Excitement with Theatre Cedar Rapids grand reopening on Friday, February 26Th ...

We need some more good news in Downtown Cedar Rapids post-Flood of 2008 ...

Theatre Cedar Rapids will re-open on Friday, February 26Th with the Grand Reopening Gala, which is sold out. There may still be tickets available for The Producers for other show dates. The Producers is the Tony-award winning musical by Mel Brooks. The show which marks TCR’s return to its home in the Iowa Theater Building, which has been closed due to the Flood of 2008.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will hold a social event and fundraiser at The Producers on March 3Rd at TCR. The Metro High School scholarship program will benefit from this Rotary fundraiser.

The new marquee has the ability to play video and it has a wonderful LED format for marketing of events being held at the Iowa Theater Building. Here's a recent story in our local paper on the TCR recovery efforts ...

TCR renovations render me speechless so hear what others have to say

- The Gazette
Feb. 11 tour of renovations at Theatre Cedar Rapids left me speechless. And that ain’t easy to do!The theater came to its new home in the Iowa Theatre Building in downtown Cedar Rapids in 1983, and after the initial renovation, it basically just had some cosmetic tweakings before the Floods of 2008 ...

Other exciting local news on Flood Recovery ...

The City of Cedar Rapids determined in a vote by the City Council on Wednesday night where the new Library will be built. The TrueNorth property, which was the site of the original Washington High School in Cedar Rapids was selected for the new Library to replace the Library flooded in 2008.

• Council Chooses TrueNorth for New Library Site - KCRG-TV9
  Feb 24, 2010 ... They voted for Emerald Knights location because of reservations about ... Replay Live Coverage: Cedar Rapids city council debates library site ...
• FEMA awards $15.7 million to Cedar Rapids for flood recovery - The Gazette
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $15.7 million to Cedar Rapids to pay for flood recovery work and demolition of the Sinclair meatpacking plant. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said FEMA obligates the funding to the state, which then reimburses the city for eligible expenses. The work qualifying for the public assistance grants are: $5.5 million for the demolition of 11 buildings on the city-owned Sinclair meatpacking plant site, which flooded and then burned. It is being removed as an immediate threat to ...
• Corbett says HUD approves 107-percent of pre-flood value - The Gazette
  Mayor Ron Corbett announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has agreed to pay owners of flood-damaged properties 107 percent of the pre-flood value of their properties. This is a change: Owners had expected to receive 100 percent of pre-flood value. Corbett also said the city would use local-option sales tax revenue to assure that those who purchase homes to replace ones lost in the June 2008 flood will get credit for up to $25,000 in down payment ...

The challenges in Flood Recovery have been hard on the City of Cedar Rapids, especially the Downtown and core neighborhoods. While there is some good news with Theatre Cedar Rapids re-opening this week, news that the Library site has been determined and HUD increases on pre-flood values; there are plenty of challenges ahead with flood mitigation, taxation and sustainability for small business and individuals post flood.

Robin Tucker

Visited the State Capital with 42 from the Cedar Rapids area ...

Was able to visit briefly with three state representatives and one state senator on February 23Rd in Des Moines.

Some of the issues discussed -

• Fire Sprinkler Mandates
• Private Transfer Fees
• Top Ten issues from NAR's legal person
• Right to Work
• State Budget

Talked to a lot of people, including many on the Bus-In throughout the State of Iowa. Ran into members of the Chamber, one from our City Council members, one from our Board of Supervisors and a couple of lobbyists for different organizations. Did watch debate and a couple votes in the State Senate and a bill was beginning to be discussed in the State House.

Robin Tucker

News from Iowa Capital and Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen ...

Received the following update from Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen (Rep, HD35, Linn County, Iowa) for February 22, 2010 ...

Partial Budget Revealed -->

Last week in the Iowa House, Democrats released partial state budget
targets to the budget subcommittees. This is the first step in putting together
the budget for fiscal year 2011, which is the budget year that begins on July 1
of this year. This partial glance at the budget gives us an incomplete picture
of the Democrats’ spending plan but there are also some very clear signals it
sends.

The targets cover roughly $2.5 billion of the general fund budget
which. Ultimately this will be less than one-half of the general fund
expenditures. Hopefully the remainder of the plan will be forthcoming soon.

