Blog

2019

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  Dec 5, 2019

  Five Strategies to Use a Bonus or Raise

  If you’re fortunate to see a boost in your paycheck, using the extra cash on long-term, big picture goals may lead to greater happiness in the long run.

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  Nov 27, 2019

  The Impact of Workforce Wearables – Part 2, For Safety Leaders

  Workforce wearables can play a key role in increasing the effectiveness of those in charge of worker safety.

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  Nov 21, 2019

  Your Next Great Employee May Just Need a Second Chance

  Many companies are taking a second look at hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds.

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  Nov 14, 2019

  Operate at Your Optimum with Collaborative Robots

  Ask these questions to determine whether a cobot would be beneficial for your environment.

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  Nov 7, 2019

  The State of the Association is Strong

  The jobs you provide are what allows Iowa's cities and towns to thrive and grow.

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  Oct 31, 2019

  New Lease Standard: What You Need to Know

  Now is the time to take steps to set yourself up to adopt this new standard as seamlessly as possible.

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  Oct 24, 2019

  Involving the Right People in Your E-Commerce Planning

  Putting the right members of your team on a committee to oversee your E-Commerce planning, development and ongoing growth is key to long-term success.

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  Oct 17, 2019

  How Solar Energy is Helping One Iowa Manufacturer Hire and Retain Top Talent, Reduce Operating Costs, and Stay Ahead of the Competition

  Advanced manufacturing firm Agri-Industrial Plastics Company is using a future-facing energy initiative to gain a competitive edge.

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  Oct 10, 2019

  Keys to Integrating Executive Compensation and Benefits

  The key to success is creating a plan that integrates all of your benefits and is designed to help you achieve your goals.

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  Oct 3, 2019

  ABI Members: Uncertain Now; Optimistic About the Future

  The current business cycle is one of uncertainty, but optimism about the future prevails.

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  Sep 26, 2019

  3 Reasons to Build Your Tech Company in the Silicon Prairie

  I truly believe that our location is helping us shape the future of manufacturing and Iowa-based technology growth.

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  Sep 19, 2019

  Full Reimbursement to Become a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) in Iowa

  This reimbursement is an incredible opportunity that has never been offered in Iowa.

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  Sep 12, 2019

  Tech Infrastructure is Key for Manufacturing

  High-speed internet is just one component of vital business communications solutions.

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  Sep 5, 2019

  What’s a PEO and How Can You Benefit from Using One?

  A small business can increase productivity and profitability when outsourcing some of the workload to the PEO.

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  Aug 29, 2019

  Safety Considerations for Remote Workers

  With more companies offering work from home policies, it’s crucial for employers to be aware of the unanticipated risks and be ready to address them.

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  Aug 22, 2019

  4 Things You Might Not Know About the Buy ABI Program

  Buy ABI allows you to save hundreds—even thousands—of dollars on products and services you already buy for your business. 

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  Aug 15, 2019

  The Impact of Workforce Wearables – Part 1, For Workers

  Sensors have the potential to revolutionize how we approach worker safety.

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  Aug 8, 2019

  A Valuable Opportunity is Waiting for You

  Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with some of our state's best leaders, who are innovators, investors and full of experience.

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  Aug 1, 2019

  Employees Staying in the Workplace Longer Affects Organizational Culture

  The more you can enable candidates and employees to customize their experience based on their preferences, the more competitive your company will be.

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  Jul 25, 2019

  USPTO to Require U.S. Licensed Attorney for Trademarks

  A new rule should reduce costs and provide more accurate information for trademark owners, and should provide greater protection for Iowa businesses.

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  Jul 18, 2019

  The Power of Knowing the Value of Your Business

  As a strategic planning exercise, the business valuation process can have a profound impact on your processes and controls, your future business plan and your personal retirement goals.

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  Jul 11, 2019

  Miller Products Partners with Goodwill To Meet Production Targets

  Goodwill may not be top-of-mind as a resource for businesses, but it should be.

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  Jul 2, 2019

  *This* is the Goal All Year at ABI, but Especially Every July 1st

  Read why July 1st is more than a simple accounting mark for ABI (and you).

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  Jun 27, 2019

  Cyberattacks Can Impact Any Industry. Yes, Yours!

  You may be thinking “that’ll never happen to me,” but these days, it’s more a matter of time. 

