Honoring Off-Road Equipment Industry Innovators and Leaders

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces that Dyke Messinger, President and CEO of Power Curbers Inc., has been inducted into the AEM Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding individuals in the off-road equipment industry.

“The AEM Hall of Fame honors the dedicated individuals who have invented, managed, built and led the off-road equipment industry, and we are pleased to welcome Dyke Messinger into this elite group,” said AEM President Dennis Slater.

“Their innovation and creativity inspire the next generation of leaders to continue our industry’s commitment to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic and social prosperity.”

Nominations for the AEM Hall of Fame are open year-round. Companies or persons may submit nominations for individuals, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the industry’s legacy of progress.

An independent panel of industry experts evaluates potential inductees on five criteria considered vital to the health of the off-road equipment manufacturing industry: innovation, industry contributions, leadership, corporate citizenship/social responsibility and sustainability.

More than 55 industry leaders have been inducted into the AEM Hall of Fame since its inception in 1993.

Honorees are publicly announced and celebrated during special ceremonies at AEM’s annual conference and take their place of honor in AEM’s Hall of Fame; for more information on the AEM Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit www.aem.org/HallofFame.

About Dyke Messinger, the 2017 AEM Hall of Fame Inductee

Below is a brief summary of some of the reasons Dyke Messinger was chosen for induction.

Through focusing on research and development, customer service and support, and diversification, Dwight “Dyke” Messinger took Power Curbers Inc. from a small regional manufacturer to a major global player in the concrete paving industry.

Under Dyke’s leadership, Power Curbers launched the 5700 Series curb machine, a product that has had dramatic effects on industries ranging from agriculture to rail. Always seeking ways to improve, Dyke made drastic changes to the business throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including moving to a direct sales and service model, creating a lean manufacturing environment, strategically acquiring other businesses, launching a new product line of concrete slipform pavers, and enhancing customer service.

By embracing safety and sustainability before it was in vogue, Dyke instituted numerous safety and green initiatives. As a result, thousands of pounds of waste is now diverted from landfills each year. In addition, energy consumption at the facility has declined, and cost-savings and resources have been realized from recycling. Dyke has made safety a top priority in both product development and in the manufacturing facility. Always concerned about the safety of those who work around concrete pavers, Dyke initiated a gathering of U.S. manufacturers to study ways to make the machines safer through a commitment to listening to customer concerns.

Active within the industry, Dyke has served in leadership positions for both the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the National Association of Manufacturers. Dyke is a shining example of corporate citizenship within his community, contributing to the success of the United Way, Livingstone College, Boy Scouts of America, Rowan Helping Ministries, and numerous other area youth foundations, community projects and environmental groups.

About the AEM Hall of Fame – www.aem.org/HallofFame

The AEM Hall of Fame traces its roots to 1993 and development of the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame as a not-for-profit industry-wide initiative by Construction Equipment magazine. AEM served on its Board of Directors; the first Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held at CONEXPO 1993 and the last ceremony in 1999. The Hall lapsed in the early 2000s and AEM took over ownership and operation in 2008 creating the AEM Hall of Fame.

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) - www.aem.org

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 950 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide. AEM’s headquarters office is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with branch offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.; Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China.