The Iowa Association of Business and Industry was formed in 1903 to give a voice to manufacturers and workers, specifically in legislation. Called the Iowa Manufacturer's Association until 1983, the organization originally focused on fire insurance, improved transportation services, and freight rates throughout the state. This collection contains reports, news clippings, a staff directory, legislative bulletins, correspondence, articles of incorporation, and several historical publications dealing with the early development of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry was formed in 1903 when a group of Iowa manufacturers were creating an exhibit to send to the World's Fair in St. Louis. The organization developed to give a voice to manufacturers and workers, specifically in the legislative sphere. Called the Iowa Manufacturer's Association (IMA) until 1983, the organization originally focused on fire insurance, improved transportation services, and freight rates throughout the state. The IMA also helped to develop the first Iowa Worker's Compensation Law, which passed in 1911. Throughout the years, the IMA was involved in key legislation for Iowa workers including state unemployment compensation laws, Iowa's Right-to-Work law, the foundation of the Iowa Development Commission, and the statewide adoption of federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration standards.

In 1984, the organization changed its membership requirements, allowing all types of businesses to join and renamed itself the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. They also established the ABI Foundation in 1984, which continues to support new generations of Iowa's workforce.

This collection (1963-1987, undated) contains materials pertaining to the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, formerly the Iowa Manufacturer's Association. These materials include reports, news clippings, a staff directory, legislative bulletins, correspondence, articles of incorporation, and several historical publications dealing with the early development of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. The bulletins describe the organization's activities and news about legislation that will affect the IMA. Also included are several reports from the National Labor Relations Board from 1967-1982.