Monday Memo - 2/3/25
February 3, 2025
ABI Legislative Zoom on Friday
The next legislative Zoom update related to the work of the Iowa General Assembly is this coming Friday. The meeting will be held on February 7 at 8:00 a.m. The Zoom conferences typically last about 30 minutes and you and your employees are invited to participate. Hot topics to be discussed this week include unemployment insurance premium reduction, pharmacy benefit manager cost increases and energy. Please click here for more information and to register for the update. Registering for one update will sign you up for future updates during the session.
Tariffs Begin: Details Emerge
President Trump on Saturday, February 1 signed an Executive Order issuing tariffs on goods coming into the US from Canada, Mexico and China. The tariffs collected will begin on Canadian goods tomorrow, Feb. 4 and will be 25% on all goods, except for energy which will be 10%, according to reports. The start date for collecting the tariffs on Mexican goods has not yet been announced. The Canadian government has already retaliated and announced tariffs of 25% on some US goods.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) put out this statement on Sunday regarding the tariffs. They have also provided the state association partners, like ABI, this fact sheet related to the impact of trade on the manufacturing economy. The NAM is collecting information to share with the Trump Administration related to tariffs. If you would like to fill out the survey click here. Questions with asterisks are required; alternatively, if you would like to share this information directly with me, please reply to this message and I will anonymize the information and send to the NAM.
As we know, this is an ever-evolving situation. If you have questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me, JD Davis or Brad Hartkopf.
ABI Members Invited to Showcase Careers at Business Summit
In case you missed it in Friday’s ABI newsletter, members can attend the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Career Showcase on Friday, February 28 for free. If you are seeking top talent for internships or employment, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with over 100 of Iowa’s best and brightest collegiate business students at the Career Showcase during the 2025 Iowa Collegiate FBLA State Leadership Conference on Friday, February 28, at DMACC from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event brings together outstanding students in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, logistics, and computer science, giving your business access to future leaders ready to make an impact. Contact Jessi McQuerrey or Anna Mable for more information and to learn how to register.
LI Connect Wednesday with Key Government Leaders as Guests
Leadership Iowa (LI) is pleased to offer the "LI Connect" virtual series - an opportunity for Leadership Iowa alumni and current class members to connect and discuss topics impacting our state. This month’s discussion, to be held on Wednesday, February 5, will feature Director of Revenue Mary Mosiman and Secretary Paul Pate. If you are a Leadership Iowa Alumni Society member, please click here to register. For more information, please contact Jessi McQuerrey.
Chad Reece Inducted into RV Hall of Fame
Congratulations to ABI Board Chair Chad Reece (Winnebago Industries, Forest City) on his induction to the RV/MH Hall of Fame. According to the release, ‘The committees were impressed with the quality of nominations to the Hall of Fame.” We are fortunate to have Chad leading ABI and the Board of Directors this year. The ceremony will take place this summer in Elkhart, Indiana. Congratulations to Chad on this well-deserved honor!
Kelly Barrick to Celebrate
Please join me in wishing ABI Board Member Kelly Barrick (CIBC Bank, Des Moines) happy birthday on Friday, February 6! In addition to the ABI Board, Kelly has served on the annual conference committee, the Leadership Iowa Board of Governors and also currently serves on the ABI Foundation Board. Happy Birthday Kelly and thank you for your leadership in and service to ABI!
DMACC’s Denson to Retire
Last week, President Rob Denson (Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny)announced his upcoming retirement. President Denson has served the college for more than 21 years. During his time as President the college has seen great growth in programs, enrollment and revenue. President Denson has not only been an advocate for DMACC students and a skilled workforce but also an advocate for ABI and Iowa businesses. His retirement is effective December 31, 2025. On behalf of all of us at ABI, congratulations President Denson. We are grateful for your friendship and leadership and look forward to working together to advance Iowa’s workforce in 2025.
Former NAM President and CEO Jerry Jasinowski PassesJay Timmons, current President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) shared that former NAM President and CEO Jerry Jasinowski, who held the position from 1990 to 2004, passed away last week after a prolonged illness. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Jasinowski, I know many ABI and NAM members knew him and worked with him. You can read more about Mr. Jasinowski and his work with the NAM here.
ABI Office Closed Friday, February 7
The ABI office will be closed on Friday. The team will be doing an off-site retreat with Jen Neumann (DeNovo Marketing, Cedar Rapids). Part of the day will include learning about DeNovo, and most of the time will be spent on team building and how we work together to help support and provide value for members and plan for the future. If you need immediate support on Friday, please call or text me on my cell phone.