August 22, 2007

NAM Honors Senator Grassley

ABI Regional Policy Meetings Set

ABI Policy Committees Set for October

More on Right to Work

Congratulations to IIPAC Winner

STAFF:

Mike Ralston
President
515/235-0562

Government Relations Team:

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

Kellie Paschke
Vice President, 
Government Relations
515/235-0567

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

September:
Wednesday, September 19^th – 7:30-9:30am @ New Ventures in Davenport
“Taking Control of Rising Health Care Costs”

Thursday, September 20^th – 7:30-9:30am @ Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids
“Taking Control of Rising Health Care Costs”  

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

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

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NAM Honors Senator Grassley

ABI served as host to US Senator Charles E. Grassley on Monday as the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)  honored Iowa's senior senator for his support of NAM 's pro-manufacturing, pro-jobs agenda.  NAM Board Member and former ABI Chair Kendig Kneen (Al-jon, Ottumwa), presented the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence to Senator Grassley before more than 50 ABI members and guests at an award ceremony and open discussion session at the ABI offices in Des Moines.  NAM Board Member and past ABI Chair Al Jennings (EFCO, Des Moines) also attended, along with current ABI Board Chair Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Bottling, Waukee); and ABI Board members Charles Sukup (Sukup Mfg., Sheffield); Hank Evans (AF Johnson Millwork); Merle Pederson (Principal, Des Moines); Jerry Hadenfeldt (Meredith, Des Moines); and Mara Sovey (John Deere, Johnston).

ABI Regional Policy Meetings Set  

Time is nearing for the development of ABI’s 2008 Legislative Agenda. The ABI agenda is developed by members for the benefit of members.  It all starts with you.  ABI Government Relations Vice Presidents John Gilliland and Kellie Paschke will be in all 5 ABI Regions in September to listen to members about issues of concern.  They will also preview anticipated battles for 2008.  The dates and locations have been set.   To register for a meeting in your area, just click HERE

ABI Policy Committees Set for October  

Following member input from the 5 Regional Policy meetings, ABI will host 5 policy committee meetings to drill down on the key issues for ABI in 2008.  Now is the time to sign-up for ABI Committees meeting later this fall.  The only qualification you need is that your employer is an ABI member and that you try to attend the fall meeting. 

ABI will host five (5) policy committee meetings where individuals from member companies can share thoughts and ideas around more focused topical issues.  This year John Deere Credit in Johnston will host the four of committee meetings (Environment Committee will meet at the Coralville Marriott in conjunction with the ABI Manufacturing and Environmental Conference).  

More on Right to Work  

Following an effort by ABI to encourage lawmakers to put to rest legislation that guts Iowa ’s Right to Work law for the 2008 legislative session, it appears that organized labor groups continue to push hard for passage of SF 413 by the Iowa legislature.   While labor unions typically keep their spats “inside the family”, this one has spilled out onto the front page and editorial pages of the news.  Below is the Sunday editorial from the Waterloo Courier:  

Congratulations to IIPAC Winner  

Julie Sorci from Compressor Controls was the “winner” of the Iowa Industry PAC’s  first on-line auction and won the day at the Iowa Cubs in a VIP Skybox for 20 people with hot-dogs and beverages.  Rumor has it that Julie surprised her husband on his birthday with friends and family for a great day at Principal Park .  

Julie’s bid of $700 will help ABI’s political action committee – IIPAC, elect more pro-business candidates to the Iowa legislature.  Congratulations and thank you Julie!   

To make your 2007 IIPAC Contribution click HERE.  

Iowa Association of Business and Industry
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Des Moines, IA  50309
www.iowaabi.org
515-280-8000 / 800-383-4224