NEXT WEEK: 2018 ABI Taking Care of Business Conference - Monday Memo 6/29/18

May 29, 2018

It’s Almost Here; 115th Annual ABI Convention NEXT WEEK

The 115th Annual ABI Convention, the 2018 Taking Care of Business Conference, kicks-off a week from today, starting with networking activities right out of the gate that morning and afternoon.  Various locations around Coralville-Iowa City will be the focus next Tuesday.  The terrific Coralville Marriot Hotel and Conference Center otel and Conference CVenteris the setting for the Gala Opening Reception, which will be held Tuesday evening.  The Reception, a fun, high energy event, will be something you do not want to miss.  Following great annual meetings in recent years, the 2018 conference is building on that success.  

As with every ABI convention, there are many program highlights from which to choose.  However, it is clear that the sessions featuring internationally-known speakers Marc Goodman, Peter Ziehan, and Dr. John (Andy) Anderson will draw fantastic crowds.  Governor Kim Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg will also attend the conference. Always the source of the very best business networking in Iowa, come to the conference and choose your own highlight from the great series of events, speakers, and venues that await you.  

If you haven’t registered, that is not a problem… but 500 people HAVE already registered!  Go now to www.iowaabi.org and click on the conference icon at the top of the page.  Or simply reply to this message and I'll make sure you are registered right away.  On behalf of ABI Chair David Zrostlik (Stellar Industries, Garner) and our other officers, we look forward to seeing you next week in Coralville-Iowa City! 

Executive Committee, Board to Receive Usual Information Packet

It is the time of year for the usual operational details prior to the start of the next fiscal year.  You and your fellow members of the ABI Executive Committee and Board of Directors will receive the proposed 2018-2019 ABI budget soon.  Watch for it in your email in-basket. 

By the way, you will also receive other information related to final preparations for the annual conference.  The report of the ABI Nominating Committee, chaired by ABI Past Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton (Agri-Industrial Plastics Company, Fairfield), and any final details will be a part of the message.    Again, please watch for more information soon. 

FABULOUS Items for Foundation Auction

As you know and as I noted last week, the ABI Foundation holds an auction in conjunction with ABI's annual Taking Care of Business Conference.  Each year, the auction items are spectacular.  This year is no exception and there are truly terrific items included in this year's auction. 

This year, both the silent and live auctions will take place on site. Be ready for the live auction on Wednesday evening of the conference.  A special thank you goes to former ABI Board Member Nate Weaton (Weaton Capital, Fairfield), who will again serve as the auctioneer for the evening.  I believe many of you participate in the auction just to see Nate’s terrific performances!  We are deeply grateful to him.  And thank you to all of you (in advance for) your support. 

ABI Regional Policy Tour Concludes Next Week

After previous stops around Iowa, the annual ABI public policy tour will conclude next week.  The tour's final stop will be a teleconference presentation a week from yesterday at 10:00 a.m. on June 4.  Click here to register for the meeting: https://www.iowaabi.org/events/

The agenda includes a review of the 2018 session of the Iowa General Assembly and obtaining your thoughts about ABI's priorities for 2019.  The participation of so many members across Iowa is what makes the meetings so successful.  

Rebecca Coady Starts Friday

As you know, we recently conducted a very successful search for a new Development Director for the ABI Foundation. That search led us to Rebecca Coady.  Becky will join ABI this coming Friday, June 1. 

Becky comes to ABI after leading statewide programs for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). She is a member of the current Leadership Iowa class and has worked with ABI for several years.  When you see Becky at the annual conference, please join us in welcoming her to the ABI Foundation! 

Lisle Celebrates 115 Years of Success

Almost all Iowans know the great success story that is Lisle Corporation, a terrific ABI member company.  The company celebrates 115 years of growth and success in 2018, with events throughout the year. 

Now in its fifth generation of family leadership, the sixth generation is also at work in the company. The company now has over 300 employees and a product line of over 600 specialty tools.  42 new tools were added this year, as the company continues its very successful innovation program.  In fact, 20-25 new automotive specialty tools are added to the Lisle lineup every year.  

The company is also well-known for its “growth through acquisition” strategy. Congratulations and very best wishes to everyone at Lisle on this important milestone, especially to company President and ABI Board Member Mary Lisle Landhuis (Lisle Corporation, Clarinda) and former ABI Board Member and company Chairman John Lisle (Lisle Corporation, Clarinda)

Alan Johnson Suffers Heart Attack, Recuperating Following Surgery

ABI Board Member Alan Johnson (Norplex-Micarta, Postville) is a young, fit guy.  Which makes it all the more surprising that he suffered what Alan terms “a minor heart attack” a week ago Sunday.  

The incident was serious enough that Alan was admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. While there last week, Alan had surgery to install two coronary stents.  The surgery went well and Alan is back at home.  In fact, things are going so well that Alan tells us we will still see him in Coralville!  We look forward to seeing you, Alan; you are in our thoughts and prayers! 

The Business of ABI: Fiscal Year-End

There is roughly one month remaining in ABI's fiscal year.  While I never lose sight of where our organization stands as it pursues the objectives you set for us each year, I pay particular attention at this time of the year. 

Based on metrics across the board, it is clear that this has been another record-setting year.  Attendance at events, legislative accomplishments, program development, financial achievement… all are at highpoints.  That is due to YOUR leadership and support as members of the board. Be assured that I never that that fact for granted. THANK YOU.