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IIPAC Auction Item
UNI v. Iowa Men's Basketball
December 8 @ 7:05 PM
McLeod Center, Cedar Falls
4 Center Court Seats
 
Minimum Bid:  $75
Click here to bid.
 

HatsoffHats Off button 
  
John Bloomhall, CEO of Diamond V Mills Inc.
 
 
Fred Buie, Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company 
 
Marv Debner, LWBJ Financial, West Des Moines
 
 
"Hats Off" submissions to Michelle Vollstedt.
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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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Side GraphicLegNewsLegislative News
 
US Senate to Debate Health Care
The US Senate is working to begin debate this month on the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."   While health insurance reforms are needed, this legislation as drafted will raise costs for business, starting with billions of dollars in new taxes. All businesses organized as "S" corporations would be hit by a new surtax on wage income and an excise tax would be imposed on current health insurance plans.  In total, the legislation raises taxes by $493 billion. Continue reading>>>
 
UNI v Iowa Basketball Tickets
The pre-season conference favorite UNI Panthers will host the Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball team on Tuesday, December 8 in Cedar Falls.  Be part of the action by bidding on 4 Premium seats at the game. CLICK HERE
 
Governor to host Tax Credit Review Public Meetings
Governor Culver announced two public meetings will be held regarding the Tax Credit Review Panel.  The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 15th in Cedar Rapids and the second meeting will be held in Urbandale on Wednesday, December 16th.  ABI will present on behalf of the association membership at the December 16th meeting in Urbandale. Continue reading>>> 
 
Register Now for the 2010 Legislative Briefing and Reception
Don't miss out on the 2010 Legislative Briefing and Reception.  The annual event is one of the best attended ABI events and provides great opportunity to network with other ABI members and members of Iowa's General Assembly.  CLICK HERE to register now and receive the early bird registration discount.

DNR to host Stakeholder Meeting
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host a stakeholder meeting at ABI's request on Tuesday, December 8th to discuss the proposed federal rule related to greenhouse gas tailoring.  The Iowa DNR has decided to put forth a notice of intended action to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission in December before the federal government has finalized its version of the rule.  The meeting will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at 7900 Hickman Road in Windsor Heights. 

Grants Available for Small Businesses
The Iowa Lactation Taskforce will have mini grants available to aid businesses in establishing a lactation program, or improve an existing program.  Grants awarded will be in amounts of $500.  The applications will be available for business in February 2010.  Additionally, a seminar was held on lactation in the workplace earlier this fall.  Attendees were encouraged to reach out to businesses for educational purposes. Continue reading>>>
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Side GraphicfromFrom the Desk Of...Mike Ralston 
ABI Public Policy Work Takes Center Stage

Mike RalstonFor over a century, ABI has been the leading voice for Iowa manufacturers and business people.  Some of the most important work our association conducts relates to public policy and working with Iowa policymakers to build our state's economy.
 
While our work in that regard never stops, we are at the time of the year when it is perhaps even more vital.  The 2010 Session of the Iowa General Assembly will convene next month and ABI members have been very busy preparing for it.  Just last month, the ABI Board of Directors approved a full slate of policies and recommendations that were developed with the help of association members from across Iowa.  ABI's public policy team and officers have been meeting with legislators of both parties and in both chambers to discuss issues and proposals. 
 
At ABI, we have great respect for those who serve in elective office, regardless of party.  The work is hard and demanding.  We seek to make the legislative process a bit easier by providing solid data and information about business and economic issues. 
 
Legislators have been wonderful in seeking out ABI counsel and listening to the views of Iowa business people.  ABI has met in recent weeks with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders alike, and we are grateful for the opportunity to do so.  It is clear that all legislators want to build our state's economy and improve business. Continue reading>>>   
Did you miss the Monday Memo from ABI President Mike Ralston? For this week's memo click here.
 
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Side GraphictenRecord Levels of Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Funds Available from USDA Rural Development...
Special American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds Available Through September 2010 

USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development is now taking applications for $2.7 billion in loan guarantee funds to help businesses with expansions, take-out interim construction loans, as well as working capital, restructuring and refinancing needs.
 
Of the $2.7 billion available, approximately $1.7 billion are being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to help rural businesses create and save jobs and help rural communities grow and prosper.
 
The $1.7 billion of ARRA guaranteed loan funds are available through September 2010, or until exhausted. Funds will remain available through USDA Rural Development's regular business and industry guaranteed loan program after this date. Continue reading>>>
 
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Side GraphictopFrequently Asked Questions about...Roth IRA Conversions
 
Content Provided by:
LWBJ Financial, Principal Financial Group, & Syverson Strege & Company        

1. If I convert my Roth IRA in 2010, will the conversion throw me into a higher tax bracket?
2. What happens to my converted Roth IRA if I die?
3. If I made non-deductible contributions to my IRA, can I   still convert and will my tax bill be lower?
4. Am I eligible to convert my existing IRA to a Roth IRA? Continue reading>>>
 
Roth Conversions Seminar
Jaunary 7, 2010 | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Des Moines

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