First FY17 Board Meeting This Week - Monday Memo 9/12./16

September 12, 2016

ABI Board Will Meet in Two Days

ABI Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton (Agri-Industrial Plastics, Fairfield) will convene the first board meeting of the fiscal year Wednesday in Des Moines.  The board will meet at ABI headquarters in the East Village at 10:30 a.m. on September 14.  

You should have received an email message from me last Wednesday with a link to the board packet. Some of you are experiencing issues accessing the packet.  if that is the case, please contact Michelle Vollstedt at mvollstedt@iowaabi.com and she will see that you receive access. 

The September meeting is an important one for several reasons.  One, it marks the first meeting of the fiscal year and the first meeting for newly-elected board members.  Two, it will involve board consideration and approval of the policies developed through the annual policy development process (literally hundreds of ABI members have participated in meetings to propose a slate of policies for 2017).  This part of the meeting will be led by ABI Vice Chair David Zrostlik (Stellar Industries, Garner).  Three, the board will receive and act on operational reports regarding the business of ABI.  Four, a special presentation about ABI's Elevate initiative will be shared.  Five and finally, the meeting will include time for brief business reports from each member present.  These reports are always a highlight for those attending. 

On behalf of Lori and our other officers, I look forward to seeing you Wednesday here in Des Moines.  Thank you in advance for making plans to attend the meeting. 

Latest Edition of ABI's Business Record Iowa Now Out; Fred Buie on the Cover

The most recent edition of ABI's monthly newsprint magazine, Business Record Iowa, has been published and should have been received by you late last week.  We are proud to partner with member company Business Publications Corp. on the magazine.

Look for former ABI Chair Frederick V. Buie (Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company, Des Moines) on the cover of this month's edition.  Let us know what you would like to see in future editions.  If you have not received the magazine, please reply to this memo and I'll make sure one is sent to you right away. 

Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference Three Weeks Away

Last week, I mentioned that ABI, 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 2016.  The conference will be held in Altoona on October 4.  Register now for this important conference at http://www.cvent.com/events/legends-in-manufacturing-awards-dinner-and-or-advanced-manufacturing-conference/event-summary-be7eff8f843b4b81bf82e2d177a1ffa0.aspx.  

Great speakers are on tap.  Use the link above to see the entire program for yourself.  You don't want to miss this program and the terrific value provided for conference attendees. 

Legends Dinner Three Weeks from Tonight

ABI and the association's Elevate program are hosting the second annual Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner on the evening preceding the manufacturing conference (October 3).  Don't miss this event.  To register or to find more information, click on the link found in the previous item. Contact  Michele Farrell mfarrell@measuredintentions.com or Alexandra Monaghan at amonaghan@measuredintentions.com with questions regarding attendance or sponsorships. 

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/.  

ABI Advisory Council Meets Thursday

Members of the ABI Advisory Council will convene Thursday afternoon for their regular monthly meeting.  The group will meet at the ABI office in Des Moines. 

The council members provide ongoing leadership assistance to ABI in several ways and can be great resources for your business.  Thank you to ABI Advisory Council members 21st Century Rehab, ATW Training Solutions, BCC Advisers, Brick Gentry P.C., BrownWinick, CIRAS, CliftonLarsonAllen, EMC, Focus OneSource, Global Reach, LMC Insurance and Risk Management, Manpower, Measured Intentions, Principal Financial Group, Spindustry Digital, Transition Point Business Advisors, and Wellmark

Foundation Board to Meet Tomorrow

The ABI Foundation Board of Directors will meet tomorrow at the association office in Des Moines. Foundation Chair (and former ABI Chair) Bill Brown (BrownWinick, Des Moines) and members of the board will take action on a number of important issues.  

September 30 marks the end of the Foundation's fiscal year and programs and revenues remain strong. Look for a full report on Foundation activities at this week's ABI board meeting. 

Bid Now on FOUR Terrific Seats for Hawkeye Game

This Saturday, the Iowa Hawkeyes will host the multiple-consecutive national championship winning North Dakota State Bison at Kinnick Stadium. This is a big game and YOU can watch it from fabulous seats. 

Thanks to former ABI Board Member and former ABI Foundation Chair Tom McMahon (Barker Company, Fairfield) - thank you, Tom -- you'll get to cheer on the Hawks from level 2 of the Press Box, Mediacom Outdoor Seating.  You'll enjoy extra-wide seats, Access to a climate-controlled lounge (with 18 televisions), and expanded food and drink menu, private restrooms, and more. 