While it’s only a small glimpse of the budget, it appears that
legislative Democrats plan to carry forward Gov. Culver’s property tax
increases.

Many questions remain regarding the budget but there are
three things we know for sure. The plan the Democrats released will:

1. Spend more money than the state takes in;


2. Significantly underfund Medicaid;


3. Dramatically raises property taxes
   

Democrat leaders have said they will use one time dollars to balance the
budget. The governor recommended borrowing $200 million from the Cash Reserve
Fund, it is my expectation that Democrats will take at least that much. There is
also one-time federal stimulus dollars remaining which will be spent by
Democrats in this budget ($200 million). This allows them to spend more than we
have in ongoing revenue. I understand the need to meet Iowans’ needs, but this
is a set-up for increased fiscal troubles down the road and more tax increases
than the governor has already done.

Additionally, the House
Appropriations chair stated last week that the Democrats intend to under-fund
Medicaid (health care for the poor and elderly). Since Medicaid is an
entitlement, this just pushes the problem off until next January when the
Legislature will be forced to appropriate funds to eliminate the shortfall
caused by the under-funding. This is not optional spending, all underfunding now
does is make it easier to temporarily balance the budget.

Lastly, you
may recall from previous newsletters that when Governor Culver did his across
the board cut he raised Iowans’ property taxes by an amount that could be as
much as $250 million, approximately a 6 to 7% increase. This occurs because K-12
education expenses were transferred from state funding to the back of the
property taxpayer. Democrat legislative leaders have indicated they intend
continue these tax increases.

At this point the budget lacks clarity in
many regards but this is basically what we know at this time.

House
Republicans believe in open and transparent budgeting. Furthermore, it’s vital
that the budget not spend more than the state takes in and not raise taxes,
especially property taxes.

As we continue to move through the budget
process, House Republicans will offer more budget savings ideas. We have already
offered multiple ideas this year that when added together come close to $300
million in savings. We’re committed to commonsense budgeting and being frugal
with taxpayers’ dollars.

As always, feel free to contact me if you have
any questions or concerns. Feel free to call my office at (515) 281-3521 or
email me at mailto:kraig.paulsen@legis.state.ia.us

2010
is an election year and I believe we have great opportunities to elect more
Republicans to your Iowa House of Representatives. I would appreciate your
support with a financial contribution, please visit:

http://victorydiy.com/secure/diy/shopping_cart_contrib.php?addtocart=29&site=1133&contrib.

These dollars will be used for candidate training and constituent
contact, ensuring we are able to communicate our message effectively.

Robin Tucker serves as a member of the Linn County Republican Central Committee for CR 41 (votes at Bethany across from Washington HS) and has been involved in HD 38 for the LCRCC, served currently by Tyler Olson (Dem).

Robin Tucker is Linn County Chair for Miller-Meeks for Congress. Dr. Miller-Meeks is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Congress in the 2Nd District for the State of Iowa. The 2Nd district includes both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Linn and Johnson Counities.

Robin Tucker

Robin Tucker is a member of National Write Your Congressman

February 22, 2010: Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program is from the Iowa City Chamber: Regionalism theme ...

It's not Presidents' Day on the 22Nd, but it is George Washington's real birthday on the 22Nd!

See the latest Rotary Minute

Monday, February 22, 2010

Noon

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Nancy Quelhorst, President, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce

Robin Tucker, Rotarian

Rotary Programs for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids for the first half of the year:

• March 1, 2010 - Gary Hinzman, Director, Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
• March 3, 2010 - Rotary Club Social at Theatre Cedar Rapids
• March 8, 2010 - Woo Jin Jung, New Life Fitness World.
• March 15, 2010 - Doug Brakham, Manager, ADM.
• March 22, 2010 - Brian Connors - Experiences Living and Starting a Small Business in Beijing.
• March 29, 2010 - To be announced.
• April 5, 2010 - Rich Patterson, Director, Indian Creek Nature Center.
• April 12, 2010 - Angie Dethlefs-Trentin, Executive Director, Iowa Council of Foundations.
• April 19, 2010 - Breakout Meetings at Member Businesses.
• April 26, 2010 - Shannon Ramsay, President, Trees Forever.
• May 3, 2010 - Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, The University of Iowa.
• May 10, 2010 - Robert Massey, Executive Director, Orchestra Iowa.
• May 17, 2010 - Joe Jennison, Executive Director, Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance.
• May 24, 2010 - Charles Swanson, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium.
• May 31, 2010 - NO ROTARY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.
• June 7, 2010 - John Bloomhall, President, Diamond V Mills.
• June 14, 2010 - To be announced.
• June 21, 2010 - Chris Coleman, President, Better Business Bureau.
• June 28, 2009 - Passing the Gavel and Community Service & Appreciation Awards.

