CHICAGO—May 17, 2017 (James Street Media Services)—Registration is now open for the 249th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) that will be held July 10–11, 2017 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The theme for this meeting is What’s Coming Down the Tracks for Rail Shippers?

“It is unclear what impact regulatory, economic, and trade policy changes will have for rail shippers,” says MARS President Michael Barth. “With that in mind, the Summer Meeting program offers a group of industry experts who have the experience and foresight to help shippers and railroads better understand how to prepare and benefit."

The MARS Summer Meeting will feature key transportation executives, including:
•    Keith Creel, President and CEO Canadian Pacific;
•    Sharon Clark, SVP, Transportation and Regulatory Affairs, Perdue AgriBusiness;
•    Paul Titterton, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, GATX;
•    Ben Shain, Director Vehicle Logistics, Nissan; and
•    Pat Ries, Senior Merchandiser, Consolidated Grain and Barge.

Nearly 800 people attended the MARS Winter Meeting in January. The semiannual meetings include speakers, presentations, and panels focusing on some of the toughest issues currently facing the freight rail industry. They also provide a forum to educate and inform in the areas of railroad operating practices, new innovations in transportation, and legislative matters. 

For the upcoming Summer Meeting, the schedule on Monday, July 10 includes the annual Scholarship Outing, a reception, and a networking buffet dinner. The business meeting is scheduled for a full day on Tuesday, July 11. 

Dates
Monday and Tuesday, July 10–11, 2017

Location
Grand Geneva Resort
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI  53147
(262) 248-8811
(800) 558-3417

Cost
Members $250; Non-members $275

Registration
Advance reservations are required for the conference and golf outing. For information or to register:
• Online conference information and registration
• Email: mars@mwrailshippers.com
• Phone: (630) 513-6700



About The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers
The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers, and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations, and to inquire about MARS membership, please visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.



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