Members on Mission: Stay Involved in Public Policy

This edition of Business Record Iowa is focused on the State of Iowa Manufacturing, so allow me to note that the annual ABI Manufacturing Conference (October 5) and the annual Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner (the preceding evening, October 4) will be held next month. These events include terrific programming and are truly a celebration of Iowa manufacturing. I hope both are already on your calendar. You can find out more at www.iowaabi.org.

Another vital issue at ABI right now is the association’s public policy work. The most important part of that work is the strong participation by ABI members in the development of and advocacy for policies that help Iowa grow. 

When the annual policy development process is completed at this month's board meeting, hundreds of members will have participated in one or more venues throughout the state. That is terrific participation and it sets the stage for the real work that follows. Communication with state administrators and elected officials of both parties across Iowa was key.

You and your fellow ABI members are the key reason that ABI has experienced its awardwinning public policy success over the past several decades. ABI has been   fortunate to have some of the best public policy experts as staff members over the years and the current team is no exception. But even they tell us that you and your employees are critical to success.

Legislators and state officials want to hear from you. They want to see your operations, meet your employees, and learn about your business. They want to support policies that will help you grow your business and create jobs. The best way to help them do that is to invite them in to your facility. When you do, you are doing the most important thing you can do to help advance ABI's public policy agenda.

Thank you for your strong participation in ABI's policy work, and thank you in advance for your work with your legislative delegation. Together, we can advance ABI’s mission: to nurture a favorable business, economic, governmental and social climate within the state of Iowa so our citizens can have the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.