Connecting to Others. Connecting to ABI.
August 9, 2019 | Connecting Iowa
This month’s news magazine is all about connecting Iowa and the future of Iowa infrastructure. While preparing this column, I started thinking about all the ways Iowans connect and the billions of dollars invested into those connections.
The Iowa Department of Transportation puts out annual reports of the miles of public roads by surface type. As of Dec. 31, 2017, Iowa had more than 115,000 miles of roads in the state. We have more than 3,800 miles of railroad track in Iowa, and 83% of Iowa’s total route miles are operated by Class 1, large freight-hauling railroads.
Additional research discovered thousands of miles of fiber in Iowa, but I wasn’t able to get a solid number. All of these numbers show the importance Iowans place on connecting with one another. From talking on the telephone with a potential client, to emailing a sales receipt to a customer, to hauling a finished product from one community to the end customer across the state, Iowa’s economy relies on infrastructure and the ability to connect.
As an organization, ABI places great emphasis on connecting. Whether membership events or public policy advocacy, we hope you find great value in the connections you form as a member of the state’s oldest business organization.
From a public policy advocacy perspective, we want to encourage you to increase your connection to ABI. We have annual events and legislative conference calls during the legislative session, and we eagerly travel the state to connect with you and understand your business better.
The final way to connect with and support ABI’s public policy efforts is to meet your legislators. Invite them to tour your business and meet your colleagues. This helps legislators better understand your business and the impact proposed policies will have on your employees.
If we can help facilitate an introduction with a state legislator, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know. ABI is all about connecting. We want to make sure your business has a solid transportation and communication infrastructure in Iowa, as well as a solid connection with your state and federal elected officials.