Executive Open Tees Off Later Today - Monday Memo 8/30/21
August 30, 2021
TODAY: The 2021 ABI Executive Open
As I noted last week, the annual ABI Executive Open is one of the association’s most popular events. The 2021 Open starts later this morning at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines.
And as I have noted over the course of the past couple of weeks, ABI has added a golf outing in the eastern part of the state. The ABI Executive Open (East) will be held in five weeks, on September 27th. It will be played at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, the home club of PGA champion Zach Johnson. Register now at Summary - Executive Open - East (cvent.com).
First ABI Board Meeting of 2022 Fiscal Year Next Week
The ABI Board of Directors, chaired by Jack Hasken (Jackson Mfg., Maquoketa), will hold its first meeting of the new fiscal year on Thursday, September 9. The board will meet in Maquoketa. You will soon receive the usual meeting packet with an agenda, detailed reports, and other items to help you prepare for the meeting.
A number of important issues will be reviewed and acted upon at the meeting. One highlight, led by ABI Vice Chair Kim Augspurger (Saxton, Des Moines), will be the consideration of recommendations related to the association's 2022 policy positions. Watch for more information in your board packet. Another highlight will be a tour of Jackson Mfg. upon completion of the board meeting.
If you haven’t already done so, please register now by replying to this memo. All board members and Past Chairs are encouraged to join ABI for the board meeting. On behalf of Jack and our other officers, I look forward to seeing you on September 9.
ABI Advanced Manufacturing Conference September 28: Cox, Durham, Hedgren to Speak; Legends Dinner the Night Before
ABI, Agri-Industrial Plastics, and the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University are the lead sponsors for the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference 2021. The conference will be held at the Meadows Events Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona on September 29.
The speakers for this event are terrific. They include Dr. Ron Cox (CIRAS, Ames), Director Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority, Des Moines), and Manufacturing Lead Tamara Hedgren (Deere & Company, Moline). Find more information and register now for the conference by clicking on this link: Summary - Legends In Manufacturing Awards Dinner (and/or) Advanced Manufacturing Conference (cvent.com).
As always, the conference will be preceded the evening before (September 28) by ABI’s Elevate initiative’s annual Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner. You can use the link above to register for this always-fun and uplifting event.
Newest “Not a Dirty Job” Video: Jackson Mfg.
Speaking of Elevate, the program has produced a series of terrific videos about ABI member manufacturing companies. The latest video is all about ABI member Jackson Mfg. and you can view it here: Not a Dirty Job: Jackson Manufacturing - YouTube.
As is the case with all the videos, it is a great look at a great Iowa manufacturer. Congratulations to everyone at Jackson, including company President and ABI Chair Jack Hasken (Jackson Mfg., Maquoketa)! And thank you to ABI Board Members Michele Farrell (Measured Intentions, Urbandale) and Todd McDonald (ATW Training Solutions, Urbandale) for producing the video (and others in the series)!
Conference Marketing Sub-Committee Meets
You have heard us say that the 2022 ABI Conference is shaping up to be the best ever. We say that every year… but every year it is true. The committee planning the conference has already met and sub-committees are also meeting. In fact, the marketing sub-committee met last week.
There is much excitement around the conference. The planning committee is working with some fabulous venues and speakers related to the conference. Stay tuned for much more exciting news in the weeks and months ahead.
Legislative Committee Meets
The ABI Legislative Committee, chaired by ABI Vice Chair Kim Augspurger (Saxton, Des Moines), will meet tomorrow in Des Moines. Following on the many meetings held in Des Moines and around Iowa before it, the meeting will result in a final set of polices being developed for action by you and your fellow board members next month. Look for the final policy draft in your September board packet.
Leadership Iowa NEXT on September 15
The ABI Foundation’s Leadership Iowa program has expanded its events and has held several interesting forums. Another in this series, known as Leadership Iowa NEXT, will be held September 15. Plan now to participate in this high-level discussion of leadership. Specifically, how can the next generation of Iowa leaders be identified and supported and what can you do to help.
Again, this program will take place on September 15. Find more information and register at LI CONNECT: Engaging the Next Generation of Iowa's Leaders | Iowa Association of Business and Industry (iowaabi.org).
NAM Report Confirms Manufacturing Production Expansion of 7.4 Percent
Last week’s Monday Economic Report, published by the National Association of Manufacturers, shared several interesting data points related to the expansion of manufacturing production. In fact, over the past 12 months, production expanded by 7.4 percent. Other valuable information as also a part of the report. As always, reply to this memo if you would like to see the report for yourself and I’ll get it to you at once.
Sukups Celebrate Anniversary Friday
Former ABI Chair Charles Sukup (Sukup Manufacturing Co., Sheffield) and his wife, Mary Sukup, celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary this Friday, September 3rd. As I note every year, Charles and Mary are one of the all-time great couples. It is a pleasure to send very best wishes and congratulations to Charles and Mary. Happy anniversary to the Sukups!
Kellan Longenecker Celebrates Birthday
Well, I missed it, so belated happy birthday wishes to longtime ABI Board Member Kellan Longenecker (General Mills, Carlisle). Kellan celebrated her birthday back on August 11. Sorry I missed it Kellan and best wishes from all of us at ABI!
John Riches Surgery Today
Longtime ABI Board Member John Riches (Arconic, Davenport) is one of our association’s terrific leaders. John’s quiet strength and solid support have meant much to ABI over the years. Today, John will have knee-replacement surgery. Our thoughts are with John and we wish him a swift, successful, and pain-free procedure. Good luck, John!