September 21, 2007

ABI Regional Policy Meetings

Public Policy Committee Agendas

Committee Schedule

Wieck Elected Senate GOP Leader

2007 IIPAC Contribution

STAFF:

Mike Ralston
President
515/235-0562

John R. Gilliland
Senior Vice President, 
Government Relations
515/235-0566

ABI ADVISORY COUNCIL

Resources & Links

ABI Political Education & Action Center
for
-Issue Alerts
-Write Your Legislator
-ABI Voting Records

Iowa Prosperity Project
for
-2007 Officials
-Register to Vote
-Issue Education

For your own FREE
Prosperity Project website, click here.

www.iowaabi.org

Upcoming ABI Events - Mark Your Calendar!
Click Here to Register

Thursday, September 27^th – 10am-2pm @ DMACC in Ankeny
“Employee Drug Testing Compliance” (Cost $250)  

October:

Thursday, October 4^th – 7:30-9am @ ABI Office
“Networking Event for Professionals”

Tuesday, October 16^th – 8am-4pm @ Marriott Hotel & Resort in Coralville
“Environmental & Manufacturing Conference”  

November:

Tuesday, November 6^th – 7:30-9am in Cedar Rapids: Kirkwood Community College
“Solutions Tour: Safety & Risk Management”

Thursday, November 8^th – 7:30-9am in Storm Lake: Iowa Central Community College
“Solutions Tour: Safety & Risk Management”

Thursday, November 15^th – 7:30-9am in West Des Moines: DMACC - West
“Solutions Tour: Safety & Risk Management”

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ABI Regional Policy Meetings 

On the heals of successful Regional Public Policy meetings in Muscatine and Sioux City, the ABI Legislative Agenda development process continues next week with meetings in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.  Regional meetings are open invitations to members to hear what’s brewing at the State Capitol, catch up on the political news, and share information and ideas on strategy for the next legislative session.  

For details and to register for these FREE events and breakfast, click HERE

Public Policy Committees to Firm Up Agendas

In October, ABI’s five (5) public policy committees will meet to have topical conversation on the most pressing issues facing Iowa businesses.  From workers’ compensation to water discharge permits, from health insurance to immigration issues – the ABI committees will cover it all.  Committees are open to all employees of all ABI member companies.

 “The ABI public policy committees are invaluable for us at AY McDonald.  Each year we have at least one person with expertise in the area of interest participate in each committee to ensure our company's perspective is represented on important issues.  Taking an active role in the public policy process not only provides our employees a great opportunity to meet with state regulators and network with their peers from other industries around the state but provides our Company front line involvement in legislative issues that directly impact our business.” 

Sarah McDonald Hasken
Vice President - Corporate Secretary
AY McDonald Mfg. Co.., Dubuque  

Committee Schedule

Employment and Workforce Committee Meeting

Thursday, October 4 - 11:30am – 3:00pm

Tax Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 9 – 11:30am – 3:00pm

Environment Committee Meeting*

Monday, October 15 – 1:00pm-5:00pm

Economic Growth Committee Meeting

Thursday, October 25 – 11:30am-3:00pm  

Workplace and Product Safety Committee Meeting

Friday, October 26 – 11:30am-3:00pm  

*All committees will meet at John Deere Credit, 6400 NW 86th St., Johnston - with the EXCEPTION of the Environment Committee which will meet at the Coralville Marriott, 300 E. 9th St., Coralville, in conjunction with the ABI Manufacturing and Environmental Conference.

For more information and to register for committee meetings, click HERE

Wieck Elected Senate GOP Leader

Senator Ron Wieck ( R-Sioux City ) was elected by his fellow Republican Senators as Minority Leader.  Wieck succeeds Senator Mary Lundby of Marion who announced last month she was not planning to seek re-election to the Senate.  Wieck is serving his second term in the Senate winning re-election in 2006.  He has served as co-chair of the Senate Business and Labor Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee.  Wieck has had 100% ABI voting record 4 out of past 5 years.  He has been a State Farm Insurance agent for nearly 35 years.  He and his wife Carol, have two adult sons.

Have You Made Your 2007 IIPAC Contribution Yet????

This past legislative session was anything but pro-active for the business agenda.  Issues such as Right to Work and Employer Directed Medical Care will continue to be in jeopardy until more business friendly legislators can be elected!

As a member of the business community, you know how important it is for ABI to advance a pro-active agenda to grow Iowa .  A key component of ABI’s mission is to advocate for a business environment where businesses can grow and prosper, creating jobs and economic opportunities for our citizens. The Iowa Industry PAC is ABI’s best weapon to stop “anti-business” legislation and get back to advocating a pro-active business agenda.  

Please invest in your company by donating to IIPAC.  

Contributing is easier than ever!  CLICK HERE!

                                 Iowa Association of Business and Industry
                         904 Walnut Street, Suite #100
                           Des Moines, IA  50309
                          www.iowaabi.org
                           515-280-8000 / 800-383-4224