December 17, 2014 – Curt Burnett, Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub Executive Director, explained he is a loaned executive from John Deere.  He started November 1 to begin execution of the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Hub Plan.  He stated the Hub’s mission is to help regional manufacturers grow through innovation and collaboration.  This will be accomplished with services under development including: seminars and education events; an online catalogue of manufacturers, products, and competencies; a regional innovation asset map of labs, equipment, and talent; online information and collaboration space; a 7/24/365 help desk; and to grow the Quad Cities Manufacturing Lab.  The Hub will connect manufacturers to new technologies, new solutions, new partners, new markets, new profits, and new possibilities.