Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) President Mike Ralston, will be honored on Wednesday, Oct. 2, with the Manufacturing Champion Award at the 2024 Legends in Manufacturing Awards.
Mr. Ralston has led ABI since 2005. He has long been recognized for his commitment to supporting and advancing Iowa’s manufacturing sector, ABI said in a news release. Throughout his career, Mr. Ralston has been an advocate for policies and initiatives that promote innovation, job creation, and economic growth within the state.
“Mike travels to all corners of the state each and every year advocating for Iowa manufacturers and there is no more deserving recipient than Mike who has dedicated the last two decades of his career to advancing manufacturing in Iowa,” ABI Board Chair Chad Reece said in the release.
Key legislative wins
Under his leadership, legislative victories for manufacturers have included:
- Sales and use tax exemption for supplies used in manufacturing.
- Workers’ compensation reform.
- Unemployment insurance tax system reform to emphasize re-employment.
Three key initiatives launched during his tenure include:
- Elevate Advanced Manufacturing – an initiative designed to promote careers and educational pathways in advanced manufacturing.
- Iowa Manufacturing Conference – bringing together experts to provide insight and advice on the top challenges and opportunities facing Iowa manufacturers.
- Coolest Thing Made in Iowa – competition aimed to highlight the state’s vibrant manufacturing industry.
What makes a legend?
‘“Mike Ralston truly embodies an Iowa manufacturing legend,” Mike O’Donnell, director of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, said in the ABI release.
“In his nearly 20 years leading ABI, Mike has been a driving force, ensuring that business leaders have the climate, connections, and education to succeed. His presence and steady leadership have made him the face of Iowa industry, while his lasting individual connections have made him a trusted advisor to so many of us across the state.”
As a Manufacturing Champion, Mr. Ralston joins a group of past honorees who have made significant contributions to Iowa’s manufacturing landscape. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy for the industry. They also help to secure Iowa’s place as a top state for manufacturing.
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is composed of member companies representing all industries and sizes in Iowa’s 99 counties. ABI members employ more than 330,000 Iowans.
