2025: New Year, New Opportunities

The first of the year serves as an excellent time to set goals and get excited about the year ahead—whether that is in your personal or professional life. At ABI, we are doing the same thing.

For the first time in two decades, we have just completed a transition in ABI staff leadership. We had the opportunity to close out 2024 by thanking Mike Ralston for his leadership and service to ABI members and the organization. I am forever grateful for his support and mentorship. As we begin 2025, I am looking forward to serving as the leader of your organization.

By now you should have received your 2025 annual membership directory, the ABI Business Resource Guide, published by member Corridor Media Group. In it, I share the key priorities and highlights for 2025. Those include:

•  Holding the annual conference in Council Bluffs on June 10-12, 2025, for the first time! Hotel rooms are going fast and sponsorships are still available. Click here or contact Holly Mueggenberg to learn more.
•  Expanding ABI membership throughout Iowa’s 99 counties by traveling to regional partnership events, holding events in different areas and encouraging member referrals. If you’re wanting an ABI new year’s resolution, refer one company to ABI for membership and share their information with Levi Lefebure, ABI’s Membership Development Manager.
•  Leveraging and aligning the work of the ABI Foundation, which provides life-changing experiences for students and professionals. We will build upon the success of the programs and raise awareness for manufacturing careers with a new initiative coming in 2025—stay tuned for more about this! If you want to help support the Foundation, reach out to Meg Schneider.

At ABI, our number one priority and goal in all we do at ABI is to help you continue that legacy. Our role is to serve you, the member, our customer. Whether you want to do business with another member, need assistance with a legislative or regulatory issue, or aim to invest in Iowa’s future talent; our job is to ensure you get what you need.

I am grateful to the founding companies that had the foresight to come together 122 years ago and establish an organization dedicated to serving manufacturers -an association that has since expanded to advocate for all business and industry in Iowa.

The association has endured pandemics, wars, years of economic challenges, and times of prosperity. Through it all, ABI has fostered an environment of connection, collaboration and innovation among members, leading to a strong business community. New opportunities are ahead, but the legacy of Iowa businesses and ABI’s role to serve you stands front and center. I am excited about 2025 and ready to get to work on your behalf!