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
• THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
• FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Avenues of Service

Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.

The Four-Way Test

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
   

Mission

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Diversity and Rotary

Rotary International recognizes the value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for membership, under existing membership guidelines, and to endeavor to include the appropriate range of individuals in their clubs. A club that reflects its community with regard to professional and business classification, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity is a club with the key to its future.

Moving toward the future

In 2001-02, Rotary International began developing a strategic plan to guide the organization as it entered its second century of service. In June 2007, the Board of Directors approved the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10, which identifies seven priorities:

• Eradicate polio.
• Advance the internal and external recognition and public image of Rotary.
• Increase Rotary’s capacity to provide service to others.
• Expand membership globally in both numbers and quality.
• Emphasize Rotary’s unique vocational service commitment.
• Optimize the use and development of leadership talents within RI.
• Fully implement the strategic planning process to ensure continuity and consistency throughout the organization.

Service above Self!

Itemized Deductions, such as the Mortgage Interest Deduction, may be at risk by our President and Congress?

The National Association of Realtors' Eye on the Hill featured the subject ...

Protecting the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Eye on the Hill - February 2010 Edition (PDF: 200K) >

Major Highlight:

• The mortgage interest deduction has been part of U.S. tax policy since the federal tax code was first enacted in 1913.

What are some members of Congress saying on this important issue?

In the past, most Members of Congress have supported our views and also opposed changes to the MID. Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Representative Charles Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, along with their other colleagues, pointed out in 2009 that changes to itemized deductions were ill advised stating "some of the reforms and offsets contained or referenced in the budget, such as the limitation on itemized deductions, raise concerns and will require more study as we determine the best policies for getting America back on track."

Robin Tucker

It's been a very busy week with various activities ...

It's Friday ... the grind of the week with The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!

• Various meetings throughout the week
• Music Concert on Thursday was very good at McKinley MS :)
• A variety of work items throughout the week

Noticed the following concerns on 2010 Flood outlook on the Cedar and Iowa rivers in an article ...

Flood risk rising for Cedar River; Corps dropping Coralville Lake level early - The Gazette
The risk of the Cedar River flooding here this spring has increased dramatically in the past three weeks, according to a flood forecast ...

Robin Tucker

Tonight, meet with Miller-Meeks campaign; then caught part of LIVE VIDEO: Forum on downtown flood recovery, at 7 p.m.

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and members of her campaign meet at a flood impacted business tonight in Downtown Cedar Rapids to visit about the campaign for U.S. House for District 2 for Iowa. For more information on the Miller-Meeks for Congress, we invite you to visit her web site.

When I arrived at home tonight, my lovely wife had a nice dinner ready for me. My wife and one of our children had already ate. One of our other children was busy at school. We are proud parents of a UNI Panther, as well ...

After making several phone calls tonight, we noticed the following event being covered on-line by KCRG-TV and The Gazette. You can see the replay, if you weren't able to catch it live.

REPLAY LIVE COVERAGE: Forum on downtown flood recovery - The Gazette
The forum, with The Gazette and KCRG-TV9 serving as sponsors, is called “Moving Forward in Downtown Cedar Rapids,” and will be at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Auditorium, 410 Third Ave. SE ...

We have a lot of work ahead in Flood Recovery and small business recovery in the City of Cedar Rapids. I salute our Mayor Ron Corbett and the City Council for the work they have ahead in 2010 and beyond.

Some interesting recent news for our community ...

Flooded rental housing seeing slow progress - The Gazette
Repairs to rental housing lost in the 2008 flood here have become so slow-moving, almost anything looks like progress.“These are small steps, but ...

