Start the New Year by Investing in Iowa's Future

January 20, 2025 | New ABI President Nicole Crain: Speaking Up For Business 'Ingrained In Who I Am' Jessi McQuerrey, ABI Foundation, jmcquerrey@iowaabi.org

For more than 40 years, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation has led educational programming to inspire the next generation of leaders through initiatives like Leadership Iowa, Leadership Iowa University, Business Horizons, and Elevate Advanced Manufacturing.

This impact is possible thanks to partners across Iowa who support the Foundation’s mission to educate, equip, and inspire current and future leaders. These individuals and organizations understand that human capital is essential to the success of our communities, workplaces, and state.

As the new year begins, now is the time to invest in Iowa’s future. Join our network of partners supporting workforce, education, and future-focused programs like Business Horizons and Leadership Iowa University. Contributions of time, talent, or treasure make a meaningful difference for participants.

  • Corporate Sponsorship & Donations: Our statewide youth programs offer various sponsorship opportunities paired with unique benefits to recognize your generosity. Whether through a personal donation or corporate grant or sponsorship, your tax-deductible contribution plays a critical role in empowering youth and strengthening communities.
  • Support Local Students or Interns: Several sponsorship levels allow companies to provide free program attendance to students in their communities and/or internship programs. This option not only supports local schools and families, but also helps build your talent pipeline and boosts statewide brand recognition among young minds eager to identify future employment opportunities.
  • Volunteer & Nominate: Volunteers serve as the heartbeat of our programs and often have a profound impact on attendees. Additionally, the simple act of sharing these opportunities with others or visiting our website to “nominate” potential participants fosters self-confidence and sparks empowerment among future leaders. Local involvement ensures your community, company, and industry are wellrepresented in these statewide programs.

“The fact that companies are willing to invest in our futures gives me hope and reassurance that my generation can truly do wonderful things,” shares Saad Mann, a Pleasantville High School Business Horizons 2024 participant.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and opportunity. Your investment in the ABI Foundation ensures Iowa’s leadership and workforce continuum remains strong and vibrant for years to come. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit www.IowaABIFoundation.org or contact Meg Schneider at mschneider@iowaabi.org. ABI