MILWAUKEE, WI The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has earned a Top Workplace in Southeast Wisconsin award from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The program recognizes businesses and organizations that offer top-notch opportunities, support and flexibility to help employees succeed professionally and personally. Rankings are based solely on employee feedback from surveys conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent research firm.

"We continually strive to create a quality work environment that fosters creativity and growth, and we are very proud and honored to be included in this prestigious list of best places to work," said AEM President Dennis Slater.

"We have an incredibly dedicated and talented team; their enthusiasm and even passion are essential to our mission to help our members and the entire equipment manufacturing industry grow and prosper, providing jobs, economic support to their communities and improved quality of life across America and worldwide," Slater said.

Newer staff have favorably cited the top-workplace award AEM received in 2015 in their decision to join, saying they are attracted to the AEM work culture. Millennials, Generation Xers and Baby Boomers each comprise about one-third of AEM staff.

"We emphasize a collaborative approach that empowers all staff to contribute and be recognized; successful and engaged employees positively affect the quality of new and expanded as well as existing AEM programs," said Slater. 

Slater cited recent examples of a new thought-leadership initiative - "˜Thinking Forward,' enhanced exhibition services at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and increased advocacy outreach as programs where employees directly impact the quality of services brought to the association's members.

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. Membership comprises more than 950 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide.