What’s The Good News For March, Quad-Cities?
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, it’s your lucky time for good news in the Quad-Cities!
Every month, in conjunction with our partners at KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live,” we present What’s The Good News, a look around at cool things happening in and around the Quad-Cities.
So, what’s the good news for March? Glad you asked!
Local Author Jason Platt’s Latest ‘Middle School Misadventures’ Out In April!
Moline author Jason Platt’s latest book for young adults, “Middle School Misadventures: Dance Disaster” is going to be available worldwide on Little Brown publishing on April 5!
Jason will be doing book signings around the area after its release.
Preorder at: middleschoolmisadventures.com/books !
Bettendorf Library Awarded $5,000 For Self Help Materials
The Bettendorf Public Library was awarded $5,000 in a grant from the State Library of Iowa from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The grant went towards expanding the Library’s digital collection of books and audiobooks that were specifically designed to support psychology, professional development, personal finance, wellness, and more. These electronic offerings are accessible for Bettendorf Public Library cardholders at https://rivershare.overdrive.com/rivershare-bettendorf/content/collection/1263776 and fall in line with the Library’s vision to support the community’s pursuit of knowledge and information.
Milan’s Dr. Dorian Maag Named Illinois Principal Of The Year
Dr. Dorian Maag, Principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Milan, was named as Elementary School Principal of the Year for the Blackhawk region by the Illinois Principals Association (IPA).
The award recognizes high school principals who have demonstrated a positive impact on their students and learning community. Some of the criteria for the award include: demonstrates a positive impact on education and advocacy for children, highly respected by students, colleagues, and the community, and shows strong leadership by setting high standards for staff and students.
Dr. Maag has been the principal of Thomas Jefferson for two years and has already made an impact. One testimonial in her nomination said “I have had the pleasure to witness some heartfelt interactions between Dr. Maag with the students at TJ. My daughter truly lights up every time she sees her.”
RIMSD#41 Superintendent Dr. Lawrence says it’s an honor to have Dr. Maag on the team, “Dr. Maag has only been a principal in our school district for two years and the fact that she was nominated is a true testament of what kind of principal she is. Since her time here, she has done a tremendous job and has done so during a worldwide pandemic.
Dr. Maag was recognized on Monday, February 28 by the Illinois Principal Association.
Congratulations Dr. Maag!
Matheletes Compete!
A number of local students are competing in the Illinois state MathCounts competition!
Edison Junior High School in Rock Island has an entire team going to the statewide competition, and Washington Junior High School’s Nathan Anderson is competing solo at the competition taking place in Skokie, Ill.
Good luck to all!
EveryChild Seeking Nominations For Champions
EveryChild, the nonprofit formerly known as the Child Abuse Council, is now accepting nominations for its Champions for Every Child awards. Three awards go each year to an individual, a business or nonprofit, and a young adult 18 or under to celebrate the community leaders who dedicate their time, expertise, or donations to ensuring a safe, healthy childhood for all.
“These local heroes too often go unsung, yet every day, they’re working for every child right alongside us,” said Mark Mathews, EveryChild’s executive director. “Childhood well-being is a community issue, and it’s our privilege to lift up their example with the Champions for Every Child recognition.”
Between now and March 21, anyone in the community can nominate any person or organization they feel represents EveryChild’s mission, vision, and values. A panel made up of two staff members, two board members, and two previous award winners will review nominations and recommend recipients to the executive director and board chairperson.
Recipients of this year’s Champions for Every Child recognition will be honored at the organization’s Celebrate Every Child Gala on Thursday, April 28, at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.
To make a nomination, fill out the brief form at foreverychild.org/blog/champions.
Illinois And Iowa Startup Businesses Can Get Help From New Program For Entrepreneurs
New funding and resources for entrepreneurs and startups are coming to the QC as The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) expands. In addition, ISA Ventures, the first multi-stage venture capital studio in Iowa, plans to expand into the QC region by building a local syndicate network of investors to support regional entrepreneurs on both sides of the river.
NewBoCo, a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit, launched the Iowa Startup Accelerator (ISA) in 2014 that has assisted 67 Iowa businesses by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, expertise and more than $6 million in direct investment. In turn, those businesses have gone on to raise almost $100 million in additional venture funding and added hundreds of jobs to the region’s economy. The syndicate network allows NewBoCo to expand its programming and provide seed funding to entrepreneurs in the Quad Cities region.
Once funded, businesses will participate in the intensive Iowa Startup Accelerator, which provides instruction, mentoring and guidance to help the entrepreneur establish a foundation for scalability or expansion in industries such as ag, health, education, manufacturing and transportation. Participating startups also benefit from access to NewBoCo’s robust agency support including marketing and design services, software development, web design, social media support, innovation workshops, copywriting and public relations consultation.
Local accredited investors are needed to get the syndicate network launched. Syndicate investors are able to invest in tech-based startups throughout the QC and beyond. To learn more, visit isaventures.com.
