Three Weeks to the QC - Monday Memo 5/18/15

ABI Annual Conference Starts Three Weeks from Wednesday; Hotels Selling Out

ABI’s 112th annual meeting kicks off three weeks from Wednesday.  All the indicators point to a terrific annual convention, with registrations continuing to run at a record pace.  The convention will be held June10-12.

You can check out the terrific convention program and you can register NOW by going to www.iowaabi.org.  On behalf of the conference committee and our ABI officers, I look forward to seeing you at the 2015 Taking Care of Business Conference, for the first time in 30 years being held in the Quad Cities.

By the way, when you register for the conference, don't forget to make your lodging reservations.  One of the conference hotels (the beautiful Hotel Blackhawk) is already sold out.  Plenty of other great options remain, however.  Find more information at the link mentioned above.

Discussing the conference provides an opportunity to again thank the conference planning committee, chaired byMichele Farrell (Measured Intentions, Urbandale) and ABI staff members Member Programs Director Holly Mueggenberg, Membership Coordinator Dorothy Knowles, Communications Coordinator Emily Schettler, Bookkeeper Chrissy Blake, and Administrative Assistant Michelle Vollstedt..

Nominating Committee Meets; Board Slate Being Finalized

ABI Nominating Committee Chair (and Immediate Past ABI Chair) Myron R. Linn (Pella Corporation, Pella) and members of the committee met by teleconference last Thursday morning.  The committee developed a full slate of nominations for the annual convention.  Contact is now being made with the nominees.

In addition to Myron, committee members include ABI Board Members Kirk Trede (Eastern Iowa Light & Power, Wilton), Dee Baird (Metro Economic Alliance, Cedar Rapids), Jason Gross (Nationwide, Des Moines), Mary Landhuis, EZ Way, Clarinda), and Kirk McCollough, Seneca Foundry, Webster City).  The committee will complete its work in the next couple of weeks and a full report will be a part of next month's annual business meeting.

Foundation Endowment Committees Meets, BH Board to Meet This Week

In ABI Foundation-related news, the Endowment Committee met last week.  Thank you to Foundation Board ChairSteve Simon (Central Bank,  West Des Moines), Committee Chair Tom McMahon (Barker Company, Keosauqua), former ABI Chairs Bill Bywater (Economy Advertising Company, Iowa City) and Bill Brown (BrownWinick, Des Moines), and ABI Board Member Rand Fisher (Iowa Area Development Group, West Des Moines) for their leadership and participation.

The Business Horizons Board of Directors will meet Thursday.  The group is putting final touches on the 2015 Session of BH, which will take place next month at Central College in Pella.

In the meantime, special thanks go to the ABI Foundation staff.  Thank you to Vice President Foundation Programs Kay Neumann-Thomas, Development Director Mary Mendenhall-Core, and Marketing and Programs Coordinator Jessi Steward.

Public Policy Staff Holds Legislative Call, Continues Action

ABI's public policy staff held what was supposed to be the session wrap-up teleconference Friday.  Of course, the Iowa General Assembly has not yet adjourned, so the call was instead a great update of legislative activity. 

The staff continues to do excellent work in watching out for members at the Statehouse.  Thank you to Vice President Government Relations Nicole Crain, Policy and Political Affairs Counsel Rachel Geilenfeld, and Policy and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator Zach Dalluge.

The REAL Scoop on Foundation Intern Ali Krogman

You will recall that in last week's Monday Memo, I told you about the 2015 ABI Foundation Intern, Ali Krogman.  Ali is the daughter of ABI Board Member John Krogman (Connect-A-Dock, Atlantic) and his wife, Lisa Krogman.

In talking about Ali, I mentioned that she started last week.  That was wrong; she starts today.  I also said she was a student at Iowa State University.  That was wrong, too; she attends the University of Iowa.  What I got right, however, is that Ali is indeed a wonderful young person and she will do a great job in helping with various Foundation programs and tasks.  Welcome, Ali!

CIRAS Board Meets This Week; Will Begin Manufacturing Leadership Program

The board of directors of a key ABI partner organization (and ABI Advisory Council member)  meets this week.  Thursday, the board of directors of Iowa State University's Center for Industrial Research and Service meets in Ames.

CIRAS has long been a valued partner of many ABI member companies and of the association itself.  Along with others, ABI Board Member Rand Fisher (IADG, West Des Moines) and I are members of the board.   Any news from the meeting will be shared in upcoming editions of this memorandum.

Last week, CIRAS officials announced the creation of the center's Manufacturing Leadership Program.  It will be held from August 9 through 15 in Ames.  If you are interested, please reply to this message and I will send you more information.

