AEM’s CE Sector Board of Directors met last week in Washington, DC to discuss a number of key sector initiatives. The agenda also featured updates from AEM staff regarding the association’s service areas, including advocacy, regulatory, and trade shows.
CE Sector Board Chair Eric Sauvage, President & CEO, LBX Company LLC, called the meeting to order and welcomed Directors to the first meeting of 2025. Directors discussed ongoing issues impacting the construction equipment industry and potential opportunities for AEM to help address those issues.
Directors also discussed progress made to achieve the CE Sector Board priorities:
- Advocate for the construction industry and proactively engage with policymakers and regulators.
- Support the transformation of the construction industry, recognizing the central role played by technology.
- Define the changing experience and address the evolving needs of construction industry end users and stakeholders.
Advocacy
AEM Director of State Affairs Nicholas Rudowich discussed upcoming state legislative issues, noting an increase in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) legislation and dealer legislation in several states, along with a renewed focus on workforce.
Directors welcomed guest speaker Caryn Moore Lund, Senior Professional Staff Member, Environment and Public Works Committee, who shared insights related to the Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
AEM Government Relations Manager Christopher Hansell provided an update on AEM’s efforts to support the Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Regulatory
AEM Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Ag Policy Nick Tindall provided an update on planning for the upcoming Celebration of Construction on the National Mall. The event, which will be held May 14-16, 2025, in Washington, DC, will provide a unique opportunity for AEM, its members, and its industry partners to educate policymakers, elected officials, and the general public on how the construction equipment industry is “Building a Stronger America.”
Trade Shows
AEM Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Marketing Nicole Hallada provided an update on the recent success of World of Asphalt 2025.
AEM Vice President of Exhibitions Data and Technology Integration and CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff discussed strategic goals and initiatives for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026.
CE Technology Leadership Group
AEM Senior Director of Portfolio Management Sara Feuling provided an update from the CE Technology Leadership Group which, along with the Ag Technology Leadership Group, has developed guidance documents for autonomy, cybersecurity, and data layers. These documents will represent our joint sector non-road industries, serving as the common language and structure used by AEM and its members to educate regulators and legislators, as well as customers and end users.
The next meetings of the AEM Board of Directors, CE Sector Board, and Ag Sector Board scheduled July 30-31 in Toronto, Ontario. For more information on AEM CE Sector activities and initiatives, contact AEM’s John Somers at jsomers@aem.org.
