from mid-December through February, thousands of bald eagles migrate south to winter along the Mississippi River near the lock and dams. Turbulence created below the dams provides open water and a smorgasbord of stunned fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi are excellent habitat for roosting and an increasing number of cases nesting. It's not uncommon to see more than 10 eagles in one tree!

 

Bring your binoculars and take a trip this winter to this Upper Mississippi River region in Iowa and Illinois to catch a glimpse, perhaps for the first time, of the country's national symbol. Take part in the many bald eagle watches throughout January and February in the communities that line the banks of the Great River Road from Dubuque, Iowa, south to Quincy, Illinois. For more information on planning a winter Mississippi River getaway, visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org

 

TravelMississippiRiver.org is now hosting a contest so you can win a weekend getaway this winter to go eagle watching in one of five different communities along the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa. Sign up today at www.TravelMississippiRiver.org. The contest continues through January 20, 2012.

 

Weekend getaways include : Quad Cities, Iowa and Ill. - January 6-8. This package includes four tickets to Bald Eagle Days, the Midwest's largest event dedicated to bald eagles, and an overnight stay at the Ramada in Bettendorf, Iowa with an indoor pool and complimentary deluxe hot breakfast. Drawing will be held on December 20, 2011.

 

Galena/Jo Daviess County, Ill. - January 15, February 12 or 26. Pack your bags for an exquisite bald eagle watching getaway! Stay overnight at Illinois' oldest operating hotel, DeSoto House Hotel, located directly on Galena's Main Street. Enjoy breakfast for two at their Courtyard Restaurant before you board the bus for the half-day tour. Eagle Nature Foundation's Terrence Ingram will lead you on an insightful tour of bald eagle habitats, feeding habits, migration movements, life history and survival problems. Bring your binoculars and telescopes to Galena and Jo Daviess County this winter! Drawing will be held on December 27, 2011.

 

Muscatine, Iowa - January 27-29. This Eagles & Ivories Getaway Package includes two tickets to the Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Concert Series, an overnight stay for two at the Clarion Hotel, and $50.00 in Muscatine Chamber Bucks redeemable at restaurants, shops, and more. Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.

 

Quincy, Ill. - January 28-29. The Microtel Inn & Suites in Quincy is hosting a special FAB Getaway for you and it includes food, architecture and bald eagles. Tour an exclusive East End home, as well as the Villa Kathrine, watch for bald eagles at the local lock & dam and enjoy excellent cuisine! Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.

 

Henderson County, Ill. - February 4. This getaway includes a one night stay at the historical Hotel Lynn in Biggsville. Enjoy a fun-filled day of eagle watching at Lock & Dam 18 with complimentary refreshments. Many eagles will be on-site nestled in the trees along the banks of the powerful Mississippi. A copy of the new Henderson County commercial is included in your prize package so you can show your friends where you went on your trip! Drawing will be held on January 20, 2012.

 

More than a dozen travel & tourism groups in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have joined forces to promote traveling along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org or find us on Facebook to check out regional events, trendy shopping areas, charming restaurants and historic sites. Use the website to plan your next getaway!

#   #   #

Airport officials found out late this afternoon, that Allegiant has agreed to add two more departures to Mesa, AZ, in anticipation of those travelers who may be following the Iowa Hawkeyes to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ, on December 30th.  Allegiant added two round trip flights at the request of airport officials, knowing that the nonstop flights and extra choices in dates will be very alluring to regional area fans.

Non-stop flights on Allegiant will depart for Mesa, AZ on 12/28, and 12/31.  "The extra departure on the 28th is very important at this point because our regularly scheduled (nonstop) flights on Tuesday the 27th and Thursday the 29th on Allegiant are completely booked." says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation.

Cathie Rochau, Marketing Representative adds "The additional nonstop flights to/from Mesa will likely serve those fans interested in returning the day after the game, and making it home in time to celebrate New Year's Day. Plus, if people choose to go back to work on Monday, they can do so with a little time to relax."

If fans would like to stay and enjoy the warmer climate, nonstop return flights are also on January 3 and 5, 2012. January 1 was a regularly scheduled return flight and has also sold out.  Fans can call their travel agent for assistance or Allegiant, or visit Allegiant's website at www.allegiant.com.

DES MOINES, IA (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Gary Slater, CEO/manager of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, was elected the 2012 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) during the final business session of the 121st IAFE Annual Convention held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.

