2016 Critical Business Updates - This event has been CANCELLED.
Sioux City
Connecting Statewide Leaders
Grinnell
Leadership Iowa Session V
Grinnell
2016 Critical Business Updates
Dubuque
Iowa Business Day on the Hill Reception
Scenic Route Bakery
Des Moines
Iowa Business Day on the Hill
ABI Office | Des Moines
March Board Meeting (Invite Only)
ABI Office | Des Moines
ABI Legislative Update Teleconference (Members Only)
Connecting Statewide Leaders
Council Bluffs
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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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This week, the week after the first funnel deadline, the Legislature has focused on debating bills. Committee work also continues in both chambers. ABI has been working in earnest to discuss priority bills that passed the funnel with legislators in both chambers.
Coupling legislation update
Monday, ABI members joined other stakeholders at a press conference held by House Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) to provide real examples of how small businesses will be affected if the Iowa Senate does not agree to couple state tax law with federal tax law. Keep reading...
Senate passes health care mandate expansion
The Iowa Senate on Thursday passed
SF 2254, which expands the existing autism mandate. The bill would require behavioral assessments to be covered under health insurance. Current Iowa code requires coverage for medically-necessary services.
Ban the Box and wage discrimination debate delayed
SF 2240, commonly known as Ban the Box, was placed on the Senate debate calendar Wednesday but was not debated. This bill, which ABI opposes, would prohibit employers from inquiring into the criminal background of most job applicants on the initial application. ABI opposition to the bill helped stop it from moving forward this week.
The Senate also was scheduled to debate Thursday for
SF 2193, a bill that would make it difficult for employers and employees to have an open dialogue about compensation and benefits. That debate was also delayed.
Keep reading for more info on both bills...
Iowa Workforce Board to discuss overpayments at Friday meeting
Members of t
he Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Board will meet Friday at the Capitol to discuss many items, including an unfortunate error made in 2014 related to the payment of unemployment compensation benefits by IWD.
A recent audit found that approximately $723,000 in incorrect payments were made between 2013 and 2014. As you know, the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund consists of State Unemployment Taxes paid exclusively by Iowa employers.
Reminder: Register now for Iowa Business Day on the Hill
Iowa Business Day on the Hill is an opportunity to recognize the invaluable role Iowa companies play in the state's economy, and remind legislators of the importance of fostering a positive business climate.
Sign up now to join us March 14 for a reception with legislative leaders. On March 15, we'll hear from special guests and travel to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers. Keep reading...
State legislative candidate filing periods opens Monday
The filing period for candidates wanting to run for state or federal office opens Monday, February 29 and runs through Friday, March 18. Keep reading...
Federal Spotlight: ABI joins amicus brief on Clean Power Plan
ABI has joined 40 other state chambers and business groups this week in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in opposition to the EPA's Clean Power Plan. ABI has been monitoring this issue and working with our national partners to oppose the over-reaching rule that will result in increased costs of power to customers. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the brief or learning more, please contact Nicole Crain.
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From the Desk of...Bruce Smith, Attorney, Goosmann Law Firm
Why Risk Management Matters More than Increased Profits
In business, not all choices are an 'either or' proposition. Owners and managers often times believe the zero sum game approach to decision making must be the primary consideration when establishing priorities. "If I do 'X', I will not be able to do 'Y'." Yet, just the opposite is likely true, especially when delving into the world of risk management.
What is 'risk management'? It is simply the effect of uncertainty on attainable objectives, followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events or to maximize the realization of opportunities. Risk management's objective is to assure uncertainty does not deflect the endeavor from the business goals. Risk management focuses on identifying what could go wrong, evaluating which risks should be dealt with and implementing strategies to deal with those risks. Businesses that have identified the risks will be better prepared and have a more cost-effective way of dealing with them.
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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