14 Feb 2014

IOWA MICRO-DISTILLING LEGISLATION HOUSE FILE 2173 & SENATE FILE 2175

By Cindy Bruhm

February 13, 2014 - For the second year in a row, Mississippi River Distilling Company has been working hard to get legislation passed in the state of Iowa to reduce restrictions on Iowa Micro-Distilleries.

WHAT ARE WE ASKING FOR? Essentially, we are looking for the same privileges that Iowa breweries and wineries enjoy.

• We want the ability to sell drinks made with spirits that are manufactured on site. Currently, we are only allowed to serve 2 ounces of free samples per person, per day.

• We are asking to raise the daily retail sales limit to one case. Iowa law limits our retail sales at the distillery to two bottles per person, per day. Iowa breweries, wineries and liquor stores have no sales limits.

This change will allow for more Iowa made products to be sold in our state. That means more tourism dollars, more alcohol tax dollars and more jobs in Iowa. The more we can do to make this industry attractive for Iowa business people, the more we will see the industry grow. The state is a direct beneficiary of increased alcohol sales because of the state tax and distribution system.

There is great interest in hosting events at Iowa distilleries, much like groups do at Iowa breweries and wineries.

This change would open Iowa distilleries to more exposure and tourism opportunities. Many other states, including Illinois, Missouri and Michigan allow for sales of product by the glass and the bottle at microdistilleries. According to the American Distilling Institute, states that allow for retail sales by the glass and bottle saw a 78% growth in the number of microdistilleries in their states from 2011 to 2013. States without these laws saw a 14% increase during the same time period.

TAX REVENUE FOR IOWA

In fiscal year 2012, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division received $6.7 million in revenue from the sale of products made by Iowa microdistilleries. In contrast, Iowa had $7.7 million in total revenue from the sale of every bottle of wine in the state. Beer sales generated nearly $14 million. But hard liquor sales generated over $255 million. Iowa's three largest microdistilleries accounted for 2.3% of that revenue. As the sole distributor of hard liquor in Iowa, the state has as much to gain as any microdistillery from a revenue perspective. Every dollar of profit made from alcohol sales at Iowa microdistilleries generates a dollar of tax revenue for the state of Iowa.

CONSISTENT WITH IOWA LAW

Iowa microdistilleries all work through the current state control of alcohol trafficking in our state. This bill takes steps to maintain the current three-tier system of alcohol trafficking in Iowa. By doing this, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division will be able to ensure that all taxes are properly assessed when the products are distributed. No tax breaks for the industry are included in this bill. The bill will lead to increased tax revenue for Iowa.

* Iowa distilleries are not allowed to engage in wholesale distribution of spirits.

* All products will be distributed through the Iowa ABD warehouse in Ankeny.

* Product sold for on-premise consumption (by the glass) will be purchased through a "Class E" liquor licensee (Wholesaler), just like every other Iowa bar and restaurant does and therefore maintaining the current system in Iowa.

SUPPORT

This bill has bi-partisan support from our local representatives. Representative Steve Olson (R) is driving the bill in the House. Senator Rita Hart (D) is leading the charge in the Senate. is being supported by the Iowa micro-distilling industry, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Restaurant Association.

OPPOSITION

The only registered opposition to the bill has been from the Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association. This is a well organized and well funded lobby that has great influence in Des Moines. Ironically, this organization did not oppose past legislation that opened up these privileges for small Iowa breweries and native Iowa wineries. We are hopeful that through dialogue at our committee hearings we can help our lawmakers and opposition see that this legislation poses no threat to existing business. Instead, it supports small family business, local farms and holds great potential for tourism, tax revenue and jobs in Iowa.

SUMMARY

Micro-distillation is a rapidly growing industry, much like small wineries and microbreweries were 15 to 20 years ago. Iowa's three biggest micro-distilleries, Templeton Rye in Templeton, Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire and Cedar Ridge in Swisher, accounted for over $6.5 million in wholesale liquor sales in Iowa in the last fiscal year. Iowa has an opportunity to encourage significant growth in production and tourism in our state with this legislation.

This law change will boost tourism, create jobs and increase tax revenue in the state of Iowa.

Contact:

Ryan Burchett, Owner/Distiller
Mississippi River Distilling Company
303 North Cody Road
PO Box 801
LeClaire, IA 52753

563-484-4342 Distillery
563-271-0608 Cell
ryan@mrdistilling.com
www.mrdistilling.com

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14 Feb 2014

Local Students Named to Eastern Illinois University's Deans' List

By Vicki Shaw-Woodard

CHARLESTON, IL (02/13/2014)(readMedia)-- More than 990 undergraduate students have been named to Eastern Illinois University's Fall 2013 Deans' List.