Iowa Newspaper Foundation Announces 6th Mores Newspaper Leadership Institute Class

As you have read in previous editions of this memorandum, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation some years ago created the Leo Mores Newspaper Leadership institute.  The Institute helps develop leaders in the newspaper industry and promotes and advances the industry professionally.  It was made possible by a significant endowment provided by ABI Board Member Alan Mores (Harlan Newspapers, Harlan) and his brother Steve Mores (Harlan Newspapers, Harlan).  The Institute is named in honor of their father, Leo Mores, a longtime community and industry leader and publisher.

The INF last week announced the seven members of the sixth anniversary class of the Institute.  Congratulations to them, and thank you to Alan and Steve for their leadership!

Meredith, Saxton Profiled by Business Record

A supplement to the Des Moines Business Record  this week carries profiles of two companies with ABI board members.  Congratulations to member companies Meredith Corporation and Saxton and congratulations to ABI Board Members Jerry Hadenfeldt (Meredith Corporation, Des Moines) and Kim Augspurger (Saxton, Des Moines)!

Register Carries Essay about Business Horizons

Yesterday's edition of the Des Moines Register carried a nice essay about the ABI Foundation's Business Horizons program.  The essay focused on the journalism track that is a part of BH, but it was great coverage in any event.  Read it for yourself here: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/05/17/nash-horizons-summer-journalism-camp/27475101/.

Mark Hanawalt Quoted in Courier Trade Article

Trade issues are hot right now and ABI is a member of coalitions formed by the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to promote trade.  Many ABI leaders have been engaged in these matters, none more so than ABI Chair Mark Hanawalt (United Equipment Accessories, Waverly).

Mark was again highlighted with regard to trade, as he was quoted extensively in an article in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.  Read the article here: http://wcfcourier.com/business/local/group-says-currency-manipulation-in-trade-deal-would-harm-iowa/article_42b367b9-2fc0-51a4-9825-3119c91fd222.html#.VVi1XUqpLqQ.mailto.  Mark's comments were terrific and thank you, Mark, for your leadership on this important topic.

ABI Board Member Steve Dust (Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, Waterloo) tweeted an online link to theCourier story.  Thank you, Steve, for making sure everyone saw it.  Steve has also played a role in the way Courier has expanded its coverage of business issues and thanks for that, too, Steve!

Hargens, Farrell and Schettler on the Air last Week

ABI Executive Committee Member Roger Hargens (Accumold, Ankeny) was a guest on the Insight on Business News Hour radio program on Des Moines' KRNT (AM 1350) station last week.  Roger reviewed many topics in a wide-ranging interview.  He was terrific and you can access the podcast here:http://insightadvertising.typepad.com/insight_on_business/2015/05/micro-manufacturing-with-roger-hargens.html.

Also on last week talking about the upcoming annual conference were committee chair Michele Farrell (Measured Intentions, Urbandale) and Communications Coordinator Emily Schettler.  They, too, were great.  Check out the podcast here: http://insightadvertising.typepad.com/insight_on_business/2015/05/taking-care-of-business-conference-with-iowa-abi.html.

Charese Yanney Pens Article

Former ABI Chair Charese Yanney (Guarantee Roofing and Siding, Sioux City) is a well-known state business leader.  In addition to running her business, promoting Iowa and Sioux City, and serving on several state boards and commission, Charese seeks to help Iowans.  She recently write an op-ed featured in the Sioux City Journal.  It is a great read and you can check it out here: http://siouxcityjournal.com/news/opinion/columnists/the-regulars-grant-program-boosts-fortunes-of-communities-across-iowa/article_fd383ffd-0247-58d9-9d60-565611722d25.html.  Thank you and congratulations, Charese!

Paul Drey receives IMS Honor

Each year, the Iowa Medical Society presents an award to a non-physician.  The Stanford Award is the only recognition IMS gives to non-member professionals.  This year, the award was presented d to ABI Board Member Paul Drey (Brick Gentry, West Des Moines).

This is a terrific honor and well-deserved by Paul.  You can read all about it here:http://www.brickgentrylaw.com/news/129/paul-drey-honored-with-prestigious-john-f-sanford-award-at-iowa-medical-society-gala.aspx.  Congratulations, Paul!

Lieutenant Governor Visits Hillphoenix

Iowa Governor terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds are strong supporters of Iowa manufacturing and frequent visitors to ABI member companies.  This was the case again last week when Lieutenant Governor Reynolds once again visited Hillphoenix in SE Iowa.  Congratulations to everyone at the company, including ABI Board Member and the company's Iowa CEO Nate Weaton (Hillphoenix Specialty Products, Keosauqua)!

Lee Casten Passes

Former ABI Chair Bill Bywater (Economy Advertising Company, Iowa City) called my attention to something I missed and I am grateful to him for doing so.  Bill reported that longtime ABI member Lee Casten (Barton Solvents, Des Moines) passed away.  Lee was a terrific guy; he never missed the annual convention in Okoboji and he made sure all who attended had fun.  Lee will be greatly missed.