Janea Danuser, vice president and co-owner of Danuser Machine Company in Fulton, was elected Nov. 6 as the 2020 president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association.
The association represents roughly 675 companies from throughout the United States and Canada. Member companies are farm implement manufacturers, suppliers of raw goods and services to those manufacturers, and farm equipment marketers. Danuser will lead the association in its pursuit to serve as the voice, advocate and resource for this important industry segment, the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association said in a press release.
"Danuser Machine Company has been a member company of this association since 1952, which means we've known Janea for a long time," said Vernon Schmidt, executive vice president of the association. "She is a sharp thinker and strategist, and I'm excited to see where she takes the association in 2020."
Danuser has attended association meetings for 20 years and is the second woman to be elected to the position. "Networking" is atop her list of association benefits, she said.
"The association offers different conference venues each year, and it is extremely valuable to be able to meet with others in agricultural markets, including manufacturers, suppliers, and distribution partners," she said. "We have similar challenges and learning from others helps to truly translate those challenges into rewarding opportunities."
Established in 1910, Danuser Machine Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated manufacturer. With a diverse range of products serving multiple industries, Danuser operates two major divisions. The attachment division includes a variety of fencing and material-handling products. The OEM division produces specialty parts and assemblies for other original equipment manufacturers in agricultural, turf care, construction and other markets.
Third-generation owner Jerry Danuser, Janea Danuser's father, served as president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association in 2003.
In 2012, the fourth generation assumed ownership. Janea Danuser joined the family business in 1999. Her brother Glenn Danuser also serves as a vice president. The siblings are each raising families in Fulton. She joked her children are all four-legged and furry, while Glenn's children hold promise of a fifth generation in the business.