To strengthen relationships with state agencies, governors, and policymakers who impact the equipment manufacturing industry, AEM member companies in South Carolina were invited to join the AEM State Advocacy Team for a series of in person roundtables in Columbia, South Carolina in late April.
The roundtables included Governor Henry McMaster, Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell, Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers, Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, State Forester Scott Phillips, Senate Agriculture Chairman Wes Climer, and House Agriculture Chairman Bill Hixon.
"It was a pleasure to meet with leaders in South Carolina's equipment manufacturing industry," said Gov. McMaster. "Equipment manufacturing is a key piece of our economy, and their efforts in workforce development and statewide manufacturing expansion help to continue to drive our economy and state forward."
During the roundtables, executives from a range of AEM member companies shared their thoughts on workforce development, the impact of equipment manufacturing on the state’s economy, transportation infrastructure advancements, and rural development.
In conjunction with the roundtables, AEM member companies joined Governor Henry McMaster as he signed the “Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act” into law. This piece of legislation is a testament to South Carolina’s efforts in protecting farmland while simultaneously promoting equipment manufacturing across the state.
The AEM State Advocacy Team will be hosting a series of similar roundtables in different states throughout 2024.
If you are interested in meeting with a state official or legislator, please email AEM’s Advocacy Team at advocacy@aem.org.
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