As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, we want to say thank you to each of you for your investment in ABI. Thank you for the opportunity to represent such wonderful Iowa employers throughout the year and during the legislative session. ABI's legislative successes are only possible because of you and the relationships you have with your legislators. ABI staff spent this week touring ABI member company businesses and meeting with members about legislative issues. We are grateful for your investment in Iowa and your expertise on the issues, both of which help us communicate to all 150 legislators and Gov. Reynolds why pro-jobs policies are imperative to the success of all Iowans.
Early-bird Registration for Legislative Briefing and Reception Ends Soon
Early-bird registration for the ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception at the Iowa Tap Room ends Dec. 7, 2017. Make sure you are registered for the premier legislative and membership networking event! Register now.
Legislative Roundtables Begin
Members of ABI will meet with Senator Waylon Brown (R-Saint Ansgar) at ABI member Hy-Vee in Charles City on Nov. 28. If you're interested in attending this roundtable conversation, please RSVP to Michelle Vollstedt by Nov. 27. The next roundtable will be held at ABI member company Cargill in Fort Dodge on Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Make sure you check the ABI events calendar and future newsletters for additional roundtables.
Iowa Workforce Development State Board Meets
Monday, the State Workforce Development Board met in Des Moines with Gov. Reynolds and IWD Director Beth Townsend to address the board, which is newly reconstituted to comply with federal workforce law. The State Workforce Board now includes many more business representatives, including ABI members like State Workforce Board Chairman John Krogman. You can see the full list included in last week's newsletter here. The board heard updates from IWD on Future Ready Iowa initiatives, the progress of the Minority Outreach Standing Committee, federal statutory compliance with WIOA and the status of departmental technology upgrades. The board voted to form standing committees on WIOA realignment for local workforce development areas and offender reentry. ABI will continue to closely monitor the work of the IWD board as it engages in these initiatives.
Miss the Webinar? Watch It Now.
AARP Iowa recently collaborated with ABI to help employers understand and support employees who also serve as unpaid family caregivers. If you missed the "Supporting Family Caregivers in the Workplace" webinar on Nov. 14, you can still view it and obtain free resources for employers and employees. Keep reading...
From the Desk of...
Legislation Mandates Disability Inclusion Efforts by Federal Contractors and Subcontractors
Despite 25 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment equality. In 2012, the overall employment rate of adults with disabilities was 33.5%, as compared to 76.3% for others.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014 to help knock down those barriers. This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the law providing oversight of the public vocational rehabilitation system), while also updating the structure of the country's workforce development system, used by the general public and businesses to assist with their employment and training needs. While there are many changes under WIOA, one important piece that may directly impact your business is Section 503.
Keep reading...
Top News
Last Call for Conference Presenters
Do you have a unique perspective on Iowa's part in the world economy, global economic trends or advanced technologies? Want the opportunity to be in front of business leaders, owners and management teams from across the state? Submit a proposal to present a workshop at the 2018 Taking Care of Business Conference. The deadline for submissions is December 1.
Sukup Manufacturing Co. Gives Back to Truck Drivers on Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, Sukup Manufacturing Co. will contribute to a meal for truck drivers who are working on Thanksgiving Day. "A Trucker's Thanksgiving" will be held, free of charge, at the Pilot Travel Center in Clear Lake. The center anticipates nearly 60 truck drivers will enjoy a buffet meal with turkey, ham, and traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Read more.
