Executive Open Tees Off Today - Monday Memo 8/26/24

August 26, 2024

TODAY: The 2024 ABI Executive Open

As I noted last week, the annual ABI Executive Open is one of the association’s most popular events.  The 2024 Open tees-off later this morning at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines.  While golf for today’s event is set, even if you haven’t registered, you may attend the after-event reception.  Come on out to the Glen Oaks clubhouse club this afternoon and ABI will take care of you. 

Editor’s Note:  Many of you reading this memo are playing golf today.  Heat indices are expected be in the 110 degree range.  Please be safe, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, etc.  There will be a cart roaming the course to help you stay cool.  Thank you for your support; have fun and be safe! 

TOMORROW: PM2.5 Webinar

As mentioned in last week’s Memo, tomorrow, Tuesday August 27th, ABI and CIRAS will host a Zoom meeting related to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new particulate matter (better known as PM2.5) requirements.  Your environmental engineering team will want to participate to receive the latest updates and compliance strategies.  The discussion will also include an update on Iowa DNR’s recently released modeling guidance documents and what that could mean for your company.  Register here for this Zoom webinar: https://www.iowaabi.org/events/detail/455-pm2-5-naaqs-compliance-strategies-and-case-studies/.  

IN TWO WEEKS:First ABI Board Meeting of 2025 Fiscal Year

The ABI Board of Directors, led by ABI Chair Chad Reece (Winnebago Industries, Forest City), will hold its first meeting of the new fiscal year on Wednesday, September 11.  The board will convene at 11:30 a.m. at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines.  A week from Wednesday, you will receive the usual email message from me that includes the link to the meeting packet.  The packet will include 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 will be the consideration of recommendations related to the association's 2025 policy positions.  Two more highlights are appearances by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver.  As I noted last week, both Secretary Naig and Senator Whitver have been true friends of ABI and we appreciate their leadership very much.  Look for more information in your board packet.  

If you haven’t already registered for the board meeting, you can do so now by replying to this memo.  All board members and Past Chairs are encouraged to join ABI for the board meeting.  On behalf of Chad and our other officers, I look forward to seeing you on September 11. 

Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference in September

ABI and a number of other organizations partner each year in producing the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference.  The 2024 conference will be held September 24-25 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas.  The agenda for the conference is packed full of information and your team members who attend will receive the very latest in environmental regulatory information. 

ABI receives financial support for every Iowa participant that registers for the conference.  While that is a great incentive, the real reason to attend is for the high-value program.  Find more information and register by clicking on Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference (mecconference.com).    

ABI Manufacturing Conference, Including Legends Luncheon, to be held October 2nd

ABI, Agri-Industrial Plastics, the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University (CIRAS), Community State Bank, EMC Insurance, Express Logistics, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and RAMCO Innovations are the lead sponsors for the 2024 Iowa Manufacturing Conference.  The conference will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center on the campus of Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny on October 2nd.  

There is a great speaker lineup for this event.  Former ABI Chair Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines) and ABI Board Member Rob Feeney(Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Des Moines) will keynote the morning session in a reprise of their presentation to the ABI Board of Directors.  You will enjoy this fabulous Iowa manufacturing story!  Technology futurist Jack Shaw will keynote the afternoon session.  High-value workshops, manufacturing tours, a luncheon featuring the annual Legends in Manufacturing Awards, and much more will make the conference one you don’t want to miss.  Find more information and register now for the conference by clicking on this link: Summary - Iowa Manufacturing Conference & Legends In Manufacturing Awards (cvent.com).  

Legislative Committee to Meet Tomorrow

The ABI Legislative Committee, chaired by ABI Vice Chair Kellan Longenecker (General Mills, Carlisle), will meet tomorrow in Des Moines.  Following on the many meetings held in Des Moines and around Iowa before it, the meeting will result in a final set of polices being developed for action by you and your fellow board members next month.  Look for the final policy draft in your September board packet. 

Free Business Planning Documentary Tomorrow Night Week in Waukee

As you know, for many years, ABI has been providing information and resources related to business/ownership transitions.  This is a key issue for ABI members and a new resource is coming to Iowa to provide further assistance with this issue.  The SCOPE Institute is a nonprofit educational entity that is producing events across the country to provide information to business owners related to business transitions.  In that regard, SCOPE is hosting the screening of a documentary film, accompanied by a panel discussion, related to this issue.  It will be held at The Palms IMAX Theater in Waukee from 6:00 to 8:00 tomorrow evening (August 27th).  The event is free of charge, but you must pre-register at Des Moines - August 2024 | The2024event.  

Make Your Annual IIPAC Investment Now

You know that the Iowa Industry Political Action Committee is ABI’s political arm and a key resource in supporting pro-business candidates of either party.  I was an IIPAC donor long before I joined the ABI staff and over the years, I have increased my personal investment significantly.  I hope you are an IIPAC contributor already.  If so, thank you.  If not, please become a donor now.  You can do that here: IIPAC | Iowa Association of Business and Industry (iowaabi.org)

Des Moines Art Center to Provide Tour Focused on Global Trade

In the category of different experiences, this opportunity came across the ABI desk last week and I bring it your attention.  The Des Moines Art Center has extended an invitation to all ABI members to participate in an upcoming themed tour.  

On September 21st at 1:00 p.m., the Art Center staff will lead a museum tour titled Tradewinds.  The tour will explore how global trade shaped lives and landscapes, connects diverse peoples, and leaves lasting impacts through the movement of goods and the labor involved in their production.  Art Center officials believe the tour will offer a thought-provoking exploration of global connectedness through the lens of art. 

This is a drop-in tour with no registration required.  Both the Cyclones and the Hawkeyes are on the road that day, so if you are looking for something different to do on a Saturday, here is something for your consideration! 

Last Week’s NAM Report Cites Slowing Inflation, but Mostly Negative Data

ABI partner the National Manufacturing Association publishes lots of great information and as you know, I frequently cite those reports in these memoranda.  The NAM’s Monday Economic Report from a week ago had a great headline, as it noted that inflation is slowing (and that means better things with regard to input costs, etc.).  Following that, however, there was data that wasn’t so positive.  Slowing manufacturing production, steep declines in housing, and more. In any case, as always, the report was interesting reading.  If you wish to see it for yourself, please reply to this memo and I’ll get it to you at once.