Iowa’s Rural Economy: Terrific Things Happening, More Work to Do

April 12, 2019 | Empowering rural Iowa David Bywater, ABI Chair, Bankers Advertising/Tru Art,

Welcome to another edition of Business Record Iowa. There is a wealth of great information in this month’s news magazine. The cover story looks at Iowa’s rural economy. There are terrific things happening in rural Iowa, but there is more work to do. Let us hear from you if your community is doing something exciting related to this topic.

On another matter, last month’s annual Iowa Business Day on the Hill was a huge success. Thank you to those who participated from all across our state. Iowa Day on the Hill provided yet another opportunity for ABI members (and members of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, National Association of Women Business Owners and National Federation of Independent Business) to thank state officials for their service and to discuss pending legislation. Whether a business owner or a legislator, we all want to help make Iowa a better place to live, work and raise a family.

During our visit to the Capitol, ABI members had a great opportunity to visit and ask questions of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader. Nicole Crain, ABI Senior Vice President of Public Policy, led a wonderful event to keep the needs of business in front of our state’s key leaders. The session remains very active with important legislation up for consideration.

Finally, I would note that two hotels are already sold-out for the 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference, ABI’s 116th annual convention. This event will be held in Ames on June 4-6. The good news is that there are still plenty of other lodging options remaining. Please go to www.ABITakingCareOfBusiness.com for more information.

The hospitality, speakers, venues and networking at this business conference are the very best you will find anywhere in the state. This event will give you and your team the best return on your investment. I look forward to seeing you and your coworkers in June.

As always, thank you for your support.