The boards of directors of the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI) and the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) have selected a name for the newly consolidated CIMA-EMI associations – the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The new association will officially begin operation on January 1, 2002.

With the consolidation, the membership of the new association will cover more than 700 companies, representing more than 200 product lines, with the machines, equipment, products and services used worldwide in construction, agricultural, industrial, mining, forestry, materials-handling and utility industries.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

"Our two associations have long served the industry and our respective member companies, and from this solid base of past accomplishments the Association of Equipment Manufacturers will now focus on the future to meet the business challenges in today’s and tomorrow’s changing economy," stated 2001 EMI Chairman Robert Vermeer, chairman/CEO of Vermeer Manufacturing, Pella, IA.

The memberships of CIMA and EMI overwhelmingly voted on September 12 to consolidate the two groups into one industry association. EMI and CIMA staffs and industry leaders are already coordinating implementation of a new organizational and administrative structure to enhance services and maximize efficiencies to the membership of both groups.

With the vote, the naming plan was quickly implemented. The CIMA and EMI boards voted, after a review process was conducted, to determine possible names. The naming plan included surveys of members, internal and external brainstorming sessions, and research with targeted groups.

"We wanted to obtain input from all segments to ensure a unified decision and a name that conveys our membership scope and services to those we interact with on behalf of our members, including equipment customers, government officials and the general public," stated 2001 CIMA Chairman Robert Fien, chairman/CEO of Stone Construction Equipment in Honeoye, NY.

Based on the surveys and initial research, a core list of potential names was developed. Additional research on these names was conducted with end-users, government officials, association executives, international representatives, the future workforce (students) and others to obtain their perceptions.

The list was then narrowed down to five names that were reviewed by the Steering Committee of EMI and CIMA officers overseeing the consolidation process. From that list, three names were submitted to the boards for a final vote. The selected name will be formally affirmed by the CIMA and EMI boards of directors at their annual meetings.

For more information, call 414/298-4123 or 312/321-1470.

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