The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has elected its slate of 2023/2024 officers at its final board meeting of 2022.
The IBC serves as a catalyst for economic growth throughout Iowa while driving innovative policy solutions to enhance opportunity for every Iowan, according to a news release.
The newly elected officers include:
- Chair: Phil Jasper, President – Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids)
- Vice Chair: Gage Kent, Chairman and CEO, KENT Corporation (Muscatine)
- Treasurer: John Sorensen, President and CEO, Iowa Bankers Association (Johnston)
- Secretary: Joe Murphy, Executive Director, Iowa Business Council (Des Moines)
“I am honored to be elected chair of the Iowa Business Council,” said Phil Jasper, in the release. “The IBC remains in a strong position to be a positive force in elevating policy ideas and pursuits that strengthen our business climate, labor force, and population growth strategies.”
Mr. Jasper takes over the chair position from Tim Yaggi, President and CEO of Pella Corporation, who remains on the IBC board.
“Tim’s leadership of the IBC over the last two years has been remarkable. Navigating our strategy through the pandemic while also aligning our priorities to focus on core initiatives to accelerate Iowa’s recovery and growth has provided a solid foundation for future years of prosperity,” Mr. Jasper said.
The IBC also announced its legislative priorities for the 2023 legislative session.
The IBC 2023 state legislative priorities include:
- Competitive tax policy: The IBC will focus on the recent income tax reform legislation to ensure competitive tax policies extend to all types of Iowa businesses. The IBC will also work to make Iowa’s property tax system more competitive.
- Mental Health: The IBC recognizes the great strides the state has taken to increase mental health investment and services in recent years. This year, the IBC will work to capitalize on this momentum and partner with a broad coalition of stakeholders to work towards increasing the supply of mental health professionals in Iowa while also exploring public funding mechanisms that will enhance mental health service and quality.
- Tort Reform: The IBC supports overall tort reform efforts including medical malpractice caps and reasonable limitations on non-economic damages in civil cases.
- Workforce initiatives: The availability of a talent pipeline is critical for long-term economic prosperity in Iowa. The IBC will continue to advocate for initiatives that grow Iowa’s workforce including work-based learning programs, child care, and housing for all.
As Iowa’s workforce continues to be limited across all industry sectors, the IBC also supports federal immigration reform and modernization as an effective tool to bolster economic development. Increasing visa caps, expediting processing, and providing efficient opportunities to retain foreign born talent who were educated throughout Iowa’s higher educational system are all common sense approaches that will enhance Iowa’s workforce, according to the release.
“The IBC looks forward to working with all members of the Iowa General Assembly and Governor Reynolds on policies that create jobs, expand business opportunities, and provide a future ready workforce,” said Joe Murphy, executive director of the Iowa Business Council, in the release.
