Equipment Leadership Meeting

Staff of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association recently participated in an equipment leadership meeting last month in Washington, D.C. The annual meeting, hosted by the Associated Equipment Distributors, was also attended by Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Association and American Rental Association, North American Equipment Dealers Association.

Discussions included equipment industry economic conditions, the 2010 outlook along with a host of other issues affecting the industry including depreciation
bonus/Sec. 179 deduction extensions, equipment depreciation and health care legislation, tax credits, job creation, equipment safety legislation and estate taxes.

Follow-up assignments were given to all the organizations in preparation for Congress moving on each of these items. We will continue to look for ways to partner with other groups where we share some of the same goals and objectives. The story of the small, often family owned manufacturer and their struggle to compete in the marketplace, remains a compelling tale that needs to be heard at the local, state and federal levels of government.