Association Leadership: Committed, Creative, and Eager to Hear from You

I have had the pleasure the last few weeks of meeting with the Association’s Board of Directors and leadership of the Associate Supplier Section. The meetings were outstanding opportunities to hear more about the boots-on-the-ground experiences in the industry and to explore how the Association can best be of service to its members in years to come.

I was reminded in these conversations that product diversification is an important part of most members’ business models. We will certainly consider that as we plan educational sessions for our conferences and package resources to share with members through our website and other communications.

Participants in the meetings also reminded me of the value of sharing ideas with one another through the 716-member-strong Association. We are working on plans for roundtable conversations at upcoming gatherings in Kansas City, Mo., and Clearwater, Fla., to tap into the power of members serving as resources to other members.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect for me at both meetings was to see the commitment of members around the table, their openness to one another’s ideas, and their genuine interest in the Association’s future.

These 30 members own their companies or are in executive leadership positions; they took the time, and traveled at their own expense, to attend meetings with one goal: to improve our Association and offer the best we can to members.

Among participants were long-time industry leaders familiar with the 65-year history of the Association. Others were recently elected to leadership positions within the Association and bring a next-generation model of farm equipment manufacturing. Regardless of their professional experience and history with the Association, everyone contributed to and enriched our conversation.

I believe that open exchange of ideas is central to the Association’s continued growth, and I encourage each of you to be part of it.

The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors is gathering names to fill open board seats at our Fall Convention. If you would like to recommend a regular member for consideration, please contact Committee Chair Paula Kaster with Kasco Manufacturing at paula@kascomfg.com.

Our Associate Marketing Section also will elect new leadership at the Fall Convention. If you are interested, please contact the Association’s Director of Membership Services, Elaina Jackson, at Elaina@FarmEquip.org or (314) 878-2304.

The Associate Supplier Section will elect new leadership for its Supplier Section Board of Governors at the Spring Conference in Clearwater.

Contact information on all of our elected leadership is available at FarmEquip.org in the “About Us” section. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association is at its best when it balances its tried-and-true services with services that respond to changes in the industry and members’ needs. We achieve that balance through your participation. I thank the members who give their time and provide great leadership to the Association, and I encourage all members to become more involved.

Wishing you continued success,

Vernon Schmidt, Executive Vice President
Vernon@FarmEquip.org  314.878.2304