From the Desk of Mike Ralston

ABI is all about its members. Providing value for members is at the core of everything we do, because if we aren't providing value for you and your company, there is no reason for you to be involved in the association.

The secret to ABI's success is strong leadership by the ABI Board of Directors and fantastic support by ABI members. We never, ever take that leadership and support for granted.

This month, however, I am calling attention to something else. That is the work of a terrific ABI staff.

In its 118 years, ABI has been incredibly fortunate to have a high-quality staff. Women and men who have comprised the association's staff haven traditionally been some of the very best at what they do. They are attracted by the leadership and support I mentioned previously and by their desire to advance economic opportunity and business growth in Iowa.

Over the years, these staff members, while implementing the vision developed by the board, have helped ABI achieve some big things - big things externally, like some of the nation's best pro-business policies and regulations, and internally, by building a strong organization with great high-value programs and events.

Please join me in thanking a truly exceptional ABI staff. In alphabetical order, they are: Becky Coady, Nicole Crain, JD Davis, Jane Galloway, Brad Hartkopf, McKenzie Kielman, Dorothy Knowles, Jessi McQuerrey, Holly Mueggenberg, and Michelle Vollstedt. We also appreciate those folks who lead our affiliated work: Katelyn Adams, Steffi Lee, Gary Nash, and Kerry Servas. 

You have likely heard me say often that I work for the best people anywhere, ABI members and the board, and with the best people anywhere, the ABI staff. 

Let me close with a reminder about this month’s Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference (the lead sponsors are ABI, CIRAS and the Iowa Economic Development Authority). You don't want to miss this conference, or the Legends in Manufacturing Dinner the preceding evening. Both promise to be terrific events.  Register and find more information here: Summary - Legends In Manufacturing Awards Dinner (and/or) Advanced Manufacturing Conference (cvent.com). See you there!