Market changes and evolving end user needs are impacting the ways in which construction professionals, utility owners and contractors, and vertical and transportation builders operate today.
AEM, through its Construction Equipment (CE) Sector Team, is committed to providing its members with the tools and resources they need to better meet evolving customer needs, positively impact their own bottom lines, and enhance their services through the adoption of new technologies and innovations.
“Our association speaks with one unified voice on behalf of the non-road equipment industry, and it supports a number of sectors and industries through various boards, committees, and strategic initiatives,” said AEM Vice President of Construction & Utility John Somers. “The CE Sector at AEM is a foundational component of that support, and it provides the information, analysis, and connections AEM members need to navigate the construction, utility, and—though less prominently—mining industries.”
The sector’s efforts are designed to spur growth and development of the industry through technology adoption, standardization, and end user engagement. In addition to engaging with AEM’s Safety & Product Leadership, Market Share Statistics, and Regulatory departments and teams, as well as other AEM staff and service areas, the CE Sector is instrumental in shaping the association’s flagship trade shows—CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo. These engagements serve to help members as they navigate evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes, while also driving innovation in safety, productivity, and sustainability.
“Many of these topics and focus areas are common across AEM’s CE and Agriculture Sectors (examples include engine emissions regulations and sustainability. However, to focus efforts, we have team members in place that strive to be subject matter experts in their respective areas,” explained Somers.
Priorities and Initiatives
Through the team listed below, the CE Sector addresses three main priorities set by the AEM CE Sector Board:
- Advocate for the construction industry through proactive engagement with policymakers and regulators
- Support the transformation of the construction industry by working to drive adoption of cutting-edge technology and useful innovations
- Redefine the changing customer experience by addressing the evolving needs of construction industry end users and stakeholders
Constructing Connections – Get to Know Dormie Weber, AEM Construction Services Manager
AEM is excited to welcome Dormie Weber to the CE Sector Team, as of June 1. Weber comes to AEM with over six years of experience in the roadbuilding and pavement maintenance industry, with a background in
marketing, content creation, and brand engagement.
A proud Wisconsin native, Weber embraces everything the state has to offer. In the summer, she can be found soaking up the sunshine, catching a Milwaukee Brewers game, or spending quality time with family. When fall rolls around, she trades in her lawn chair for a tailgate spot—cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers or Green Bay Packers with a local IPA beer in hand.
From Rural Roots to Utility Routes – Get to Know John Rozum, Senior Director, Industry Sectors
Rozum joined the CE and Ag Sectors Teams in early 2024 after more than 10 years on AEM’s Trade Shows + Team leading The Utility Expo and IFPE. He leads efforts for the Utility Sector, as well as many cross-sector programs, such as working with component members, supply chain sustainability, equipment attachments, and the soon-to-be-relaunched AEM Futures Council. He also serves as our staff lead for AEM’s ag trade show, Commodity Classic.
A former farm kid who grew up with a love of the land and fascination for big equipment, Rozum remains an avid gardener, woodworker, amateur mechanic, bourbon buff, and firm believer in chainsaw therapy.
Discovering the Drive - Fueled by Curiosity, Powered by People– Get to Know John Somers, Vice President, Construction and Utility Sectors
Similar to the other John, Somers started in a different area of AEM. He spent about seven years on the AEM Marketing Team, primarily focusing on websites for trade shows and AEM.org. In 2014, Somers moved into the CE Sector and focused most of his time on developing services for members in underserved product areas (and developing industry relationships). In his role now leading the CE Sector, along with AEM’s Safety Materials Program, he is firmly focused on finding ways to help AEM members through the association’s services and industry thought leadership.
Although he grew up in a small town in Wisconsin surrounded by construction sites and farm fields, it wasn’t until Somers joined AEM in 2007 that he truly discovered his fascination with equipment. Even though the equipment is incredibly advanced (and, in many cases, unbelievably huge) Somers's true passion is the people. He is continually inspired by the incredible people in the industry—many of whom he is proud to call lifelong friends.
Besides being a huge Milwaukee Brewers fan, an enjoyer of bourbon (apparently everyone named John is), Somers also embraces his role as an industry "connector.” He gets sincere joy out of bringing people together in a meaningful way and watching as they create value for one another.
So, with all that said, AEM members are encouraged to connect with the CE Sector Team and see how they can help build momentum for construction, shape policy, harness data, and meet the ever-changing expectations of increasingly savvy equipment end users.
For more information on AEM's CE Sector Team, contact John Somers at jsomers@aem.org.
