05 Feb 2014

Secretary Vilsack Announces Regional Hubs to Help Agriculture, Forestry Mitigate the Impacts of a Changing Climate

By USDA Office of Communications
'Climate Hubs' will provide regional networks on climate science, forecasting impacts as part of President's Climate Action Plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2014–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the creation of the first ever Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change at seven locations around the country. "Climate Hubs" will address increasing risks such as fires, invasive pests, devastating floods, and crippling droughts on a regional basis, aiming to translate science and research into information to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners on ways to adapt and adjust their resource management. In his State of the Union Address, President Obama pledged that his Administration will continue to do everything in its power to act on climate change. Today's announcement is part of the President's Climate Action Plan to responsibly cut carbon pollution, slow the effects of climate change and put America on track to a cleaner environment.

"For generations, America's farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have innovated and adapted to challenges. Today, they face a new and more complex threat in the form of a changing and shifting climate, which impacts both our nation's forests and our farmers' bottom lines," said Vilsack. "USDA's Climate Hubs are part of our broad commitment to developing the next generation of climate solutions, so that our agricultural leaders have the modern technologies and tools they need to adapt and succeed in the face of a changing climate."

The Secretary first announced his intention to create the Hubs last summer. The Hubs will provide outreach and information to producers on ways to mitigate risks; public education about the risks climate change poses to agriculture, ranchlands and forests; regional climate risk and vulnerability assessments; and centers of climate forecast data and information. They will also link a broad network of partners participating in climate risk adaptation and mitigation, including universities; non-governmental organizations; federal agencies such as the Department of Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Native Nations and organizations; state departments of environment and agriculture; research centers; farm groups and more.

Across the country, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are seeing an increase in risks to their operations due to fires, increases in invasive pests, droughts, and floods. For example, in the Midwest, growing seasons have lengthened by almost two weeks since 1950. The fire season is now 60 days longer than it was 30 years ago, and forests will become increasingly threatened by insect outbreaks, fire, drought and storms over the next 50 years. These events threaten our food supply and are costly for producers and rural economies. Drought alone was estimated to cost the U.S. $50 billion from 2011 to 2013. Such risks have implications not only for agricultural producers, but for all Americans.

The Hubs were chosen through a competitive process among USDA facilities. In addition to the seven Hubs, USDA is designating three Subsidiary Hubs ("Sub Hubs") that will function within the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. The Sub Hubs will support the Hub within their region and focus on a narrow and unique set of issues relative to what will be going on in the rest of the Hub. The Southwest Sub Hub, located in Davis, California, will focus on specialty crops and Southwest forests, the Southeast Sub Hub will address issues important to the Caribbean, and the Midwest Sub Hub will address climate change and Lake State forests.

The following locations have been selected to serve as their region's center of climate change information and outreach to mitigate risks to the agricultural sector:

  • Midwest: National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, Iowa
    • Sub-Hub in Houghton, Mich.
  • Northeast: Northern Research Station, Forest Service, Durham, N.H.
  • Southeast: Southern Research Station, Forest Service, Raleigh, N.C.
    • Sub-Hub in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
  • Northern Plains: National Resources Center, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colo.
  • Southern Plains: Grazinglands Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, El Reno, Okla.
  • Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forest Service, Corvallis, Ore.
  • Southwest: Rangeland Management Unit/Jornada Experimental Range, Agricultural Research Service, Las Cruces, N.M.
    • Sub-hub in Davis, Calif.

"This is the next step in USDA's decades of work alongside farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to keep up production in the face of challenges," Vilsack said. "If we are to be effective in managing the risks from a shifting climate, we'll need to ensure that our managers in the field and our stakeholders have the information they need to succeed. That's why we're bringing all of that information together on a regionally-appropriate basis."

The Climate Hubs will build on the capacity within USDA to deliver science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to support decision-making related to climate change across the country.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov/climatechange.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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05 Feb 2014

Unprecedented wind power growth in 2014 -- let's keep it going!

By Aaron Severn

Here at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), we recently released some exciting news - that the U.S. has more wind projects under construction right now than ever before.

Here are some more highlights from our
Fourth Quarter 2013 Market Report -

  • There is enough wind power under construction in the U.S. to power the equivalent of 3.5 million American homes, or all of the households in Iowa, Oklahoma and Kansas - that's over 12,000 megawatts (MW) in total.
  • Some of the states poised for major growth in wind energy include Texas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and Michigan.
  • U.S. manufacturing production capacity has ramped up dramatically, with major manufacturing facilities active in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota.

In contrast, however, the amount of wind power installed in the U.S. this past year is the smallest the country has seen in the past nine years - only 1,084 MW, a 92% drop from 2012.

The reason for this contrast is the lack of certainty about federal policy, particularly the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) that help project developers finance wind projects.

Throughout 2012, the wind industry did not know if the tax credits would be extended, so business came to a halt - thus resulting in the small amount of new wind power installed last year.

When the PTC was extended at the beginning of 2013, the industry quickly rebounded, signing a record number of agreements to sell wind power, and starting construction on projects in at least 20 states.

