ABI Publishes Survey Results (Last Memo of 2017) - Monday Memo 12/18/17

December 18, 2017

First Quarterly ABI Iowa Business Survey Results Now Out

The new ABI economic survey (which will be conducted quarterly) has now closed and the results will be released to the media within the next 90 minutes or so. THANK YOU for your participation in this exciting new initiative.  

ABI Board of Directors to Meet in Three Weeks (January 10); Durham to Speak About “Year of Manufacturing”

The first meeting of the Executive Committee and ABI Board of Directors for 2018 will be called to order by ABI Chair David Zrostlik (Stellar Industries, Garner) on January 10 at the ABI Office in Des Moines.  This is the same date as the 2018 ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception (see item below).  You should receive the usual packet of meeting materials in about two weeks.  

A highlight of the meeting will be opening remarks by Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham. Director Durham is an ABI favorite and she will address the recently released Iowa “Year of Manufacturing” Report.  You should have received the report in an email message from me last week.  If you didn’t, please let me know and I will re-send it.  Please contact me with any questions or comments and please make plans now to attend. 

Record Pace of Registrants for 2018 ABI Legislative Reception

The ABI staff is busy finalizing details related to the annual ABI Legislative Reception, one of the association’s most popular annual events.  In fact, all indications are that the coming reception will be the biggest and best ever.  

Over 300 ABI members have already registered for the event and it is clear that over 500 people will attend.  The 2018 reception will be held Wednesday, January 10 at the Iowa Taproom near the ABI Office in Des Moines’ East Village.  Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg are expected to appear at the reception, along with hundreds of legislators and state officials, and I hope you can attend.  

This important event will be preceded by the annual legislative briefing.  The briefing is your opportunity to hear the latest about legislative news and about ABI's agenda.  You can then head right into the reception and share comments with your local legislators.  Your participation and interaction with legislators is what makes this event a must for Iowa policy-makers.  

Go to the ABI website at http://www.cvent.com/events/2018-abi-legislative-briefing-reception/event-summary-aa9c51846e394bc9851aa2329527436e.aspx.  You’ll find all the information you need and can follow the easy instructions to register right now.  Thank you in advance for participating in this very important event.  On behalf of our ABI officers, I look forward to seeing all of you in Des Moines on January 10. 

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Program Will Pay Qualifying Employees’ Salaries

A state agency called Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services is little-known, but valuable for Iowans and their employers. Through the programs administered by this agency, differently abled Iowans are identified, trained, and placed with private sector employers.  The individuals and employers who utilize them are eligible for state and federal assistance.  It can be a terrific resource for your company.  

More information will be shared at an upcoming meeting. But for now, click here for more information: http://www.ivrs.iowa.gov/.  

Business Record Event Will Include Recognizing ABI Board

As you have been reading in recent editions of the Monday Memo, ABI partner and member the Des Moines Business Record compiles an annual book of lists.  One of the lists is a list of the top 25 most influential boards of directors in central Iowa and the state.  The ABI Board of Directors will again be recognized this year as one of the most influential boards.  The Business Record is hosting an event Thursday, January 4th, in Des Moines to promote the Book of Lists and all of you are invited at attend.  

You can find more information here: http://www.businessrecord.com/Content/OURSPECIALTYPRODUCTS/OURSPECIALTYPRODUCTS/Article/BookofLists/177/839/41693.  If you are available, please join us and attend. 

Contribute To Elevate Iowa; ABI Foundation

This is the time of year that folks consider their personal tax planning.  If you need to make some end-of-the-year contributions, please consider Elevate Iowa and/or the ABI Foundation.  Thank you to those who have already contributed. 

Your contributions are critical to the Foundation and help make Iowa a better place to live and work.  Contributions to Elevate help our efforts to change the perception of advanced manufacturing and help you fill your workforce requirements.  Big thanks, too, to all of the companies who have contributed over the years, and also thanks to the 15 Iowa Community Colleges who each contributed to the Elevate partnership.  If you haven't yet contributed, please make your contribution today!   

Des Moines to Host Leadership Iowa Class in January; Alumni Dine-Arounds on the 10th

The ABI Foundation's flagship program is quite active.  As a confirmation of that, Leadership Iowa has two big events coming up next month.  

First, the 2017-2018 LI Class will hold its fourth session January 10-12.  The class will focus on state government and will join you for the ABI Briefing and Reception on January 10. 

Another LI event will be held on January 10.  That evening, the ABI Foundation and LI will again host Leadership Iowa Networking and Reunion Dinners.  These dinners, more popularly known as the LI Alumni Dine-Arounds, will take place at several Des Moines restaurants.  The event will provide a unique dinner networking opportunity for LI alumni following the annual ABI Legislative Reception.  The event is free to LI alumni - you simply pay for your own meal.  Find out more and register now at www.leadershipiowa.com

Bliel Elected to IWLC Board of Directors

It was announced last week that ABI Board Member Jenn Bliel (Van Meter, Cedar Rapids) has been elected to the board of directors of another great organization, Iowa Women Lead Change (https://www.iwlcleads.org/).  Jenn will be a great leader for IWLC; congratulations, Jenn Bliel! 

ABI Office Closed Monday, Tuesday, and January 1; Last Memo of the Year

Due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the ABI office will be closed Monday and Tuesday of next week (December 25 and 26) and again on the following Monday, January 1.  Many ABI staff members, myself included, will be taking some vacation at various times over the next two weeks.  Staff members have worked hard and I hope you will join me in thanking them for their work.  As always, the week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the one time all year that the ABI Monday Memo is not published.   Your next Memo will arrive in your email in-basket on the 2nd of January. 

As I noted in the final memo each of the last few years, at this time of year it is natural to reflect on the past 12 months.  Much has been accomplished; so much more lies ahead.  On a personal level, I know how fortunate I am that you have given me the opportunity to work for you and with some great colleagues.  I never, ever take that for granted. I am deeply grateful and I thank you.  Very best wishes to you, your family, and your company for the coming year.