The Deans' List at EIU recognizes undergraduates with a declared major whose academic performance has been excellent. Students who achieve a GPA of 3.80 to 4.00 (on a 4.00 scale) while completing a minimum of 12 graded semester hours, excluding credit/no credit grades, in a fall or spring semester will be named to the Deans' List.

(Note to Media: You are being provided with information about students from your circulation area. A full list of those having been named to the EIU Fall 2013 Deans' List can be found here.)

Dylan Koeppen of Rock Falls, IL (61071)

Kyle Hess of Prophetstown, IL (61277)

Luke Adamson of Moline, IL (61265)

Located in Charleston, Ill., Eastern Illinois University has a rich tradition of preparing students to accomplish their life goals through a great combination of quality academics and personal relationships. Consistently ranked in the top third of Midwest universities in its class by U.S. News and World Report, Eastern has earned its reputation by offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs taught by an experienced and caring faculty, along with reasonable tuition, fees, and room and board rates, and a textbook rental system. For more information, visit www.eiu.edu.

14 Feb 2014

RASCAL THE RIVER BANDIT DELIVERS VALENTINES

By Marco LaNave
WHO: Quad Cities River Bandits mascot Rascal the River Bandit.
WHAT: Rascal the River Bandit is delivering Valentines this week to workplaces, schools and residences. Included are a personalized card, two River Bandits tickets (or a Kids Club membership) and either a box of chocolates, package of candy or logo baseball and pennant as part of a special River Bandits package.
WHERE: Locations throughout the Quad Cities (see Friday schedule below).
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Approximate Delivery Times & Locations
10-10:30 a.m.
1221 N Myrtle St, Davenport, IA 52804 (Friendly House)
11-11:15 a.m.
3265 E. Ridge Drive, Bettendorf IA 52722 (Red Apple Child Care Center)
11:15-11:45 a.m.
5506 N Pine St, Davenport, IA 52806 (Truman Elementary School)
12-12:30 p.m.
707 E. Kimberly Davenport (Wells Fargo Bank)
1-1:30 p.m.
1122 W Central Park Ave, Davenport, IA 52804 (Trinity Lutheran Elementary)
2-2:30 p.m.
630 W. 4th st Milan IL (Reynolds Manufacturer Co.)
4-4:30 p.m.
1804 15th Ave Moline IL (Residential)
WHY: Rascal is trying to break free from his winter hibernation and bring warm thoughts on Valentine's Day.
*****
14 Feb 2014

AFSCME IOWA COUNCIL 61 PEOPLE COMMITTEE AND TEAMSTERS LOCALS 90, 120, 238, AND 554 ENDORSE JACK HATCH FOR GOVERNOR

By Ed Fallon

CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, the AFSCME Iowa Council 61 PEOPLE Committee and Teamsters Locals 90, 120, 238, and 554 announced their endorsement of Jack Hatch for Governor.

"Jack Hatch is the leader that we need in order to build a better Iowa - an Iowa with a strong and growing middle class. With a record of success in both the private sector and the public sector, Jack will bring Iowans together to create real opportunity for Iowa families," said AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan.

"Jack has always been there for the working men and women of Iowa and now we are here for him.  Terry Branstad has been in office for too long and he is coasting.  Jack is the change we need in Terrace Hill," said Teamsters Local 238 Secretary-Treasurer Gary Dunham.

"I am honored to have the endorsements of AFSCME and the Teamsters. AFSCME members are working every day in our communities to keep us safe, protect the most vulnerable, and make our communities run on a day to day basis. Teamsters are a powerful force in Iowa and represent a wide array of Iowa workers. Iowans know we can do better than Terry Branstad's status quo. Together, we are united in our goal to build a better Iowa," said gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch.

AFSCME is known for its political action program which is financed with voluntary contributions. The program supplies grassroots volunteers for AFSCME-endorsed candidates.

In Iowa, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 represents 40,000 public employees and private sector employees.

Teamsters Locals 90, 120, 238, and 554 represent over 15,000 current members and retirees throughout the state of Iowa.

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14 Feb 2014

"Achieving the American Dream for Latinos in the U.S."

By Rick Martin
Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Presents Martin Castro as Part of Multicultural Speaker Series

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Martin Castro, President and CEO of Castro Synergies, LLC, will speak on "Achieving the American Dream for Latinos in the U.S.: Educational, Entrepreneurial & Electoral Empowerment" as part of the Multicultural Speaker Series of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC).

