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Chairman's Message
Aggressive strategic priorities, performance-based programs hallmark of 2003 AEM service to members
During the November AEM annual conference, Chairman Ronald DeFeo (Terex Corp.) provided some insights into the direction of the association during 2003 to be a value-added resource for member companies. Here is an excerpt.
Our annual conference theme is “going from good to great,” and this phrase exemplifies the direction of AEM since the consolidation took effect.
Our first year, 2002, was a year of transition and evolution. We successfully combined the operations of our two predecessor organizations and established a strong foundation for future growth.
In 2003, with that base, we have focused on implementing programs that fulfill the goals of the consolidation’s Memorandum of Understanding: enhanced member service and value, increased cost efficiencies, increased member representation in AEM programs by all market segments, and development of a stronger industry voice to advance member concerns.
These four goals, or core values, drive all of our strategic planning and program development.
Aggressive Agenda to Address Priority Issues
We entered 2003 with an aggressive agenda, based on several “priority issues” from your Board of Directors. Here are some key directives.
First, increase the level of our public policy activities. We initiated a public policy action plan to guide expanded regulatory and legislative outreach activities. Our increased visibility helps us more effectively tell government officials how their actions impact our industry’s growth and vitality.
We’re also working more closely with customer groups to promote industry interests to government officials. These include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Transportation Construction Coalition, American Farm Bureau, Americans for Transportation Mobility, Healthy Forest Initiative Coalition, and Washington Agricultural Roundtable.
Highway Funding Reauthorization Targeted
An example of our increased activity is more involvement in the industry push to secure adequate transportation funding through TEA 21 reauthorization. We participated in Capitol Hill briefings and other meetings with key government officials, and we’re on the managing committee of the Chamber’s Americans for Transportation Mobility.
Through the Transportation Makes America Work (TMAW) campaign, we initiated a matching-funds program. With this, AEM and its member companies have contributed more than $652,000 to encourage congressional support for highway funding. This is actual money contributed, not just pledged.
Expanded Ag Programs
Another major priority issue is to elevate our agricultural services. In 2003, we developed an ag action plan to enhance the programs offered to the ag equipment membership. The plan includes increased interaction with ag customer groups, and consideration of farm show co-ownership or sponsorship to provide an improved and more cost-effective level of services to member exhibitors.
AEM has already initiated a series of meetings with allied groups to discuss issues of mutual interest for manufacturers, dealers and others in the distribution channel. These include the North American Equipment Dealers Association and the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association.
Canadian Outreach
A major component of the ag action plan: provide a broader range of ag-related services targeting Canada. We have expanded this to include a Canadian outreach for all members with operations or who do business in this large and important marketplace.
Our Canadian presence includes the incorporation, at their request, of the Canadian Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute into AEM. The transfer of CFIEI activities to AEM will be effective in January 2004. We will now be a true North American association.
Our initial focus will be a provincial legislative outreach, as well as a focus on standards and regulatory concerns.
Statistics, Technical Focus
Another priority issue focuses on increasing participation in the Supplier Council, and expanding its activities.
The AEM Board priority issues also cover statistical and technical services to the membership. In 2003, the association developed an implementation plan to harmonize the association’s statistical reporting policies and procedures. This includes establishment of a single processing system for all market data programs.
A key technical priority issue focuses on international trade. We will continue to take the lead to support development of global standards that improve our ability to cost-effectively market our products in today’s world economy.
These are just a few examples of the strategic focus and direction of your association, dedicated to providing programs with actionable results that benefit members’ business operations.
AEM Major Supporter of TMAW Campaign >>
AEM-NAEDA Cooperative Efforts >>
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