Corbett wants free parking for a decade to revitalize downtown - The Gazette
Struggling businesses hope customers return downtown - The Gazette

The following article is from the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting today that featured Coralville City Manager, Kelly Hayworth, and City of Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett as the program ...
Cedar Rapids mayor ‘turning up the heat’ on Army Corps - The Gazette

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, February 15, 2010 ...

With Presidents' Day this week, the House and Senate will reconvene on Monday, February 22, 2010, which is George Washington's actual birth date. Here's the http://www.nwyc.com/ R&P Report for Monday, February 15, 2010 ...

www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-5
Monday, February 15, 2010

REVIEW

Financial Rules Bill: GOP lawmakers are looking to Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) to breathe new life into a bipartisan effort to overhaul financial industry regulations by agreeing to work with Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT). Talks between the parties broke down last week as lawmakers considered proposals that are aimed at helping prevent another meltdown of financial markets. (H.R.4173)

Greenhouse Gas Regulations: GOP lawmakers are pushing legislation that would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to regulate greenhouse gases. While any such measure faces a certain veto from the President, a group of 13 House Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA finding that greenhouse gases qualify as a dangerous pollutant. They allege the finding is based on faulty science.

Sanctions on Iranian Human Rights Abusers: A bipartisan group of senators announced that they will soon introduce legislation that would sanction Iranian citizens deemed to have been involved in violating the human rights of their fellow Iranians. The measure would require the President to compile a public list of individuals in Iran who have been complicit in human rights abuses.

PREVIEW

$85 Billion Jobs Proposal: With lawmakers feeling pressure to address high unemployment, senators are considering a slimmed down version of a jobs-creation bill that they hope to push through more quickly than the original version. This draft bill includes payroll tax relief for businesses that hire new workers, extensions of the highway trust fund, a “Build America” bond program and expense deductions for small businesses. The base bill is expected to be brought to the floor when lawmakers return from their President’s Day break. (H.R.2847)

Patriot Act: By reducing the scope a jobs-creation measure, lawmakers in the Senate have effectively deferred action on several controversial counterterrorism acts that Congress had been on track to pass by the end of this month. (S.1692) (H.R.3845)

Health Care: Health care issues were also originally to have been included in the jobs-creation bill. Lawmakers are now making new plans for addressing a fast-approaching cut in Medicare fees for physicians.

War Spending: Lawmakers, some in districts where weapons systems are built, are pressing the Obama administration to request additional appropriations for weapons systems not requested. A push to buy new Super Hornet fighter jets for the Navy and F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcon jets for the Air Force is expected. Shipbuilding advocates are seeking funding for missile defense ships.

To voice your opinion on this issue, click here.

Campaign Spending: Lawmakers announced a sweeping new set of proposals to regulate campaign spending by corporations, unions and other powerful entities. The draft measure includes a ban on expenditures by foreign-controlled corporations and by those who received funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The move comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations to make campaign contributions at election time.

Stalled Nominations: Republican Senators agreed to confirm 27 presidential nominees for critical positions in government after months of stalling. The move came after the President threatened to wield presidential power and bypass the Senate in order to appoint the nominees.

The House and Senate are observing their President’s Day district work period. Both chambers are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 22. Jobs-creation legislation is expected to be the first order of business.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Robin Tucker

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for Presidents' Day 2010: Febuary 15Th ...

Happy Presidents Day to all!

Monday, February 15, 2010

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Kelly Hayworth (Coralville City Manager) and

Ron Corbett (Mayor of Cedar Rapids)

Robin Tucker

Rotary Programs for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids for the first half of the year:

