The AEM Board of Directors met March 16 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the outlook for the association in 2022 and beyond, as well hear from AEM leadership regarding activities and priorities related to its various service areas. AEM Chair Bob Crain, with AGCO Corporation, presided over the meeting and led the agenda, which covered a wide range of topics related to AEM and the industry at large.
The Board also received updates from AEM staff regarding exhibitions, year-end financial results, briefings on advocacy activities and details on the association’s progress in meeting its Strategic Plan goals.
Exhibitions
The successful 2022 Commodity Classic show was recapped, noting a larger show footprint than the previous show, with attendance down about 20%, as was expected, due to COVID-19 and pandemic restrictions still being in place in New Orleans. However, the overall numbers were strong (7,865 attendees and a total net square footage of 235,000). AEM’s activities at the show were also noted – including bringing in AEF’s 2022 Spring Plugfest as a co-located event for the first time.
The Board also heard results on the The Utility Expo, which was recently held in Louisville, as well as expectations surrounding the then-upcoming World of Asphalt 2022 and the soon-to-be-held CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.
In addition, AEM staff presented an update on its exhibitions strategic direction around priorities set by AEM’s Exhibitions Strategic Task Force that included enhancing the customer journey, creating more digital offerings, further leveraging data and performance analytics and creating new commercial models.
Advocacy
Support also was expressed by the Board regarding several AEM Advocacy initiatives, including the formation of a small taskforce of members. The group will work to address the ongoing issue of so-called “Right-to-Repair” challenges taking place at both a federal and state level and discuss parameters for future legislation on the issue.
The Board also approved a plan to help grow and sustain support for AEMPAC among volunteer leaders and a broader group of member company executives, in addition to hearing details regarding AEM’s initial 5-year plan on State Advocacy.
Financial Results
The Board also received an update on AEM’s 2021 year-end financial results. Highlights included the results of from The Utility Expo held last fall in Louisville, and the current sales in advance of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. The Board also heard financial results related to AEM’s Safety Materials Program, Hargrove & Associates’ iSTAT program and the 2021 AEM Annual Conference. In addition, it was reported that association membership remains strong.
Strategic Plan
The Board also heard from AEM staff regarding the momentum and results associated with its current Strategic Plan, which charts the course for the future of the association, its priorities and its activities.
Through 2023, AEM's 4-year Strategic Plan seeks to build positive perception for our industries, accelerate industry growth, support and empower member company decision-making and facilitate members’ customer-facing efforts.
In other action, the Board:
- Welcomed its newest participant, Stephen Roy of Volvo, who also serves as Chair of AEM’s CE Sector Board
- Approved the 2022 association pension contribution and other recommendations from the March meeting of the AEM Finance Committee
- Heard details regarding the then-upcoming AEM Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall
- Welcomed guest Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and his wife Gail. Sen Wicker recently returned from meetings in Ukraine and shared the needs that country will have in the short term. He also shared with the group the work currently being done related to infrastructure and upcoming elections, and we was thanked for his vote in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
- Heard updates on upcoming conferences and events for 2022, including the AEM Annual Conference, Product Safety & Compliance/Liability Seminars and the Sustainable/Reliable Supply Chain Forum
The next meetings of and AEM, Ag and CE Sector Boards are scheduled for August 4-5 in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information about the AEM Board of Directors, contact Megan Tanel at mtanel@aem.org.
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