Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed October “Manufacturing Month” in Nebraska today. Elliott Equipment Company, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and I Make America, hosted the Governor to kick off Manufacturing Month, highlight the exciting world of modern equipment manufacturing, and celebrate the men and women who make the equipment that build, power, and feed America.

Governor Ricketts toured Elliot Equipment Company’s manufacturing facility, spoke with employees about the need to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of equipment manufacturing workers, and delivered remarks to employees and guests.

“Members of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers make the machinery that powers American industry,” said Nebraska Governor Ricketts. “AEM is growing our state and country by helping to upgrade infrastructure, expand trade, and develop the workforce. As we celebrate Manufacturing Month in Nebraska, we wish AEM continued success creating opportunities for American workers to build the future.”

Governor Ricketts met with many of Elliott Equipment Company’s employees and talked about the importance of the equipment manufacturing industry to Nebraska’s economy and the need to promote pro-manufacturing policies to support the state’s 33,800 equipment manufacturing workers. Equipment manufacturers, like Elliott Equipment Company, also contribute $3.6 billion annually to the state’s economy.

“We were thrilled to welcome Governor Ricketts to Elliott Equipment Company’s factory here in Omaha,” said Jim Glazer, President and CEO of Elliott Equipment Company. “Governor Ricketts is a true champion for equipment manufacturers throughout Nebraska and we applaud his efforts to bring awareness to the issues that will benefit our men and women by proclaiming today “Manufacturing Month” here in Nebraska.”

“Governor Ricketts works tirelessly to support the equipment manufacturing industry’s 33,800 men and women here in Nebraska,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “By proclaiming today “Manufacturing Month,” Governor Rickets continues to demonstrate his strong commitment to ensuring the success of our industry and our ability to help keep Nebraska strong and prosperous. We must continue to champion policies that will invest in the next generation of equipment manufacturing workers and enhance our industry’s competitiveness in the global economy.”

Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) was created in 2012, launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month. MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.

I Make America, AEM’s national grassroots campaign, advocates for the policies that are critical to the industry’s long-term growth and prosperity. Earlier this year, AEM launched Year of Action, a groundbreaking initiative designed to educate and engage the 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in support of pro-manufacturing policies.

If you would like to get involved with the I Make America campaign and help us advocate for the policies that are critical to the equipment manufacturing industry’s long-term growth and prosperity, please contact Wade Balkonis (wbalkonis@aem.org).