July 1 marks the beginning of a new year at ABI
July 6, 2017 | Mike Ralston
On Saturday, ABI began a new fiscal year. As I note every year, the date is much more than a simple accounting mark.
July is important to ABI, because it provides the opportunity to take stock of the year past and prepare for success in the year ahead. First, did we meet the charge from the ABI Board of Directors to be fiscally responsible? Did we meet our financial goals during the past year and are we well established for the year ahead? Second and just as important, did we meet our programming goals? Is ABI serving members and providing resources that help improve member companies' bottom line?
The answers to those questions better be in the affirmative. Each ABI member company has countless demands for support, with more arriving every day. For ABI to deserve your investment, our organization better be providing value. It is that focus that is the goal all year at ABI, but especially every July 1.
Speaking of programming, it never stops, of course. Summer is a very busy time for ABI (and the ABI Foundation) programs and events. Upcoming events include the Okoboji Connecting Statewide Leaders Event, policy committee meetings, IIPAC work, Business Horizons and Leadership Iowa University, board orientations and executive committee meetings; all of these and so much more are a part of summer work at ABI.
Finally, please allow me to thank you for making the 2017 ABI Taking Care of Business Conference a smashing success. Hundreds of ABI members from Iowa and beyond converged on Dubuque last month. Thanks to you, the event was a terrific annual meeting. Of course, plans are already well underway for a fabulous 2018 conference. On behalf of ABI Chair David Zrostlik, I look forward to seeing you in Greater Iowa City next June!
In the meantime and on behalf of the Board of Directors, THANK YOU once more for your support and investment in ABI. It is never, ever taken for granted.