First announced in June, the campaign will focus on one specific policy priority each month in the run-up to the election, and explain why it is crucial to the long-term success of equipment manufacturing in the United States: free and fair trade in August, infrastructure investment in September, and rural America in October.
The AEM, a North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers, says the goal of the campaign is to educate and mobilise manufacturing voters on the policies that matter to the industry, encourage greater engagement, and help elect pro-manufacturing candidates. The campaign’s digital action centre on www.equippedtovote.org provides information including how to register to vote, learn who is running in their district and state, and take action to help elect candidates who support the equipment manufacturing industry.
“The outcome of the 2020 election will have a significant impact on equipment manufacturers, the manufacturing sector, and the US economy for years to come,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior VP of government and industry relations.
“With equipment manufacturers responsible for one out of every eight manufacturing jobs in the United States, our industry has a duty to help our people make their voice heard and give them an opportunity to shape the outcome on Election Day. From infrastructure investment to free and fair trade, it is crucial that the 2.8 million men and women of our industry vote for candidates who will fight for pro-growth policies that allow the equipment manufacturing industry to prosper, grow the economy, and create family-sustaining jobs.”
Equipped to Vote is being run in partnership with AEM’s member companies. The association says the campaign is specifically designed to provide them with the tools and resources they need to engage with their employees and colleagues about the importance of casting their ballots this year. Through a series of interactive games and challenges, all designed to encourage civic participation, participants will earn points toward weekly giveaways and a special grand prize.
With about 30% of all equipment manufactured in the US destined for export, the AEM says free and fair trade policies and agreements are vital to the industry’s prosperity. Equipment manufacturers rely on mutually beneficial trade relationships with our neighbors near and far because open, two-way trade and investment mean more opportunity for the 2.8 million men and women of the industry.
“Exporting equipment around the world is crucial to creating American jobs, helping communities succeed, and keeping the United States ahead of global competitors,” said John Garrison, chairman of the board and president and CEO of Terex Corporation and 2020 chair of AEM’s Government and Public Affairs Committee. “Equipment manufacturers count on our elected officials to negotiate trade agreements that are fair and accountable, that create a level playing field, and that put American families and workers first.”