The presentation will be held 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the MetroLINK Centre Station, 1200 River Drive, Moline, IL. Admittance for the event, which includes breakfast, is $20 for non-members, $15 for GQCHCC members, and $10 for students. To find out more or to register for the event, visit www.gqchcc.com/Speaker_Series or call (309) 797-8650.

The Multicultural Speaker Series provides an opportunity for attendees to enhance cultural awareness, fulfill diversity education needs, increase integration into the community, and expand networks across community sectors. The series is suggested for entrepreneurs, chief diversity officers, human resources and training personnel, government decision-makers, financial services professionals, marketing executives, college/university administrators and faculty, and non-profit organization leaders.
An Illustrious Career

"We are honored to have Mr. Castro as our speaker," said Lee Vasquez, Executive Director of the GQCHCC. "During his illustrious career, he has worked to help others and also encouraged the business world to work in harmony with the multicultural community."
Martin Castro is the President and CEO of Castro Synergies, LLC, which provides strategic consulting services to corporations, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations seeking to have a positive social impact on diverse communities.
Castro is also President, Co-Founder and serves on the corporate board of directors of New Futuro, LLC. New Futuro is a purpose-driven company providing Latino families with the knowledge, guidance and the professional social network they need to get Latino youth into college and beyond.
In January 2011, Castro became a Commissioner at the United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR), and was named as Chairperson the following March. He is the agency's eighth Chair and the first Latino Chairperson in USCCR history. The USCCR is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding commission, which informs the development of national civil rights policy and enhances enforcement of federal civil rights laws.
For more information on the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gqchcc.com or call (309) 797-8650.
-- # --
ABOUT THE GREATER QUAD CITIES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) is the only organization in the Quad Cities created to address the specific needs of the Hispanic business community. The GQCHCC serves the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
The mission of the GQCHCC is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of local businesses, and to leverage the community's assets, contributions and unique Hispanic cultural identity to generate new business opportunities. The GQCHCC welcomes businesses, organizations, and individuals from any cultural background to join this community-minded organization.
In September 2012, the GQCHCC received national recognition as the winner of the 2012 Small Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) celebrated three Hispanic chambers from across the nation for their accomplishments, contributions, and commitment to helping the Hispanic-owned businesses in their communities.
14 Feb 2014

A Dose of Downton Abbey in Eastern Iowa

By Tara Richards

Brucemore's Hired Help Tour explores working on a country estate

 

 

Downton Abbey fans will enjoy Brucemore's Hired Help Tour?March 13, April 10, and May 8 at 6:00 p.m. Join a costumed interpreter for a tour revealing the lives of Brucemore's domestic servants in the early twentieth century. Consider what it was like to live and work on one of Iowa's grandest estates while exploring the servants' living quarters and the Servants' Village, an area open to the public only during this tour. Documents, photographs, and other materials from Brucemore's collections enrich visitors' understanding of the relationships between the employers and "the hired help." Admission is $15 per person and $12 per Brucemore member. Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Hired Help Tour is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, behind-the-scenes at Brucemore, and growing up in the early twentieth century. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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14 Feb 2014

Low-Price Grocery Leader ALDI Brings New Jobs to Davenport

By Tayler Jackson

Local Hiring Event on Feb. 17 Open to the Public

Davenport, Iowa - Feb. 13, 2014 - Known for offering wages significantly higher than the industry standard, ALDI, the nation's low-price grocery leader*, will host a hiring event for its Davenport-area stores on Monday, Feb. 17. Opportunities within ALDI include Store Associates, Shift Managers and Manager Trainees.

The hiring event is in support of the ongoing growth of ALDI in the area, offering customers the ALDI brand promise of high-quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.

What:   ALDI hiring events for Davenport, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, Silvis, Ill.

Who:    ALDI representatives and local residents currently seeking employment opportunities

When:  Monday, Feb. 17 from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Where:  ALDI, 1702 Brady St., Davenport, IA  52803

Positions: • Store Associate - $11.35 per hour

• Shift Manager - $15.35 per hour

• Manager Trainee - $19.50 per hour

Job Requirements:          • Must be 18 years or older to apply

• High school diploma or GED

• Must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday - Sunday

• Retail experience preferred

• Management experience preferred for Manager Trainees

• Drug screening and background check

• Ability to lift 45 pounds

Quick Facts: • ALDI offers employees generous compensation that is considered well above the industry standard

• Part-time staff working at least 20 hours a week receive full health insurance, dental coverage and 401K

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates nearly 1,300 stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 25 million customers each month save up to 50 percent** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,300 of the most commonly purchased grocery items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

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*According to a survey of more than 6,500 consumers conducted in May 2013 by Market Force Information.

