WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and its I Make America national grassroots campaign announced the winner of the 2019 International Construction and Utility Equipment Expo (ICUEE) giveaway. The prize, a Bobcat UV-34XL utility task vehicle (UTV) donated by Doosan Bobcat North America, was awarded to Vermeer employee Nalon Hopkins, who attended the expo and entered a giveaway in October.

I Make America partnered with Doosan 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 are proud to partner with AEM and I Make America to raise visibility of our industry,” said Mike Ballweber, President of Doosan Bobcat North America. “It’s important for manufacturers to have a major voice on issues such as workforce development and infrastructure improvement, and together we can support a cause that gives us a voice in public policy.”

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 industry through outreach to elected officials, participation in online campaigns, and sharing their stories with decision-makers at every level of government.

“I Make America’s success depends on the strong support of member companies and their employees to help government and elected officials understand the critical importance of the equipment industry and manufacturing to economic prosperity and quality of life across America,” said AEM President Dennis Slater.

“Thanks to AEM and I Make America for their work in bringing awareness to the industries we serve,” said Vermeer Southwest Sales Representative and 2019 ICUEE I Make America giveaway winner Nalon Hopkins. Every day, I get to see the important impact equipment makes in our communities and around the world, and I am proud to be a part of that.”

The ceremony, and the presentation of the Bobcat UTV, was held at the corporate office of Vermeer Southwest in Gilbert, Arizona. Representatives from AEM, Doosan Bobcat, and Vermeer Southwest attended the event.

Doosan Bobcat North America is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of compact equipment and the U.S. and Canadian subsidiary of Doosan Bobcat Inc. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Doosan Bobcat North America represents the world-renowned brands of Bobcat® compact equipment, Doosan® portable power products and Geith® attachments. These companies are industry leaders in the engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of compact construction equipment, generators, air compressors, lighting systems, light compaction equipment, and attachments. To learn more about Bobcat products and technology, please visit Bobcat.com.

Vermeer delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality agricultural, underground construction, surface mining, tree care and environmental equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit Vermeer.com.

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., and 149,000 more in Canada. Equipment manufacturers also contribute $188 billion combined to the U.S. and Canadian economies.

To learn more about AEM's policy efforts, visit www.aem.org/advocacy.