Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/330408
Inside AED 10 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | June 2014 It might surprise you to know that the man credited with the idea of forming a national association for distributors came up with the idea when he was just 26 years old. Morton Hunter, a distributor from Milwaukee, Wis., conferred with a few senior equip- ment distributors as they waited to catch a train back to Pittsburgh following a Blaw-Knox sales meeting in December 1919. As the story is told, Hunter addressed the other distrib- utors. "I just bought some forms for almost as much capital as I've got. Maybe it wasn't the best decision I've ever made. I haven't got a lot of experience at this sort of thing. Isn't it a shame we don't have an organization in our field so that a young fellow like me could get sound advice from fellow distributors on how to be more efficient in this business we're all in?" The others stood silently, hunched against the cold, eyeing the young man. Finally, after scanning the circle for assurance, a veteran distributor from St. Louis replied. "Well, kid, it's just possible that you've got a good idea. You get out a letter and call a meeting. We'll all come." An enterprising group of 13 distributors attended the first meeting held Jan. 27, 1920, at the Old Colony Club in Chicago. They agreed membership firms needed high standards and had to have at least two major accounts. Dues were set at a flat $100. The National Distributors Association of Construction Equipment, later shorted to Associated Equipment Distributors, was formed. By the end of the year, 25 firms had joined the ranks. As AED reaches its 95th year, its purpose remains essentially the same as it was stated in the original AED Milestones 1919-2014 This plaque commemorating the "Man with the Idea" is now displayed at the AED headquarters. | d | C i E i Di ib i | J How AED ဠႋႇ AED celebrates 95 years of service Morton Hunter, of Kern-Hunter Co, discusses the idea of forming an association on a railroad station platform in Blaw Knox, Pa. 1920 First meeting is held to form The National Distributors Association of Construction Equipment. 1929 The pocket-size AED Membership Directory includes a full page on each of its 93 distributor members. Phone numbers are without area codes. 1941 The AED Monthly Bulletin offered rules to follow in an article titled, "Lessons Learned from the Last War and their Present Applications". RULES: "Watch your purchases. Keep over-head down. Don't give away profits. Price inventories based on a basis of what the merchandise will bring and not what you hope for." 1950 The 31st annual meeting was held at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, Ill. More than 700 AED members are pictured and total attendance topped 1700. 1961 AED is a long-time supporter of the National Highway Program. In this issue, AED encouraged members to publicize America's need for better highways. 1969 AED holds its 50th anniversary meeting in Chicago. Featured on the cover are Mort Hunter Sr. who helped found AED and 1969 President James W. Griffith. 1919