The AEM Board of Directors met on Wednesday, April 9, in Washington D.C. for its first meeting of the year to discuss an agenda of topics important to the association and our industry.
AEM Chair Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chair of Linamar Corporation, opened the meeting by welcoming three new members to the AEM Board: Brian Bieller, BOMAG Americas; Kurt Coffey, CNH Industrial America; and Kristie Stern, Green Mountain Lion Corp.
She highlighted the consent report that was distributed in advance of the meeting and gave an overview of the insights gained by the AEM Officers when they met in January at AEM’s headquarters in Milwaukee to review AEM goals and priorities for the year. She also highlighted the global political uncertainty that continues to impact our membership in multiple ways, and by working together and engaging with the association, the Board can use its voice to champion our industry.
AEM President and CEO Megan Tanel offered her President’s Report by sharing updates to the new strategic plan initiatives that are underway and how the association is tracking progress.
Treasurer’s Report
AEM Treasurer Melvin Porter, Link-Belt Cranes, and AEM Chief Financial Officer Kathy Barke led a review of AEM’s finances, including discussions related to our financial risks and opportunities, pension funds, and 2024 audit recap. The Board voted and approved the AEM 2024 audited financial statements.
Strategic Planning Progress
Several highlights were made to showcase the progress being made by AEM staff on the new strategic plan, including:
- Board discussion and direction to establish a bigger presence in Canada and the Advocacy team’s actions regarding ongoing engagement with the Trump Administration on behalf of the industry and timeline updates on recent tariff developments.
- Announcement of new developments and opportunities for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 and focus on future show strategies for all AEM exhibitions and events.
- Overview of our efforts to enhance our internal systems and support our strategic goals through the establishment of an integrated, enterprise-wide information system strategy.
- Update on AEM’s efforts to improve on and add to our Business Intelligence offerings designed to help members make informed business decisions.
Hargrove Association Insights (HAI)
HAI President and AEM Senior Vice President Sara Truesdale Mooney provided the Board with a review of the investment being made to help HAI achieve its strategic goals, including improvements to its iSTAT program, the sales strategy underway to capture new business and the marketing/brand refresh of the company to increase awareness and lead generation among association decision makers.
Open Forum
The meeting closed after a robust discussion on the Trump Administration tariffs and how they are impacting the membership. There was lively engagement and conversation about the importance of our industry and the value the association can provide in elevating our collective voice to make an impact.
The next meeting of the AEM Board will be held in Toronto on July 31. For more information, contact AEM’s Megan Tanel at mtanel@aem.org.
