New Header
In This Issue Button
 
May 12, 2016 
 
Left Column:
ABI Mission Statement

Right Column:
Discount Deadlines
Top Sponsors
ABI News






New Calendar

Regional Public Policy Meeting: Waterloo
Tech Works | Waterloo

Regional Public Policy Meeting: Des Moines
ABI Office | Des Moines

Regional Public Policy Meeting: Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance |Cedar Rapids

2016 Taking Care of Business Conference 
Sioux City
 
AdvisoryCouncil
AC Button
MissionMission Button
 
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.
LegNews

 

Legislative News

Sign up for upcoming regional policy meetings
ABI will hold regional policy meetings beginning next week at various locations around the state. Sign up now to hear about what happened this past legislative session, get updates on the political landscape and elections, and give input into what business and industry issues should rise to the top going forward.  Click here to see the schedule and to register.

ABI environment committee meeting is May 23
The ABI environment committee will meet May 23 in Cedar Rapids to discuss the latest on environmental issues affecting business and industry, including air quality and water issues. The meeting immediately follows the Regional Policy Meeting held earlier that day. Email Michelle Vollstedt to register. Read online
 
Governor reviewing legislation
Gov. Terry Branstad and his staff have been carefully reviewing legislation in the days since the end of the legislative session, April 29. The governor has 30 days to sign or veto bills received within the last three days of session, and he can also line-item veto appropriations bills. Keep reading...

IWD board meeting update
The Iowa Workforce Development Board met today to consider a number of matters important to Iowa businesses. Director Beth Townsend reviewed the IWD bill  (Senate File 2313) and acknowledged the collaboration with ABI on the final language of the bill. Keep reading...

EPIC interviews scheduled
EPIC (Economic Progress for Iowa's Citizens), of which ABI is a member, has been busily scheduling interviews with open-seat candidates and those Iowa House members who were elected to the legislature in a special election. The first round of interviews to discuss business and industry issues with members of the business community will take place May 24-25. Keep reading...

Federal Spotlight: New federal overtime rules expected in days 
As anticipated, the new US Department of Labor (DOL) overtime rule changes are likely to be released within the next two weeks.   
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires time and a half pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a week for many of your employees.
When the final rule is issued, employers will have 60 days to comply. Many employers have already been planning a course of action, but those who have not given serious thought about this will need to address it fairly quickly. Keep reading...

Federal Spotlight: OSHA rule final
The Labor Department on Wednesday released a final rule requiring certain employers to send their records of injuries and illnesses to OSHA for posting on its website. The rule will require businesses with 250 or more employees, per facility, to electronically report to the agency annually all of the company's injury and illness logs for that year starting in 2017. Keep reading...

Encourage your employees to vote in June 7 primary
Absentee voting is already open in Iowa for the upcoming June 7 primary, which includes candidates seeking their party's nomination in four federal races and other legislative races throughout the state. Encourage your employees to participate in this important election. Keep reading...
Discount deadlines for conference, Business Horizons upcoming
Discount deadlines are approaching quickly for two valuable ABI events: 
Business Horizons: Students who apply by Sunday, May 15, to attend Business Horizons will receive an $85 discount. Click here for more information.
Taking Care of Business Conference: The second and final early bird rate for ABI's annual conference ends Thursday, May 19. Register now to save $100.

From the Desk of...Jason Horras, Vice President, Director of Occupational Health, 21st Century Rehab

Focus on worker safety can improve bottom line

The bottom line for most companies is increasing profitability. Often companies focus solely on increasing sales or services to drive this profit growth. It is important to remember that it is usually easier to keep the revenue already generated by reducing the cost of doing business than it is to create more business. Hiring the right workers and keeping them safe and productive at work should be a huge focus for all businesses. Who wants to hire the next ticking time bomb or severe workers' compensation injury? There are several steps that can help reduce the risk of this happening through a simple focus on Risk Reduction/Prevention philosophy.
  • Pre-work screening: Hire the right workers. Reduce the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorder Injuries (MSDs) by hiring workers who have a match between their physical abilities and the physical demands of the job (essential job functions). 
    Keep reading...

Interested in submitting your own From the Desk of column? Contact Emily Schettler at eschettler@iowaabi.org.
Did you miss the Monday Memo from ABI President Mike Ralston? For the most recent memo click  here.


New Footer Image