In addition to his responsibility as CEO of Krone North America, this year Rusty Fowler also takes on the added duties as chairman of the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers. He described for Farm Equipment his major challenges in his new position.

"During my time as chair I will work to amplify the voice of our membership in advocating on behalf of our respective industries. The AEM initiative, 'I Make America,' 'continues to be a very successful, growing grassroots campaign delivering a message to our policy makers and individuals that better manufacturing policies, infrastructure investment and export agreements create jobs for America.

"AEM has taken steps to begin working with agricultural advocacy groups such as the Hand That Feeds U.S. and the United States Farmers and Ranchers Assn. to deliver a positive message about agriculture to urban populations.

"There is no shortage of challenges for AEM in the coming year considering tax reform, the Highway, Farm and Energy Bills, which are all subject to the recommendations from the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction. Then throw in a presidential election. The AEM objective is to make certain we are a credible and meaningful part of the dialogue and discussion on behalf of our members."