On September 29, 2010, AEM launched I Make America with one simple goal: give the 2.3 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry a powerful, united voice for pro-manufacturing policies.
Television host and manufacturing advocate Mike Rowe helped kick off the campaign in Washington, D.C., underscoring the link between strong infrastructure, good jobs, and America’s competitiveness. Over 15,000 people tuned in online to watch the launch, so many that the site temporarily crashed.
From the start, I Make America was built on research-driven messaging, grassroots energy, and visibility in Washington. At the time, 90% of voters wanted Congress to drastically increase manufacturing jobs. With a clear mission to highlight the men and women that make up the equipment manufacturing industry, I Make America was born.
What I Make America Does
Over the past 15 years, I Make America has grown into the tip of the spear of the association’s advocacy efforts and a part of the organization’s DNA. The work falls into four main areas:
- Research & Messaging: Using data and voter insights to shape debates on infrastructure, trade, and manufacturing.
- Visibility: Cutting through Beltway clutter with high-profile campaigns, op-eds, and Hill events.
- Engagement: Harnessing digital platforms, social media, and toolkits for AEM’s 1100+ member companies.
- Grassroots Power: Building a nationwide army of advocates who take action, write Congress, sign petitions, and tell their stories.
Since 2010, I Make America has:
- Hosted 500+ events across the U.S. (including 100+ Manufacturing Express stops in just the past two years).
- Sent 150,000+ messages to lawmakers urging pro-manufacturing action.
- Mobilized tens of thousands of supporters through trade shows, factory tours, photo contests, video series, and online engagement.
Issue Priorities
From the beginning, I Make America has focused on advancing policies that strengthen equipment manufacturers and the communities they support. Over the years, its advocacy has included:
- Infrastructure Investment: Calling for strong, reliable funding for roads, bridges, broadband, and utilities.
- Trade Policy: Supporting export agreements while pushing for free and fair trade.
- Farm Bill & Rural America: Highlighting the role of equipment manufacturing in agriculture and rural jobs.
- Tax & Workforce Policy: Advocating for a modern tax code, workforce training, and support for manufacturers.
- National Manufacturing Strategy: Pushing for a long-term vision to sustain American industrial strength.
Timeline of Major Milestones
2010: Launch on Capitol Steps with Mike Rowe
- I Make America debuts in D.C. with AEM and Mike Rowe rallying Congress to act on infrastructure and trade.
- AEM releases new research showing overwhelming voter support for manufacturing job growth.
2011–2013: Expanding Grassroots
- “Picture a Better America” photo contest captures grassroots stories for lawmakers.
- “A Day in American Life” videos highlight the daily impact of manufacturing.
- First Pillar of the Industry awards celebrate pro-manufacturing champions in Congress.
- Action alerts target trade agreements, the Highway Bill, and Farm Bill.
2014: Integrated into AEM Advocacy
- I Make America becomes AEM’s unified grassroots platform.
- Launched “Ambassador Program” to recruit member company champions.
- Stronger integration with CONEXPO-CON/AGG and other AEM trade shows. During CONEXPO-CON/AGG, I Make America gave away a custom-painted 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King to one lucky winner.
2016: The I Make America Game
- Interactive mobile trailer and game educate voters about issues during the presidential election cycle.
- Sparks inspiration for future large-scale touring campaigns.
2019: Storytelling Era
- Launches the first edition of the Through the Lens photo series and Behind Every Product documentary series. Both of these award-winning series continue to this day.
- Both initiatives win awards and are displayed in prominent venues, including Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.
2024: The Manufacturing Express Bus Tour
- The most ambitious campaign yet: an 80+ stop nationwide tour with interactive exhibits, policy discussions, lawmaker engagement, and the Manufacturing Challenge competition to win a Ford F-150.
- Adds thousands of new supporters.
2025: Building Momentum
- The Manufacturing Express showcases at the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall.
- I Make America awards winner of F-150 from 2024 Manufacturing Express tour to employee at Grote Industries.
- In August, the Manufacturing Express travels to Texas with 22 more stops, surpassing 100 tour stops in two years.
- Bus will visit the Utility Expo in Louisville and Link-Belt in Lexington this month.
How People Can Take Action
The I Make America ActionHUB is the campaign’s online grassroots portal, giving supporters ways to engage, earn points, and unlock rewards while making their voices heard.
Ways to take action include:
- Write Congress: Call on representatives to support a pro-manufacturing policies.
- Sign Petitions: Show support for critical policies that impact the equipment manufacturing workforce.
- Tell Your Story: Share how your job and company impact your community.
- Social Media Action: Tweet at lawmakers, share campaign graphics, and spread awareness.
Supporters who participate advance through six ActionTron levels, unlocking recognition and prizes as they go.
A Lasting Legacy
For 15 years, I Make America has united equipment manufacturers, workers, and communities into a single movement for policies that keep America strong.
“Fifteen years later, I Make America is stronger than ever because it has always been about people,” said Kristen Prather, AEM Senior Director of Grassroots Advocacy and AEMPAC. “Every story we share, every voter we register, and every stop on the AEM Manufacturing Express is a reminder that policies are personal. They affect real workers, families, and communities. That’s what makes this campaign so powerful.”
Looking Ahead
With the 15th anniversary behind it, I Make America is charging forward. The Manufacturing Express will head to The Utility Expo in Louisville and continue across the country this fall, ensuring policymakers hear from the communities who build, power, and feed America.
One thing hasn’t changed since 2010: the commitment to ensure that equipment manufacturers and the communities they support always have a powerful, united voice in Washington.
