WINN, MI The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) honors Morbark, Inc., with its "Pillar of the Industry Award," reflecting Morbark's work to improve the business environment for the equipment manufacturing industry.

Morbark was recognized at AEM's annual conference for its efforts in 2015 to advocate for pro-manufacturing solutions to elected leaders and for their participation in AEM's "I Make America" grassroots program.

"AEM is proud to bestow our Pillar of the Industry Award to Morbark to recognize their efforts to go above and beyond their daily business and become a champion for our entire industry," said AEM President Dennis Slater. "Because of their commitment to pro-manufacturing solutions, Morbark does stand as a "˜pillar' that helps support the foundation of our entire manufacturing economy."

"At Morbark, we take great pride in the equipment made in our Winn, Michigan, manufacturing facilities, as well as all products built in the United States," said Morbark President Jim Shoemaker Jr. "We want to do everything possible to create jobs and grow the American economy. AEM's "˜I Make America' campaign has provided us with an opportunity to empower our workforce and give them opportunities to contribute their voices to important issues before Congress that can directly affect the stability of their jobs and our country's ability to compete globally."

To be eligible for AEM's Pillar of the Industry award, a member company must meet a series of qualifications that capture the many ways in which manufacturers can become involved in their communities and take action in state and national issues. Notable activities in which employees of Morbark participated include a legislative fly-in to lobby Michigan representatives for their support of legislation to reauthorize the funding of the EX-IM Bank and the passage of a long-term Highway Bill, as well as an "I Make America" supporter sign-up at the company's summer family picnic.

AEM formally honored winners of the award at its annual conference in Key Biscayne, Florida. The awards coincided with the fifth anniversary for AEM's successful "I Make America" campaign, AEM's principal grassroots advocacy program, which engages AEM member companies and their employees to become champions for the industry on manufacturing issues.