Member Committees: Shaping Association’s Direction
The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association serves as the collective voice of members and provides resources so members can continually learn and engage in industry developments. The Association belongs to you, so it is fitting that you help shape its direction.
Association members serve on committees designed to assure continued success among our 742 member companies. In this issue, we thank the members who give their time to committee work and encourage every member to share suggestions on how the committees can meet their objectives.
Communications Committee Chairwoman: Janea Danuser, Danuser Machine Company
Purpose:
- Assure electronic publications and communications are current, user-friendly, and relevant to members.
- Promote the Association’s web site.
Convention Committee Chair: Ric Kirby, Kirby Manufacting, Inc.
Purpose:
- Develop appropriate programs, themes, and topics to present at the Spring Conference and Supplier Showcase and the Fall Marketing and Distribution Convention.
- Recommend strategies to the Board of Directors to enhance member participation at the annual meetings.
Update from the spring conference: Committee members talked about distributing a survey to attendees of the conference and discussed plans for the next two association conventions.
Education Committee Chairman: Ben Hellbusch, Duo Lift Mfg. Co., Inc.
Purpose:
- Assess members’ needs and develop seminars, roundtables, and programs in response to those needs.
- Pursue academic resources valuable to members.
- Deliver information to all levels of membership by coordinating efforts with affiliated associations.
- Investigate the feasibility of alternative methods of learning, such as satellite seminars.
- Encourage member participation in educational programs.
Update from the spring conference: The committee discussed a recommendation to start a sales management track and reviewed details around educational events they planned in Charlotte to JR Motor Sports and Bull Engineered Products. At the annual fall convention, the committee will discuss opportunities for education beyond the spring and fall meetings.
Dealer Relations Committee Chairman: Vince Tomlonovic, Hiniker Company
Purpose:
- Assess equipment dealers’ needs and concerns regarding shortline equipment.
- Recommend to the Association’s Board of Directors strategies for enhancing communications with dealers.
- Monitor legislative issues such as warranty, buy-back bills, and contract law.
International Committee Chair: Seat is vacant.
Purpose:
- Provide resources for members interested in export.
- Recommend to the Association’s Board of Directors actions on tariffs or other regulations related to trade.
- Monitor members’ interests in export trade and organize an informal roundtable at the annual fall meeting.
Update from the spring conference: Paul Roper with Ag in Motion presented information to members about this new outdoor farm show in Canada.
Membership Committee Chairman: Ric Kirby, Kirby Manufacturing, Inc.
Purpose:
- Assess membership marketing and develop strategies to build membership.
- Assess communications with members and recommend strategies for strengthening communications.
- Develop strategies related to member retention.
- Plan a reception for members at the Association’s annual fall meeting.
Update from the spring conference: Committee members reviewed membership numbers, which are the highest they have been in recent memory. The 742 membership base is comprised of 333 manufacturers, 354 suppliers, 46 marketers, and nine global members. The committee acknowledged and named companies who have sponsored a new member as essential to the Association’s success.
For a complete list of committees, committee members, and to learn more about the process of being appointed to a committee, go to FarmEquip.org/committees. S