The State of ABI is Sound

Every year about this time, I complete a round of visits with newly elected members of the ABI Board of Directors. Our new board members, like our returning board members, are terrific women and men. They’re passionate about their business, their employees and serving their customers. For members of the ABI staff, speaking with directors and ABI members is one of the best parts of our job.

Also every year about this time, I remind you that same benefit is available to you. You, too, have the opportunity to meet terrific Iowa business leaders, and you can take advantage of it by getting involved in ABI. Attend events, participate in meetings and share your stories in newsletters and other publications. It’s a great way to help grow your business and grow our state. While I could expand on that, I know you get my point. Be involved.

Let me also share something else, and that’s the state of the business here at ABI. Thanks to you and the board, the state of ABI is sound. 

Thanks to the board’s leadership and the example set by member companies, ABI is run in such a way that downturns are foreseen and managed. When they inevitably strike (though a downturn due to a global pandemic was a bit of a surprise), ABI can continue to serve members and provide value. That’s our focus now—and always.

The association is in the second month of its fiscal year, and we’re operating on a budget of roughly $2.1 million. That is down a bit from last year, as we account for the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However:

1. Our cash position is very strong.
2. Once we fill the vacant membership position later in the year, we’ll be fully staffed.
3. We continue to provide a complete slate of services, seminars and events.
4. Through the ABI Foundation, educational and leadership development programming continues to be first class.

That means, as an association member, you’ll see no decrease in value from ABI.

Sometimes phrases such as “now more than ever” can seem overblown. That’s most certainly not the case at this time. In fact, now more than ever, your support is the reason for ABI’s success. THANK YOU.

Mike Ralston is president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). You may email him at mralston@iowaabi.org.