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Call for Conference Presenters
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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.
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Local Elections Tuesday, Nov. 7
ABI has just launched a refresh of
www.iavotes.com
, the business community's one-stop shop for grassroots and voter education. The timing for this release coincides with the local elections, which take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 in communities around the state. As you have read in past newsletters, the decisions made on the local level directly affect the amount of property taxes you pay and many policies for economic development, such as zoning ordinances and design guidelines. Make sure you vote in your local election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Additionally, several communities in Iowa have ballot issue questions that range from a new fire station to additional dollars for cultural initiatives. If you aren't sure where to vote, go to
www.iavotes.com
to get all you need to prepare for the election on Tuesday!
Federal Spotlight -- Tax Reform Details Revealed
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was unveiled on Thursday. The
outline of this comprehensive tax reform plan
was released last month with praise from manufacturers and small business owners. House GOP leadership and members of the Ways & Means Committee held a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the bill. Here are the highlights. Keep reading...
Opportunity to Comment on Future Ready Iowa Recommendations
Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg unveiled the recommendations of the Future Ready Iowa Alliance last month. The goal of the alliance is to have 70 percent of Iowa's workforce educated or trained beyond a high school level by the year 2025. Strengthening and preparing Iowa's workforce for 21st century jobs is key to growing the economy into the future. The public has the opportunity to comment on each recommendation. See the full recommendations and have your voice heard.
Special Election Set for Senate District 3
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that Tuesday, Dec.12, 2017, would be the date of a special election to fill the seat of Sen. Bill Anderson (R-Pierson), who recently resigned to become the executive director of the Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation. Prior to his resignation, Anderson served in the senate since 2011. The winner of the election in December will then be up for re-election in November 2018.
Senate District 3
is located in Northwest Iowa. It is comprised of most of Plymouth and Woodbury counties, which include the cities of Le Mars, Sergeant Bluff and parts of Sioux City. The 3rd District leans Republican with current voter registration totals of 17,658 Republicans, 8,729 Democrats and 13,117 no-party voters. Throughout his career, Sen. Anderson has been a consistent pro-jobs legislator and recently received a 100% rating from ABI for his votes during the 2017 legislative session.
Air Construction Permit Fee Modification
DNR is gathering feedback regarding modifications of air construction permits on two revised guidance documents. They can be found
here
under "Updated Permit Modification Guidance." The fact sheet and FAQ provide additional clarification on when an air construction permit modification may or may not be needed. The goal of the revisions is to reduce the number of modifications necessary by allowing additional flexibility for modification of air construction permits.
Please provide comments on the revised fact sheet and FAQ to Jessica Hyland,
jhyland@iowaabi.org,
by Nov. 3.
Federal Spotlight - Senate Votes to Rescind Anti-arbitration Rule
The U.S. Senate, in a 51-50 vote last week with Vice President Pence casting the deciding yes vote, repealed a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have allowed individuals to file class action lawsuits against financial institutions. The rule, which the CFPB approved in July, would have banned arbitration clauses from being inserted into contracts between consumers and financial institutions. This would have driven up costs for businesses and consumers alike by enabling expensive, burdensome and often frivolous class-action lawsuits to be used over arbitration or small claims court. The CFPB argues these lawsuits hold banks accountable for their actions. Opponents of the rule propose the CFPB is simply enriching trial lawyers while the costs of these lawsuits are passed on to consumers. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation. Read more from the Wall Street Journal.
ABI Represented at Regional Chamber Government Relations Meeting
ABI staff member Brad Hartkopf attended a U.S. Chamber of Commerce regional government affairs meeting in Chicago last week. The three-day conference included panels, breakout sessions and speeches from some of the most influential policy advisors in the business. The conference allows professionals from chambers and business associations from across the country to learn best practices from one another when working to enact a pro-business agenda in each person's respective community or state. Keep reading...
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OSHA Issues Two Standards to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
Brandon Neilson, CIH
OSHA has issued a new crystalline silica rule as two standards--one for the construction industry and one for general industry and maritime. The OSHA Crystalline Silica Standard for the construction industry went into effect on September 23, 2017. This immediately affects the construction industry and will affect the general industry on June 23, 2018.
Keep reading...
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AgriVision Equipment Group Investment Fuels Northwestern Iowa Economic Growth
AgriVision Equipment, a full-service John Deere farm and consumer equipment dealer,
has announced its intention to acquire ICON Ag & Turf stores in January 2018 pending Deere & Company approval. Through this acquisition, AgriVision Equipment will add five locations--Doon, Ireton, Lawton, Le Mars and Paullina--to its 10 existing locations serving southwest Iowa, southeast Nebraska and northwest Missouri.
Doing Business with NAFTA Partners Training is Nov. 9 in Altoona
"Supporting Family Caregivers in the Workplace" Webinar is Nov. 14
AARP Iowa is collaborating with ABI to help employers understand and support employees who also serve as unpaid family caregivers. You're invited to join a webinar, "Supporting Family Caregivers in the Workplace," on Nov. 14 from 12-1 p.m. The webinar's goal is to identify practical tips and resources for employers to create a caregiving-friendly culture.
Learn more and register online.
CIRAS to host The Future of Leadership Summit on Nov. 16
Ever wonder how smart leaders make things happen? This executive briefing will explore the human dynamics of how change is made inside organizations. Participants will explore the role senior leaders play in any major transition and the patterns of success that are demonstrated when leaders are able to bring their strategies to full fruition. The summit is Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.
Learn more
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Aavin Private Equity
Gateway Golf Group
Gilbert & Cook, Inc.
Henning Companies, LLC
Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C.
Integrity Communications
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
Milestone Corporation
Ottumwa Economic Development Services
Triangle Financial Services Inc.
Russell Construction Co.
Unite Private Networks
UnityPoint Health
Up and Running Software
Van Meter Inc.
Veel Hoeden Consulting
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