Partnerships Between Businesses, Higher Ed are Powerful

December 8, 2017 | Working together: Companies, Iowa schools mutually benefit from partnerships David Zrostlik, ABI Chair, Stellar Industries, Garner,

This month’s edition of Business Record Iowa focuses on the terrific partnerships that exist in this state between business and our institutions of higher education. Iowa’s community colleges and public and private colleges and universities do great work for our state. Here in north-central Iowa, NIACC has been a great resource for Stellar Industries. On a statewide basis, my company has a long-standing relationship with CIRAS at ISU, which has been an invaluable resource for many years. Let us know about the college partnerships in which your business participates.

In the meantime, as we prepare for the upcoming session of the Iowa General Assembly, now is a good time of the year to get your elected officials into your plant or office. Show them what you do and explain the impact of their decisions on your business.

Next, be sure to attend the 2018 ABI Legislative Reception. This annual meeting is one of ABI’s most popular events. I’m not aware of any organization, local or statewide, that draws more legislators of both parties than does the ABI event. Your local legislators will enjoy this opportunity to visit with you and your fellow Iowa business leaders in a relaxed and informal setting.

As always, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, all 150 legislators, and state officials and agency directors have been invited to join you at the reception. The ABI Legislative Reception will be held next month, Jan. 10, in Des Moines. Please make plans to participate in this ABI-sponsored event to kick off the 2018 Iowa legislative year. Find more information at www.iowaabi.org.

Speaking of events, remember to mark your calendars now for ABI’s biggest annual event, the annual conference. The 2018 ABI Taking Care of Business Conference will be terrific, and you don’t want to miss it. I look forward to seeing you in Greater Iowa City June 5-7 of next year.