Data Portal Increases Access to Information;
Establishes Platform for Creative Uses

CHICAGO - June 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of a state website designed to provide open access to state data and greater transparency in state government. The platform is the second initiative of the Governor's Illinois Innovation Council.

The State of Illinois Open Data site, www.Data.Illinois.Gov, is a searchable clearinghouse of information from state agencies that will help inform residents about the operation of state government and encourage the creative use of state information, including the development of applications for mobile devices that can be built around the data.

"The Open Data initiative opens the doors of state government to everyday citizens and technology professionals alike in creating an unprecedented level of transparency and access to information. This is a creative new opportunity to use state data in novel and interesting ways that engage residents, plugging them into their state government like never before," Governor Quinn said. "It will also help spur economic development by encouraging software developers to create innovative and useful applications for this data."

The data site is an initiative of the Illinois Innovation Council, created by Governor Quinn in February, to promote economic development through innovation and the engagement of citizens, developers, academia and industry. The council promotes the role and importance of innovation in economic development and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.illinoisinnovation.com.

"The Illinois Innovation Council is working to connect the dots between research, talent, capital, ideas, government and technology to accelerate the growth of businesses and industries in the Midwest. Today, we start to add the troves of public data to the mix. This underutilized asset holds untapped potential to fuel the growth of Illinois' innovation economy," said Lightbank Managing Partner, and Groupon Co-Founder and Director Brad Keywell.

The first phase of the site was launched with data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Residents who explore the site will find a host of helpful information, such as traffic data from IDOT or tourism data from DCEO. The site will continue to grow with data as more state agencies are added, with the goal of being a comprehensive source of information on how state government operates.

The council held its second meeting this week and will hold two additional meetings in the coming year. The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is also assisting the council.

###

Saving the world, one mile at a time

May 9, 2011 Davenport, IA - The nationally acclaimed Green Bus Project will be pulling into the Quad Cities over Memorial Day weekend.  The Green Bus is both literally and figuratively green, running entirely on waste vegetable oil and driven by two yoga masters who are traveling from Florida to Wisconsin to raise awareness of personal empowerment, healthy lifestyles, sustainable living.  The Green Bus Quad Cities kickoff event will be on Thursday, May 26 in the Great Hall of the RiverCenter.

"The Green Bus Project carries the message that we all have the power to change anything into something positive", said Mary Davidson, organizer of the event, "Whether it be the environment, our local or global community, or our personal health and well being - we are all empowered to make things better for ourselves and the world."

Elite yoga masters Moses and Zeina Love will be teaching yoga, nutrition, sustainability, personal empowerment workshops and more. Moses is the founder of I love Yoga (www.iloveyoga.com) and travels the globe teaching workshops, yoga conferences and retreats.  Zeina is a powerful public speaker, writer, teacher and co-founder of Girls Gone Gorgeous (www.girlsgonegorgeous.com), a company dedicated to empowering women and promoting self-love.  Their mission is simply to move, touch and inspire people to themselves be empowered.

The tour starts on Thursday at 4:30pm at a special yoga practice in the Gold Room of the Hotel Blackhawk.  There is a minimum donation of $15 for the one hour session followed by a VIP reception for participants and sponsors.  "This is a great opportunity for a preview of the weekend and a chance to meet Moses and Zeina" said Davidson. "The practice is open to all levels of experience, as well as those who have not tried yoga yet.  Teachers from yoga schools and studios in the area will be instructing a portion of the class, offering a sample of what is available in the community."

The Green Bus will be located in the River Center Great Hall and available for viewing from 6:30 - 8:30pm.  The general public is invited to come meet Moses and Zeina, hear about their eco-friendly travels around the country and learn more about yoga, self empowerment and healthy living at booths set up by community businesses and organizations.  A raffle will offer the opportunity to win a dinner with Moses and Zeina on the Green Bus, as well as local yoga studio passes and other merchandise.  There is a $1 minimum donation and healthy concessions will be available.

The Green Bus will be visiting three underserved and at-risk groups to use the transformative power of yoga to reduce stress and improve concentration, self-esteem and overall health and well-being.  There will be sessions with World Relief refugees settled in Rock Island, the Pre-K for All group from Skip-A-Long Development Services, and a women's group from Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities.  With all these groups, the goal is to provide the tools to develop self-awareness, and to enhance physical, mental and emotional health.  Additional events will be offered throughout the weekend, including yoga practices at area studios, a women's healing circle and a session on the Yoga of Nutrition.  A full schedule of events will be available at www.goldroomlegacy.com.

