On Friday, October 11, Kondex welcomed the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) on its 76th stop of their Manufacturing Express Tour! AEM began its tours on July 1 in Iowa and has since visited more than 80 member companies across 22 states. The tour concluded in Milwaukee on October 18. The Manufacturing Express is AEM’s most ambitious advocacy effort to date. Originally planned for 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, it was held this election year to rally support for pro-manufacturing policies and raise awareness for equipment manufacturing and the 2.3 million men and women representing this industry.
“Manufacturing is a vital part of our local, state, and national economy, and we were proud to host an event that celebrates and supports the impact of our organization and other manufacturers,” said Kondex marketing representative Diane Riley. “There was a lot of excitement for this tour, and our associates shared several positive comments following the event. From the moment the bus rolled in, AEM’s commitment to equipment manufacturers was the clear focus of the tour, and their staff did an amazing job engaging with our associates.”
At the event, Kondex associates spoke with AEM representatives; signed up for its I Make America campaign; heard from Kondex President Keith Johnson, AEM Director of Grassroots Advocacy Wade Balkonis, and Congressman Glenn Grothman; and played AEM’s manufacturing challenge game. This interactive, online game earned players an entry into the grand prize drawing of a Ford F-150 to one lucky participant from all AEM member companies. Smaller prizes were awarded at Kondex, including I Make America hats, water bottles, and insulated coolers.
“Every day here at Kondex, our team builds the components that feed the world, connect the world, and create leisure experiences through our turf products that really add value to people's lives,” Kondex President Keith Johnson said in his presentation at the event. “So, when we look at what we do in our industry, it means something. And, the purpose of this tour is to highlight all the work that we do to feed and fuel the world. So, we appreciate all your efforts there and today we are celebrating with you.”
Click to learn more about AEM's Manufacturing Express Tour or AEM.
Kondex President Keith Johnson addresses Kondex associates and guests during the Manufacturing Express Tour
Kondex Packager Paula Lodahl and Congressman Glenn Grothman apply the Kondex logo to the Manufacturing Express bus, while past president Jim Wessing looks on