Lots Happening at ABI - Monday Memo 2/2/15

ABI Board to Meet March 10

ABI Chair Mark Hanawalt (United Equipment Accessories, Waverly) and members of the ABI Board of Directors will next meet on March 10th.  That day will see a full day of ABI meetings and events, as the annual ABI Day on the Hill program and other events will also take place then. 

More information will come your way soon, but please mark your calendars now to join your ABI colleagues in Des Moines on March 10.  In the meantime, the ABI Executive Committee will hold its regular February teleconference next week.

LeanWise and MarketWise Events Next Week

One of ABI's newest programs is the MarketWise and LeanWise series.  Each of these series of events provides a forum for like-minded business people to come together to gain valuable information about LEAN processes or marketing concepts.  The networking and best-practice sharing that occurs has been rated highly by ABI members.

The next events in the respective series will be held next week.  A LeanWise session will be held in SE Iowa on Tuesday and a MarketWise session in NW Iowa on Wednesday.  Go to the ABI Events Page for more information or to register: http://www.iowaabi.org/en/events_calendar/. 

Register Now for Annual Business Day on the Hill on March 10

Each year, ABI members from across Iowa (and even from outside the state) converge on the Statehouse to discuss pro-jobs policies with their legislators.  The event has grown in popularity every year and based on early numbers, a record crowd will make the 2015 event even bigger than previous ones.

The 2015 Day on the Hill will be held on Tuesday, March 10.  This year's event is being called Business Day on the Hill, because members of the Iowa Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business will join us.  By the way, the 10th is also the same day as the March meeting of the ABI Board of Directors, so you can conveniently attend both events.

The Day on the Hill begins at the State Historical Building at the foot of the Capitol at 8:30 a.m. Following an update with the very latest news from the Iowa General Assembly, DOTH participants will head to the Capitol.  There, you'll visit with legislators and hear from leading state officials.  Then, it's a return to ABI for the annual Iowa Industry Political Action Committee Luncheon.  The board meeting will occur that afternoon.

Back by popular demand is more time at the Statehouse.  You told us you wanted more time to visit with your legislators or conduct other business in the Capitol.  You'll have that this year.  Finalize your plans now to participate in Business Day on the Hill.  Register now at http://www.cvent.com/events/iowa-business-day-on-the-hill-2015/event-summary-e83e059e934d4d97a084cb18252ae941.aspx.  See you in Des Moines on March 10.

Next ABI Connecting Statewide Leaders Forum in Fairfield in March

At the request of members and at the direction of the board of directors, ABI created the Connecting Statewide Leadersforums.  These series of high-value informational and networking events have been incredibly successful.  Events have been held all across Iowa and there are more to come.

The next event in the series will be held March 5 in Fairfield.  A high-value panel, networking, and a luncheon will all be a part of the program, which will be held at the beautiful Fairfield Arts and Convention center in downtown Fairfield. 

These programs are simply great ways to gain information and connect with your fellow ABI members, Leadership Iowa Class members, local business leaders, and others.  And we appreciate the reports we hear about sales/deals being made during these events, too.

If you are in SE Iowa, join us for these events on March 5.  For more information and to register, click onhttp://www.cvent.com/events/connecting-statewide-leaders/event-summary-6bc29643d5e94b31a72f8ed2084f0374.aspx.

ABI Members Sought for Volunteer Program Survey

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service is working to increase Iowa's already high-rate of volunteerism.  In part, that is because ABI members and others across our state see volunteerism as a key way to increase the quality of life for their employees and for their communities.

As one component of its work to increase volunteer service, the ICVS is conducting a survey of employers.  I hope you or your HR leader will take a few moments to participate in the survey.  You can do so here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EmployerVolunteer<https://t.e2ma.net/click/2dkeg/qcfgpg/m1brpb>.  Watch for more news as it develops.

You never know Where ABI Members Will Show-Up

It is a fact that ABI members are EVERYWHERE. I know they can even be found outside the United States, because I have seen photographic evidence of that being the case.

Late last month, former ABI Chairs Charese Yanney (Guarantee Roofing and Siding, Sioux City) and Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Waukee) and 2007 ABI Conference Committee Chair Janel Tyler (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Waukee) met for dinner at Roy's, a famous restaurant on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.  Thanks to the group for sharing their photo.!

Leisa Fox Continues to Do Well

A final quick note to let you know that ABI Senior Vice President Revenue and Programs Leisa Fox continues to convalesce following her surgery of January 22.  She is doing great and as you might expect, one key issue has been her aggressive push to come back QUICKLY.  I expect she will be back in the office this week on a part-time basis.  Leisa asked me to share her appreciation for all the prayers and good wishes.  Welcome back, Leisa!