By: Farms.com
During its 2024 annual conference in Dallas, the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) achieved a significant milestone by fundraising nearly $100,000.
This effort supports the Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF) and Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation (CEDF), which are at the forefront of educational and workforce initiatives in agriculture.
The conference featured a live auction with items donated by NAEDA’s industry partners, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the shared goal of advancing the industry.
Brad Hershey, NAEDA's Chair, celebrated the successful event, noting how the raised funds will help tackle some of the most pressing challenges, including the urgent need for more skilled mechanics and improved workforce development strategies within dealerships.
These foundations have been instrumental in providing scholarships, funding for technical training facilities, and programs that encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Their work has contributed nearly $4 million to these causes, significantly impacting the sector's future.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous contributions of partners such as Ritchie Bros, Federated Mutual Insurance, Federated Canada, Seigfreid Bingham, and Kohler.
Their support, alongside the funds raised through annual activities like clay shoots and golf tournaments, continues to bolster the agricultural community by developing skilled professionals ready to lead the industry forward.