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AED Canada
AED and CAED Announce Integration

On January 22, 2010, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors (CAED) formally announced that the two associations have agreed to integrate their operations under AED management. Under the arrangement, all administrative functions as well as management of Canadian-focused events and membership services will be centered at AED's Oak Brook, Ill., headquarters. CAED's Ottawa office is officially closed.

"I see nothing but good things resulting from this agreement for the members of CAED," said Mack. "They will benefit fully from the rich array of products and services to which they have always had access via their dual membership with AED, but now without duplicated administrative costs. The AED board embraced this integration as an opportunity to become a stronger and more diverse association, and the AED staff welcomes the opportunity to serve Canadian members' business needs with a very targeted emphasis."

AED membership benefits and services include:
  • Public policy advocacy and lobbying efforts
  • Professional education and workforce development provided by AED and the AED Foundation
  • Technology and communications
  • Business information, research and publishing
  • Networking opportunities and events

Two Canadian dealers (one each from Eastern and Western Canada) will hold seats on the AED Board of Directors, one of whom will also serve as an officer on the AED Executive Committee. Mike Christodoulou, president of Cummins Eastern Canada and the current chairman of CAED, will remain on AED's Executive Committee as a vice president through 2010.

"The integration is good for CAED and will provide Canadian members with a value proposition we have not had in the past," said Christodoulou. "CAED has historically benefited from many of AED services and programs. However, CAED has incurred the costs associated with a Canadian Office and support staff. This has essentially resulted in duplication of similar services for little to no added benefit. AED will increase its focus on the Canadian membership whereby Canadian members will see an improvement in support and services."

Ben Yates, AED's manager of membership services, will serve as staff director for Canada and provide dedicated focus on Canadian membership, initiatives and activities.