AEM Chair Todd Stucke, Kubota Tractor Corporation, presided over the Nov. 15 meeting of the AEM Board of Directors meeting in Indian Wells, California as part of AEM’s Annual Conference. The Board reviewed a full agenda of topics that are of great importance to the association and the industry.
During his Chair’s report, Stucke reflected on the busy and successful year, highlighting the importance of our member companies working together to present a unified voice for the industry and the work done this year on the 2025-2027 AEM Strategic Plan. He also acknowledged and thanked Rod Schraeder, Komatsu Corporation and Chair of AEM’s Nominating Committee, for his leadership of the 2025 leadership slate. Schrader presented to the leadership slate that was elected by the AEM membership during the Annual Business Meeting the previous day.
AEM President Megan Tanel provided her President’s Report and shared the work the AEM Human Resources team is leading in the areas of training and leadership development, assessing talent and staff salary benchmarking across the organization. She also provided an overview of the accomplishments of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and shared a long list of accomplishments and KPIs for each of the four main areas of the plan.
In addition, the AEM Board agenda covered the following:
Treasurer’s Report
AEM Treasurer Melvin Porter, Link-Belt Cranes, and AEM CFO Kathy Barke presented the financial highlights from the Treasurer’s report, including the review and approval of the 2023 pension plan audit, review and approval of the AEM 401(k) audit and the review and approval of the proposed budget for 2025.
Advocacy
Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) Chair Pat Weiler, President and CEO of Weiler, and AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg reported on the fourth regular meeting of the Committee, discussed the outcome of the 2024 election, and outlined the subsequent challenges and opportunities facing the industry. They delivered a report on the AEM Manufacturing Express, including high level results, and outlined how it will be leveraged to support the association's strategic plan in 2025, including stops at the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall and The Utility Expo. Finally, they recapped the Committee's decision to expand the scope of AEMPAC to include financial support for candidate running for office at the state level, explore the creation of a 501(c)(4) for political activities, and expand the association's advocacy efforts in Canada.
Sector Updates
Ag Sector Chair Bill Hurley, AGCO Corporation, and AEM Senior Vice President, Industry Sectors, Curt Blades provided a summary of the Ag Sector Board meeting from the previous day. The highlights included a summary of the main Ag Sector leadership group initiatives, including the introduction of Water Management, Joint Technology and Ag Technology leadership groups. The Ag Sector priorities for 2025 were also presented.
CE Sector Chair Eric Sauvage, LBX Company, and AEM Vice President, Construction and Utility Sectors, John Somers presented a summary of CE Sector Board meeting, which included a discussion of the challenges and successes of 2024, the CE Sector priorities for 2025, as well as shared information about the work being done on the upcoming Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall event scheduled for May of 2025.
Exhibitions
The AEM Board also received an update from AEM’s Exhibitions leaders Nicole Hallada, SVP of Exhibitions and Marketing, and Dana Wuesthoff, VP of Exhibitions and Event Services. They provided updates on World of Asphalt, The Utility Expo and CONEXPO-CON/AGG, which included some highlights for new elements of future shows.
ESG and Compliance Reporting
AEM’s Curt Blades also led a discussion of AEM’s work to align the membership with the industry on compliance and ESG reporting. This included the progress being made by member committees, alignment with the auto industry, and a brief overview of reporting tools.
For more information on activities, goals, and priorities associated with the AEM Board of Directors, contact AEM’s Megan Tanel at mtanel@aem.org.