We are once again without policy certainty.  Congress did not act on tax legislation in 2013, and so the PTC was allowed to expire for the fifth time in its history on January 1, 2014.

I urge you to write to your federal legislators today.  Show them both the disappointing year that the wind industry had in 2013, and the exciting year that is coming up in 2014.  Ask them to support extensions of the PTC and ITC, so that businesses in the wind industry can have the certainty they need to develop clean, homegrown, affordable power.

05 Feb 2014

Leadercast 2014: Taking Leadership "Beyond You"

By Rick Martin
May 9, 2014 Full-Day Event Explores Vital Leadership Concepts
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - "Our jobs ask much of us. And so do our lives. Employees, families, our boss. We have every reason to focus on our own success. And yet, leadership calls us to more. Leadership is beyond the confines of our daily tasks. Beyond the borders of our roles and responsibilities. Leadership asks us to look beyond the everyday and consider the larger community around us - our employees, colleagues, neighbors, and cities. We are asked to look not only inward, but also outward. Beyond ourselves. Join us at Leadercast this year as we explore together what leadership looks like Beyond You."


That statement from Leadercast defines the theme, Beyond You, of this year's Leadercast event on May 9, 2014. This dynamic leadership experience will be simulcast live from Atlanta, Georgia, to metro areas worldwide.
Leadercast Quad-Cities is the simulcast location for the Iowa/Illinois Quad-Cities and surrounding area. This day-long learning event will be held 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2014, at the i Wireless Center, 1201 River Dr., Moline, Illinois. Tickets are available for $110.00 per person.
"Attendees will be informed and empowered by talks from nine acclaimed leadership experts," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. For the past four years, Results Marketing and select sponsors have been bringing the Leadercast event to the Quad-Cities area. "You can expect to be challenged, inspired, and encouraged. Leadercast offers helpful guidance for community members who want to make a difference at work and in their personal lives."
The nine speakers who will be giving presentations via simulcast at this year's Leadercast Quad Cities will be Andy Stanley, Malcolm Gladwell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Randall Wallace, Jack Welch, Laura Schroff, Dr. Henry Cloud, Simon Sinek, and Laura Bush.
"Whether you are leading a major corporation or just yourself, Leadercast Quad Cities can help you to create positive change in your life, your community and the world at large," Ashby said.
To find out more or to register online, visit www.qcleadercast.com. To register by phone, call Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065. Feel free to keep in touch with Leadercast online at www.facebook.com/qcleadercast.
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05 Feb 2014

INS Family of Companies Continues Diversification Through Acquisition of Leading Onshore Call Centers

By Lisa Lacher
Strategic Investment in Caleris to Preserve Iowa Jobs and Ensure Expansion
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - (Feb. 5, 2014) - Iowa Network Services (INS) announced today the acquisition of Caleris, an Iowa-based company offering outsourced call center solutions and other services primarily to telecommunication and technology businesses.
"Caleris is a great fit with the back-office services we currently provide to enhance the productivity of our business customers, as the company has a great onshore call center model that competes with global leaders," said Ron Keller, President and CEO of INS. "This is one more example of how we'll continue to support our current customers and shareholders by diversifying into businesses with a proven track record of profitable growth."
Caleris was founded in 2003 by two native Iowan entrepreneurs, Rick Grewell and Sheldon Ohringer, who will remain in their leadership roles with the company following the acquisition.  Caleris will continue to operate under the same name.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with INS, a company that has continually supported rural economic development in Iowa. We look to expand our current operations and workforces in Manning, Jefferson, Newton and Marshalltown, while also seeking additional sites in our state," Ohringer said. "Although we were approached by other potential partners, our No. 1 goal is to propel our long-term growth strategy right here in Iowa, and we are pleased to announce our plans of adding 100 people by year-end."
INS and Caleris are working closely on this transition to ensure customers continue receiving the highest levels of service. While the companies will work together to add jobs across the state, the acquisition will improve certain organizational efficiencies, leading to the reduction of some INS positions in Des Moines. Impacted individuals have been notified, will receive at least 60 days notice and outplacement services, and have been encouraged to apply for openings within other areas of INS or at Caleris, which is constantly seeking qualified individuals with similar skill sets.
The acquisition reflects INS' continued commitment to expand service offerings and leverage network connectivity to the business community.  When formed in 1987, INS was focused exclusively on serving the more than 150 Independent Telecommunications Companies in Iowa with voice and long distance services. Now, INS has expanded its markets and product offerings to include the state's largest fiber optic network, digital video services, a data center, cloud computing, wireless communications, human resources services and a host of other information technology and communication solutions.
INS has a positive history of acquiring Iowa companies and achieving diversification. In 2013, Merit Resources and Internet Solver were welcomed to the INS Family of Companies and both have exceeded their revenue and profitability goals.
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About the INS Family of Companies
The Iowa Network Services (INS) Family of Companies employs 400 Iowans and forms the only statewide end-to-end communications, information technology and business services resource that is Iowa-owned and supported by Iowans. INS is privately owned by a group of 122 Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies that has served rural Iowans since 1989.
About Caleris
Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, Caleris operates exclusively from Iowa customer support centers in the communities of Newton, Marshalltown, Manning and Jefferson. The company specializes in delivering outsourced inbound support services including technical support, customer care, and IT corporate help desk. Caleris serves clients in varying industries, ranging from consumer electronics manufacturers, telecom and datacom companies to insurance companies. In addition to help desk services, Caleris provides user-generated content moderation for social media websites. For more information, visit www.caleris.com or call 515-331-0560.
05 Feb 2014

