The AED Foundation Surpasses $10 Million in Vison Fundraising Campaign
AED Foundation Surpasses $10 Million in Vision Fundraising Campaign, Advancing the Future Equipment Industry Workforce
The AED Foundation proudly announces it has surpassed $10 million in pledges for its Vision Fundraising Campaign, a bold, industry-wide initiative launched in 2020 to address the technician shortage and strengthen the long-term future of the equipment distribution industry.
Originally introduced with a goal of $5 million, Vision quickly gained traction across the industry. Momentum accelerated when Tim Watters, AED Foundation Chairman at the time, challenged dealers, manufacturers, and service providers to think bigger and rally behind a new $10 million target—a goal the industry has now achieved.
Vision reflects the AED Foundation’s commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent by connecting students, schools, and technical programs with AED members. Through strategic collaboration, Career Pathways events, student field trips, and industry roundtables, students gain first-hand exposure to equipment careers, meet industry professionals, and explore a wide range of opportunities, ensuring the next generation is prepared and inspired to join the workforce.
To date, the Vision Campaign has achieved significant progress toward its ambitious goals, including:
• 103 accredited college programs
• 136 recognized high school programs
• 6,791 AED Foundation–certified technicians
• $10.1 million in pledges
“These results show what is possible when an industry comes together,” said Diane Benck, former AED Foundation Chairwoman and President of West Side Tractor. “While surpassing $10 million is a major achievement, the work is far from finished. We still have a goal of adding 10,000 skilled technicians to the industry, and we will continue building pathways to meaningful careers.”
Brian P. McGuire, President of the AED Foundation, emphasized the critical role of industry in reaching this level of support and the importance of sustaining that momentum. “This success would not be possible without the commitment of AED dealers, manufacturers, and service provider partners who believe in Vision and have invested in its growth,” McGuire said. “The workforce shortage remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our industry, and continued support is essential. Every contribution helps us expand programs, reach more students, and deliver the skilled technicians our members need today and in the future.”
Nicholas Testa, Department Chair of Applied Career & Digital Technologies at SUNY Cobleskill, AED Foundation Accredited College, added: “Being part of the Vision program has been transformative for our students and our program. We’ve seen tremendous growth in enrollment and student engagement as more young people discover career opportunities in the equipment industry. The support from AED members has been invaluable, and we’re excited to continue building a strong pipeline of skilled technicians for the future.”
Ron Barlet, 2026 AED Foundation Chairman and President/CEO of Bejac Corporation, reflected on the campaign’s progress and future opportunity: “Thanks to the leadership of our dealer, manufacturer, and service provider partners, Vision has achieved important progress. But the workforce shortage continues. We must keep investing in technical education to grow our next generation of skilled technicians, and I encourage everyone to join us in this vital work.”
These achievements reflect meaningful progress toward Vision’s long-term benchmarks, which include supporting a minimum of 100 accredited college programs and 150 recognized high school programs, growing to 120 colleges and 200 high schools by 2027. By meeting these targets, Vision is projected to help deliver an estimated 10,000 additional skilled technicians and 5,000 AED Foundation certified technicians to the workforce, ensuring the industry’s ongoing vitality.
To support this growth, the AED Foundation has expanded its staff with dedicated professionals focused on executing Vision’s goals and working directly with dealers, manufacturers, service providers, and educators. This hands-on approach ensures strong local partnerships and alignment between educational programs and real-world workforce needs.
By pledging support for the Vision Campaign, contributors are investing directly in the future of the equipment distribution industry, helping to inspire students, strengthen technical education, and ensure the industry is prepared to meet evolving challenges.
As the Vision Campaign continues, the AED Foundation remains committed to expanding its impact, deepening partnerships, and connecting the dots between students, schools, and industry to build a stronger, more resilient workforce for generations to come.