Almost a year ago, AEM gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada for a successful 2020 CONEXPO-CON/AGG. I Make America, AEM’s national grassroots campaign, had a significant presence, engaging show attendees about the importance of getting involved and making their voices heard. Folks who signed-up for I Make America at CONEXPO-CON/AGG not only registered for timely updates from our team about critical legislation and happenings on Capitol Hill and state capitals, but they were also entered to win hourly giveaways and the grand prize.
Drew Waller, an engineer at AEM member company Power Curbers, attended CONEXPO-CON/AGG and was the lucky winner of the grand prize, a Bobcat UV-34XL utility task vehicle (UTV). The UTV, generously donated by Doosan Bobcat North America, was delivered last month to the paving and curbing equipment manufacturer’s Salisbury, North Carolina factory and presented to Waller in a surprise orchestrated by Power Curbers President Stephen Bullock.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with AEM and I Make America to raise the visibility of our industry,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “It’s important for manufacturers to have a voice in public policy discussions that impact our industry. When we work together, we raise the awareness level on issues such as infrastructure and workforce development.”
I Make America, which advocates for policies that support manufacturing jobs and helps America’s manufacturers compete globally, has more than 40,000 supporters. I Make America supporters receive the latest information on critical issues impacting the equipment manufacturing industry – preparing them to advocate for the industry through outreach to elected officials, participation in online campaigns, and sharing their stories with decision-makers at every level of government.
“During an election that saw more than 156 million Americans cast ballots, the 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry spoke out about the policies that matter and the values that are critical to keeping America exceptional and our industry strong,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg. “Thanks to the tremendous support from our member companies and their employees, we engaged with a record number of candidates running for office at the local, state, and federal levels, and made a powerful case for pro-manufacturing policies.”
“I Make America is a great way for equipment manufacturers like me to learn about issues important to our industry and make our voices heard,” said Power Curbers Engineer and 2020 CONEXPO/CON-AGG I Make America giveaway winner Drew Waller. “Working for a paving and curbing equipment manufacturer allows me to see the impact our work has on our roads and bridges, in our communities and across the country. It’s important that the folks that represent us in our state capitols and in Washington, D.C. understand that, too.”
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