AEM campaign on jobs, infrastructure gains momentum
April 7, 2011The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) “I Make America” campaign, aimed to drive U.S. job creation through infrastructure investment, gained momentum during ConExpo-Con/Agg last month in Las Vegas. About 3,000 attendees joined the grassroots campaign during the construction show to tell Congress that investment in transportation and other critical infrastructure puts more Americans back to work.
AEM’s booth in the grand lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center included a grassroots lounge complete with a prize wheel featuring American-made giveaways and a visit by Mike Rowe of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs.” For weeks before the show, the “I Make America” campaign was featured in industry and show publications and, even before stepping onto the show site, attendees were greeted with “I Make America” messages at hotels and on transportation routes all over the city.
“The I Make America campaign is dedicated to the future of our industry,” said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. “At ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011, we expanded our growing list of influential manufacturing and construction industry representatives from across the country who are focused on the urgent need to pass a highway bill and invest in comprehensive, national infrastructure improvements to grow American jobs and to keep our country competitive globally.”
The many exhibiting companies who have already joined the campaign displayed signs in their booths, show leaders highlighted the campaign at the opening ceremonies, and partner trade associations holding meetings at the show urged their members to get involved.
The show also welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, who heard the “I Make America” message in discussions with several AEM member companies before calling for a six-year highway transportation bill to be passed in 2011.
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