WASHINGTON, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nick Yaksich, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has been recognized as one of CEO Update's top lobbyists of 2013.  CEO Update cited Yaksich's efforts with the Coalition to Save our GPS to defeat a bid by Lightsquared to build a broadband network that would have potentially interfered with GPS use on construction and agriculture equipment.  He also played a vital role in the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and establishing Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia.

CEO Update, the source for association news and executive careers, annually "recognizes a selection of those association stalwarts who do yeoman's work advocating for their groups."  CEO Update continued, saying "these executives on the front line of advocacy play a major role in making sure their members' messages are heard – before Congress, the regulatory agencies, even in some cases, the courts."  A total of 13 lobbyists were honored with the award this year. 

"I'm thrilled to see Nick receive well-deserved recognition," AEM President Dennis Slater said.  "He has effectively represented the interests of AEM, its members and the equipment manufacturing industry for many years.  From his successful collaboration with the Coalition to Save Our GPS, to ensuring Congress reauthorized important programs such as the highway bill, PNTR with Russia and the Export-Import Bank, Nick is a proven leader for AEM's advocacy efforts on behalf of our members."

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) - www.aem.org
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. AEM membership comprises more than 850 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.: Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China.

CONTACT:
Sara Sendek, AEM
202-898-9064; ssendek@aem.org  

SOURCE Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)