05 Nov 2012

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds Launch IASourceLink.com

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

New statewide online resource for start ups and small businesses

(DES MOINES) - Entrepreneurs in Iowa now have a new online business resource to help them develop their products and ideas.  Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced today that they have contracted with U.S. SourceLink to help small business owners and entrepreneurs find resources via an online "one-stop shop" accessible around the clock and statewide. The IASourceLink.com website goes live effective today, November 5, 2012.

As part of the Authority's continuing work with existing small businesses in the state and efforts to support the creation of more small businesses, the IEDA has been working with an ad hoc advisory committee to determine ways to further improve the environment for entrepreneurship.  One of the committee's recommendations was to improve access to the many resources that are available to small business owners but are sometimes difficult to locate.

IASourceLink.com is a web-based platform which will enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to be connected efficiently and effectively to technical and financial resources meeting their specific business needs. Through IASourceLink, Iowans seeking to start or expand a business will have a simple, streamlined entry to the outstanding small business and entrepreneurial organizations and assets that best meet their needs.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy, accounting for 51 percent of private sector jobs," said Governor Terry Branstad.  "We must create an environment where small businesses can flourish and connect the dots for those who want to start or expand their small business with the vast amount of resources that are already available in our state.  IASourceLink will do just that."

In addition, the IEDA is collaborating with the University of Northern Iowa's MyEntre.Net to provide timely, expert webinars, blogs and resource pages dedicated to Iowa small businesses via the website.   A customer desiring additional support may request assistance through the web or a toll free number.

"IASourceLink.com will enable Iowa's small businesses to access assistance information online or be directed to community partners and programs that help entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow their businesses," said Lt Governor Kim Reynolds.


U.S.SourceLink is America's largest resource network for entrepreneurs. Its mission is to match

aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to the resources they need to grow by uniting existing business development programs into collaborative networks, and providing a highly reliable and visible source of business startup and growth information. There are currently 20 networks in place across the country.  U.S.SourceLink founders include the Kauffman Foundation, University of Missouri-Kansas City and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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02 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad extends Disaster Emergency Proclamation

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed a proclamation to allow the transportation of oversized and overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover. The proclamation takes effect on November 3, 2012 and expires after 15 days.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code section 321.463 paragraph "5.b", by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

This action is intended to allow vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, and stover to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

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01 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad denies four applications for commutation

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today denied the following applications for commutation:

Nikkolas Kion Kemp, age 29, committed his crime on November 19, 2001 in Polk County.  He is currently serving a sentence for first-degree robbery.

DeMarcus Montrell McGee, age 33, committed his crimes on January 22, 1998 in Black Hawk County.  He is currently serving a sentence for first-degree robbery.

Andrew Lee Stephens, age 30, committed his crime on May 12, 2003 in Black Hawk County.  He is currently serving a sentence for first-degree robbery.

Evelyn Lou Tangie, age 67, committed her crime on July 27, 1996 in Wapello County.  She is currently serving a sentence for murder second-degree.

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01 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Economic Development Director Durham to announce another major capital investment for the state of Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham will hold a joint news conference this afternoon, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 at 4 p.m. (CST) in Sioux City to discuss another large capital investment for the state of Iowa.

The following news conference is open to the media:

Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012

4 p.m. Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and Director Durham announce major capital investment in Iowa

Bev's on the River
Intersection of I-29 and Hamilton Boulevard

Sioux City, IA

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19 Oct 2012

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Director Harvey announce annual Centenarian Honors Reception

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department on Aging Director Donna Harvey today announced Iowa Centenarians will be honored at the Centenarian Honors Reception on October 23, 2012.

To date, the U.S. Census Registry shows that there are 846 Iowans aged 100 years and older.  The oldest Iowa citizen is 115 years of age and resides in Johnston.

