AED Expands State Government Affairs Program to National Scale

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is expanding its state policy efforts, officials say, as the company has announced that its government affairs program will expand to include representation from all 50 states.

Announced Oct. 14, the program’s expansion aims to strengthen the association’s voice on policy at the state level. Representatives say the move will allow AED officials to advocate for equipment dealers on both state policy issues and regulatory matters. Additionally, AED members are likely to receive more opportunities for direct political engagement following the change, the association says.

“Expanding our government affairs program nationwide gives AED and our members a stronger presence in state policy discussions,” says AED president and CEO Brian P. McGuire. “Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for dealers to share their experiences directly with policymakers and demonstrate the important role equipment dealers play in their communities.”

AED officials say the group’s members can expect “increased policy insights and engagement opportunities” once the change is finalized and fully enacted. The association aims to focus on legislative meetings, facility visits, hearing testimonies, advocacy events, and other political outreach efforts.

Refining the AED policy blueprint

The program expansion builds on the success of AED’s existing political initiatives, including the Far West legislative visit program. The Far West program aims to connect association members and dealers with both legislative leaders and executive branch officials.

Now, AED is expanding that mission, bringing policymakers to equipment dealerships to see operations firsthand and meet the people behind modern construction equipment.

“Dealers are the experts when it comes to their businesses and the communities they serve,” says Eric Wareham, AED’s VP of policy. “Our expanded state government affairs program will help create meaningful connections between dealers and policymakers while keeping our members informed about legislative and regulatory developments across the country.”

AED says it will continue to work with its members following the expansion, as well as regional associations and industry partners. The group aims to identify dealer engagement and industrial opportunities to further strengthen the group’s voice at the state level.