• February 22. 2010 - Nancy Quelhorst, President, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce.
• March 1, 2010 - Gary Hinzman, Director, Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
• March 8, 2010 - Woo Jin Jung, New Life Fitness World.
• March 15, 2010 - Doug Brakham, Manager, ADM.
• March 22, 2010 - Brian Connors - Experiences Living and Starting a Small Business in Beijing.
• March 29, 2010 - To be announced.
• April 5, 2010 - Rich Patterson, Director, Indian Creek Nature Center.
• April 12, 2010 - Angie Dethlefs-Trentin, Executive Director, Iowa Council of Foundations.
• April 19, 2010 - Breakout Meetings at Member Businesses.
• April 26, 2010 - Shannon Ramsay, President, Trees Forever.
• May 3, 2010 - Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, The University of Iowa.
• May 10, 2010 - Robert Massey, Executive Director, Orchestra Iowa.
• May 17, 2010 - Joe Jennison, Executive Director, Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance.
• May 24, 2010 - Charles Swanson, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium.
• May 31, 2010 - NO ROTARY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.
• June 7, 2010 - John Bloomhall, President, Diamond V Mills.
• June 14, 2010 - To be announced.
• June 21, 2010 - Chris Coleman, President, Better Business Bureau.
• June 28, 2009 - Passing the Gavel and Community Service & Appreciation Awards.

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
• THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
• FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Avenues of Service

Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.

The Four-Way Test

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
   

Mission

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Diversity and Rotary

Rotary International recognizes the value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for membership, under existing membership guidelines, and to endeavor to include the appropriate range of individuals in their clubs. A club that reflects its community with regard to professional and business classification, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity is a club with the key to its future.

Moving toward the future

In 2001-02, Rotary International began developing a strategic plan to guide the organization as it entered its second century of service. In June 2007, the Board of Directors approved the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10, which identifies seven priorities:

• Eradicate polio.
• Advance the internal and external recognition and public image of Rotary.
• Increase Rotary’s capacity to provide service to others.
• Expand membership globally in both numbers and quality.
• Emphasize Rotary’s unique vocational service commitment.
• Optimize the use and development of leadership talents within RI.
• Fully implement the strategic planning process to ensure continuity and consistency throughout the organization.

Robin Tucker

Happy Valentine's Day everyone ....

On Sunday, February 14Th we celebrate Valentine's Day and of course Monday, February 15Th is Presidents' Day ...

Valentine's Day history is confusing, brief - Tennessee Journalist

History of Valentine's Day ‎ - Telegraph.co.uk
CRIME HISTORY - St. Valentine's Day massacre in Chicago ‎ - Washington Examiner

Robin Tucker

Junior Warriors Girls hold Tournament for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th today at Washington H.S. in Cedar Rapids ...

Fellow Rotarian Jim Moore

and the 8Th Grade

Junior Warriors Basketball team

before the 2Nd half of a 2/13/2010 game.

Nothing like a little youth basketball on a Saturday morning and afternoon to warm up the winter days in Cedar Rapids on February 13, 2010. Our daughter scored the first point of the day for her team ...

Thankfully, the games were at 9 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m., so I was able to also make my meeting at Mr. Bean's in Marion from 10 a.m. to Noon today.

Robin Tucker

TGIF on Friday, Feburary 12, 2010 ...

• The Super Bowl is in the books ... Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints winning Super Bowl 44 by defeating the Colts last Sunday.


• Iowa men's and women's basketball each won a game on Wednesday and Thursday night, respectively. It is always nice to see the Hawkeyes get a +1 in the Big Ten.

There are some tough times going on in the Iowa Legislature this week, with some unusual bills passing committee. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness in the State of Iowa is getting tougher and tougher on Small Business, the Jobs picture and those seeking Limited Spending and Limited Government.

There is some basketball in the air in our family with the Junior Warrior basketball tournament on Saturday, February 13Th. Let's go Junior Warriors!

On Sunday, February 14Th we celebrate Valentine's Day :)

Robin Tucker

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program for February 8Th focused on Regional Development in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area ...

The highlights of this week's meeting from Ripples from the Rapids ....

The February 8, 2010 Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program highlights: Speakers Dee Baird, EVP for Continuing Education at Kirkwood Community College and John Lohman, Editor, The Corridor Business Journal. Here is the highlights from Ripples:

John Lohman outlined the history of The Corridor Business Alliance, comprised of economic development organizations that decided that more coordination was necessary between them if we were going to truly start acting like a region.

The Alliance includes a coalition of a dozen organizations ranging from the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and Cedar Rapids Entrepreneurial Center to the chambers of commerce to several of the higher education institutions and Alliant and MidAmerican Energy Companies.