"The Lt. Governor and I are pleased to take part in the Department on Aging's Centenarian Honors Reception," said Governor Branstad.  "These Iowans have made our great state what it is today and all Iowans should look to these individuals as examples of how to live."

The Centenarian Honors Reception will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2012 in the Iowa Historical Building Atrium, located at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines.

"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to honor Iowan Centenarians. Each of their lives is a unique and amazing story and I look forward to honoring them at the event," said Reynolds.

Director Harvey stated, "This is a special celebration for our treasured oldest Iowans, and we welcome those who wish to join us as part of this exciting event to honor them."

To find out more about the event or to purchase a ticket to the reception, call the Iowa Department on Aging at: 515/725-3312 or toll-free: 800/532-3213 and ask for Machelle Shaffer.

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19 Oct 2012

Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor state Senator Pat Ward

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, to honor state Senator Pat Ward, who passed away on Monday.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Ward is survived by her husband, John Ward of West Des Moines, her daughter Chelsea Reynolds, her son, Ethan Reynolds, her step-daughter, Wendy Ward, and her-step-son, Tom Ward.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 19, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sen. Ward's family.

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16 Oct 2012

Branstad, Reynolds issue statement on the passing of state Senator Pat Ward

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the following statements today upon learning of the passing of state Sen. Pat Ward:

"I was with shock and sadness that learned of my friend Pat Ward's passing. She had a wonderful career in public service, and was such a caring and passionate person. As a senator, she was a champion for her district, took the time to get to know the issues, and worked in a bipartisan manner to enact meaningful legislation on behalf of her constituents. She always had a positive outlook on life, even in illness, and her smile would brighten each room she entered. The thoughts and prayers of Chris and I are extended to her large network of family, friends and constituents," - Gov. Terry E. Branstad

"Having served with Pat in the Senate, I witnessed firsthand her dedication to the state of Iowa, and her incredible work every day on behalf of her constituents. Pat Ward was a dear friend, and the news of her passing is incredibly difficult and painful to hear. I hope all Iowans will look at her example, the way she cared for others and worked to make the world a better place, and remember her significant life and achievements. Our administration will miss her as a policy maker, and we all will personally miss her as a friend." - Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

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08 Oct 2012

Lt. Gov. Reynolds announces recipients of STEM Scale-Up Programs

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES  MOINES) - Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that more than 800 schools and community organizations will be participating in scale-up programs for the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council.

"The focus of the council's first year was figuring out how to begin delivering first-rate STEM education programs to students all over the state," said Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "We have had some outstanding STEM programs in Iowa, but whether students had access depended on where they lived. These scale-up programs have changed that."

Over the spring and summer, six regional STEM hubs were created with the appointment of regional hub managers and regional advisory councils. The regional managers were responsible for seeking applicants for the scale-up programs and have been busy notifying scale-up applicants as to whether or not they were selected.

"Applicants were selected based on need and capacity," said Jeff Weld, Executive Director of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "We will be closely watching factors such as: test scores of our participants, attitudes and intentions of kids who participate in these programs, and readiness for post-secondary STEM study and careers to tell us the impact of our mission."

The deadline for applications was Sept. 14, 2012, and the Governor's STEM Advisory Council received over 900 applicants wanting to bring STEM programs to their communities.

"We were so impressed by the number of educators who applied for STEM programs for their kids. They understand the importance of the assuring more children have outstanding opportunities to learn about STEM," said Reynolds. "This initiative is about increasing innovation, productivity and opportunity in Iowa, and expanding STEM education programs across Iowa moves us in that direction."

Ben Allen, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council and University of Northern Iowa President, added, "The robust response to the Scale Up programming just goes to show the strong interest Iowa's kids have for STEM learning. We'd like to thank the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the availability of this programming a reality."

The Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership whose overarching goal is creating greater student achievement in STEM subjects and a stronger STEM workforce.

