Latest news with #QuadCitians
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QC leaders react to Dept. of Defense memo that would impact Arsenal staffing, local economy
The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance's message Tuesday morning was simple: Protect Rock Island Arsenal. Protect our economy. Protect our national security. 'This is all about unity for the Rock Island Arsenal, and unity for the Rock,' said Mike Matson, Davenport mayor and chair of the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance. 'What's happening here could be a huge impact to the island and to the community,' said Trish Huber, vice chair of the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance. 'The influence and output the Arsenal has to both our region and the nation cannot be understated,' said Peter Tokar III, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. It's in response to a Department of Defense memo that would merge the Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC). Both are headquartered on the Arsenal. The merger, though, could eliminate up to 400 jobs.'Such a move risks sacrificing effectiveness for perceived efficiency,' Matson said.'When I look at the Second Army's current transformation initiatives, they are significant, and they will be disruptive,' Huber said. 'It will be a challenge to implement those initiatives and not disrupt the critical missions that are performed across (the Department of Defense), especially focused on the island.' The JMC covers ammunition for all U.S. services, while the ASC delivers fuel, food and shelter to vehicles and parts worldwide.'This action is being driven by a desire we believe to cut overhead and consolidate logistics functions,' Matson said. 'The collective impact of the work that goes on at the Arsenal amounts to billions of dollars in regional economic impact to the Quad Cities and beyond,' Tokar III said. Quad Cities leaders are asking residents to show their support for the Arsenal. 'We're asking all Quad Citians to join together by signing a petition, urging our federal leaders to protect this asset that is the rock island arsenal,' Matson said. To view the petition, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tapestry Farms Spring Fling raises funds for refugee assistance, support
Tapestry Farms welcomes the community to its annual Spring Fling benefit, a fundraiser and celebration of the new growing season, on Friday, May 2 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street in Bettendorf. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the evening will feature live music, food and drink and a silent auction. Lanon Baccam, a combat veteran, public servant and Iowan whose family arrived in Mount Pleasant as Tai Dam refugees from Laos in 1980, will be the keynote speaker. Funds raised will support Tapestry Farms' work with refugees who resettle in the Quad Cities, focusing on access to housing, education, healthcare, food and employment. The 14 urban farm plots throughout the Quad Cities reclaim underutilized land to grow fresh, nutritious produce. 'We are so very thankful for the community of support that surrounds our work, growing fresh produce and walking alongside refugees from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti,' said Ann McGlynn, founder and executive director of Tapestry Farms. 'We are looking forward to an evening with hundreds of our friends, celebrating our work together and raising vital funding to continue on into our eighth year of refugees and neighbors, flourishing together.' Lanon Baccam's parents came to the U.S. as part of a wave of resettlement by Iowa's governor at the time, Robert D. Ray. His administration was known for welcoming refugees. The Baccams built their life in Mount Pleasant, where his parents worked in the Mackay Envelope factory. Baccam enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at 17 and was later deployed to Afghanistan as a combat engineer. He worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, advancing policies that supported fellow veterans, opened access to jobs in agriculture and expanded rural broadband access. 'We're honored to welcome Lanon to this year's Spring Fling,' McGlynn said. 'His lived experience and lifelong service to others reflects the heart of our work—accompanying our refugee neighbors with dignity, trust, and practical support.' Tapestry Farms helps refugee neighbors navigate healthcare and education systems and access housing, jobs and food. It has a small legal clinic and has helped over 20 refugees become U.S. citizens over the past seven years. Worldwide, there are over 43.4 million refugees who have fled their home countries because of conflict, persecution, violence and climate disasters. The Spring Fling is a way for Quad Citians to action on behalf of those who have fled to find homes in the community. Attendees will learn about Tapestry Farms' impact and how their support can make an impact on area refugee families. 'If you've ever wondered how to show up for refugees in our community, come to Spring Fling,' McGlynn said. 'It's a joyful evening that ushers in the growing season here in the Quad-Cities and will leave you full of hope and a deep sense of connection. We would love to have you there.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
River Bend Food Bank receives $655,000 donation
Hy-Vee is helping to fight food insecurity in the Quad Cities. Monday morning, Hy-Vee presented River Bend Food Bank a check for $655,437.41. It's a result of a 20-month partnership between Hy-Vee and Feeding America. The donation to River Bend Food Bank was collected through the register round up campaign across local Hy-Vee stores and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations. River Bend Food Bank says it's grateful for the donation. 'At a time when our organization is suffering from a lack of donations and certainly the increase in [food insecurity] has been well substantiated that there are several Quad Citians that we need to help feed,' said Chris Ford, president and CEO of River Bend Food Bank. 'An opportunity like this does not come along very often and it's very much appreciated.' 'The Quad Cities has a very large and diverse population, and there is a lot of people who are food insecure,' said Dan Anderson, West Locust Hy-Vee district store director. 'Hy-Vee knows that and we realize that, and we take the ownership of we are going to help our community. We do above and beyond, we think, of any other retailers that we compete against that are in our communities, and we know that it is our responsibility to be good stewards in the community, and take ownership of that.' River Bend Food Bank said it estimates the donation will provide funding for more than three million meals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
