July offers the opportunity to take stock of the past year

July 7, 2016 | Mike Ralston

Mike Ralston | ABI President | mralston@iowaabi.org

ABI begins a new fiscal year each July 1. The date is much more than a simple accounting mark.

July is important to ABI because it provides the opportunity to take stock of the past year and prepare for success in the year ahead. First, did we meet the charge from the ABI Board of Directors to be fiscally responsible? Did we meet our financial goals during the past year and are we well established for the year ahead? Second and just as important, did we meet our programming goals? Is ABI serving members and providing resources that help improve member companies' bottom line?

The answers to those questions better be in the affirmative. Each ABI member company has countless requests for support, with more arriving every day. For ABI to deserve your investment, our organization better be providing value. It is that focus that is the goal year-round at ABI, but especially every July 1.

Speaking of programming, it never stops, of course. Summer is huge time for ABI (and the ABI Foundation) programs and events. EPIC and IIPAC, Business Horizons and Leadership Iowa University, board orientations and executive committee meetings; these and so much more are a part of summer work at ABI.

Finally, please allow me to thank you for making the 2016 ABI Taking care of Business Conference a smashing success. Hundred of ABI members from Iowa and beyond converged on Sioux City last month. Thanks to you, the event was a terrific annual meeting. Of course, plans are already well underway for a fabulous 2017 conference. On behalf of ABI Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton, I look forward to seeing you in Dubuque next June 6-8!

In the meantime and on behalf of the Board of Directors, THANK YOU once more for your support and investment in ABI. It is never, ever taken for granted.