12 Dec 2011

Gary Slater Named 2012 Chair of International Association

By readMedia

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.

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21 Nov 2011

Gov. Quinn Announces $5 Million Grant for Hybrid Buses in Five Illinois Communities

By Katelyn Tye

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.

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15 Nov 2011

ALLEGIANT CONTRACTS TO PURCHASE UP TO 13 MD80 AIRCRAFT AND 12 JT8D-219 ENGINES FROM SAS

By Brian Davis

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.

08 Nov 2011

ALLEGIANT IN TOP TEN OF FORBES' "AMERICA'S BEST SMALL COMPANIES"

By Rick Martin

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.

08 Nov 2011

JOHN DEERE PAVILION ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATION

By Wendy Artman
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.

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01 Nov 2011

New Days Inn Opens in Davenport

By Stacy Christofferson
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.

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11 Oct 2011

One Student to Win a Weekend in Orlando

By Tawnya Hambly

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.

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10 Oct 2011

Ceremonial ribbon cutting at QC Int'l Airport

By Cathie Rochau
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."  
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10 Oct 2011

ALLEGIANT REPORTS SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAFFIC

By Kristine Shattuck-Cooper

Las Vegas, October 6, 2011/ GLOBENEWSWIRE -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for September 2011.

Scheduled Service

 

Sep. 2011 Sep. 2010 Change

Passengers                     359,739        362,519          (0.8)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)               327,382        330,800          (0.2)%

Available seat miles (000)                          363,438        359,785             1.0%

Load factor                         90.1%           91.9%        (1.8) pts

Departures                     2,684            2,697          (0.5)%

Average stage length (miles)                        892               889             0.2%

 

3Q11 3Q10 Change

Passengers                     1,478,046     1,488,600          (0.7)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)             1,347,896    1,356,043          (0.6)%

Available seat miles (000)                         1,462,636     1,512,650          (3.3)%

Load factor                         92.2%           89.6%          2.6 pts

Departures                     10,834          11,316          (4.3)%

Average stage length (miles)                        892               891             0.1%

 

Total System*

 

Sep. 2011 Sep. 2010 Change

Passengers                     398,206        390,492             2.0%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                 357,525  362,714          (1.4)%

Available seat miles (000)                          415,941        420,469          (1.1)%

Load factor                         86.0%           86.3%        (0.3) pts

Departures                     3,317            3,231             2.7%

Average stage length (miles)                        832               873          (4.8)%

 

3Q11 3Q10 Change

Passengers                     1,578,645     1,559,836             1.2%

Revenue passenger miles (000)            1,425,002     1,425,761          (0.1)%

Available seat miles (000)                         1,593,766     1,646,431          (3.2)%

Load factor                         89.4%           86.6%          2.8 pts

Departures                     12,527          12,761          (1.8)%

Average stage length (miles)                        845               865          (2.3)%

 

*Total system includes scheduled service, fixed fee contract and non-revenue flying.

 

Preliminary Financial Results

 

Change

August 2011 actual year-over-year

scheduled revenue per ASM (PRASM) change                                  20.6%

August 2011 actual year-over year

scheduled total revenue per ASM (TRASM) change                          15.8%

 

September 2011 estimated year-over-year PRASM change          32.5 to 32.9%

September 2011 estimated year-over-year TRASM change         23.8 to 24.2%

 

September 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon                        

- system                         $3.04

September 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon                        

- scheduled                      $3.30

 

3Q11 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                           24.2 to 24.6%

3Q11 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                         19.1 to 19.5%

 

3Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                         $3.12

3Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled                        $3.33

 

Guidance

 

 

Capacity guidance, subject to revision

Year over Year Growth

 

Departures

ASMs

October 2011

 

 

Scheduled

4%

5%

 

 

 

4th Quarter 2011

 

 

System

+5 to 9%

+6 to 10%

Scheduled

+2 to 6%

+5 to 9%

 

 

 

1st Quarter 2012

 

 

System

+8 to 12%

+13 to 17%

Scheduled

+10 to 14%

+15 to 19%

 

 

 

 

 

ASMs - Available seat miles

 

 

Cost and revenue guidance, subject to revision

 

 

Cost guidance

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (CASM-ex fuel) - year over year growth

+14 to 16%

 

 

Fixed fee and other revenue guidance

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

Fixed fee revenue and other revenue (millions)

$12 to $14

 

About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has posted 34 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.  In 2011 and 2010 Allegiant ranked 64 and 25, 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.   ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

For further information please visit the company's investor website: http://ir.allegiant.com

03 Oct 2011

27th Annual Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend, "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!"

By Rick Martin

French-inspired Nouveau wine tradition is a 27-year tradition in Galena, Illinois

GALENA, Ill. - "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!" Simply translated, "Wine lovers: get ready, get set, go!" The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau and the opportunity to be among the first to sample the new, shortly fermented wine, previewing the current year's fall harvest.

In France, this tradition began more than a century ago. In Galena, Illinois, it kicked off at the hands of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in 1985. Today, it's grown to be a full-blown community celebration inviting epicureans of all levels to enjoy all things wine.

The weekend officially kicks off at noon on Friday, November 18 with traditional French stew and wine-inspired lunches at many area restaurants. At 2:30 pm, the familiar "clip clop" of horse hooves will be heard throughout Galena's downtown. On board the horse-drawn wagons sporting revelers is a celebrated guest that will have the entire town in merriment all weekend?Galena Cellars' 2011 Nouveau wine.

Local restaurants continue the celebration with live music, wine tasting, dinner specials and receptions. Throughout the weekend, wine lovers can also enjoy vineyard tours (Galena boasts three area vineyards open to the public), winemaker dinners, wine-inspired pampering such as spa and shopping specials and lodging packages.

Offered for the second year in a row is the Grand Tasting, providing the opportunity to sample a variety of more than 200 wines?worldwide wines from Albarino to Zinfandel. From value-priced Chardonnays to pedigreed Cabernets, this tasting has it all and is a great value at only $30 per person ($35 at the door). The Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, November 19 from 3:30-6 pm at Galena's Convention Center (900 Galena Square Drive).

Advanced tickets purchase (recommended), as well as a complete list of weekend happenings are available online at www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

 

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