It isn't the first time it's struck me how impactful our readers and advertisers are, but its definitely the hardest it's ever hit me. Two years ago when OEM Off-Highway launched its first Green Issue in March of 2009, it was an overwhelming sense of pride for me. Not only because it was my own creation and my first big project for the magazine, but also because it allowed me to demonstrate the social and environmental issues being tackled in the off-road equipment industry, on top of the various other demands, requirements and regulatory compliances they wrestle with each and every project.
I have developed such an immense enthusiasm and deep appreciation for the innovation and creative efforts of the engineers I speak with every day, that I wanted to use this Editor's Notebook to extend my personal gratitude for all that they do. Not just the engineers of course, but the countless others invovled in the research, testing, product development and implementation of new products.
Equipment manfacturers and component manufacturers alike have not allowed the slowed economy to impede real progress.
This year at ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2011 in Las Vegas, NV, tens of thousands of people gathered to announce new, more efficient, faster, sleeker, more advanced, cleaner, and optimized systems and equipment to the world, and the world responded. According to an official press release from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) president Dennis Slater, "A resounding wave of attendees, including an unexpected readiness of these customers to buy, surged into the exhibits at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE. Nearly 120,000 industry professionals, including an all-time record of 24% international delegates, crowded the aisles, delivering an overwhelmingly positive message that the industry recovery is getting underway."
During the show, the grassroots campaign I Make America (www.IMakeAmerica.com) gained over 3,000 more supporters to keep up its momentum to drive U.S. job creation. The mission aims to convince Congress to pass policies aimed at revitalizing the U.S. construction and manufacturing industries and the U.S.'s economic growth and international competitiveness through infrastructure investment.
OEM Off-Highway, too, had a high-energy reception at both ConExpo and IFPE with lots of readers and supporters stopping by to say hello. While I would have loved to stay at the booth and meet everyone that stopped by, I instead scurried about the show floor greeting industry friends and meeting new ones. You can see a few of my visits by going to our Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/oemoffhighway) and searching our personal hashtag #OEMatIFPE to find news and pictures from the show.
Finally, OEM Off-Highway would like to introduce you to our latest addition to the editorial staff, Sara Jensen. After only one week with the magazine, Sara was carelessly tossed into ConExpo & IFPE and gracefully endured the baptism by fire. Please join me in welcoming her to the staff.
