Legislative News
Be an Informed Voter
With only 12 days until Election Day 2018, it's important to know who is on the ballot and be an informed voter. Each election cycle the names at the top of the ticket get a lot of attention from media, political organizations and the public. However, there are several other candidates on the ballot that will affect your daily life. Whether it's candidates for state legislature, county hospital trustees or  judicial retention, it makes sense to research the candidates prior to voting.

There are a few ways for you to be an informed voter--six, actually, according to this  infographic. Remember, Iowa no longer has a straight party option. Therefore, whether you vote early or on Election Day, we also hope you will pledge to vote down the ballot this November. For more information about who is on the ballot or to educate your colleagues, check out the Election Center on  iavotes.com. For more information or resources, please contact  Nicole Crain.
ABI Workforce Housing Survey
Workforce housing is part of ABI's 2019 legislative priorities, and the governor and lieutenant governor are also investigating the lack of workforce housing as part of the  Empower Rural Iowa Initiative . In seeking to better understand this issue and how to tackle it from a business perspective, ABI sent a survey to the Economic Growth and Employment and Workforce Committees. We are seeking information from employers on how they could be assisted or incentivized to provide housing or housing assistance to employees. If you are interested, please participate in the  short survey  by Nov. 1. Contact  Jessica Hyland  with questions.

BIPAC Action Fund Endorses 45 Candidates
On Tuesday, the Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) Action Fund released its final list of endorsements for the 2018 election. Iowa Congressman Rod Blum (R-01) was included in the list of endorsed candidates. BIPAC's Action Fund was created to protect and promote prosperity by electing and motivating champions of free enterprise. Keep reading.

From the DNR: New Training Workshop Focuses on Bottom Line for Industrial Stormwater
Industrial and commercial facilities with "stormwater discharge associated with industrial activity" are required to obtain permits, typically known as General Permits #1 and #3. A new training opportunity has been developed to help facility employees understand their permitting requirements, develop pollution prevention plans and implement best management practices with the goal of staying in compliance. The workshop, scheduled for November 29, is presented by the  Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership (ISWEP) and co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Keep reading.

Federal Spotlight: OSHA Memo on Drug Testing and Incentive Programs
During President Obama's time in office, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration approved a regulation that made it difficult for employers to offer wellness incentives and also to conduct post-incident drug and alcohol testing. According to the National Association of Manufacturers,  OSHA issued a new memorandum  under which manufacturers may once again use post-incident drug testing under specific parameters and properly designed safety incentive programs to accomplish the important mission of promoting workplace safety. Keep reading.
From the Desk of...
The Skills Gap Isn't the Only Workforce Challenge

Andrea Olson
We talk extensively about the "skills gap" facing manufacturing. The problem is this is only partially true. Yes, there's a deficit in our skilled trades pipeline, and as employers, educators and communities, we need to rally around the value of skilled trades and support the growth of this critical workforce--starting in junior high and beyond. Yet, there's another gap that mid-market manufacturing is facing--The Strategic Gap--and it has many facets. Keep reading.
Top News
Weaton Capital Acquires Creative Edge Master Shop
Creative Edge Master Shop in Fairfield has announced a transition of ownership to a chosen buyer, Weaton Capital, which will continue the company's legacy and retain operations in Fairfield. The sale includes two other divisions of Creative Edge (ToolKeepers and Resilient Flooring) and became effective Oct. 1. Creative Edge Master Shop CEO Jim Belilove will remain involved as a principal for four years. Read the full announcement.

Storey Kenworthy Foundation for Giving Announces Grant Recipients
 The Storey Kenworthy Foundation for Giving announced the recipients of its annual grants yesterday. The following organizations each received $5,000: Chrysalis Foundation, Everybody Wins!, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Alzheimers Association and Leukemia Lymphoma Society. In July and August,  over 75 applications were submitted in the scope of the foundation's core giving priorities: children and education, honoring heroes, and medical research and family support. Learn more about the grant program.

Be a Presenter at ABI's Annual Conference
Can you deliver dynamic, engaging sessions with a strong emphasis on takeaways? ABI is accepting workshop proposals for its 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference in Ames.  Workshops will be held on Wednesday, June 5. The deadline for submission is Dec. 1. Email  Emily Betz , conference programming co-chair, with questions.
Governor's Club Sponsors