The organization is accepting nominations for its 2020 hall of fame
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is seeking nominees for its 2020 hall of fame class.
Launched in 2008, the AEM hall of fame honors people who managed, built and led the off-road equipment sector. Some of the hall’s inductees include John Deere and J.I. Case.
In 2019, the AEM inducted Mary Andringa, chair of Vermeer Corporation, as its first female member of the hall of fame.
"The AEM Hall of Fame is where we honour the most influential individuals in the off-road equipment industry who have been innovators driving the achievements and advancements in our industry, said AEM President Dennis Slater. "We encourage the nomination of those who have distinguished themselves through innovation, industry contributions, leadership and corporate citizenship."
For 2020, the organization is looking to expand the idea of a traditional hall of fame.
The AEM wants to recognize individuals from different roles and positions, as well as from smaller manufacturers.
"One of the things our members have told us for the last several years is they are having difficulty recruiting new talent onto their shop floors," Justin Metzger, public relations manager with AEM, told Farms.com. "One way we know will help our members cast a wider net in their search for talent is to help improve all forms of diversity in their candidate pools.
"One of the best ways to do that is to make sure it is seen that contributions from all corners of the industry aren't just available, but are truly valued."
Inductees should exemplify the guiding principles of innovation, industry contributions, leadership, and corporate citizenship or social responsibility.
The nomination period closes on June 12. Submissions received after that date will be considered for the 2021 class.
Farms.com has reached out to AEM for comment.