December 13, 2018
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
ABI’s Hyland Testifies at Governor’s Budget Hearing
On Tuesday afternoon, ABI Director, Public Policy Jessica Hyland presented ABI’s 2019 legislative priorities to Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg and key staff at the budget hearing. Hyland thanked the governor for her leadership and requested full funding of the Future Ready Iowa initiative, specifically the Employer Innovation Fund. Watch  Hyland’s full remarks  to the governor, which start at the 28:23 mark.
Governor Names New Chief of Staff
Also on Tuesday, Gov. Reynolds announced her new chief of staff. Sara Craig Gongol will replace Ryan Koopmans effective this Saturday. Sara was the chief consultant to Gov. Reynolds on her campaign and has long been involved in Republican politics. Read the  full news release  about Ms. Craig Gongol. Keep reading .

IIPAC Needs Your Investment Today
With the 2019 legislative session set to convene in one month, we need you to  support IIPAC  now more than ever. IIPAC had a very successful election cycle in supporting pro-jobs candidates, but now that IIPAC has been depleted, we’re asking for your help in rebuilding it as we head into the new year. Key pro-business policymakers are ramping up their fundraising efforts between now and the start of session, and that means we’re looking to support them as much as possible before then. Consider making a  $100 contribution   to IIPAC today.

ABI Comments at Administrative Rules on Tax Issues
ABI Senior Vice President, Public Policy Nicole Crain testified before the Administrative Rules Review Committee (ARRC) concerning a proposed tax rule being issued by the Department of Revenue last Friday. Crain highlighted a few areas where ABI requested that additional clarification be considered to the proposed rules on the definition of manufacturer and the manufacturing exemption. The comments were similar to  ABI’s comments  at the public hearing earlier in November.

Federal Spotlight: EPA Unveils Replacement for WOTUS Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a  new version  of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule on Tuesday morning. The updated WOTUS rule would narrow the scope of the EPA’s jurisdiction over certain waterways and more clearly define “navigable waters” under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule will have a 60-day comment period and will include a listening session in Kansas City, Kan. Read more .
ABI UPDATE
RSVP for Monthly Public Policy Teleconference Calls
Always be in-the-know about what’s happening with the Iowa Legislature. Join the ABI public policy team all session long for monthly updates via conference call. Upcoming teleconferences will be Jan. 25, Feb. 15, March 15 and April 5—all at 8 a.m. Email Michelle Vollstedt to RSVP and request teleconference instructions.
FROM THE DESK OF...
A Step-by-step Guide to Successful High-level Talent Acquisition
Natalie Hoffmann, CPA.CITP
Partner
Honkamp Krueger

In today’s competitive job market, acquiring the best talent can involve a long and drawn-out process often resulting in the employer settling for someone who may not be the best fit, or not finding the right candidate at all.

Online job sites have helped employers reach farther than ever, which has benefits and downsides. Read more .
MEMBER NEWS
Free Start Smart Workshop Offered in Mason City
The NIACC Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center will offer a free two-hour workshop on Dec. 19 for anyone who is considering starting a business. Participants will learn how to create a business plan, conduct market research, consider different types of business ownership and learn how to register a business. Read the full news release .

Iowa Army National Guard Initiative to Connect Soldiers with Employers
The Iowa Army National Guard is creating a new initiative to connect its newest qualified soldiers, returning from their military skills training, with employers seeking to hire service members. A career fair will be held at Camp Dodge the second Tuesday of every month. The fairs will begin on Jan. 8 and 9, 4-5 p.m. both days. For more information, contact LTC Jason Wisehart at 515-252-4133 or  Jason.l.wisehart.mil@mail.mil .

Renew Rural Iowa to Host Seminar for Top Decision Makers
Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa presents The Journey to Your Vision seminar, Jan. 29, in Orange City. Do you know what stage of growth your business is in and how you can reach the next level? Attend this valuable one-day seminar to help stack the odds in your favor by understanding the stages of business growth, their unique challenges and methods to overcome them. The seminar is complimentary, but  registration  is required.
GOVERNOR'S CLUB SPONSORS
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