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Business Horizons - Gilbert
Gilbert
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Leadership Iowa University
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2016 Critical Business Updates
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Connecting Statewide Leaders
Grinnell
Leadership Iowa Session V
Grinnell
2016 Critical Business Updates
Dubuque
Iowa Business Day on the Hill
ABI Office | Des Moines
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To foster a favorable business, economic, governmental and social climate within the State of Iowa so that our citizens have the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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Iowa Caucus chaos complete with record turnout
More than 250,000 Iowans participated in the caucuses this year. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton narrowly won the Democratic caucus and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) won the Republican caucus.
ABI, in collaboration with BIPAC, spent months educating employers, employees and the public about the importance of understanding the issues and participating in the caucus process.
Take Action: Support coupling bill
Small businesses, farmers and CPAs are all looking to the Iowa Senate to take action on coupling bill HF 2092. The Iowa House last week passed a bill to couple Iowa tax code with the federal tax policy changes. The Iowa Senate has yet to take up the bill. Click here to contact your state senator and ask for his or her support of HF 2092. Read online.
Employers on defense at the Capitol
Although it was a short week due to the Iowa caucuses and inclement weather, the Legislature wasted no time meeting about issues that will negatively affect businesses' bottom lines. From health care mandates to additional exposure to lawsuits, proposals in both the House and Senate will increase the cost of doing business in Iowa:
SF 313 - Reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy
(Currently in the Iowa Senate): Members of the Iowa Senate on Thursday met in subcommittee to discuss a requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant working women.
SF 2098 - Accommodations for new and expectant mothers (Currently in the Iowa Senate): This bill provides additional requirements with which employers must comply as it relates to expectant and nursing mothers.
SF 410 - Drug overdose prevention and health care mandate (Currently in the Iowa House): Last year, the Iowa Senate passed legislation to address opioid abuse and prevent liability for those who administer certain opioids. The Iowa House Public Safety Committee passed an amendment that includes a health care mandate.
SF 84 - Ban the Box (Currently in the Iowa Senate):
A subcommittee of the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee met again today to discuss the "Ban the Box" proposal to prevent employers from asking about criminal background on the initial employment application.
SAVE discussions begin
The Iowa House on Tuesday started the conversation regarding extending the statewide penny for school infrastructure. Keep reading...
Business Property Tax Credit applications due March 15
As a reminder,
businesses can apply for a property tax credit for commercial and industrial property as part of the property tax legislation that passed in 2013. If you have not yet filed for your tax credit for assessment year 2015, the application is due March 15, 2016. The application for assessment year 2016 is due July 1, 2016. For more information
click here
. Read online.
Federal Spotlight: More federal employee reporting requirements proposed
ABI's federal partner, the National Association of Manufacturers has provided information regarding another anti-employer proposal released by President Obama's administration. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) proposal will require all employers with more than 100 employees to include pay with its EEO-1 Report.
Keep reading...
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Nominate a city to host Leadership Iowa
Leadership Iowa is seeking nominations for communities to host the class for the 2016-17 year. Each class travels to eight areas throughout the state during the program, which runs from October through June. Community nominations for the upcoming year are due Friday, Feb. 12. You can continue to nominate communities after this date for future years. Click here to nominate a community.
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R
egistration opened today for several upcoming events!
Registration is now open for several upcoming ABI events. Check out the following events and sign up today!
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From the Desk of...Mike Ralston, ABI President
2016 Conference Shaping Up to be Best Yet
All of us on the staff at ABI have an incredible perk as a daily part of our jobs. We have the opportunity to learn what it takes to have a successful business. Our teachers are the very best found anywhere and they are you, ABI members.
One thing you teach is that providing value for customers is Job One. If that doesn't happen, there is no reason for your customers to buy your products or services. Well, we have customers at ABI, we just happen to call them members. And we better be providing you with value for your investment in the association.
In that regard, ABI and the ABI Foundation produce the best public policy advocacy in Iowa, meetings and events that can help your business, and community and leadership development programs that can improve your community. Because of your counsel and participation, all of these services and programs are constantly being improved. Keep reading...
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Did you miss the Monday Memo from ABI President Mike Ralston? For the most recent memo click
here.
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