Slater grew up on a 600-acre crop and livestock farm in the small town of Eolia, Mo. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in food science and nutrition, Slater began his career as a livestock field man. He then joined the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, as a livestock supervisor, where he served for five years. Slater joined the Iowa State Fair in 1991, where he was in charge of planning the special events, free entertainment, and booking the facilities for off-season use. After five years, Slater left to serve the National Pork Producers Council as manager of the World Pork Expo. Slater managed World Pork for six years, holding the event in both Des Moines at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Knowing that his first love was fairs, Slater received the opportunity to return to Missouri in 1997 to manage the Missouri State Fair. He spent four years in a rebuilding mode, helping to restore the Missouri State Fair to physical and financial success and was instrumental in formulating a master plan for the fair. In 2001, Slater accepted the position of manager of the Iowa State Fair. After one year as manager, Slater accepted the position of CEO and manager of the fair.

Slater earned IAFE Certified Fair Executive designation in 1998 and was elected IAFE Zone 5 director in 2002, representing Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He served as IAFE treasurer from 2007-2009, as second vice chair in 2010, and most recently as first vice chair. He has also played an active role on several IAFE committees.

Slater and his wife Mary have three children: Madeline, 17; Ali, 15; and Andrew, 12.

###

Green Vehicles to Reduce Fuel Costs, Emissions and Noise Pollution

SPRINGFIELD - November 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to buy up to 10 hybrid buses for Illinois communities as part of the governor's initiative to expand green transportation throughout the state. The buses are anticipated to be delivered in 2013 to the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, the City of Galesburg, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District and the River Valley Mass Transit District.

"Hybrid technology protects the environment and saves money," Governor Pat Quinn said. "Everyone wins as we use this technology to replace aging buses across the state with new, reliable vehicles. I want to thank our congressional supporters and Senator Durbin for his work with us and his leadership in securing this important federal funding."

The $5 million grant is from the Federal Transit Administration's Clean Fuels Grant Program, a competitive program that encourages the use of clean fuel and innovative propulsion systems in buses. The new hybrid vehicles to be delivered to the five Illinois communities are powered through dual motor fuel and electrical power systems that cut the usage of fossil fuels. They will replace older buses powered by gasoline and diesel, resulting in quieter rides, savings in fuel costs to taxpayers and reductions in harmful emissions.

The buses also will be equipped with the latest in green technology, including electrified power steering and air conditioning, regenerative braking and automated systems that stop the engines when they are idling to cut down on exhaust and energy consumption.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our fleet of green transit buses throughout the state," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. "By employing hybrid technology, we can provide needed public transit services with state-of-the-art vehicles while improving air quality and lowering the cost of fuel purchases."

In addition to the $5 million for the hybrid buses, IDOT has received a $362,000 federal grant to develop a Web site to connect transportation providers with active military and veterans statewide. The new site will be the state's first online resource center to help active military, veterans and their families address their transportation needs by offering information on transit schedules, dial-a-ride services and ride-sharing programs in their areas.

###

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT), has entered into a purchase agreement with Scandinavian Airlines System, Denmark-Norway-Sweden ("SAS") to purchase up to 13 MD80 aircraft and 12 JT8D-219 spare engines in 2012 and 2013.

These purchases will primarily be used to replace engines that will be coming due for major overhauls over the next two years, thus helping the airline to optimize its engine-related maintenance expense.  The agreement also allows Allegiant the flexibility to use several of the aircraft for additional MD80 fleet growth in the future, should it decide to do so.

This most recent transaction with SAS demonstrates Allegiant's ability to consistently source high quality assets at economic pricing.

Allegiant, travel is our deal.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has posted 35 consecutive quarters of profitability. The company is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel and hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services. The company ranked ninth this year in Forbes' Best Small Companies. Allegiant was also recently named one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Fastest-Growing Companies" for the second consecutive year. In 2011 and 2010 Allegiant ranked 64th and 25th, respectively, on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list. In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study. Receive breaking news from Allegiant by visiting Allegiant's Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/Allegiant or follow Allegiant on Twitter at twitter.com/allegianttravel.

LAS VEGAS– Forbes magazine named Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) one of "America's Best Small Companies" for the third consecutive year.  This year, the low-fare travel company ranked ninth.  The list recognizes businesses with remarkable sales and earnings growth.

