There are just 28 days left in this nightmare of a year. But will 2021 really be much better? Yes, but we’ll need to be patient, according to an economic forecast Thursday presented by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. “Pivot and acceleration are two new favorite words in our dictionary,” Paul Rumler, chamber president/CEO, said before the formal virtual presentation, done online. “The Quad Cities Chamber has pivoted very aggressively this year to meet the increased demand,” he said. “We are so gratified to hear about your resiliency and determination to fight through 2020, and be... Read More

Forget Amazon and Walmart this holiday season, let’s rally around our small businesses! Join us for a new take on pop-up markets as we feature 30+ Midwest Makers and the Iron + Grain Boutiques this season. Join us beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday at Iron + Grain, 585 12th Ave., East Moline for local small business shopping. Per the state of IL, masks are required at Iron + Grain and no more than 25 people will be allowed in at a time. Thank you to our sponsor, MetroNet. MetroNet is a customer-focused company providing cutting-edge fiber optic telecommunication services, including high-speed Fiber... Read More

It’s time to apply for the Thomas K. Evans Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 award that will help one student pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering or math. Deadline to apply is noon March 1, 2021. Complete information about the scholarship, including application materials and directions, is available online at www.americanpowerinc.com/scholarship. To be eligible to apply, a student must be graduating from a school located in Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Eldridge, Moline, Pleasant Valley or Rock Island. In addition, he or she must plan to matriculate for the first time... Read More

MOLINE, IL – Storm owner John Dawson announced this morning that former Director of Communications and Operations Brian Rothenberger has been promoted to the role of Team President. “Brian has a proven track record of success in every position he has held, both with the Storm and previous companies he has worked for,” said Dawson.  “He has proven his abilities in managing our day-to-day operations through all the challenges of the pandemic, and now with our season being canceled for 20/21.  I am proud to promote Brian to President of the Quad City Storm and have complete confidence that... Read More

If there’s something we all could use in 2020, it’s a miracle – and a stupendous cocktail. You can find both at the festive holiday pop-up bar, Miracle at the Freight House, 421 W. River Drive, Suite 2, Davenport. Part of a worldwide franchise, the first Miracle location in Iowa is in the 2,400-square-foot space next to the Front Street Taproom, formerly occupied by Fresh Deli, which closed in late October 2019. Miracle at the Freight House is a new partnership between Lars Rehnberg of Rock Island, with his wife Karah, and Ethan Bailey of Davenport, national sales director for Cocktail Kingdom,... Read More

Starting a new business is always a risky, challenging proposition. Starting one during a pandemic and a holiday season adds another level of worry. But best friends Steph DeLacy and Megan Warren are fearless and super enthused. Seven months after launching their weekly “Double Threat” podcast about musical theater, DeLacy (a 33-year-old choreographer/dance teacher) and Warren (a 26-year-old music director/vocal coach) are extending their brand to the new Double Threat Studios. The performing arts studio at 882 Middle Rd., Duck Creek Plaza, in Bettendorf, will open in early January, aiming... Read More

Davenport Public Library is hosting a program on how to use Google Calendar and Gmail to share important dates, reminders, and events with others. Sharing schedules helps you become a better communicator. Effective communication defines expectations, improves teamwork, and builds trust. This program will be presented virtually on Wednesday, December 2nd at 6:30 pm using GoToMeeting. No registration is required. We are offering this program in conjunction with Grow with Google. More information on how to join is listed below. Communicate with Calendar and Gmail Wed, Dec 2, 2020 6:30 PM – 7:30... Read More

Forget Amazon this year, small businesses need you! Join us Saturday, November 28th from 7:00-4:00 for Small Business Saturday! We have 30+ businesses here for our holiday pop-up shop and the Iron + Grain Boutiques are ready to get you in the holiday spirit. Due to the state of IL mandate, only 25 people will be allowed in at a time and masks are required. Please stay home if you are sick or have been sick. Thank you again to our event sponsor, MetroNet. MetroNet is a customer-focused company providing cutting-edge fiber optic telecommunication services, including high-speed Fiber Internet, full-featured... Read More

Covid cases continue to soar in Illinois and Rock Island County, and health department officials are dreading the coming two weeks as potential infections from Thanksgiving weekend, Blackout Wednesday and Black Friday gatherings arise. The Rock Island County Health Department is reporting three additional deaths from COVID-19: a man in his 90s, a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s, all of whom had been living in long-term care facilities. The number of deaths in the county from this virus is now 140. “We send our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,”said Janet Hill, chief operating... Read More

The Illinois Office of Tourism today released its annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide featuring one-of-a-kind products by small businesses around the state. All products featured in this year’s gift guide are available for online purchase, with some accommodating curbside pickup, as part of a broader effort by the State of Illinois to encourage safe holiday shopping and support of small, local businesses as public health mitigations remain in effect. Just in time for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, the Guide seeks to give shoppers new and original ideas for the 2020 holiday shopping... Read More