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  Jun 20, 2019

  The Right Questions to Ask Customers

  Once we start to understand that customer feedback can't simply be an automated process, only then will we capture the input necessary to change our organizational competitiveness.

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  Jun 13, 2019

  Making the Mid-Year Review More Reward than Work

  While there are many ways to approach a strategic review at the year’s mid-point, these five components can deliver especially meaningful insight.

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  May 30, 2019

  Applying Lean Process to Your Organization

  Applying lean process to your company safety plan can result in quality improvements, productivity gains and a safer workplace.

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  May 23, 2019

  Maximize Your Employment Tax Credits and WOTC with These Tips

  If you are willing to dedicate the time and resources to maximizing these programs or hiring a partner to help, the results could be extraordinary to your business’ bottom line. 

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  May 15, 2019

  Building Bridges: Convergence in Manufacturing

  It’s time to challenge IT and OT to wade into the river and start setting a foundation for a bridge.

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  May 9, 2019

  10 Things to Consider Before Using Video

  Looking to dive into video? Here are 10 quick tips.

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  May 2, 2019

  Join Us for the Best Celebration of Iowa Business

  ABI’s annual conference offers useful information, engaging speakers and plenty of opportunities to talk with fellow business leaders.

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  Apr 25, 2019

  The 8 Most Essential People to Help Sell Your Business

  Setting a course for the future of your business is a team sport. Find out who should be on your team.

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  Apr 18, 2019

  It’s Not If But When Your Identity Will Be Stolen

  The best step is to be proactive when it comes to identity theft.

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  Apr 11, 2019

  Minimize Business Risks for Higher Valuation

  Business owners who minimize these risks will create more certainty, and ultimately a higher valuation.

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  Apr 4, 2019

  You Can Only Get THIS at the ABI Conference

  If you want to add value to your business, there is simply no better place for you to be than at this conference.

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  Mar 28, 2019

  County Assessment and the Process to Protest

  Should you protest your assessment? And if so, how? Here are the answers.

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  Mar 21, 2019

  Going Beyond the Numbers: CFOs Now Hold Pivotal Roles in Modern Corporations

  Today’s CFO holds the pivotal role in organizations, consistently leading the strategic planning and holding stakeholders accountable to key performance objectives. 

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  Mar 14, 2019

  Are You a Professional Salesperson or Not?

  These two steps are the solution for salespeople who want to enter the ranks of high-performance.

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  Mar 7, 2019

  Using Technology to Improve Driving Behaviors

  Employers with an organizational commitment to promoting safety will help protect employees and the company from the risks associated with technology and driving.

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  Feb 28, 2019

  Outsourcing – Will It Help Grow Your Small Business?

  When properly done, outsourcing can enable you to streamline your business operations. 

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  Feb 21, 2019

  3 Ways to Invest in Iowa's Qualified Opportunity Zones

  If you’re looking for ways to leverage tax incentives in 2019 while also helping revitalize Iowa’s deserving urban and rural communities, consider these three ways to get involved.

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  Feb 14, 2019

  Iowa State Sales Tax Reform, Effective January 1, 2019

  Portions of a bill that expand sales tax to remote sellers is now in effect in Iowa. See if it applies to your business.

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  Feb 7, 2019

  Valuable Events: All Year Long, All Over Iowa

  One of the best ways for you and members of your employee team to maximize the return on your ABI investment is to take advantage of these high-quality, high-value events. 

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  Jan 31, 2019

  The Importance of Real Service

  The best companies put customers first by creating a simple and easy customer experience, leveraging technology to create a deeper connection.

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  Jan 24, 2019

  How Important is Vocal Quality in Communication?

  Your voice tone has a huge impact on another person’s emotional state. Find out why.

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  Jan 17, 2019

  Are Rules of Thumb an Adequate Way to Value a Business?

  While “Rules of Thumb” typically derive from industry trends and comparable company research, they miss out on vital factors that must be considered when determining a reasonable value for a business or ownership share.

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  Jan 10, 2019

  Is Process Killing the Customer Experience?

  Once a process becomes a routine, it prevents employees from considering new ways of working. 

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  Jan 3, 2019

  Building Relationships, Adding Value Leads to Success

  At ABI, we constantly focus on serving as a resource, not on making a sale. Building a relationship and adding value based on the needs of the customer/member is what leads to success for both the member and ABI.