Day on the Hill Next Week - Monday Memo 3/4/19

March 4, 2019

Business Day on the Hill Events A Week from Wednesday

During the first quarter of the year, much of ABI's work focuses on public policy and the Iowa General Assembly.  A few years ago, ABI created the annual ABI Day on the Hill.  The event capitalizes on members’ wishes to get even more involved in ABI’s public policy work.  

This event gives ABI members an opportunity to get the very latest news from the Capitol in the heat of legislative activity.  Members are taken by private coach to the Capitol to meet with and hear from key state officials, legislative leaders, and their legislators.  The event has grown bigger and better each year and this year's event will again be conducted in partnership with the Iowa Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, the Iowa Chamber Alliance, and the National Association of Women Business Owners.  

We're a week away from the association’s annual Day on the Hill program.  Business Day on the Hill 2019 will be held Wednesday, March 13 (the same day as the next ABI board meeting) at the ABI office in the East Village in Des Moines.  

Day on the Hill is followed by the annual luncheon.  Top statehouse officials have been confirmed for that event and you won’t want to miss it.  To register or find more information, simply reply to this message and we'll take care of the details for you.  THERE IS NO CHARGE for ABI board members and former chairs who participate.  See you next week! 

2019 Convention Website Live; Register for Convention NOW!

Many of you have already made your reservations for the ABI Annual Convention, the 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference.  For those who have not yet registered, you can do so now.  Simply click on http://www.cvent.com/events/2019-abi-taking-care-of-business-conference/event-summary-ec071db43f184150bfe139920e29c6d8.aspx for all kinds of information about the convention speakers and terrific Ames venues.  

Based on our fantastic speakers, fabulous Ames location, and great program, I can assure you this 116th annual convention, which will be held June 4-6, will be a spectacular event.  The bottom line is that you simply won’t want to miss it.  Click on the link above and make your convention reservation now. 

Leadership Iowa Class in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids will be the location of the next session of the 2018-2019 Leadership Iowa class, which will be held this week.  Some members of the class will convene Wednesday evening.  The majority of the session will take place Thursday and Friday and will focus on public safety and community preparedness and response.  This group of class members has been another in a string of terrific LI classes.  Look for more information at the board meeting on March 13. 

ABI Board to Meet Next Week; May Meeting in Iowa City

The next meeting of the ABI Board of Directors will be held a week from Wednesday, on March 13.  ABI Chair David Bywater (Bankers Advertising/Tru Art, Iowa City) will call the meeting to order that afternoon at the ABI Office in Des Moines’ East Village.  

As you have read previously and in addition to an important meeting, the board will also participate in other events throughout the day.  Things actually begin with the annual Day on the Hill program that morning and the annual luncheon at noon, followed by the Board of Directors meeting.  See you in Des Moines on March 13.  

Please remember the location for the board's May meeting.  The May meeting will be held May 8 in downtown Iowa City.  The board meeting will be held at MERGE (http://mergeic.com/) and tours of Bankers Advertising/Tru Art will also be on tap.  Details are now being finalized, so watch for more information soon.  

Legislative Update Teleconference a Week from Friday

ABI Senior Vice President Public Policy Nicole Crain, Director Public Policy Brad Hartkopf, and Coordinator Public Policy Drew Wynes will again host a teleconference to give you the very latest information from the Statehouse.  Updates on bills, legislative proposals, state actions, and other matters will be covered in the call.  Your specific questions about those topics are also very much welcomed. 

The next call will be held a week from Friday, on March 15th, at 8:00 a.m. and you and your employees are encouraged to participate.  The members-only call is free as a part of your ABI membership, but please register at https://www.iowaabi.org/events/detail/139-abi-members-only-legislative-conference-call/.   

Now is the Time for Your Business Horizons and Leadership Iowa Nominations

As you know, Business Horizons and Leadership Iowa are two of the ABI Foundation’s most successful programs.  For several decades, these programs have been making our state better. 

Your nominations are vital to ensuring the quality of the programs continues.  Nominating your employees and community people is easy and it is FREE.  Go to https://www.iowaabi.org/abi-foundation/foundation-programs/ for general program information and to make your nominations.  And, look for a full report about Foundation activities at next week's meeting of the ABI Board of Directors. 

Biennial Workers Compensation Seminar Later This Month

Every two years, ABI hosts a Workers Compensation Seminar.  This year's event will be held on March 27 at ABI.  

The program will include the latest information on the subject, as well as information about best practices being utilized by other companies.  Click here for more information and to register: http://www.cvent.com/events/workers-compensation-best-practices-and-lessons-learned/event-summary-be96531bb7a54282b237b7d3236e9286.aspx.      

ABI Connecting Statewide Leaders, Building Business Value Events in Cedar Falls-Waterloo in April

The next event in ABI's Connecting Statewide Leaders series will be held in April.  The event will be held in Cedar Falls-Waterloo and will be followed by a high-value business seminar.  

Find more information and/or register for the Connecting Statewide Leaders event here: http://www.cvent.com/events/connecting-statewide-leaders/event-summary-29e4aa9198314c7d91eb89218bbd03c2.aspx.  Mark your calendars now to join fellow ABI members, Leadership Iowa Class members, local business leaders, and others for this event.   

Following that event, stick around for the Building Business Value Seminar.  A high-value panel will provide information that will lead to increased success for your business.  Click here for more information and to register: http://www.cvent.com/events/building-business-value-april-2019/event-summary-5b41afebb44b4f7493990283e9255ff1.aspx.  See you in the Cedar Valley in April. 

NAM Report Documents Growth in Economy, Volatility

This week's edition of the National Association of Manufacturers' Monday Economic Report is a sobering one.  It highlights several data points that confirm a great deal of volatility in the financial markets.  However, economic activity in the United States continues to grow, albeit at a nominal rate.  If you wish to read the report for yourself, simply reply to this memo and I will get it to you at once.