Early Bird Registration Rate Ends Next Friday
for ABI’s Legislative Briefing and Reception
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The early-bird registration deadline for the the ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception ends on Friday, December 17. If you haven't yet registered, take the opportunity to do so today. The event, which will be held at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines on Wednesday, January 12th in Des Moines, gives members an opportunity to meet their locally elected legislators and talk to them about key business issues. The legislative briefing beginning at 4:00 pm. The reception will begin at 4:30 pm. You will not want to miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear a preview of what’s to come during the 2022 legislative session and also interact with lawmakers.
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IWD Implementing New Efforts to Match
Unemployed Workers with Jobs
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In the early part of January, Iowa Workforce Development will have launched a new program aimed at helping and returning those who are unemployed back into the workforce. The new Reemployment Case Management (RCM) program will utilize technology and 18 new workforce development staff members to make direct connections with the unemployed and match them with needed programming and educational opportunities. The goal is to ensure that unemployed Iowans can take advantage of opportunities that currently exist and get back into the workforce as soon as possible. In addition to the new program, the number of work searches unemployed individuals will need to complete each week in order to maintain their benefit payments will double from 2 to 4. The number of activities that qualify as work search activities will also be tightened up from the current 27 to 12. ABI is very supportive of the changes and appreciates Governor Reynolds' leadership on this issue.
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Webinar on New GovConnectIowa Business Portal
Taking Place Next Week
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The Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) is inviting the public to learn more about how they and other executive agencies are modernizing technology and streamlining processes to better serve Iowa taxpayers via a webinar set to take place on Wednesday, December 15 at 10:00 am. The webinar will cover the new and secure GovConnectIowa portal, which is the fruition of multiple years of work conducted by IDR and other agencies. Taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals will learn more about a number of important topics including tax account registrations, other parties and secondary access, GovConnectIowa access, filing returns, payments and payment plans and more. There will also be time for questions.
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ATRA Announces 2021-2022 “Judicial Hellholes”
Report and Rankings
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The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), a federal partner of ABI, recently unveiled their annual Judicial Hellholes report which puts a spotlight on some of the worst jurisdictions in the nation regarding litigation. A number of states, municipalities and courts themselves made the top 10 hellhole list including California, New York, the Georgia Supreme Court, Cook County Illinois and more. ATRA is the nation’s first organization exclusively dedicated to reforming the civil justice system. ATRA is a great partner and resource for ABI as we look to continue to enhance Iowa’s legal climate for businesses. You can read the executive summary of the report HERE.
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State Sen. Roby Smith to Run for State Treasurer |
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State Senator Roby Smith, a Republican from Davenport, announced yesterday that he would seek the GOP nomination for State Treasurer. Smith, who was first elected to the upper chamber in 2010, is currently State Government Chair. He sits on a number of other influential committees including Commerce, Ways & Means and Rules and Administration. Roby is a small business owner who has been endorsed by IIPAC as a Friend of Iowa Business multiple times during his political career. Should he win the GOP nomination, he’ll be taking on incumbent Democrat Mike Fitzgerald, who was first elected in 1982 and is the longest serving state treasurer in United States history. Read more from Radio Iowa.
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Sand Announces Re-election Bid for Auditor;
Declines to Run for Governor
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On Tuesday, State Auditor Rob Sand announced that he would be running for re-election to his current post in 2022. Sand was first elected Auditor during the 2018 election cycle when he defeated Republican Incumbent Mary Mosiman. The declaration puts an end to the speculation as to whether or not he would announce a bid to run for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Currently, the two front runners for the Democratic nomination for Governor are former Democratic Secretary of State nominee Deidre Dejear and State Representative Ras Smith. Governor Kim Reynolds hasn’t officially announced her re-election, but is expected to do so in the near future. Read more from The Gazette.
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Federal Judge Blocks Contractor
Vaccine Mandate Nationwide
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In the last week’s newsletter, ABI provided a comprehensive update on where things stand regarding the status of the three vaccine mandates the Biden Administration has issued for larger employers, healthcare facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and federal contractors. On Tuesday, a U.S. District Court Judge in Georgia issued an injunction that will apply to all 50 states concerning the Biden Administration’s federal contractor vaccine mandate. In his order, the judge stated, “The Court acknowledges the tragic toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought throughout the nation and the globe. However, even in times of crisis this Court must preserve the rule of law and ensure that all branches of government act within the bounds of their constitutionally granted authorities.” With the judge’s order now in effect, all three vaccine mandates have been stayed by judges nationwide. It’s likely the U.S. Supreme Court will determine the legality of each of these mandates. Read more from CBS News.
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Leadership Iowa Takes On Pella in Last Session of 2021 |
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Leadership Iowa convened for its final session of 2021 in the beautiful community of Pella. Participants had the opportunity to tour Musco Sports Lighting, Vermeer Corporation, Pella Corporation and the Career Academy of Pella while discussing and “busting myths” that exist within the industry. Several topics were covered such as safety and working environments, technology and innovation, workforce and training, and economic impact. Experts sharing their insight with the class also represented CIRAS, MākuSafe, Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI), Lely North America, Weiler Products, and more. The ABI Foundation’s Elevate Advanced Manufacturing initiative was highlighted to finish the session.
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Why I'm Passionate About ABI
ABI President, Mike Ralston
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It seems as if everywhere one turns, business is the subject of negative remarks. Some rail against the perceived injustice of the economy. Some lament terrible actions on the part of some business people and unfairly blame all businesses for the actions of others. Some exhort job creation and then lambast the very companies that are creating those jobs.
Business people are like every other group of human beings. They aren't perfect. But, as a group, the women and men leading ABI member companies are terrific individuals. They care about their companies, about their employees, and about their communities. They ensure they are paying a fair wage and providing benefits. They encourage their employees to help with community endeavors. They make our state a better place to live.
ABI President Mike Ralston.
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WATCH:
In today's Weekly Business Report, ABI President Mike Ralston wraps up 2021 for the association and previews 2022 events for ABI members.
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Click on the headlines to learn about the latest ABI member news
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Governor Reynolds Signs
Computer Science Education Week Proclamation
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On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation to recognize Computer Science Education Week, which is intended to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science & recognize its critical impact on careers & quality of life.
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2022 Computer Science Educator of the Year Award Nominations Open Now |
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The Technology Association of Iowa is in search of the 2022 Computer Science Educator of the Year! This award recognizes an Iowa Computer Science Educator who strives to achieve excellence through educating and information students regarding the most up-to-date technologies being utilized by working professionals and innovators. More information and a nomination form can be found HERE
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National Small Business Week Award Nominations Open |
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SBA Iowa is seeking nominations for the 2022 Iowa Small Business Champion of the Year Awards. National Small Business Week award nomination forms include:
- Small Business Person of the Year
- Small Business Exporter of the Year
- Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
- Federal Procurement Award - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, and many more.
Deadline to submit nominations is Tuesday, January 11.
CLICK HERE for more information and nomination forms.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Wants to Hear from the Business Community on Childcare! |
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A top priority of the U.S. Chamber Foundation is to amplify the voice and needs of employers on the topic of childcare. To that end, they have created the Employer Survey on Childcare, in partnership with the University of Oregon's RAPID-EC Survey Project. Please complete the survey prior to DECEMBER 14, 2021.
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TOP SUPPORTERS - GOVERNOR |
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