Shelby Charter Township, Michigan – Representatives from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and I Make America, the group's national grassroots campaign, announced the winner of the 2021 Utility Expo giveaway. The prize, a Bobcat UV-34 utility task vehicle (UTV) donated by Bobcat, was awarded to Versalift Midwest employee Catherine Vogler, who attended the expo and entered the giveaway in September.

I Make America partnered with Bobcat, a global leader in the compact equipment industry, to promote awareness about its campaign and initiatives through a giveaway for the Bobcat UTV, which has an estimated value of $20,000. 

"We believe it's important manufacturers have a strong voice in public policy discussions," said Laura Ness Owens, vice president, Bobcat vice president, brand & marketing. "We take great pride in our continued partnership with AEM and I Make America. When we work together, we raise the awareness level on issues that directly impact our industry."

I Make America, which advocates for policies that support manufacturing jobs and helps America’s manufacturers compete globally, has more than 40,000 supporters. I Make America supporters receive the latest information on critical issues impacting the equipment manufacturing industry – preparing them to advocate for the U.S. equipment manufacturing through outreach to elected officials, participation in online campaigns, and sharing their stories with decision-makers at every level of government. 

"The success of I Make America would not be possible without the dependable support from member companies and their employees committed to showing state, local, and federal lawmakers the impact of America's equipment manufacturing industry and the economic value our industry provides for communities across America," said AEM Director of Grassroots Advocacy Wade Balkonis.

"US Equipment Manufacturing is the backbone of American Sustainability. Versalift has proudly designed, manufactured, and distributed world-class aerial lifts since 1965. As we have executed upon our global growth plan, we have seen manufacturing jobs grow from 600 to over 2100 associates in the last five years. We are happy to see Catherine at Versalift Midwest, a longstanding and hard working team member awarded this great prize in support of the "I Make America” campaign," said Bruce Hardt, Vice President of HR, Time Manufacturing Company.  

The ceremony, and the presentation of the Bobcat UTV, was held at the Versalift Midwest's facility in Shelby Charter Township, Michigan.
 

All photos should be attributed to I Make America.

Since 1958, Bobcat Company has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation based on delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, Bobcat offers an extensive line of compact equipment, including loaders, excavators, compact tractors, utility products, telehandlers, mowers, attachments, implements, parts, and services. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat continues to lead the industry, all while helping people succeed and build stronger communities and a better tomorrow. For more information, visit www.Bobcat.com

Versalift Midwest (formerly Cannon Truck Equipment) specializes in truck customization and provides specialized services in the fields of manufacturing, sales, and parts for the trucking industry. Versalift Midwest, takes pride in being Michigan’s highest quality truck equipment and service provider. 

I Make America is the grassroots campaign of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which advocates for policies that support manufacturing jobs and help America's equipment manufacturers compete globally.

AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry supports 1.3 million jobs in the U.S. Equipment manufacturers also contribute $159 billion to the U.S. economy.

Visit www.aem.org/advocacy for more information.