AEM’s I Make America campaign has made a big difference over the past 10 years. As the equipment manufacturing industry’s leading voice for grassroots advocacy, I Make America, and our more than 35,000 supporters, have stood on the front lines of advocating for policies that benefit the equipment manufacturing industry.
I believe we have an opportunity to do even more over the next 10. That’s why as Chair of AEM’s I Make America Committee – which shapes and steers the I Make America program – I’m making sure we have the tools and resources necessary to make the program even better.
I personally got involved with I Make America almost six years ago when we welcomed I Make America to Volvo Equipment’s manufacturing facility in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Like many of AEM’s 1,000-member companies we’re located in a small rural town, so the enthusiasm of our workforce during each event’s sign-up engagements are a powerful experience for them. Our employees felt a new level of empowerment, whether it’s getting an opportunity to directly communicate with elected officials or being offered the resources to send a message to politicians and regulators when it makes the most impact they believe they can make an impact in a way that makes a difference.
There are many ways AEM member companies can get involved in I Make America and help make a difference this year and for years to come! 2019 is shaping up to be another successful year for the I Make America campaign, and it’s especially critical we continue to grow heading into next year’s 2020 general election.
That’s why we continue to work directly with AEM member companies to host tours with elected officials throughout the year. And of course, we will again offer AEM member companies the opportunity to join us for the I Make America annual fly-in taking place in Washington D.C. September 18-20 – where our industry will again descend on both sides of congress to advocate in-person for the most important issues impacting our industry.
We’re also unveiling new ways for AEM members to get involved. This year, AEM Members can take advantage of the following two new resources:
Event-in-a-Box: This new feature provides your team with everything you need to host an I Make America event. Our team will send you a box with materials, ranging from banners to excited swag, that’ll make sure you put on an exciting and engaging event.
Take a Break with I Make America: This gives AEM member company employees the ability to learn more about getting engaged from the comfort of their break rooms while also getting a chance to win a pizza party!
Every action has valuable impact. No effort is too small when it comes to making sure your workforce or your community understands just how much manufacturing issues matter. We are stronger together!
If you want to know how you can get involved in I Make America this year, contact the I Make America team at imakeamerica@aem.org.
Dave Foster is the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Volvo Construction Equipment.
