Journal of Equipment Management 2021

Page 80

AEMP EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT LIVE HIGHLIGHTS:

How is COVID-19 affecting infrastructure projects and the technician shortage? BY GEORGIA KRAUSE

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distributors, AEM did two online surveys asking member CEOs what their concerns were and what their company’s outlook was for the year. Wood reported those surveyed said the impact of the virus was severe and required making adjustments. “Over one-third of our members furloughed up to half of their employees,” Wood said. “Our CEOs also said supply chain issues and order cancellations and delays continue to be a challenge.” Wood noted that a full 80 percent of the survey respondents say infrastructure investment is the “key to getting our industry back online.” Fisher reported that despite shutdown orders, dealers have been able to remain OS

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ecause so much of the fleet management industry is dedicated to building and maintaining our country’s infrastructure, AEMP asked the best experts on heavy equipment and government infrastructure to share their insights and updates on how COVID-19 is affecting the already complicated task of funding and activating current and upcoming infrastructure projects. Daniel Fisher, VP of Government Affairs, AED, and Kate Fox Wood, Director Government Relations, AEM, spoke at the Equipment Triangle Industry Foresight and Advocacy session during June’s Equipment Management LIVE online event. Shortly after last year’s CONEXPO, when COVID-19’s impact began commanding the attention of equipment manufacturers and PAGE

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Journal of Equipment Management


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