January 3, 2019
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
ICYMI: 2019 ABI Priorities
In case you missed the publication of the 2019 ABI Legislative Priorities, the organization will once again be focused on workforce and a competitive business climate for employers statewide. View the full list of ABI policies and priorities . If you would like to learn more about how to get engaged with ABI’s public policy efforts, contact Nicole Crain or Brad Hartkopf .

Federal Spotlight: Court Rules Against Obama-Era Joint Employer Rule
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last Friday the joint employer standard, which was vastly expanded under the Obama administration, was too broad and must be rewritten. The court said the 2015 Browning Ferris decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which made companies and franchisors more liable for the actions of their contract workers or franchisees, was too vague in defining “indirect control” and must be narrowed in scope. Read more .

Department of Revenue Proposes Additional Rules
The Department of Revenue continues to propose new rules after the passage of SF 2417, the tax reform bill, last legislative session. The Department of Revenue most recently noticed rules to update sourcing for taxable services, tangible personal products and digital goods. Read the rule . Keep reading .
Hyland Taking Key Position at Iowa Biotechnology Association
ABI Director of Public Policy Jessica Hyland will be leaving ABI to be the executive director of the Iowa Biotechnology Association. Her last day is tomorrow. Jessica has played a meaningful role in the success of ABI’s public policy efforts over the last few years. She was an asset to the association and will be missed. Congratulations, Jessica, on your new role. We wish you the best in the future.  
ABI UPDATE
Legislative Briefing and Reception Approaching Fast; Sign Up Today
One of ABI’s premier events is in less than two weeks, and you won’t want to miss out. The annual legislative briefing and reception will be held at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines on Jan. 16. Hundreds of ABI members have already registered, Gov. Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Gregg have been invited, and many legislators are looking forward to the event. You’ll also hear a preview of the 2019 legislative session by the public policy team. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to register today . 
FROM THE DESK OF...
Building Relationships, Adding Value Leads to Success
Mike Ralston
President
ABI

Since this is the first column of the new year, please allow me to share some comments with you about a couple of things I have noticed in some other columns I've read. They touch on the core of what we do—or seek not to do—at ABI.

First, I have noticed a lot of columns that focus on increasing sales in the new year. Many of them discuss the need for a business to increase sales to increase profits. They focus on increasing "touches" and making sure customers know about all the wonderful products they absolutely NEED. That strikes me as the wrong approach. Read more .
MEMBER NEWS
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