You can bid on these four tickets NOW (bidding closes at NOON TODAY) and all proceeds benefit the ABI Foundation. Thank you for supporting the ABI Foundation and please click on this link  to place your bid: https://www.32auctions.com/ABIFHawkeyes

2016-2017 Leadership Iowa Class Announced

Speaking of the Foundation, on Friday, the ABI Foundation released the names of those selected for inclusion in the Leadership Iowa Class of 2016-2017.  As always, participants come from all corners of our state and together, they comprise a great group of Iowans. 

You can view the list of class members by clicking on this link: 2016-17 Leadership Iowa Class.  Congratulations to all selected and best wishes for a great experience in LI.

Dubuque Pulling Out All the Stops for Fantastic 2017 ABI Conference

The association's 114th annual convention will be held June 6-8 of next year in Dubuque.  The 2017 Conference Committee, chaired by Amy Jones (Agri-Industrial Plastics, Fairfield), is putting together a fantastic program.  The committee will meet tomorrow at ABI. 

Ladies and gentlemen, you will truly enjoy the hospitality and terrific venues to be found in Greater Dubuque.  Procuring the ABI conference was important to local officials and they are going the extra mile to help develop a conference experience unlike any other.  The beautiful Hotel Julien, the great Grand River Convention Center, the fabulous Eagle Ridge Golf resort in Galena, and other fantastic new facilities are just some of the things that will make next year's conference a great event.  

As always, registration will open sometime after the first of the year.  In the meantime, mark your calendars now and reserve the dates; you do not want to miss this conference!  

YPIowa Conference Next Week in Ankeny

Young Professionals of Iowa (our state's leading organization for young professionals) will hold its annual conference next week.  The 2016 YPIowa conference will be held on September 22 in Ankeny.  Find more information at http://ypiowa.com/events/yp-iowa-conference/.   

NAM Report Sobering

The latest edition of the Monday Economic Report, published by the National Association of Manufacturers, has some sobering information in it.  The Report reviews pressures on the economy and makes note of several negative data points.  On the positive side, consumer spending is sharply up.  As always, if you wish to read the Report for yourself, simply reply to this message and I will get it to you at once. 

Steve Jacobs Presents High-Value Information at CFO Roundtable

At last week's session of the ABI CFO Roundtable, the keynote speaker gave a high-value presentation related to acquisitions. Despite what you may believe and if the right conditions are in place, now is a great time to grow your company through an acquisition. 

As you might have guessed, ABI Board Member Steve Jacobs (BCC Advisers, Des Moines) was the speaker.  If you want a copy of some of the great information Steve shared, contact me and I'll get it to you at once. 

Schaefer-Weaton Honored with Lindenmayer Award

ABI Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton (Agri-Industrial Plastics, Fairfield) is a strong leader for ABI and for Iowa. As such, it is only fitting that Lori was recognized for her leadership with a prestigious honor.  Earlier this month, Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa presented Lori with the Jim Lindenmayer Leadership Award. 

The award is named for former Indian Hills President Jim Lindenmayer (who was a strong ABI supporter). It was presented to Lori in recognition of her terrific leadership at her company, in the Indian Hills region, at ABI, and in our state. 

If you would like to read more, please reply to this email message and I will send you a copy of the award press release that details Lori's accomplishments. ABI salutes Lori and sends heartiest congratulations to her! 

Lieutenant Governor to Tour Stellar

Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, just like Governor Terry Branstad, is a strong supporter of ABI and Iowa manufacturers. On Wednesday, the Lieutenant Governor will demonstrate that again when she tours ABI member Stellar Industries' Garner plant.  Thank you to the Lieutenant Governor for focusing on Stellar and congratulations to everyone there, including company President and ABI Vice Chair David Zrostlik (Stellar Industries, Garner)

Tom Determann Hospitalized, Improving

Longtime ABI Board Member Tom Determann (CADC, Clinton) was recently hospitalized for a serious health condition. After coming out of a coma, Tom is doing much better.  He continues to progress and it is hoped that he will be back to normal in most respects by the end of the week.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family.  Get well soon, Tom! 

Editors' Note: No Memo Next Week

For only the second time in the nearly eleven years that I have been writing these memos, I am going to take a week off (other than the last Monday of the year).  Next week, my wife and I are heading to Seattle to visit our son.  That will make it difficult to post a memo next week, so I will not do so.  I hope you will indulge me.  I promise to be back on a regular schedule two weeks from today.  Thank you very much!