The Green Bus Project is being presented by the Gold Room Legacy Project, an effort to bring enriching, educational and entertaining events to the Quad Cities while preserving the legacy of the Gold Room at the Hotel Blackhawk.  The Green Bus Project shares their proceeds with the Africa Yoga Project, a non-profit organization that uses the transformative power of yoga to empower communities and change lives in Kenya.  Locally, proceeds will be shared with YogaG, a non-profit organization mobilizing yoga instruction exclusively in domestic violence shelters.

For more information on the events or to inquire about booth space, contact Mary Davidson at mdavidson@goldroomlegacy.org, go to www.goldroomlegacy.org or join the Green Bus Project Quad Cities on Facebook.

--end--

Bipartisan Proposal Updates Ethanol Tax Policy, Generates Jobs

Washington - Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Kent Conrad of North Dakota today introduced bipartisan legislation to update ethanol tax policies in an effort to boost domestic energy production and increase America's energy independence and security.

The bill also has the original co-sponsorship of Senators Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Al Franken of Minnesota, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

"Affordable energy is a major concern for Americans, and Congress needs to keep energy security on the front burner.  Now more than ever, it's time to ramp up production of traditional energy sources here at home and to expand alternative fuels and renewable energy sources.  We've seen what ethanol can do, and the sky is the limit as we move to the next generation and cellulosic ethanol," Grassley said.

"Our nation is spending more than $850 million every day on imported energy," Conrad said.  "Imagine what it would be like if we spent that money on energy from the Midwest instead of the Middle East?  We need to do more to boost domestic energy production, especially from alternative fuels such as ethanol."

The bill introduced today - the Domestic Energy Promotion Act of 2011 -would reduce significantly tax incentives for ethanol.  It would extend, through 2016, at descending levels, the volumetric ethanol excise tax credit, or VEETC, which is also known as the blenders' credit.  It also would extend, through 2016, the alternative fuel refueling property credit; the cellulosic producers' tax credit; and the special depreciation allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property.

The Senators noted that many of these existing tax policies have helped to successfully develop ethanol, the only source of alternative energy that is substantially reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and generating economic activity in the United States.

Ethanol already comprises nearly 10 percent of the U.S. fuel supply.  The Senators said they introduced their legislation because it would provide the certainty that's necessary for the additional private investment and job creation that will help further develop ethanol as a leading alternative energy source.

"The debate over energy tax policy should be comprehensive and include all sources of energy.  With this bill, ethanol has taken the lead in looking forward.  No other energy sector has stepped up to do that in the current legislative debate," Grassley said.

-30-

North Liberty - March 1, 2011 - SpeedConnect announced today the significant expansion of their wireless broadband service from technology installed on towers in West Branch and Wilton, IA, that should cover most of the rural community within 15 miles of these locations. This expansion project complements an existing service coverage area that includes Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Vinton, Marion, Anamosa, Williamsburg, North Liberty, much of the Quad Cities, as well as communities close to these areas.

SpeedConnect, a company started in Michigan, expanded into Eastern Iowa by acquiring the customer base and network from CommSpeed in May of 2010. Since that time, SpeedConnect has established a local office in North Liberty, IA, led by Tony Lounsberry who relocated from their Michigan operation. SpeedConnect has spent the last six months investing over $450,000.00 to upgrade and improve the technology supporting the existing customer base, and preparing for expansion of service availability.

SpeedConnect offers a premium broadband connection that is designed to support the usage demands of the modern day broadband consumer, including online movie subscriptions, gaming and other online video streaming services. As an alternative to cable and telephone broadband services, SpeedConnect offers superior reliability, performance and the ability to work with a local company.

"The broadband connection has become the source of home entertainment," said John Ogren, SpeedConnect's president.  "Our customers consistently tell us they are streaming broadcast and motion picture content directly to their computer or TV over our broadband service, rather than from a now-antiquated, higher-priced cable television or satellite service."

Tony Lounsberry, Iowa General Manager, outlined the expansion, saying, "Our upgrades are done and we are ready to provide an exciting new service to the residents of Iowa in our coverage areas. SpeedConnect's service is different than most broadband options. If you'd like to know how home entertainment can be more affordable for you, please call us today. Our operations in Michigan have been providing rock-solid, reliable broadband service for more than ten years, and we are looking forward to serving our new Iowa customers."

About SpeedConnect
SpeedConnect, a leading provider of wireless broadband services, owns and uses FCC-licensed 2.5 GHz EBS and BRS spectrum and technology. Owners Robert G. Liggett, Jr. and John A. Ogren founded SpeedConnect in Michigan and expanded the operation to Iowa in May of 2010. For more information, go to www.speedconnect.com 3049 Bay Plaza Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48604. 866-297-2900.