Iowa-grown Businesses and the Entrepreneurs Behind Them

If you like stories about Iowa companies that have grown and been successful, then you will enjoy this edition of Business Record Iowa. The cover story is a profile on just such companies and the women and men behind them. The membership of ABI is made up of many successful businesses with similar stories. You can get to know these companies better by participating in the activities of your association.

Summer is a busy time for ABI. In addition to promoting ABI and our members, a part of our ABI mission is to promote the programs of the ABI Foundation. The month of July included the annual Business Horizons experience, in which 65 high school students came together for a week on the campus of Central College to learn about business and entrepreneurism. August includes the kickoff of the annual Leadership Iowa University program (a multi-session look at Iowa business). I challenge you to become more familiar with work of the ABI Foundation and its many activities during the coming year.

We start the annual ABI Public Policy development process this month. There are five meetings in August covering the topics of Employment and Workforce, Workplace and Product Safety, Economic Growth, Environment, and Taxes. Last year over 121 member companies were represented in these meetings. Through the process, we develop the foundation for our legislative success and advocacy throughout the year. By participating, you add your voice to ABI positions on the critical topics being considered by our government. Your ABI board will approve the new policies in September in order for the staff to begin working on them before the fall election.

You might also want to consider participating in ABI events such as Bringing Boji Back or the ABI Executive Open. Both are great ways to connect with ABI members. In addition, do not forget about all the other high-value work being done by ABI and its member company representatives. Let us hear about what you would like to see in future editions of this journal. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming ABI event.