Thank You for a Summer of Success for Our Students

Four-and-a-half days. More than 80 volunteers. Countless conversations and connections. And repeat.

While we at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation breathe a sigh of relief that another summer of programs came to a successful close, and with them the end of our year, it is in that same breath we express our gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors and supporters who make these experiences possible, and for the 140+ participants of all ages who will go forth and lead our state now and in the years to come.

Business Horizons Real-life experiences, life-changing results.

Over 75 high school students from more than 45 high schools across the state joined us July 14-18 at Central College in Pella to team up and take part in exciting competitions. They navigated the world of business and entrepreneurship alongside 17 Iowa professionals who served as weeklong advisors and expert consultants. Our students gained hands-on experience, received advice from expert speakers, explored career options in Iowa and developed their leadership and professional skills.

Here’s what Business Horizons 2019 participants shared about their experience:

“Business Horizons has pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me think out of the box.”

– Suzy Brewer | Johnston

“Business Horizons has been the best program that’s ever been ‘strongly suggested’ by anyone, and I’m so glad I’ve had this opportunity.”
– Chloe Swanson | Maquoketa

“Business Horizons has shown me how Iowans care and support each other through business.”

– Ethan Geifman | Bettendorf

Thank you to our annual sponsors: Collins Aerospace, Iowa Newspaper Foundation, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Vermeer Corporation, Grinnell Mutual, Coca-Cola Atlantic Bottling Company, DMACC, Alliant Energy Foundation, EFCO, WHO Newsradio 1040, iHeart Media, The Wellmark Foundation, Nationwide, HyVee, Musco Lighting, Wells Fargo, Pella Corporation, EMC Insurance, 3M and Accumold.

Leadership Iowa UniversityOpportunities a step above.

Our class of 20 college students from Iowa spent August 4-8 in Greater Des Moines visiting a variety of organizations to learn more about Iowa’s top industries, hear from dynamic speakers with unique perspectives on relevant topics and connect with Iowa professionals at roundtable discussions and networking events. These young professionals came together and gained a new perspective on what it could mean to live and work in our state as an entrepreneur, civic leader and more.

Here’s what members of the Leadership Iowa University Class of 2019 shared about their experience:

“This program opened my eyes to the great professional opportunities in Iowa. I always knew they existed, but getting exposure through Leadership Iowa University convinced me to find a career in this great state.”
– Parker Rodenberg | Iowa State University ’21 | Marion

“This program really reinforced, ‘If you want to be a number, move elsewhere. If you want to be a leader, stay in Iowa.’”

– Jules Martinez | Dordt University ’21 | Ankeny

“I have never connected with a group of people on this level. Leadership Iowa University is truly a life-changing program. Everyone is dedicated, ambitious and genuine. I’m so excited to see where everyone ends up and the change they will create.”
– Lane Kiple | University of Iowa ’22 | Johnston

Thank you to our annual sponsors: Grinnell Mutual, Interstates, Iowa Soybean Association, Farm Bureau Financial Services, DMACC, Iowa Army National Guard, Wells Fargo, United Equipment Accessories, Musco Lighting, Pella Corporation, The Wellmark Foundation and Agri-Industrial Plastics.