Board Meets Next Week - Monday Memo 9/4/18
September 4, 2018
First ABI Board Meeting of 2018-2019 Fiscal Year One Week from Tomorrow
The ABI Board of Directors, chaired by David Bywater (Bankers Advertising/TruArt, Iowa City), will hold its first meeting of the new fiscal year on Wednesday, September 12. The board will meet at Reiman Gardens in Ames.The meeting will be preceded by the monthly meeting of the ABI Executive Committee that morning. You will soon receive the usual meeting packet with a map, an agenda, detailed reports, and other items to help you prepare for the meeting.
A number of important issues will be reviewed and acted upon at the meeting. One highlight, led by ABI Vice Chair John Krogman (Connect-A-Dock, Atlantic), will be consideration of recommendations related to the association's 2019 policy positions.
Another highlight will be comments by Iowa Business Specialty Court Judges Michael Huppert and Lawrence McLellan. Both men are Iowa District Court judges who frequently hear cases on the business court. They will share information about the progress of the court, which ABI supported creating just a few years ago.
If you haven’t already done so, please register now by replying to this memo. All board members and Past Chairs are encouraged to join ABI for the board meeting. Lunch will also be served. On behalf of David and our other officers, I look forward to seeing you on September 12.
New Board Member Orientations Completed
Speaking of the ABI Board of Directors, the annual orientation sessions with newly-elected board members were completed last week. It is always great visiting with new board members and touring their plants and offices.
The orientation process was completed with last week's orientation session involving newly-elected ABI Board member Rich Dwyer (Kent Corporation, Muscatine). Other new board members include Matt Ahmann (Principal, Des Moines), Brett Bosworth (R&R Equity Partners, West Des Moines), Connor Deering (CemenTech, Indianola), Phil Jones (Rada Manufacturing, Waverly), Nick Gerhart (FBL Financial Group, West Des Moines), Randy Moore (Iowa American Water, Davenport), Mindi VandenBosch (Vermeer Corporation, Pella), and the honorary Leadership Iowa board member, Molly Varangkounh (Hy-Capacity, Humboldt). Thank you to these newly-elected board members, whom you will have an opportunity to meet at the September meeting.
Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference October 3; Legends Dinner Previous Evening
Last week, I mentioned that ABI and the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State and Des Moines Area Community College are the lead sponsors for the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference 2018. The conference will be held in Altoona on October 3rd. . Great speakers and a high value program are on tap at the conference. You can register now (many of you already have) and find more information at: http://www.cvent.com/events/legends-in-manufacturing-awards-dinner-and-or-advanced-manufacturing-conference/event-summary-de211e47fb134bf5ad05f7564b050780.aspx.
By the way, remember that the third annual Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner (hosted by ABI's Elevate Advanced Manufacturing program) will be held the preceding night, also at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. Don't miss this event.
To register or to find more information about this event, please click on the same link listed above. Many participants will attend both the dinner and the conference the next day. If you wish to make a hotel reservation, so that you can attend both events conveniently, go to: http://www.prairiemeadows.com/.
IIPAC Makes Endorsement Announcement; Reynolds is Choice for Governor
The Iowa Industry Political Action Committee is ABI’s political arm. Former ABI Chair Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines) chairs the IIPAC Board. Kirk and ABI Chair David Bywater (Bankers Advertising/TruArt, Iowa City) headlined an event last Thursday in which IIPAC announced its endorsement of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for re-election. Your support for IIPAC is crucial. Thank you for all you do to support pro-business candidates and help Iowa grow.
ABI CFO, Operational Excellence Roundtables Meet Tomorrow
In response to your comments, ABI some time ago created the CFO Roundtable and the Operational Excellence Roundtable. These panels are terrific opportunities for peer learning, best-practice sharing, and problem-solving. High-value programs are a hallmark of the new groups, which are open to any ABI member company.
The panels will meet together at a session tomorrow, September 5. The meeting will be held at longtime ABI member Tero International in Clive. If you have questions or desire more information, please reply to this memo, or contact ABI Vice President Member Development and Programs Kathy Anderson, who leads ABI's work related to the roundtables.
Conference Committee Meeting Next Week
You have heard us say that the 2019 ABI Conference is shaping up to be the best ever. We say that every year… but every year it is true. The committee planning the conference will hold its first official meeting next week, on Thursday, in Des Moines. I say “official,” because various members of the committee have been working for months now.
The committee is chaired by Lisa Patterson (Bankers Advertising/Tru-Art, Iowa City) and it is working with some fabulous venues and speakers related to the conference. Stay tuned for much more exciting news in the months and weeks ahead.
Legislative Committee Meets
The ABI Legislative Committee, chaired by ABI Vice Chair John Krogman (Connect-A-Dock, Atlantic), met last Thursday in Des Moines. Following on the many meetings held in Des Moines and around Iowa before it, the meeting last week resulted in a final set of polices being developed for action by you and your fellow board members later this month. Look for the final policy draft in your September board packet.
YPIowa Conference in Two Weeks
Young Professionals of Iowa (our state's leading organization for young professionals) will hold its annual conference this month. The 2018 YPIowa conference will be held on September 21 at the Clay County Fair and Events Center in Spencer. If you haven’t been there, I can tell you it is a fabulous venue.
The conference is a great way to get your company's YPs engaged and energized. Find more information at http://ypiowa.com/events/the-2018-young-professionals-of-iowa-conference/. The conference will include several keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and a great deal of information targeted to young professional who desire to grow their futures, their businesses, and their communities.
Elevate Ambassador Training to be Held in Davenport September 11
ABI’s Elevate Advanced Manufacturing Ambassadors are critical to Elevate’s work to inform parents, students, and mentors about the terrific careers available in Iowa manufacturing companies. The next Ambassador Training Session will be held on September 11 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the John T. Blong Technology Center in Davenport. You and your employees who participate (there is no charge to do so) will receive information about ABI and Elevate and be trained in delivering presentations. In fact, a personalized presentation will be created for all participants. To register for the session, contact Elevate Coordinator Alexandra Monaghan at amonaghan@measuredintentions.com.
Sukups Celebrate Anniversary
Former ABI Chair Charles Sukup (Sukup Manufacturing Co., Sheffield) and his wife, Mary Sukup, celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary just yesterday. As has been noted previously, Charles and Mary are one of the all-time great couples. It is a pleasure to send very best wishes and congratulations to Charles and Mary. Happy anniversary to the Sukups!
Bill Zinkewich Checks in From Florida
Longtime ABI Board Member Bill Zinkewich (SSAB, Muscatine) left the board and retired some years ago. Bill was a major part of the turnaround ABI experienced more than decade ago and it is always great to hear from him.
Bill checked in from Venice, Florida last week. He and his wife, Mary Zinkewich, recently (August 2nd) celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise. Bill reports that he and Mary continue to enjoy retirement and, while they now live in Florida, their hearts remain in Iowa. It was wonderful hearing from you, Bill! Belated congratulations to you and Mary!
Doug Bass Named Great Western Bancorp President
It was announced Friday that ABI Board Member Doug Bass (Great Western Bank, West Des Moines) has been named president of the bank’s parent company, Great Western Bancorp. Doug will assume the new post on October 1 and will be relocating to Sioux Falls, South Dakota (that company’s headquarters location). Congratulations and best wishes, Doug!