You are invited to ROCKFORD State of the Union Watch party next Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at The Radisson Hotel. The event begins at 6:45 pm with the President giving his speech at 8 pm. We will start off with some Obama campaign and local business and then get ready to listen to President Obama give his State of the Union speech via television. Anyone can stay for discussion after the President’s speech.

We would love to have all of you attend and support our local efforts. It will also be a great time to discuss and inform all of the volunteers how they can contribute to President Obama’s re-election efforts. Food will be provided. A cash bar will be available beginning at 6:45 pm.

Please sign up on BarackObama.com if you have not already. Go under Volunteer and look for “attend an event.” Put in your zip code and sign up for the Rockford State of the Union Watch Party. Hope to see all of you there. Thanks to Sunil Puri and the Radisson for providing the food, site and TV.

What:  State of the Union Watch Party Food will be provided. Cash bar.

Where: The Radisson Hotel, 200 S Bell School Road, Rockford, IL

When: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 beginning at 6:45 pm

Join fellow President Obama supporters as we listen to the State of the Union speech. This event is also an opportunity to become involved in local events supporting President Obama’s re-election.

We have regular meetings at 7 PM on the third Thursday of most months. (We do not have meetings in August or December.) Our meetings are open to all friends of the Democratic Party and are held at:

The Lithuanian Club (map)
716 Indiana Ave
Rockford, IL 61102

DeKalb County Democratic Party Invites you to the Paul Simon Dinner featuring:
Keynote Speaker: SHEILA SIMON, Lieutenant Governor

Date: November 3, 2011
Time: Cocktails & Social 5:30pm, Dinner & Program 7:00pm
Location: Hopkins Park Terrace Room, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL 60115

Donation: Tickets $50.00 / Table of (8) $400 / Students $25.00
Make checks payable to: DeKalb County Democrats
DeKalb County Democrats, P.O. Box 785, DeKalb, IL 60115
For information call 815-793-1576 or email DerekTyson or Virginia Sherrod at 815-508-9446 or Kori Rempfer 815-761-7177, Krempfer

Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel Announce Historic Agreements to Preserve McCormick Place Reforms
Labor Agreements Solidify Chicago’s Position as Most Customer-Friendly Convention and Trade Show Venue in the Country

CHICAGO – October 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced agreements with two McCormick Place labor groups that will preserve Chicago’s status as the country’s premier convention destination. These agreements, forged under the leadership of Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel in strong partnership with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and Teamsters Local 727, solidify the reforms enacted last year and end the uncertainty surrounding Illinois’ vital convention industry.

“McCormick Place is a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy, and we weren’t going to stop working with our labor partners until we delivered the reforms needed to bring more shows and jobs to our state," Governor Quinn said. “These historic reforms will save exhibitors money by giving them the flexibility they need and help to attract even more shows to Illinois, while making sure the many hard-working men and women who support McCormick Place stay on the job.”

“McCormick Place is a major economic engine for the City of Chicago, bringing more than 3 million visitors to the city every year,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I am grateful that labor is our partner in implementing these reforms that will keep thousands of Chicagoans working, save exhibitors money and ensure our city remains a competitive destination and leader in the convention and tradeshow industry.”

Settlements reached with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and Teamsters Local 727 will end their federal lawsuits challenging some of the reform measures passed into law in 2010. Those reforms were hailed by industry groups who have pushed for years for measures that would keep Chicago competitive with other convention cities.

Under the agreements, the major reforms passed in 2010 will remain intact. The Exhibitors’ Bill of Rights allows show managers and exhibitors to perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools and power tools. Exhibitors will also be allowed to operate, load and unload their own vehicles at McCormick Place. Additionally, work will also now be able to be done by two-person work crews instead of the three-person crews required prior to the reforms.

MPEA Trustee Jim Reilly says the agreement will help ensure that Chicago keeps pace with its key competitors. “We made changes last year in direct response to what our customers demanded. Now, working in partnership with labor, we have overcome some of the biggest obstacles to our efforts to lure new shows to the city. It is especially gratifying that all of the elements of the Chicago Trade Show industry – the City, the State, the Carpenters, the Teamsters and Freeman and GES – came together and generously contributed to reaching this historic settlement.”

Other reforms, including reduced parking rates, lower food and beverage pricing, enhanced menu options, and free Wi-Fi access, will remain. Show organizers will also be allowed to choose electrical service providers from a list of approved vendors that will lead to cost savings through competitive pricing. In addition, the city of Chicago will complement an existing state program by committing resources to a promotional campaign that will highlight the new competitive measures reached in this agreement with the goal of attracting even more shows to McCormick Place.

“Throughout this process, our goal has been to ensure that McCormick Place continues to set the standard for convention excellence,” said Frank Libby, President of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. “This agreement will help our members stay on the job and keep Chicago’s trade show industry healthy for years to come.”

“Our members remain committed to keeping McCormick Place a sought-after venue for conventions from around the country,” said John Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “This agreement clears the way for McPier to continue to grow its business.”

“These agreements demonstrate the commitment from the men and women of organized labor to keep Chicago a premiere convention destination,” said Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez. “By working in a collaborative way, we were able to take steps that will benefit the city of the Chicago and the entire region.”

"This is an extremely important sign that all of the key parties involved understand the importance of the trade show industry in Chicago and how critical this agreement is to a successful future,” said Peter Eelman, Vice President-Exhibitions and Communications for The Association for Manufacturing Technology. “Earlier this year, the Mayor and the Governor committed to the trade show community that the positive changes introduced last year would be sustained, and we are pleased to see that all parties have come together to deliver on that commitment."

McCormick Place is the cornerstone of Illinois’ Convention and Tourism industry, supporting 66,000 jobs and generating $8 billion in spending each year. It acts as a magnet for Chicago, attracting millions of business leaders from around the globe who stay in hotels, dine out, shop and experience the city’s world-class culture and entertainment.

- The web at http://danin2012.com/
- Facebook- Twitter @Danin2012

And you can sign up for email updates too!

The regular monthly meeting of the Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee. Democrats, Democratic Precinct Committeemen, Democratic candidates and friends of the Democratic party are encouraged to attend.

Where: Rockford Lithuanian Club, 716 Indiana Ave, Rockford, IL
Date: Thursday, October 20th. (Third Thursday of most months)
Time: Starts at 7 PM, usually complete by 8:15 PM.

Venetian Club
2180 Elmwood Road
Rockford, IL

Date: October 25, 2011
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Donation: Individuals $30; Couples $50.
Sponsorship Levels:
Gold $2500 Silver $1000 Bronze $500

Make checks payable to:
Citizens for Carl R. Wasco
5230 Springbrook Rd.
Rockford, IL 61114

Please call Carl at 815-282-1635 or e-mail carlwasco68 to confirm your attendance. You can pay at the door.

Marla Wilson, seeking the Democratic nomination for Illinois State Senate in the 34th District Race is having a fundraiser on October 20, 2011 at the Adriatic Cafe, 327 W. Jefferson Street, featuring guitarist Pistol Pete.

Doors open at 5PM. Donation is $25 with a pasta dinner, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

Select the invitation link below for more information.

Wilson Fundraiser Invite

You are cordially invited to a fundraiser for Dan Lewandowski the Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 34th Legislative District.
Please join Dan and supporters this Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at the IBEW Hall in Rockford.

5:30 pm- Cocktails
6:30 pm- Dinner

Donation: $30 Single / $50 Couple / $15 Student

Show your support by becoming a sponsor!

Gold $2,500 / Silver $1,500 / Bronze $500

Make checks payable to:
Friends of Dan Lewandowski
P.O. Box 6261
Rockford, IL 61125

Please call Crystal to confirm your attendance or with any questions at 1-815-575-5784. You can pay at the door.

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