Today is: Septmeber 3,
2009
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Time:
7:45 - 11:15 AM
ABI/IDED
Environmental Conference
ABI Member Day at the
Harvester
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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
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  Legislative News
Fort Dodge, Davenport and Waverly
to Host Regional Policy
Meetings
ABI
members set the ABI Legislative Agenda - the
policy development process for 2010 begins this
month with our first of three regional policy
meetings on September 22 in Fort Dodge.
Davenport will host on October 1 and Waverly on
October 6. Especially, if you can't make it
to Des Moines for an ABI Committee meeting in
October these regional meetings provide members
opportunities to shape the 2010 business
agenda. Click here to
register for the free regional and committee
policy meetings.
ABI
Joins Health Care Coalition-Website
Launched
ABI
is part of a grassroots coalition focused on
health care reform. The coalition is a
group of 20 state employer organizations who are
focused on providing a uniformed voice to
Congress on the very important issue of national
health care reform. The group, coined Employers
for Quality Health Care launched their website
on September 1. Click here to read
more.
Work
Comp Premium Increase Proposed
At last week's annual Workers' Compensation
State Forum hosted by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the top NCCI
actuaries provided data and an explanation
related to the recent premium increase filed
with the Iowa Insurance Commissioner. The
proposed rate increase of 2.3% reflects a
flattening of the claim frequency from recent
years of decline as well as increase in medical
severity. Continue
reading>>>
Unemployment
Tax Rate to Increase Iowa Workforce
Development (IWD) has notified ABI that
unemployment insurance tax rates will move from
Table 6 to Table 4 next year. This change
is reflective of Iowa's 6.5%
unemployment rate and
the increase of claims drawing down the UI
Trust fund balance. Iowa's rate tables are
calculated annually based on fund
solvency. This is the first change in rate
tables since 2002 and becomes effective in the
first quarter of 2010. The new
non-construction rate will increase from 1.0% to
1.5% and the new construction rate will increase
from 8% to 9%. For more information and to
see the new rate table click here.
Special Election House District
90
The
special election on September 1st for the open
seat in the Iowa House of Representatives
formerly held by John Whitaker (D-Hillsboro) was
won by a narrow margin of 107 votes by Democrat
Curt Hanson of Fairfield. Continue
reading>>> |
 From the Desk Of...
Michael Ralston
 September
looks to continue a very busy period for the
association. We like being busy, but we
want to ensure that this busy season is
providing real value to ABI
members.
One of the things keeping
staff busy is a full schedule of ABI events and
programs. Elsewhere in this newsletter you
can access a calendar. You'll note the
annual environmental conference (this year being
produced in conjunction with the Iowa Department
of Economic Development), the new "Drivin'
Member Programs" Best Ball Golf Tournament, and
Social Media 101 are all being presented in
September. Also on tap is the YPIowa
Annual Conference, the first of many ABI public
policy meetings, and a meeting of the ABI Board
of Directors.
The point is that
while the calendar is full, events are not
scheduled for their own sake. We keep the
calendar full in order to help members and to
advance the aggressive agenda you expect from
ABI. If you are interested in public
policy; ABI has that covered. If your
focus is Foundation programs and the benefit
they bring to Iowa, ABI is all over them.
And if you are seeking valuable information
related to technical issues such as
environmental compliance, social networking, or
just about anything else, ABI also leads the way
on that front. Continue
reading>>>
Did you miss the Monday memo from
ABI President, Mike Ralston? For this week's
memo click
here. |
Top 10 LinkedIn
Benefits...
 LinkedIn: Vital Online
Tool for Professionals
Are
you one of the 45 million members of the fastest
growing professional social networking site? If
not, now is definitely the time to join
LinkedIn. You have likely received requests from
colleagues or associates to join. Or perhaps you
have an account but only log in occasionally,
mainly connecting to friends. Either way,
explore LinkedIn to learn how this site can
benefit you and your company.
1. Build Your Personal
BrandLinkedIn allows you to share
your strengths and capabilities with your entire
network. Your profile should express goals for
your professional career, your organization and
your clients or customers. Update your profile
regularly.
2. Build Your
NetworkHave you ever connected with
someone at a conference only to never see or
hear from them again? With LinkedIn, you can
ensure an immediate contact and ongoing
opportunity by requesting they join your
LinkedIn network. Continue
reading>>> |
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