Regional Policy Meetings This Week - Monday Memo 7/13/20
July 13, 2020
There is Still Time to Register for This Week’s Annual ABI Regional Policy Meetings
Each year upon adjournment of the Iowa General Assembly, the ABI public policy team hits the road for regional meetings around Iowa. Normally, we cover a thousand miles or more. That won’t be the case this year, as due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional meetings are being held virtually.
ABI members all across Iowa will convene tomorrow and Wednesday for the annual meetings. Western and Central Regions will meet tomorrow, with the Eastern region meeting Wednesday. This is your opportunity to hear the final report on the 2020 legislative session, the latest news from ABI, and to share your comments about the ABI agenda for next year. For more information or to register, place click on https://www.iowaabi.org/events/.
Annual ABIF “Black Tie Optional” Online Auction Is Next Week, Register Now for Live Virtual Finale
The ABI Foundation auction brings together the great people in and great products of Iowa. While what’s up to auction is to be revealed later this week, you can be sure you don’t miss out by registering for the live virtual finale! Longtime auctioneer Nate Weaton (Weaton Capital, Fairfield) and foundation board member and former ABI Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton (Agri-Industrial Plastics Company, Fairfield) will host us to network, bid to the last second and raise a toast. Register now at https://bit.ly/3fc7KdJ.
The auction week starts Monday, July 20 at 7 am and closes at noon on Friday, July 24 during the live virtual finale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Zoom! More information will be available on the ABI Event Calendar at https://bit.ly/3fcYV3k.
Orientations with New Board Members Ahead
As I have mentioned in recent memos, you will have the opportunity to meet the new board members soon, as ABI Chair Steven Bradford (HNI Corporation, Muscatine) and all of you will welcome them in September. Orientation sessions with these new board members will take place in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please welcome newly-elected board members Tim Coonan (Davis Brown Law Firm, Des Moines), Rob Feeney (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines), Karen Harrison (Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Sioux City), and Adam Steen (Syverson Strege, West Des Moines).
Leadership Iowa University Program August 10-13
The 2020 session of the ABI Foundation’s annual Leadership Iowa University program will begin four weeks from today. The program will be held virtually August 10 through 13.
LIU brings talented Iowa college students from Iowa’s public universities, private colleges, and from community colleges together to learn about our state and ways they can impact its future. The program also connects students with their future in Iowa. By the time the annual LIU session is completed, students know that they have terrific employment opportunities right here.
LIU has received rave reviews from students, college officials, ABI leaders, and others. Watch for more information about LIU coming soon.
Dozens of Members Already Registered for Next Month's Policy Development Meetings
Over the years, ABI members have always played close attention to the association's annual policy development process. Some members travel from out of state to participate and the end result has been successful and award-winning public policy outcomes.
Again this year, the policy development process has been advanced to increase the opportunity for success. It appears that members like that decision, because dozens of you have already signed-up for next month's meeting. If you aren't one of those, there is still plenty of time for you and your employees to register for these free meetings. Go to https://www.iowaabi.org/events/ to register for the committee meetings of interest to you and your employees. The ABI Board of Directors will act on the recommendations of these committees at the September board meeting.
Biennial ABI Pre-Employment Testing Process Seminar August 19
As you know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ABI’s biennial Pre-Employment Testing Process Seminar had to be rescheduled. That event will now be held at ABI on Wednesday, August 19.
A good crowd has already registered for this popular seminar and your HR and risk-management teams will find value in the information shared through this event. Expert speakers and the latest information about best practices and current trends will be shared. Register now at: http://www.cvent.com/events/pre-employment-testing-process-seminar/event-summary-4585231707b146178b17c93a1247762f.aspx.
Latest Business Record Iowa Now Out, Tylers on the Cover
The latest edition of ABI’s monthly newsprint magazine, Business Record Iowa, should be in your mailbox by now. It is another terrific edition, with lots of valuable information and the first column by newly-elected ABI Chair Steven Bradford (HNI Corporation, Muscatine).
Another highlight is a great cover story about multi-generational ABI member businesses. You can’t miss it, because you will find former ABI Chair Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines), newly-elected ABI Board Member Rob Feeney(Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines), and Jay Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines) on the cover. Thank you, fellows, for being our ABI cover models this month!
Thanks, too, to other great ABI members featured in the story. Thank you to former ABI Chair Frederick V. Buie (Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company, Des Moines), ABI Board Member Todd Sommerfeld (Kreg Tool Company, Huxley), and to ABI Board Member Mary Landhuis (Lisle Corporation, Clarinda) for sharing the fabulous stories of their family companies!
Iowa Business Report Radio Program Broadcasts 28th Episode
The Iowa Business Report radio program’s 28th edition was broadcast statewide over the weekend. ABI is proud to sponsor this terrific program. Click here to listen for yourself: http://iowabusinessreport.buzzsprout.com/. Links can also be found on the ABI website at https://www.iowaabi.org/news/iowa-business-report/. The show is produced by well-known Iowa broadcaster Jeff Stein.
Mark Your Calendars Now for Annual ABI Executive Open Best Ball
In recent editions of this memorandum, I have been sharing information about the Annual ABI Executive Open. This best ball golf tournament has quickly grown into one of ABI's most popular annual events.
This year's event will be held on August 31st at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines. Perhaps Iowa's most beautiful private club, Des Moines Golf is again sure to be a fabulous venue for this always-popular event. Register now at https://web.cvent.com/event/096af229-a2f3-4913-9947-10fd65dce17f/summary. See you in West Des Moines for what many ABI members call our association's most fun event.
NAM Report: Significant Improvement in Economic Activity
Last week’s Monday Economic Report, published by the National Association of Manufacturers, included very encouraging data about the significant recovery being made by the economy. Most experts believe the recovery is occurring much faster than was first hoped.
That’s the good news.
There continue to be caveats. A spike in COVID-19 cases globally as well as the amount of ground to make up combine to temper the positive news. Still, the outlook is hopeful. If you wish to read the report for yourself, reply to this memo and I’ll get it to you at once.
Iowa Area Development Group Honored for 35 Years of Leadership
Back in 1985, Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives crated the Iowa Area Development Group. Long an ABI member, IADG has invigorated economic development efforts and community vitality across Iowa ever since.
IADG was honored on this big anniversary by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who issued a special proclamation recognizing the organization for its leadership and service. ABI salutes and congratulates everyone at IADG on this special honor, including its president, long time ABI Board Member Rand Fisher (Iowa Area Development Group, Des Moines)! Here’s to many more years of IADG serving Iowa!