Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), will be recognized with the Manufacturing Champion Award at the 2024 Legends in Manufacturing Awards event. As announced in a press release from ABI, the event will take place during the Iowa Manufacturing Conference on Oct. 2.
Mr. Ralston has served as ABI’s president since 2005 and has acted as a core advocate for Iowa’s manufacturing sector. He announced his upcoming retirement from the company in July; he will continue to act as president until the end of 2024.
His efforts have included promoting policies that support innovation, job creation, and economic development across 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,” said ABI board chair Chad Reece in the release.
Under Mr. Ralston’s leadership, legislative victories for manufacturers include:
- 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: brings together experts to provide insight and advice on the top challenges and opportunities facing Iowa manufacturers.
- Coolest Thing Made in Iowa: a competition aimed to highlight the state’s vibrant manufacturing industry.
“Mike Ralston truly embodies an Iowa manufacturing legend,” said Mike O’Donnell, director of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, in the release. “In his nearly twenty 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.”
The Manufacturing Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership and advocacy for Iowa’s manufacturing industry, the release states. Mr. Ralston joins past recipients who have made significant contributions to the state’s manufacturing landscape.