Davenport's Megan Mock Named to Mercy College of Health Sciences Dean's List

By Jim Tagye
(Des Moines) - Megan Mock of Davenport, Iowa, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. To qualify for the President's List, students must attain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher, in their most recent semester, for a minimum of six credit hours. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must attain a grade point average (GPA) between 3.5 and 3.749 in their most recent semester, for a minimum of six credit hours.

To learn more about the health science programs offered at Mercy College visit our website at www.mchs.edu. Mercy College is the only Catholic college in Central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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05 Feb 2014

Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) hosting Quad Cities FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) Regional Qualifier Tournament for Grades 7-12

By Christine Cournoyer

On Saturday, February 8, 2014, the 3rd Annual Quad Cities FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) regional qualifier will be held at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa.  24 Teams from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin are scheduled to participate. Winning teams will be invited to participate at the State of Iowa FTC Championship being held on February 21st and 22nd in Coralville/Iowa City.

This event is free and open to the public.  People of all ages will enjoy this face-paced and exciting event which will showcase 7th-12th grade students' ability to design, build and program robots, use teamwork to build alliances and cooperate with other teams, apply creative problem solving to real-world math and science concepts and earn a place in the Iowa State FTC Championship.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:15 A.M., qualification matches will begin at 11:45 A.M. with semi-final and final matches beginning at approximately 4:30 P.M. A more detailed schedule of events, teams competing and more information can be found at our website, www.qcesc.org.

For further information, please contact Pat Barnes at barnespatricko@johndeere.com or (563) 370-5513.

Background of FIRST® Tech Challenge:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

Students get to:

  • Design, build, and program robots
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skills
  • Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
  • Qualify for over $13 million in college scholarships
  • Earn a place in the World Championship

 

Quad City Engineering and Science Council:

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City area with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit and is actively seeking new society members as well as additional corporate sponsors.

The QCESC is in it's 52nd year of operation and annually sponsors events such as the National Engineers Banquet, the Engineering and Scientist of The Year Awards, scholarships to local high school students, the President's Reception for local Society President's and provides judges and volunteers for the local STEM activities including FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, Battle of the Bridges, QC Tech Challenge, Mousetrap Car Race, and the Kids Engineering Camp.

More information about the QCESC can be found at: www.qcesc.org

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05 Feb 2014

Local Residents Named to Drake University President's List

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES, IA (02/04/2014)(readMedia)-- The following local residents have been named to the Drake University President's List for the Fall 2013 semester. Students must have a perfect 4.0 grade-point average to receive this honor.

Beth Engel of Delmar

Megan Engel of Delmar

Sarah Lothspeich of Muscatine

Drake is a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of approximately 3,400 full-time undergraduate students and 1,900 graduate students from 49 states and 50 countries. Drake University's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.

05 Feb 2014

Local Students Earn Dean's List Honors at Illinois Central College

By Susan Grebner

EAST PEORIA, IL (02/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Illinois Central College, East Peoria, released the names of students who earned Dean's List honors during the Fall 2013 semester. The following local students received the honor:

Emerson D Fritz, of Muscatine, IA

Eric M Kohrs, of Moline, IL

The honor is given to students who earn a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average based on a 4.0 grading scale.

05 Feb 2014

Explore the Meaning of Family When the Documentary "Irreplaceable" Comes to 700 select U.S. Cinemas For One Night on May 6

By Rick Martin
Fathom Events, Focus on the Family™ and Pine Creek Entertainment invite you to explore the origins and history of the family structure through an array of lenses and cultures as the documentary "Irreplaceable" arrives in 700 select cinemas nationwide for a theatrical one-night event on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 pm (local time).
Join host and Executive Director of Focus on the Family™, Tim Sisarich as he meets with experts from around the globe to define the concept of family and determine if family is still meaningful in modern society. On the journey he hopes to discover why all humans have a yearning to be part of a family and looks at the forces that can contribute to its breakdown. Additionally, this compelling documentary will include a panel discussion who will investigate the implications family has for all of humanity.
"Irreplaceable" will be shown at the following cinemas in your area on Tues. May 6 at 7:30 pm (local time):
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. Click here for a full list of participating theaters (subject to change).
Please feel free to contact us for review tickets, more information on "Irreplaceable," or any of Fathom's upcoming events. For artwork/photos related to "Irreplaceable," click here.
05 Feb 2014

Jacob Askew Earns President's List Honor at Illinois Central College

By Randy Stalsberg
EAST PEORIA, IL (02/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Jacob R Askew, of Davenport, IA, was named to the President's List at Illinois Central College for the Fall 2013 semester. The academic honor is presented to students who earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

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