14 Feb 2014

February 2014 QC Interfaith Newsletter

By Quad Cities Interfaith

QC Interfaith & Illinois Department of Labor Host Worker's Rights & Jobs Summit Saturday, February, 22, 2014 at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island

On Saturday, February 22, Quad Cities Interfaith, the Illinois Department of Labor, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Tri City Building Trades Council, and Black Hawk College are working together to hold a day long summit on Jobs and Worker Rights at Second Baptist Church - 919 6th Avenue in Rock Island.

Workshops will include : worker's rights information, including wage theft issues, Information about careers in construction trades and pre apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, Information from the State of Illinois about construction projects coming to the Quad Cities
Black Hawk College will share information about the new Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) at Black Hawk College.

QCl leaders will talk about our 100 Ready Workers Campaign, which is designed to create a pipeline of workers from our community who are  trained and ready to be hired for the jobs coming our way through the rail and 1-74 bridge projects. 

If you or someone in your congregation is concerned about bringing good paying jobs to our community, and working for more minorities and women to get jobs in the area's workforce, Join us!  
Participants will receive a binder of  information  on job training opportunities and other helpful resources.

This event is free, but pre registration at 563.322.4910 is required. Register now as this will fill up! 
No walk ins, please. 
Our thanks to the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Labor for holding this event.

Highway Construction Careers Training Program Begins at Black Hawk College 

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) of the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Community College Board begins at Black Hawk College in Moline.
The HCCTP program is designed to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects.   Black Hawk College is enrolling for classes in beginning March 31, 2014. The course  goes until June 2014.  These class is 36 hours per week and is an intensive program addressing skills for working in the  highway construction trades: enrollees will learn math, job readiness skills, safety, technical construction skills, tool use, fork lift, and machine operation.  The classes are open to Iowa and Illinois residents.

The QC Interfaith Jobs Equity leaders worked with Illinois Dept of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider to specifically bring this program to the Quad Cities to address the need for job training to get our workers ready for the good paying jobs coming our way  as part of the  I- 74 bridge and the rail project. Job training is one aspect of QCI's 100 Ready Workers campaign. 

Orientation dates for the March session are as follows: Tuesday, Feb 18th through Friday, February 21. For more information and to register for orientation, contact Susan Llewllyn at 309-796-5716 or llewellyns@bhc.edu


QC Interfaith Leadership Assembly meets the second Tuesday of every month! 
Our meetings have a new location
Tuesday,  March 11, 2014 and Tuesday, April 8th at 6:30pm 
15th Avenue Christian Church, 3600 15th Avenue, Rock Island.                      http://15thavechristianchurch.org/

Our thanks to St. Mary's Catholic Church for hosting our meetings in  2012 and 2013!
Community and Congregational Events
Saturday, February 22 Olympics Trivia Night ! Church of Peace - 1114 12th Street , Rock Island, Illinois . $10.00 a person. Teams of 6-8 people. Doors Open at 6:15pm . Game starts at 7:00pm. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Bring your own snacks. Pop, water and coffee for sale. Babysitter provided upon request.  Call Jessica at 309-737-4280. 

Friday, February 28th  QC Federation of Labor Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser. Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 25 Hall - 4600 46th Avenue , Rock Island, IL  Doors open at 6:00pm. Game play at 6:30pm. Tables of 8 are $80.00. Mulligans and a super mulligans for sale! Gift basket and other raffle items. Call Joshua Schipp at 309-738-6536 to make reservations.

Welcome to the Quad Cities Interfaith E Newsletter!

QC Interfaith welcomes information from the community about faith and community events. Please send those to qcinterfaith@gmail.com. QC Interfaith reserves the right to edit submissions for space and content. 

QCI is a 501(c) and donations can be made by visiting our website at : http://www.qcinterfaith.org
QUAD CITIES INTERFAITH
601 Brady Street  Suite 208 Davenport, Iowa  
562.322.4910
www.qcinterfaith.org


