From the Desk of Mike Ralston

I also note that while ABI is not a political organization, our award-winning public policy work is some of the most important we conduct every year. Year in and year out, ABI is always at or near the top of any list of organizations that successfully impact policy development in Iowa. That's good, because that is what ABI members expect and demand.

There are many reasons ABI's public policy work is so successful. We provide our members with all the tools you would expect of a successful public policy organization. ABI has a political action committee, a grassroots organizing tool, a nonpartisan elections resource, and all the technology you would expect. We also have on staff some of Iowa's very best public policy and communications professionals.

However, while those things are critically important, the real reason for ABI's success is YOU. When you develop a personal relationship with your legislative delegation and when you invite public officials into your plant or office, you are doing the very best thing you can to help advance pro-business policy in Iowa.

One way to develop that personal relationship is to participate in next week's ABI annual legislative briefing and reception. You will hear the latest from the ABI public policy team and then meet with Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg (both are invited and usually attend) and more legislators from both parties and both chambers than you will see at any other similar event. And you will have fun doing it.

If you haven't already done so, go now to www.iowaabi.org and register for next week's event. We'll see you Wednesday in Des Moines.

Finally, on behalf of ABI Chair Jack Hasken, let me remind you that it is not too early to make your plans to join ABI for the annual Taking Care of Business Conference In June in Dubuque. You can use the web address above to find more information about that premier event as well. Don't miss it! And best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2022.