The Board of Directors of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has elected Dennis J. Slater as president of the association, effective January 1, 2003.

As president, Slater is the chief staff executive overseeing the day-to-day operations of the international trade group, which represents manufacturers of construction, agricultural, forestry, mining and utility equipment plus providers of industry services.

"Dennis Slater’s integrity, professionalism and experience are consistent with the qualifications necessary to lead AEM and its member companies in dealing with the global challenges and opportunities of the future," stated Gary MacDonald, 2002 AEM co-chairman and executive vice president of MacDon Industries in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The AEM Board of Directors elected Slater at a special teleconference meeting held October 29, 2002. At that time they voted in favor of an earlier unanimous recommendation by the AEM Executive Committee to select Slater. The election came after an extensive review process beginning in June. The process, directed by an outside consultant, included development of position criteria, evaluation of skills and knowledge, and personal interviews with the consultant and Executive Committee members.

Extensive Industry Experience

"Dennis brings extensive trade industry experience to this position and as 2002 co-president, along with 2002 Co-President Emmett Barker, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in finalizing the consolidation of the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI) into one single association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers," stated Gerard Geraghty, 2002 AEM co-chaiman, representing IR Company in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.

"I am confident Dennis will ensure that AEM will become recognized as a major voice for both the construction and agricultural equipment industries in the future," added Geraghty.

CIMA and EMI consolidated into AEM effective January 1, 2002, and during the 2002 transition year, the association operated with two co-presidents. Last year Barker had informed the Board he would be leaving the association at the end of 2002.

Before becoming AEM co-president in January 2002, Slater had served as president and secretary of CIMA. He joined CIMA in 1982 and held marketing and management posts with increasing responsibilities. In 1988 he was named director of membership as well as director of exposition services. In 1994 he became executive vice president, and president and secretary in 1998. He also serves as managing director of the ConEXPO-CON/AGG international exposition. Prior to joining CIMA, Slater was news editor of the Hartford (WI) Times-Press.

Today's top stories

NAPA Urges Drivers to 'Watch For Us' During National Work Zone Awareness Week

VDOT Oversees $3.9B Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Project

Yanmar America Celebrates Global Customer Service Awards

New York City DOT Unveils Plans for Its Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Upgrades

Terex Utilities Announces Availability of TL45 On Mini Tracked Carrier for Lifting in Restricted Access Job Sites

Nashville's Belmont University Gets $58M Gift From Executive for Music Row Expansion

New England Revolution Soccer Team Wants to Build Its Own Stadium in Everett, Mass.

Thomas Viaduct Railroad Bridge Recognized as National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark