WASHINGTON, July 17, 2009 - The Obama Administration today announced that William Menner will serve as Iowa State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.

"William Menner will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Menner is currently the Executive Director for Poweshiek Iowa Development, where he manages, raises funds and develops strategy for a county-wide non-profit economic development organization. Since 2001, he has also been an Executive Director for Grinnell Renaissance where he managed the downtown development organization that made an impact on the Central Business District.

Additionally, Menner has staffed the Grinnell Tourism Group since 2003 where he manages advertising and marketing and develops strategies for increasing local tourism. Menner also served as the Senior Program Director to the State Public Policy Group, Inc from 1998-2001 as well accumulating 14 years of public radio experience. He has dedicated many years of service to various boards and committees in Iowa that are committed to innovation and development. Menner holds a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in journalism, both earned from Ohio State University.

Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thomas L. Cardella & Associates Announces Expansion

Thomas L. Cardella & Associates to open fifth location in Grinnell, IA

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, JULY 7, 2009 -– Thomas L. Cardella & Associates today announced the company will expand operations in Grinnell, bringing approximately 80 to 100 jobs and over $3.5 million of annualized payroll to the City of Grinnell.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Thomas L. Cardella & Associates are coming to Grinnell.  This is an ideal location for the company and we are pleased that they will be able to take advantage of it.  This is a company that is growing rapidly and we’re glad to be part of that growth. We look forward to having them in the Grinnell community,” stated Grinnell Mayor Gordon Canfield.

Thomas L. Cardella, President of Thomas L. Cardella & Associates, made the following statements, “We are thrilled to be expanding our operations into the City of Grinnell. Our clients are excited to have individuals from Iowa represent their business to their customers.” Cardella continued, “The strong work ethic and core values of the Grinnell community are the main reasons that we once again chose Iowa to expand our company.”

Thomas L. Cardella & Associates will offer employment opportunities at the Grinnell contact center located at 11 11^th Avenue in Grinnell, IA and will begin hiring towards the end of the summer. The company expects to begin operations on September 1, 2009. For more information on employment at Thomas L. Cardella & Associates, please visit www.tlcassociates.com.

About Thomas L. Cardella & Associates

Founded in April of 2007, Thomas L. Cardella & Associates is ranked as one of the fastest growing contact center companies in the United States. In just over two years, Thomas L. Cardella & Associates has grown to four locations in the state of Iowa: Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Keokuk, and Marshalltown, and currently has more than 700 employees. In June of this year, Thomas L. Cardella & Associates won two prestigious Excellence Awards during the 10^th Annual IQPC Call Center Week. Thomas L. Cardella & Associates was honored with the top award in the Best in Class Call Center (Over 200 Employees). Thomas Cardella was named first runner-up for Call Center Leader of the Year award.

The company focuses on the direct marketing needs of Fortune 500 clients in the financial services, insurance, publication, technology, telecom, entertainment, utilities, and travel industries.  Thomas L. Cardella & Associates is an outsourced provider of solutions such as Inbound Customer Service, Outbound Teleservices, Email Management, Webchat, and Customer Support services. For more information about Thomas L. Cardella & Associates, please visit: www.tlcassociates.com.