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Record Election Turnout--Read ABI's Analysis
The election resulted in record turnouts for a midterm and changes in the Iowa House and Senate. As the dust settles, there will be at least 26 new faces in the Iowa Legislature, and several popular incumbents in suburban districts will not return to the Iowa House. Republicans held on to both chambers of the Legislature, but as predicted, the Senate Republican majority increases while the House Republican majority narrowed. Kim Reynolds will continue to be Iowa's governor, defeating challenger Fred Hubbell in a down-to-the-wire race. In statewide races, Rob Sand defeated Mary Mosiman to become auditor. Read a full analysis of how ABI Friend of Iowa Business candidates fared.
ABI Focus: 2019 Legislative Session
Although ABI stays focused year-round on regulatory and legislative issues, during election years we spend time analyzing data and engaging in statewide and legislative races. Now that the election is over, the focus of the policy team shifts to drafting legislation that conforms with the 2019 board-approved priorities. See ABI's policies and priorities. The best way to educate legislators about ABI legislative initiatives is for members to invite elected officials to your place of business. If you are interested in hosting a legislative roundtable at your office space or manufacturing company between now and the beginning of January, please contact
Jessica Hyland
or
Brad Hartkopf
. Also, don't forget to
register
for the ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception on Jan. 16!
Department of Revenue Proposes Manufacturer Rules
The Iowa Department of Revenue (DOR) has provided notice on a rule that changes the definition of manufacturer to comply with SF 2417, the tax reform bill that was passed at the end of the 2018 legislative session. The DOR is working to ensure the rules comply with the law. The provision in the legislation was contentious, and it overturns the Sherwin Williams Iowa Supreme Court Case. Read the noticed rule. Please provide any feedback to
Nicole Crain
by Friday, Nov. 23. A public hearing will be held on the rule on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The DOR is also proposing a rule change expanding the tools it uses to supplement the assessment/sales ratio study. Read the rule.
Fast Track Filing Now Available for Businesses Updating Their Registered Agent
Secretary of State Paul Pate announced last Friday that Fast Track Filing is now up and running for businesses seeking to change their registered agent on their filings with the state. The system will save time for businesses, as it previously took up to three weeks to change a registered agent, but now the switch can be done in less than 10 minutes. Pate launched Fast Track Filing for new businesses in June, and it has been utilized by thousands of entities. The system will eventually be available for all types of business filings with the secretary of state's office. Take advantage of Fast Track Filing or email
[email protected]
for more information.
From IWD: IowaWORKS Centers Host National Apprenticeship Week Events
Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship to grow Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Iowa. The state has received federal grants to encourage and increase the number of registered programs. Next week, IowaWORKS Centers across the state will hold events for employers and job seekers as part of
Registered Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week
. Keep reading.
Federal Spotlight: Recap of House and Senate Results
In one of the most contentious and highly contested midterm elections in modern history, both Democrats and Republicans have cause for celebration and anguish based on Tuesday's results. Keep reading.
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Keynote Speaker Announcement
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Wall Street Journal Columnist Peggy Noonan to Speak at 2019 Conference
Peggy Noonan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Wall Street Journal, will be the keynote speaker at ABI's annual conference. Her weekly column, Declarations, has run since 2000.
She is the bestselling author of nine books on American politics, history and culture. Noonan was also a special assistant and speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan.
The 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference will be June 4-6 in Ames. Conference registration will open in February.
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Being Too Invested in Your Payroll Processor Could Be Holding You Back
You've spent a lot of time, money and energy on implementation and upgrades with your current outsourced payroll processor, and you probably feel too invested to change.
If you have put a lot of resources into getting their system up to speed with your business needs, it is easy to feel invested in a payroll processor. After a lengthy and costly implementation process, transitioning to a different payroll processor seems impossible. However, if you're still struggling with the new system post-implementation, it may be difficult to find the real value in the product for which you just paid that hefty fee. A new payroll partner who understands your needs and helps increase your efficiencies even after implementation, the value to convert becomes clearer.
Keep reading.
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Liz Hobart Appointed to National Advisory Board
Farm Week Now reported Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has appointed Liz Hobart, GROWMARK's government relations manager, to serve on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. She was one of 10 appointees selected from across the country.
Read the Farm Week Now article.
Ahlers & Cooney Law Firm Recognized in 12 Practice Areas By Best Lawyers
Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., a Des Moines-based law firm, has been recognized in 12 Tier 1 practice areas by
U.S.News -- Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" for its 2019 rankings.
Read the news release.
Deadline to Submit Annual Conference Workshop Proposals is Dec. 1
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.
ABI to Host Building Business Value Program in Oskaloosa
Join us Dec. 6, 1:15-3:15 p.m., in Oskaloosa for a Building Business Value program.
No matter how young and vibrant you feel, you will eventually want to retire and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. When that day arrives, you should have a solid exit plan in place to successfully leave the business on your terms, set the minds of your employees and clients at ease, and help your chosen successor take the reins with confidence.
The program is centered around three main topics: 1) building business value, 2) legacy planning and 3) execution. Learn more and register.
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