Gazette Communications and The Corridor Business Journal decided that a spotlight needed to shine on regional development issues, and worked with the Corridor Business Alliance to create a Path to Regional Excellence event on November 3, 2009. The principal speaker was Michael Langley, an economic development consultant headquartered in Pittsburgh.

The concept of regional development is that we are competing in a global economy that we don’t care about parochial political interests and that we need a critical mass of social and economic activity to stand out on the global stage. We need to have:

• Brand/Image (Achieving Brand Identity).


• Infrastructure (Physical, Environmental, Governance).


• Powerful workforce development and education.


• Culture of Innovation/Entrepreneurship.


• Culture of Diversity and Inclusiveness.

Nearly 350 business and community leaders attended The Path to Regional Excellence breakfast at Kirkwood Community College on November 3. Keynote speaker Langley congratulated the audience for taking the first step by coming together to learn more about what a strong economic region looks like. He provided guidelines on how to accomplish regional excellence, but emphasized that there is no easy or quick path and that it will take strong leadership to make it happen here.

The Corridor Business Alliance (CBA) does not have a budget or staff. It has a vision to create a vital regional economy through the creation and growth of business. The purpose is to improve and strengthen strategic collaboration among member organizations to achieve the collective vision through the harnessing and leveraging of Corridor resources.

The CBA invited Michael Langley to return in December 2009 and conduct a strategic planning session. The final result of the session was three key regional strategies with a timeline and committed leadership.

• Develop and implement a regional brand.


• Achieve full flood recovery.


• Develop and implement a regional economic development strategy.
  
  

Next meeting for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010
THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
CEDAR RAPIDS MAYOR RON CORBETT and
CORALVILLE CITY MANAGER KELLY HAYWORTH
We ask that you arrive arrive in sufficient time to be seated by 12:15 p.m.

UPCOMING Rotary Club Of Cedar Rapids PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

• February 22. 2010 - Nancy Quelhorst, President, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce.
• March 1, 2010 - Gary Hinzman, Director, Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
• March 8, 2010 - Woo Jin Jung, New Life Fitness World.
• March 15, 2010 - Doug Brakham, Manager, ADM.
• March 22, 2010 - Brian Connors - Experinces Living and Starting a Small Business in Beijing.
• March 29, 2010 - To be announced.
• April 5, 2010 - Rich Patterson, Director, Indian Creek Nature Center.
• April 12, 2010 - Angie Dethlefs-Trentin, Executive Director, Iowa Council of Foundations.
• April 19, 2010 - Breakout Meetings at Member Businesses.
• April 26, 2010 - Shannon Ramsay, President, Trees Forever.
• May 3, 2010 - Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, The University of Iowa.
• May 10, 2010 - Robert Massey, Executive Director, Orchestra Iowa.
• May 17, 2010 - Joe Jennison, Executive Director, Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance.
• May 24, 2010 - Charles Swanson, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium.
• May 31, 2010 - NO ROTARY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.
• June 7, 2010 - John Bloomhall, President, Diamond V Mills.
• June 14, 2010 - To be announced.
• June 21, 2010 - Chris Coleman, President, Better Business Bureau.
• June 28, 2009 - Passing the Gavel and Community Service & Appreciation Awards.

Robin Tucker

This week's R&P Report from nwyc.com on what's up in Washington D.C. ...

Here's this week's R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman:

www.nwyc.com

Vol. 14 No. 2-4

Monday, February 8, 2010

REVIEW

Jobs Creation Bills: Both parties are pushing to bring jobs-focused legislation to the floor this week. The bills are expected to include business tax breaks and extensions of numerous economic stimulus measures that are set to expire. House leaders could move a bill aimed at boosting small business hiring of new workers and expanding small business access to credit. (H.R.2847) (H.R.4154) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Federal Cybersecurity Programs: One week after hackers vandalized dozens of congressional websites, the House passed a bill intended to boost federal cybersecurity research. The vote on the bill sponsored by Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) was 422-5. It reflected support from Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The measure would reauthorize and expand cybersecurity research programs. The bill is aimed at protecting sensitive and personal information as well as national security concerns. (H.R.4061)

