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By Dennis Slater, President of AEM
Having spent nearly four decades in our industry, I have made my fair share of visits to small towns and tight-knit communities to visit our members and collaborate with the companies responsible for making the products that build our cities and fuel. our world.
Looking back on all that I have experienced in my years of working on behalf of our members, I never cease to be amazed at how determined equipment manufacturers are to get involved locally and make a difference. Whether it be , Where a small family business with deep roots in a particular location, our members always find a way to make their presence known and have a positive impact on the communities they inhabit.
And while I’m always impressed with these engagement efforts, I’m never surprised. After all, AEM members, no matter who they are, where they are located or who they serve, recognize that they are part of a local community and doing good to others is not just one priority among many. . It’s the first priority.
So as we celebrate Manufacturing Month in October and commemorate our industry by recognizing Manufacturing Day tomorrow, October 1, I would like to express my gratitude to our members who are strengthening their commitment to community engagement in word and deed, as well as creating momentum for skilled trades and equipment manufacturing through their activities over the next few years. days and weeks.
For me, however, every day is the day of the making. Look around you. Engagement opportunities are everywhere, and I’m proud to say our members are taking advantage of them. Whether that is by setting up initiatives in support of local schools and technical programs, sponsoring local sports teams and community events, organizing open days to welcome locals to their facilities, or by placing ads in the local newspaper, our members find ways – both large and small – not only to tell their own stories, but also to communicate the larger history of the equipment manufacturing industry then that it continues to grow and evolve.
I firmly believe our industry is on the safe side of the rapid change we see in the world today. There really is so much to look forward to in the months and years to come. Exciting new technologies are being developed to manufacture agricultural and construction equipment safer and more efficient than ever. Sustainable practices are developed, shared and adopted to ensure a bright future for all. And while our industry should be proud of what it has already accomplished, the heavy lifting has only just begun.
The rapid change happening all around us is reflected in the work we have done – and still need to do – on behalf of our members and at AEM. Of our efforts to build a consensus point of view on the future of food and construction, our annual demonstration days dedicated to educating policymakers and government officials about modern technology, to name just a few recent and notable activities, everything we do is aimed at equipping our members with the tools they need to adapt and prepare for the future.
I have no doubt that in 10 years our industry will be bigger, more dynamic and more important than it is today. And, as things continue to evolve for equipment manufacturing, the changing nature of what AEM does will inform the public of the direction we are taking as an association. This is because the work we do is never looking for a particular destination for our members, our industry and the general public. It’s always been about the journey – the lessons learned, the connections made and the good we’ve done along the way. our many services, initiatives and programs.
So while Manufacturing Month and Manufacturing Day are useful reminders for us to spread the message of our industry’s accomplishments, engage with the public, and invite the workforce of tomorrow to shoot. building on our past successes and contributing to all the great work that remains to be done. In fact, it’s important to remember that connecting with people – especially at the local level – is a daily task.
As I prepare to put the finishing touches on a long and rewarding career at AEM, I understand why I have never lacked motivation when it comes to being an ambassador for the association, our members and our industry. Quite simply, I have yet to meet one that is more worthy of my time, effort and support. Again, he makes the products that build our cities and power our world.
For me, it doesn’t get much better than that.
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