ABI Offers Even More Opportunities to Network, Grow Your Business

September 14, 2018 | The times keep a-changing David Bywater, ABI Chair, Bankers Advertising/Tru Art,

ABI members place a premium on education and learning. That’s why, at the direction of the ABI board of directors, the association significantly stepped up the number of programs and events it holds each year. The goal with these added programs is to give ABI members increased opportunities to interact with each other and to ensure that ABI members have the latest information about issues that could help them grow their businesses.

In any given month, somewhere around Iowa, you will see ABI programs being produced. Public policy events, Foundation programs, technical seminars, peer groups and the Connecting Statewide Leaders series are all examples of these programs. I hope you and your employees go often to the ABI website at www.iowaabi.org and click on the Events tab to find the latest event being held near you.

ABI members value the opportunity to share best practices and learn from each other. One topic that is often discussed at ABI events is the latest in technology, and that topic (new technologies and changes in the way business is conducted) is the focus of this month’s cover story.

As a final note, last month’s annual policy committee meetings were well attended and substantive. They are a key part of the policy development process, which ensures that ABI members set an aggressive policy agenda for our organization each year. That kind of participation, which involves hundreds of members, is a chief reason for ABI’s decades-long public policy success. On behalf of the board, thank you to you and your employees for your participation in the policy process in particular and for the association in general. Your support and participation make all the difference in ABI’s success.

Let me close by saying on behalf of ABI members and all Iowans who have benefited from the programs of the ABI Foundation, thank you, Kay Neumann-Thomas! Kay is retiring after a wonderful career spanning 20 years and many, many Leadership Iowa sessions, Business Horizons camps and other Foundation events. I know all Iowans join me in wishing the best to Kay and her family.