What happens when I Make America goes to North America’s largest trade show, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE)? We recruit more than 18,000 action-focused men and women to join us as we continue to move the needle on issues that will strengthen equipment manufacturing in America and the communities that we all call home. Our message in Las Vegas was straightforward – help us advocate for policies that will bolster our industry and ensure that we can continue to make the equipment that builds, powers and feeds the world. 

The equipment manufacturing industry supports 2.3 million family-sustaining jobs in the United States – one in nine U.S. manufacturing jobs – and we know that without the support or engagement from lawmakers at all levels of government, these jobs and our entire industry is at risk. We spoke with thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors, and materials producers who stopped by the I Make America booths at the show and urged them to help us make some noise and call on their elected officials to help equipment manufacturers do what they do best: invest in their communities, grow their businesses, and hire more Americans. This will go down as one of I Make America’s largest initiatives since its inception in 2010 and would not have been possible without our member companies who leaned in and supported our efforts. 

Not only did I Make America rally thousands of attendees in support of manufacturing, but the 139,000 attendees could see the I Make America logo on equipment and components large and small spread out over the 3 million square feet of exhibit space. When everything was said and done, one in five AEM member companies proudly displayed the I Make America logo on their products to let everyone know that not only do they support the campaign, but they stand with the tens of thousands of men and women who are passionate about making the equipment that builds, powers and feeds the world. We will carry this momentum with us throughout the year as we continue to engage and inform lawmakers about the policies essential to the equipment manufacturing industry’s long-term economic growth and prosperity. 

None of this would have been possible without the generous support and partnership of our sponsors. During the show, I Make America handed out exclusive I Make America hats made by Triple Crown Products, backpacks sponsored by Terramac, and is set to award one lucky support the grand prize...a UTV from Bobcat Company! 

Be on the lookout for the I Make America booth at the Utility Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, happening Sept. 26-28, 2023.

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