Social Security Measure Passed by House: The House passed a bill aimed at increasing legal representation for people applying for overdue Social Security benefits. The measure passed 412-6. It would make the program permanent that pays attorneys out of the plaintiffs’ past-due benefits. Under current law, attorneys are eligible to receive a fee of 25 percent of claimants’ past-due benefits, capped at $6,000. (H.R.4532)

Standards for Disciplining Students: A House panel approved a bill that would set broad federal standards on the use of restraint and seclusion of students. It would require schools to report use of restraint to the student’s parents immediately. “Time out” would still be allowed. (H.R.4247)

Bombing Attempt Case: GOP lawmakers have accused the White House of playing politics with the interrogation of the suspect in the attempted Dec. 25 bombing of a passenger jet. The Director of National Intelligence responded by saying that the case had become overly politicized.

Brown Sworn In: Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) has been sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden. The Senate is now composed of 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents. The new distribution of votes makes filibusters possible in the Senate.

Debt Limit Increase: The House cleared legislation to authorize an increase in the government’s statutory debt limit and enact pay-as-you-go budget enforcement rules aimed at cutting the government’s deficit. The vote send the measure to the President to sign into law. (H.R.2920)

Pay-as-You-Go: Moderate House Democrats known as Blue Dogs have voted for the statutory pay-as-you-go budget enforcement tool they have long sought without having to vote directly on an accompanying $1.9 trillion debt limit increase. (H.R.2920)

PREVIEW

Energy Budget Increase: The administration has recommended increasing Energy Department funding by more than 7 percent, to $28.4 billion, primarily to pay for advanced clean-energy research and nuclear non-proliferation. The increase for fiscal 2011 would follow a $36 billion cash infusion for Energy Department clean-energy projects.

Financial Regulations: The Senate is expected to move forward with a financial regulatory overhaul bill. They are considering a proposal that would limit potentially risky financial trading by banks. GOP lawmakers have criticized the new financial rules, saying they would involve too much government interference and would restrict access to credit. Those is support of the bill say that the size and activities of banks must be regulated. (H.R.4173)

Both chambers will continue work on jobs creation legislation. The Senate will hold hearings to examine the economic outlook. The House will be addressing Homeland Security appropriations for FY2011. Go to www.nwyc.com for current congressional floor schedules.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

There is a Second Distrcit U.S. House Primary Election Forum on Saturday, February 6, 2010 in Cedar Rapids ...

From the Linn County Republican Central Committee by e-mail ...

It is with regret to notice that the local GOP official web site at the time of this post on this blog has this Forum and this weekend's gun show missing as events for February 2010. Here's the e-mail on today's forum from the LCRCC. Both events are scheduled ...

It's Election Year Already! Yes it's true. Come and hear the candidates for the Second Congressional District Primary in June.

Our Candidates include:
Steve Rathje, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Chris Reed.

Saturday, February 6,
Time: 1:30-3:30
Betty Cherry Heritage Hall - Mount Mercy College

Brought to you by Linn Area Pro Life United and the Mount Mercy Political Science Club.

We were hoping to make today's forum, but due to a recent illness in the family, I will not be able to attend. We would encourage everyone who is in the area and has the time to attend the Forum. If you have any questions or would like to be introduced to Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, please feel free to contact me.

The Republican and Democrat primaries in the State of Iowa will be conducted on June 8, 2010. The map at the top shows the county layout for the 2Nd Congressional District of Iowa.

Robin Tucker

It's another annual Super Bowl Weekend Everyone ...

Robin Tucker Enjoy your Super Bowl weekend everyone ... make it a safe one!
4 minutes ago · Comment ·Like

peace

P.S. - It should be a good match up between the Colts-Saints. Best wishes to Hawkeye alum and Colts first-year head coach Jim Caldwell and staff. I hope #44 Dallas Clark of Iowa has an outstanding game!

Are you in favor of H.R.2847 the "Jobs for Main Street Act"?

We received the following e-mail on February 2, 2010 ...

National Write Your Congressman's Mission
To encourage responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

Quick Ballot

Jobs Creation Bill

For additional background information on this issue click here.