An affiliate of the Gamaliel Foundation
http://www.gamaliel.org
14 Feb 2014

RIVER BANDITS WILL HOLD 2014 JOB FAIR FEB. 22

By Marco LaNave
Team seeks outgoing, fun-loving Quad Cities residents for game day staff, food and beverage positions
DAVENPORT, Iowa (FEB. 13, 2014) - With baseball players beginning to hit the fields for Spring Training, the defending Midwest League Champion Quad Cities River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering, the food and beverage provider at Modern Woodmen Park, are preparing for the season by seeking outgoing, hard-working, fun-loving, friendly people to assist fans and be a part of the team that will help make another memorable season for guests at the ballpark.
The Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros and Professional Sports Catering will host a job fair on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park to fill the River Bandits' game day staff and food and beverage positions. Interested individuals can fill out an application and be interviewed on the suite level during the job fair.
"For people who love to help others, enjoy working in a team environment and want to have a lot of fun on the job, there are great opportunities to be part of another exciting season at Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We are proud of the hospitality we offer our guests, and we want to find hard-working, fun-loving people who share our vision of keeping Modern Woodmen Park the Best Minor League Ballpark and friendliest ballpark in America!"
Listed below are the positions that the River Bandits and Professional Sports Catering need filled:
Customer Service
  • Ushers
  • Retail Store Employees
  • Ticket Takers
  • Box Office Employees
  • In-Game Entertainer
  • Amusements and kids zone workers (includes work on non-game days)
Concessions
  • Portable Stand Managers
  • Warehouse Employees
  • Hawkers
  • Cash Managers
  • Concession Runners
  • Picnic Servers
  • Pizza Maker
  • Concession Cooks
  • Cashiers
  • Concession Managers
  • Inventory Managers
"With the job fair, the River Bandits will be looking for friendly and outgoing people in the Quad Cities who want to work in the exciting industries of Minor League Baseball and family entertainment," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We invite anyone with a desire to be part of a fun-loving team and provide incredible guest service to apply for a position with us this season at Modern Woodmen Park!"
The River Bandits, Main Street Amusements and Professional Sports Catering are equal opportunity employers; women, minorities and U.S. veterans are encouraged to apply.
UP NEXT: Opening Day is April 3, so lock in your seats now to see the defending Midwest League Champions in 2014! To order any of the ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.
*****
14 Feb 2014

How to Overcome Excuses in 2014

By Ginny Grimsley
6 Tips to Gain the Edge & Meet Your Goals

Great people throughout history often fail, quite miserably, before finally reaching their goals, says international business strategist Dan Waldschmidt.

"Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime; Winston Churchill lost every public election until becoming prime minister at age 62; Henry Ford went bankrupt five times; Albert Einstein was a terrible student and was expelled from school; Sigmund Freud was booed from a stage," says Waldschmidt, author of "Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success," (www.EdgyConversations.com).

"Ideas, brilliance, genius - they all mean nothing without the guts, passion and tenacity necessary to make your dream a reality. But often, people fall back on excuses and give up on trying to reach their goals."

Most of us have dreams, and many of us have big ones, but few of us actually see them through, he says.

He offers six tricks for jumping off the excuse train and forge the path to your goals.

• Avoid the need to blame others for anything. Mean, small-minded people know that they suck. That's why they are so cranky and eager to point out others' mistakes. They hope that by causing others to feel inadequate, everyone will forget about how woefully off the mark their own performance is. Don't blame anyone, for any reason, ever. It's a bad habit.

• Stop working on things that just don't matter. Not everything needs to be done in place of sleep. If you work for a boss, then you owe them solid time. You can't cut that out. You can, however, cut out television time, meetings and anything else that gets in the way of achieving your goals. Replace entertainment with activity toward your goal.

• Refuse to let yourself wallow in self-doubt. You're alive to succeed. Stop comparing your current problems to your last 18 failures. They are not the same. You are not the same. Here's something to remember: Your entire life has been a training ground for you to capture your destiny right now. Why would you doubt that? Stop whining. Go conquer.

• Ask yourself, "What can I do better next time?" And then do it next time. If you spend a decade or two earnestly trying to be better, that's exactly what will happen. The next best thing to doing something amazing is not doing something stupid. So learn from your mistakes and use the lessons to dominate.

• Proactively take time to do things that fuel your passion. Exercise is a great example. Living in the moment requires you to live at peak performance. A huge part of mental fitness is physical fitness. A sparring or running partner is a great way to refresh physical competition. Physical activity accelerates mental motivation.

• Apologize to yourself and those around you for having a bad attitude. Do this once or twice and you'll snap out of your funk pretty fast. When you start genuinely apologizing for being a bad influence on those around you, you learn to stop whining and start winning.

About Dan Waldschmidt

Dan Waldschmidt is the author of "Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success," (www.EdgyConversations.com). He is an international business strategist, speaker, author and extreme athlete. His consulting firm solves complex marketing and business strategy problems for savvy companies all over the world. Dow Jones calls his Edgy Conversations blog one of the top sales sites on the internet. He's been profiled in BBC, Fox News and The Today Show, and he is a sought-after media source.

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