Monday Memo - 1/27/25
January 27, 2025
Executive Committee Meets in Two Weeks; Board Meets March 12
The ABI Executive Committee will hold its regular February meeting by Zoom two weeks from Wednesday (February 12) at 10:00 a.m. Look for a full report on any news from the meeting at the March board meeting to be held at the Des Moines Heritage Center (a block south of ABI in Des Moines’ East Village) on March 12. The Board Meeting will immediately follow the Business Day in Des Moines event.
2025 ABI Business Day in Des Moines March 12
During the first quarter of the year, much of ABI's work focuses on public policy and the Iowa General Assembly. During the years when ABI’s core legislative issues like Right to Work and Employer Direction of Care for Workers’ Compensation were being attacked, ABI started a Day on the Hill event to bring members to the Capitol and share about the effect those policies would have if approved. After several years of that grassroots event and based on feedback from ABI members and reflecting on other states’ programs; ABI created a new event to capitalize on ABI’s public policy work and engage members.
The event held every year in conjunction with the Board Meeting gives ABI members an opportunity to get the very latest news from the Capitol. Members will be able to hear from key state and legislative leaders and to interact regarding issues and proposed bills. The event will be held Wednesday, March 12 at the Des Moines Heritage Center (a block south of ABI in Des Moines’ East Village). You’ll hear from invited guests including Governor Reynolds, legislative leaders of both chambers and both parties, a national policy speaker, and more. You will have the opportunity to interact with these leaders, with fellow ABI members, and you’ll hear the latest about ABI issues and programs. You don’t want to miss it! Click here for more information and to register: Summary - Business Day in Des Moines.
Iowa 500 Event to be Held on March 12
Following the Business Day in Des Moines and the ABI Board of Directors meeting in March, the Corridor Media Group will host the inaugural Iowa 500 event. The event, featuring 500 of Iowa’s most influential business leaders will be held at the Heritage Center, the same location as the other events of the day. Several ABI members are expected to be featured in the publication, and members receive a special discount for the event. Save $25 with Registration Code: ABImem500. I hope you will join me in attending this inaugural event. Click here to register. Congratulations to John Lohman and the team at the Corridor for this first of a kind publication for Iowa business leaders.
ABI Connecting Statewide Leaders Event in Clinton Features Manufacturers
In March, ABI will host an event in Clinton focused on Iowa’s manufacturing industry. As part of the program, ABI members, area business leaders, Leadership Iowa alumni and the current class will hear from a panel of manufacturing leaders about their companies and trends in manufacturing. Registration is now open, and I hope you will join me in Clinton if your schedule permits for this informational networking event: Agenda - Connecting Statewide Leaders - Clinton. Thank you to our sponsors, CIPCO and ITC Midwest for their support of the Connecting Statewide Leaders series.
CIRAS Advisory Board Meets, Future of MFG Big Topic
The CIRAS Advisory Board held its first quarter meeting last Thursday and the meeting included engaging conversation on topics ranging from supply chain mapping to the automation journey for manufacturers. The Board heard from several speakers regarding AI and legislative funding proposals for upskilling. One topic of interest was the changing landscape of agriculture and how technology will affect Iowa manufacturers. The consensus of the group, which will be of no surprise to you, was that Iowa manufacturers are innovative and prepared to adapt and continue to evolve to meet customers’ needs.
Business Horizons Registrations Coming In, Volunteers Needed
The Foundation’s Business Horizons program opened registrations earlier this month. We have already started seeing registrations come in and are excited for what this means for the summer program. The weeklong program, held at Drake University, would not be possible without the support of sponsors and volunteers. If you want to learn more about the program, click here. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like a member of the ABI team talk to your team about opportunities for engagement, contact Anna Mable.
National Association of Manufacturers Releases Tax Study
Many of you may have already seen the report issued by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) earlier this month. The economic study provides a state-by-state analysis of what could happen if action is not taken at the federal level to stop the tax increases. According to the NAM, “the study shows that manufacturing in America will bear the brunt of the damage from these tax increases, with 1.1 million manufacturing jobs, $126 billion in manufacturing worker wages, and $284 billion in the sector’s economic output at stake.” If you would like to see the specific impact on Iowa, click here.
ABI Team on the Road
The ABI team has been engaging with members and visiting communities throughout the state. Last week, ABI was represented at the annual Greater Des Moines Partnership Dinner (Des Moines), Young Professionals (YP) Iowa Board Meeting, ABI member Keen Project Solutions (Ankeny) 10-year anniversary, and the West Des Moines Chamber YP event. This week you can find us at the Des Moines Business Record (Des Moines) Economic Forecast Luncheon, Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance (Cedar Rapids) Annual Luncheon and the Council Bluffs Area Chamber (Council Bluffs) Annual Dinner, in addition to our usual meetings serving members. We want to make sure we are supporting our members throughout the state. If you have an event we should attend, or would like to have ABI representation at, please let me know.