Whats on Members Minds?
I had the pleasure recently of seeing many of you at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa. Thank you to the nearly 100 member executives who took a moment to say hello during a busy show.
Thank you also for displaying the Association’s “Proud Member” signs alongside your equipment. The signs had impact. First, they showed the strength of the Association. Next, they opened conversations with companies who could further strengthen us by becoming a member.
Every time I see members, I learn something from you, and the Farm Progress Show was no exception. You shared great insights about how current events are affecting your operations. I was happy to realize that much of what is on your minds lines up with what we’ll discuss at the Marketing & Distribution Convention in Minneapolis. I want to use this space this week to share highlights.
You have long been concerned about changes to the farm equipment distribution landscape. Even amid uncertainty over trade policy, I heard this repeatedly. Another long-standing concern that remains top-of-mind: the shortage of skilled labor.
We’ll cover both in Minneapolis.
This fall convention is built upon finding distribution partners for manufacturers, and as the distribution model changes, the meeting content reflects what’s new. We are thrilled about the all-star dealer panel we’ve planned. See details on page 3.
When members told us months ago they wanted a session on workforce development, we knew instantly that the best person to lead the conversation was Mark Core, Vermeer Corporation’s executive vice president and chief marketing officers. Core understands that with the skills gap the industry faces, “we need to collectively act or risk losing another generation of talent.” He is an evangelist for the good-paying jobs and career opportunities the industry offers, and he is prepared to share with you his strategies for building a talent pipeline. Whitney Wilkinson will join Core in Minneapolis. She is Vermeer’s talent acquisition manager. Their session, Human Capital: Building Your Workforce, is Wednesday afternoon.
On a related note, the Association will announce details about a workforce development scholarship effort also supported by the Equipment Dealers Association and AEM.
The members I spoke with at the farm show also offered great feedback on the value of services the Association offers.
Several members mentioned our Risk Management Program with Sentry Insurance. Specifically, you talked about great experiences on recent claims and valuable advice you received on safety messages and owners manuals. Others shared the high value they have come to place on the free legal services we provide members dealing with HR and distribution issues.
As much as we enjoy hearing positive experiences regarding current programs and services, these visits also allow members to tell us of additional services they would like the Association’s leadership to consider. We look forward to continuing these conversations with members during our convention in Minneapolis next month.
Continued input from our membership will greatly assist our Association’s leadership in keeping our meetings, publications and other services relevant to our industry.
Vernon Schmidt
Executive Vice President
314.878.2304