"We are proud to be in the top ten of Forbes' list of best small companies," said Maurice J. Gallagher Jr., Allegiant chairman and CEO.  "It is a distinction and honor to be included for the third year in a row.  Allegiant's team members have provided safe, reliable, low-cost air service for more than a decade.  This recognition is a great complement to their hard work and dedication."

"We are honored to be recognized as a profitable, growing company," Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant president, said.  At Allegiant, we strive each and every day to provide value for our customers by offering great fares and vacation options to the world-class leisure destinations we serve."

According to Forbes, "Our list of 100 Best Small Companies in America features outfits with remarkable sales and earnings growth. Candidates must have been publicly traded for at least a year, generate annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion and boast a stock price no lower than $5 a share. (For apples-to-apples comparisons we excluded financial institutions, REITs, utilities and limited partnerships.) The rankings are based on earnings growth, sales growth and return on equity in the past 12 months and over 5 years; we dropped thinly traded names and those with fuzzy accounting or major legal troubles. We also factored in stock performance versus each ­company's peer group. Shares of last year's members outpaced the Russell 2000 small-company index by an average of 10 percentage points."

The full list and related stories are available at http://www.forbes.com/best-small-companies/.

The company ranked second in Forbes' Best Small Companies in 2009 and 33rd in 2010.  Allegiant was also recently named one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Fastest-Growing Companies" for the second consecutive year.

Allegiant, travel is our deal.

Pavilion to be closed during construction Dec. 12 through mid Feb.

(Moline, Illinois) - The John Deere Pavilion has been a top attraction in the Quad Cities and the state of Illinois since it opened in 1997, drawing millions of guests from around the globe to visit one of the most comprehensive agricultural exhibits in the world. To ensure it continues to be a cutting-edge facility and top attraction in the area, the Pavilion will soon undergo a major redesign of the guest experience.

The transformation will be significant and result in a completely new look and feel to the facility's interior. It will also make more effective use of the outdoor hardscape. The physical building will remain the same, as all enhancements will focus on new exhibits and presentation methods that provide a broader representation of the global operations of the company.

"As the cornerstone of the John Deere Commons, the John Deere Pavilion is a strong foundation to a thriving downtown in Moline," said Brian Holst, marketing manager for the John Deere Pavilion.  "We are proud of the facility's success, yet we are always looking for ways to improve. Next year will be the Pavilion's 15th anniversary making this an ideal time to offer our guests and fans something completely new. This redesign is the result of several years of planning and we look forward to unveiling it to the public in mid-February."

The new guest experience will showcase the global reach of the company today and into the future as well as chronicle the company's rich history and heritage.  Exhibits will feature all aspects of the company including its many businesses and global markets, broad range of innovative products, concept vehicles, and corporate citizenship.

Guests also will experience how the company's high-tech products and services are helping provide food, shelter and infrastructure for a growing global population aswell as enhance the lives and livelihoods of John Deere customers around the world who are linked to the land. An expanded children's area will offer a variety of hands-on learning activities, keeping the John Deere Pavilion anexceptional destination for the whole family.

The renovation requires the John Deere Pavilion to be closed for approximately eight weeks starting December 12, 2011. The Pavilion will reopen to the public inmid-February of 2012 and, as always, will continue to be a free attraction. The John Deere Store, located adjacent to the Pavilion, will remain open while the Pavilion is closed for the redesign.

To follow our progress during the renovation visit www.JohnDeereAttractions.com or visit us on Facebook.

# # #
The former Econo Lodge converts to a Days Inn 

Heart of America Group announces the opening of the new Days Inn today. Heart of America Group converted its Econo Lodge, located off I-80 and Northwest Blvd, to an official Days Inn property. CEO Mike Whalen announced, "We are proud to have teamed up with the Days Inn, which is part of the Wyndham Worldwide Hotels". The Days Inn will undergo a refresh that includes a newly designed lobby, new room décor, and the addition of a fitness center. Renovations will begin shortly and be completed in time for the busy summer season. "We look forward to a strong partnership between the Days Inn and the Quad City area" says Whalen. The Days Inn is located adjacent to the award winning Iowa Machine Shed restaurant which is also managed and owned by Heart of America Group.

To make a reservation, visit www.daysinn.com or call 563-391-8222.

The company started with a 100-seat restaurant back in 1978, The Iowa Machine Shed. Heart of America Group has evolved into one of the Midwest's premier design, construction, and management companies with a 33 year history of developing award-winning properties. Currently Heart of America Group is located in ten metropolitan areas across six Midwestern states.

