The State of the Association is Strong

This week, as ABI prepares for a series of upcoming meetings and events, the state of the association is strong. Award-winning public policy activity continues, the ABI Foundation's programs are maintaining their strong start to the foundation's fiscal year, and our membership work is solid and growing. Financially, ABI's balance sheet has never looked better for this time of the year.

All that is important only because it allows us to serve you, ABI members, with the tools and resources necessary to add to your bottom line. And that is itself important because it helps ABI members provide our state with some of the best jobs, with the best compensation and benefits, found anywhere in Iowa.

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

As we turn our eyes to the end of the calendar year in a few weeks, we really are thinking about the year ahead. One thing I have learned from ABI members is that the focus is always on the future, not the past. We never forget the past, because we celebrate our history and learn from it, but we are always thinking about how we can serve members and add value. 

You have heard me say often that adding value for members is what ABI is all about. Serving our customers (ABI members) is what we do. At least we better be doing it if we want the association to grow during its second century.

Though it is only November, allow me to close by reminding you of two critical events coming in 2020. The first is ABI's annual Legislative Briefing and Reception. That event is an important tool in helping you develop a strong relationship with your legislators. It will be held January 15 in Des Moines. The second event is ABI's annual Taking Care of Business Conference, which will be held in Cedar Rapids in June.

Believe me when I say that both events will be terrific celebrations of business, with high-value programming a focus. You don't want to miss them! Mark your calendars now and look for more information soon.

In the meantime, and on behalf of ABI Chair Cindy Dietz and our other officers, THANK YOU for your support for ABI!