WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has awarded U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kans.) its prestigious Champion of the Industry Award. Rep. Estes was presented the award by Melissa Bergkamp, CEO and President of Harper Industries in Harper. The award, presented for the fifth time in the association’s 131-year history, recognizes members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for their steadfast support of the equipment manufacturing industry and their efforts to advance bipartisan, commonsense solutions to the country’s toughest challenges. Rep. Estes was awarded this recognition alongside U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.).
“The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is proud to recognize Representative Estes, as well as Senator Boozman and Representative Larsen, who earned this distinction for working in a bipartisan manner to advance policies that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity for our industry,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “These lawmakers have demonstrated an unwavering ability to work with colleagues across the aisle and have positively contributed to a public policy environment that is predictable, certain, and conducive to economic growth and job creation. We are grateful to each of them for their steadfast leadership on behalf of our industry.”
The AEM Champion of the Industry Award, the association’s most prestigious recognition, is reserved for lawmakers from both parties who have championed legislation important to equipment manufacturers and have worked across the aisle to help move the industry forward. Candidates are considered and approved by the AEM Government and Public Affairs Committee.
“Representing Kansas’ Fourth District in the House is an honor, and it’s great to work on behalf of the many skilled manufacturers that call south central Kansas home,” said Representative Estes. “In our nation’s capital, I work every day to lower taxes and cut bureaucratic tape for the workers and small businesses across our country. I’ve been able to see firsthand how the decisions at the federal level impact Kansans by touring multiple manufacturing facilities in the region. I would like to thank the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for recognizing me as an AEM Champion of the Industry this year alongside my colleagues, Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR). I remain committed to delivering for the workers, manufacturers, and small businesses of Kansas.”
“Strong leadership in Washington is about finding solutions that bring people together, not drive them apart,” said Brian Bieller, president of BOMAG and chair of AEM’s Government and Public Affairs Committee. “Senator Boozman and Representatives Larsen and Estes have each shown they are willing to put partnership ahead of politics, and our industry is stronger because of it. AEM and its member companies are proud to stand with them as we work to advance pro-manufacturing policies that create family-sustaining careers and strengthen communities across the country.”