The House recently passed (217-212) H.R.2847 its version of a jobs creation measure, and the Senate is now working on its version. “Creating good, sustainable jobs is the single most important thing we can do to rebuild the middle class,” President Obama said. And I won’t rest until we’re doing just that.” However, others contend that “The public should not be fooled; every dollar will come out of the Treasury and taxpayers will be footing the bill,” said Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA).

Are you in favor of H.R.2847 the "Jobs for Main Street Act"?

For: Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN)“I rise in strong support of H.R.2847, the ‘Jobs for Main Street Act’. This bill provides more than $39 billion of additional transportation and infrastructure investment to help create and sustain family-wage construction jobs and rebuild our Nation's infrastructure. … One-half of the $75 billion provided by H.R.2847 is dedicated to transportation infrastructure investment…. In addition, H.R.2847 provides $11 billion for other infrastructure investment, including $1 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Funds and $715 million for Corps of Engineers infrastructure investments. …These investments will build upon the investments already underway …and will create and sustain more than 1 million good, family-wage jobs. “(C.R. H15457)

Against: Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA)“Chairman Obey calls this legislation the Jobs for Main Street Act; I call it economic insanity. … It is because of legislation like this and the manner in which it was produced that the public has lost faith in this Congress and why confidence in Washington is at an all-time low. This legislation repeats the failures of the so-called ‘Recovery Act’ by pouring another $150 billion into programs included in the original stimulus package that have so far failed to produce real results or real jobs. Secondly, this legislation adds an additional $150 billion to a budget deficit that has already tripled in the last year…. This is nothing short of a taxpayer-funded Christmas shopping spree, financed with money borrowed from the Chinese.” (C.R. H15455)

Click here to voice your opinion!

For additional background information on this issue click here.

Robin Tucker

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa and other parts of the State of Iowa, one has to wonder, if money for Flood Mitigation will come from this money? Or, will the money approved here leave Cedar Rapids and the State of Iowa high and dry, or should we say, wet and empty, when Flood Mitigation money is needed to overcome future disasters, like the Flood of 2008?

peace

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for Monday, February 1, 2010 ...

For Robin and Carole and Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc., it's nice to be back in Cedar Rapids after last week's trip to Reno, Nevada and the 2010 IWCA Convention and Trade Show, the 21st anniversary show for the International Window Cleaning Association provided a nice opportunity to visit with Tucker Pole customers, distributors and those in the window cleaning trade.

Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend today's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting at Noon.
You can follow the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Twitter by following this link! Robin's guest will be Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Republican candidate for the U.S. House in the 2Nd District for Iowa.

Monday, February 1, 2010

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

St. Lukes' CEO Ted Townsend,

Mercy's CEO Tim Charles and

Doctor Jim Levett

with a Healthcare topic - National Update on Health Care Reform

Robin Tucker

Rotary Programs for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids for February and part of March:

• February 1, 2010 - Ted Townsend, President & CEO, St. Luke's Hospital - Healthcare - National Update.
• February 8, 2010 - Dee Baird, Kirkwood Community College & John Lohman, Corridor Business Journal.
• February 15, 2010 - To be announced.
• February 22. 2010 - Nancy Quelhorst, President, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce.
• March 1, 2010 - Gary Hinzman, Director, Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
• March 8, 2010 - Woo Jin Jung, New Life Fitness World.
• March 15, 2010 - Doug Brakham, Manager, ADM

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
• THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
• FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Avenues of Service

Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.

The Four-Way Test

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
   

Mission

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Diversity and Rotary

Rotary International recognizes the value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for membership, under existing membership guidelines, and to endeavor to include the appropriate range of individuals in their clubs. A club that reflects its community with regard to professional and business classification, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity is a club with the key to its future.

Moving toward the future

In 2001-02, Rotary International began developing a strategic plan to guide the organization as it entered its second century of service. In June 2007, the Board of Directors approved the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10, which identifies seven priorities:

• Eradicate polio.
• Advance the internal and external recognition and public image of Rotary.
• Increase Rotary’s capacity to provide service to others.
• Expand membership globally in both numbers and quality.
• Emphasize Rotary’s unique vocational service commitment.
• Optimize the use and development of leadership talents within RI.
• Fully implement the strategic planning process to ensure continuity and consistency throughout the organization.

Robin Tucker