WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — A new campaign is highlighting the role equipment manufacturers play in the U.S. economy and rural communities.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, or AEM, launched its “Manufacturing Renaissance” public affairs campaign to raise awareness about the industry’s economic impact and encourage policymakers to consider manufacturing as they address the future of U.S. competitiveness, workforce development, infrastructure and rural America.
Kip Eideberg with AEM says the campaign includes television, digital and out-of-home advertising, along with EquipmentImpact.org, which provides information about the industry’s impact nationally and in all 50 states.
Connecting Manufacturing and Rural America
Eideberg says equipment manufacturing is closely connected to farmers, ranchers and small communities across the country.
He pointed to the equipment and infrastructure involved in everyday activities, from producing food and energy to delivering water and electricity.
In many rural communities, equipment manufacturers are also major employers and economic anchors.
According to AEM, the industry supports approximately 2.2 million family-sustaining jobs nationwide.
Eideberg says that impact extends beyond the manufacturers themselves because other local businesses depend on those jobs and economic activity.
“If equipment manufacturers succeed, farmers and ranchers succeed, rural communities succeed and America ultimately succeeds,” Eideberg said.
Farm Bill and Highway Bill Top Industry Agenda
The campaign comes ahead of AEM’s Washington fly-in September 15-16, when equipment manufacturers will meet with lawmakers.
Eideberg says the industry’s message to Congress will be straightforward: get things done.
That includes passing a new Farm Bill and a long-term highway bill.
He says both pieces of legislation would provide greater certainty for farmers, manufacturers and the broader U.S. economy.
The industry also wants lawmakers to focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing and rural communities rather than allowing political disagreements to slow progress.
The campaign will continue through the end of the year as AEM works to highlight the importance of equipment manufacturing to agriculture, rural America and the broader U.S. economy.
