By Brian Bieller, President, BOMAG Americas and Keith Johnson, President, Kondex Corporation —
When it comes to shaping the future of equipment manufacturing, advocacy is more than just a useful tool or helpful resource – it is the engine that delivers results and drives meaningful change for our industry.
At AEM, our work with lawmakers and regulators helps ensure the industry’s voice is heard loud and clear, from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Whether it is fighting for smart trade policies, advocating for rural America, or helping regulators understand the technology behind modern equipment, AEM’s Advocacy Team is out front and center, making sure that equipment manufacturers can continue to grow their businesses and invest in their communities.
The headwinds facing our industry today, from heightened geopolitical tensions, shifting trade and tariff policies, supply chain instability, and persistent labor shortages, have never been stronger. During these challenging times, unity is the key to both short-term and sustained success. We are all in this together, and together we will emerge stronger.
When we speak with one, unified voice, policymakers pay attention.
Launched in 2011, the AEM Advocacy Awards recognize member companies for their outstanding contributions to the association’s advocacy efforts and for their strong partnership with AEM in advancing the industry’s policy agenda.
Working closely together, and in partnership with AEM on advocacy, is critical because it gives all of us a unified voice for engaging with lawmakers, shaping policy outcomes, and moving the industry forward in ways that no single company could ever accomplish on its own. Close collaboration also fosters a powerful sense of community and a shared mission among all AEM member companies.
This shared mission is what the AEM Advocacy Awards celebrate each year at the association’s Annual Conference. All member companies are eligible, and they will be recognized with either Bronze, Silver, or Gold. In addition, a few select member companies are awarded the prestigious Pillar of the Industry Award for exceptional contributions to advocacy on behalf of the equipment manufacturing industry.
To qualify for this year’s Advocacy Awards, member companies must log into their account, select the qualifying advocacy actions and initiatives undertaken in partnership with AEM, and submit their report by Oct. 31. Please reach out to AEM’s Beverley Rogers at brogers@aem.org with any questions.
During the upcoming Annual Conference, we will host a Gala in support of our political action committee. AEMPAC has a simple mission: to support the campaigns of pro-growth, pro-jobs candidates for office. To learn more about AEMPAC and to secure your ticket for the Gala, please visit our website (and make sure you sign the prior approval form, if you have not already done so).
With 2025 winding down and next year on the horizon, AEM is doubling down on advocacy. For that to happen, though, we need continued close collaboration from the association’s volunteer leaders, as well as the support of the entire AEM membership.
The stakes are high—but we are ready. Because when public policy is made, it is not enough to have a say. You have to be part of—and shape—the conversation.