# # # # #

Destined to Travel with JA Contest Launches

Moline, IL. - Junior Achievement USA™ is offering high school students the opportunity to win a three-day adventure for four people to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando. To enter the Destined to Travel with JA contest, students review the interactive Destination Build lesson, a teaching tool that allows students to explore the tourism industry, complete a quick quiz, and submit their answers. The randomly selected winner will receive two nights at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort, 12 complimentary one-day Park Hopper® passes, and $2,000 for airfare and other travel expenses.

"This contest is a terrific opportunity for high school student in our area," says Barbara VenHorst, president, Junior Achievement of the Heartland.  "In addition to earning a chance to win a prize worth more than $4,000, our future job seekers and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to explore the tourism industry. This means every student that participates is a winner."

The nationwide contest is based on student learning drawn from Destination Build, an online learning lesson that is housed in the hospitality and tourism student sector of the JA Student Center, available from the Junior Achievement® website. Through it, students explore the decisions made by city planners to increase local tourism in a community and hear from residents and tourists about how consumer decisions influence the local economy. The scenario is different each time a student plays the online lesson.

The contest, sponsored by the Destination & Travel Foundation, is open to high school students. The deadline for contest submissions is November 1, 2011. Visit http://bit.ly/n8jRBK for more contest information.

About the Destination & Travel Foundation

The Destination & Travel Foundation is a combined effort between the U.S. Travel Association and Destination Marketing Association International.  In February of 2009, the respective foundations for each association were combined to create a stronger organization better capable of enhancing the destination marketing and travel professions through research, education, visioning and development of resources and partnerships for those efforts. The new organization was joined by Tauck-Romano Innovative Philanthropy, ShopAmerica Alliance and American Express Foundation in a multi-year program with Junior Achievement. For more information on Destination & Travel Foundation, visit http://www.ustravel.org/about/Foundation.html. 

About Junior Achievement USA™ (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches four million students per year in more than 120 markets across the United States, with an additional six million students served by operations in 119 other countries worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves more than 56,000 students in 24-counties throughout eastern Iowa, western Illinois and Grant County Wisconsin.

-30-
Runway Reconstruction Season Nears Completion

Six Month Project Was Part of $34 Million In Airfield Improvements

MOLINE, ILLINOIS         Rehabilitation of the main 10,000 ft. runway at the Quad City International Airport, known as 9/27 is just days away from final completion.  A ceremony today featuring Dr. Susan Shea, Director of Aeronautics for Illinois, Susan Schalk, Airports Division Manager, Great Lakes region for the FAA, a representative from Senator Durbin's office, and other area dignitaries will commemorate this milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:00 noon.  The ceremony will take place on the airfield near the "bulls-eye" where three of the airport runways intersect.  The rehabilitated runway 9/27 will feature 47,000 cubic yards of new concrete.  Paved asphalt shoulders on each side of 9/27 are an added safety enhancement.

Construction started in mid-April, and all three runways have been shut down for the past six months.  During this time a temporary runway of 6,500 feet in length was used (runway 10/28.)  The project remained on target throughout the season and will be completed one month ahead of schedule.  Planning for this major phase began in 2007, and encompassed $34 million in total airfield improvements.  Funding for the improvements has come from local, state and federal resources.  "The Quad City International Airport is a critical transportation link that is key to the region's economy," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "This runway will help put the airport in the strongest possible position to compete for better air service and aviation development projects and contribute to the long term ability of the Quad City Airport to serve travelers safely, securely, and efficiently.  It is a great example of Recovery Act funding at work."

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation says "Planning for this project started in 2007.  We are finishing the third stage of a four-stage plan and we are very pleased with the cooperation that was achieved through the efforts of the FAA, the Division of Aeronautics, the engineers and contractors.  Hundreds of jobs were created in the fields of concrete, asphalt, earthwork, electrical, and trucking.  This infrastructure improvement will take us well into the future." Carter adds, "While today is ceremonial in nature, we are ready to open all three of our runways to arrivals and departures next weekend.  This is an exciting time in history for the Quad City International Airport and for our travelers."

The fourth and final phase of the overall project will be completed next year, when the temporary runway used during the construction period converts to a taxiway, which will be called Taxiway P "Papa."  
# # #

Pages