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02 Oct 2012

Lt. Gov. Reynolds encourages students to participate in National Walk to School Day

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today encouraged students to stay healthy by participating in the National Walk to School Day, in conjunction with Iowa's Second Annual Healthiest State Intitative Walk tomorrow.

"I am encouraging all students to take a simple step towards a healthier lifestyle by joining the National Walk to School Day," said Reynolds. "Governor Branstad and I have an ambitious goal to become the healthiest state in the nation and walking to school is a wonderful way for kids to help us reach our goal."

National Walk to School Day is an international campaign that promotes safety, fun and healthier habits for kids by walking or biking to school. Over 75 school walk events are registered throughout Iowa. To register a walking event for your school or to find one near your community click here.

"Tomorrow I will be taking part in the Healthiest State's Second Annual Walk, and I look forward to lacing up my tennis shoes with fellow Iowans and choosing to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle," added Reynolds.

The Healthiest State Walk began in October 2011 in which more than 291,000 Iowans participated in the kick-off Start Somewhere Walk.

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28 Sep 2012

Gov. Branstad announces Iowa school districts receive Teacher Incentive Funding

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced today that the Central Decatur Community School District and the Saydel Community School District won a grant in partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) from the U. S. Department of Education's 2012 Teacher Incentive Fund.

The goal of the project is to create a new teacher leadership and compensation structure in each district to help boost student achievement. This will be done by putting in place NIET's Teacher Advancement Program (TAP), which creates mentor and master teacher roles that provide more support for classroom teachers to help them improve instructional strategies. As part of the project, the districts will make it possible for teachers who specialize in science, technology, engineering and math to seek more training at local universities. Helping principals become more effective also is a focus of the project.

The grant provides $2.3 million for the first two years, with the possibility of nearly $9.6 million total over five years depending upon annual congressional appropriations.

"This is an outstanding opportunity to implement a new teacher leadership and compensation structure, which will better support teachers in the classroom as they work to raise student achievement," said Branstad. "I would like to thank the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching and the Central Decatur and Saydel school districts for working together to win this grant. Their superintendents, school boards, teachers' associations and others did an extraordinary job of moving this application forward in a short time frame. Graceland University and Grand View University also deserve to be commended for their support for the grant application. So does the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Advisory Council."

"The creation of mentor and master teacher roles will give teachers new career options in these two districts," Branstad added. "We cannot continue the one-size-fits-all approach toward the teaching profession, which limits professional opportunities."

The Central Decatur and Saydel superintendents said the grant will better support work already under way in their districts.

"We are excited to have this opportunity. The core concepts of the Teacher Advancement Program align with the work we have done and conversations we already have had as a district. We feel this will help provide more structure and better consistency to sustain and improve student achievement," said Chris Coffelt, Central Decatur superintendent. Coffelt added that the grant will offer teachers multiple career paths, and will help the district have more success retaining and attracting great teachers.

"I believe the grant has the power to be transformational. It is such a great opportunity to improve teaching to increase student learning," said Saydel Superintendent Brad Buck.

Buck said Saydel teachers work extraordinarily hard now, but the additional support will help them accelerate student achievement.

"In line with Governor Branstad's and Education Director Jason Glass's reform blueprint, this will open up new career opportunities in our district with the designation of mentor and master teacher roles," said Buck. Master teachers will spend 100 percent of their day providing staff with instructional coaching and analyzing student achievement data, among other duties, he said.

"This is an exciting new day for the teaching profession in Iowa," said Glass. "This is the first federal grant of its kind ever awarded to the state and a marked change from the one-size-fits-all profession that has come to limit career opportunities for teachers. We are incredibly proud of these two districts and their innovative spirit, and we look for them to lead the way in this exciting new era of the teaching profession."

The grant won by Central Decatur and Saydel is one of 35 grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Education to "improve pay structures, reward great teachers and principals, and provide greater professional opportunities to teachers in high-poverty schools." For more information: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-boosts-district-led-efforts-recognize-and-reward-great-t

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