CHICAGO—October 29, 2020 (James Street Media Services)—The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is offering its annual Winter Meeting as a half-day online session on the afternoon of January 20, 2021.

"Our highest priority is the health and safety of our members, so MARS decided that hosting a virtual Winter Meeting was the safest and most prudent choice," said President Stefan Loeb. "A concentrated meeting with an all-star agenda provides the best opportunity for creating value for our membership in these unprecedented times."

Loeb said the MARS Executive Board reviewed evaluations from recent meetings to determine the speakers and topics that were of highest interest and is pleased to report the January 20 meeting will feature:
•    Keith Creel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Pacific;
•    Kathryn Farmer, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of BNSF;
•    Timothy Quinlan, Senior Economist, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC;
•    Paul Titterton, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Rail, North America, GATX Corporation; and
•    Anthony B. Hatch, President, ABH Consulting.
 
The meeting will run from 1–5:15 p.m. (CST). All presentations will be live, and there will be an opportunity to ask the speakers questions. 

The Winter Meeting is available to all MARS members who have paid their 2021 dues. Annual dues are $25. Registration and information will be available online at: www.mwrailshippers.com.

Typically, the MARS Winter Meeting draws more than 800 attendees.

"While we wish we could meet in person this January under normal circumstances, we believe this amended format and agenda confirms MARS’ reputation for hosting the highest quality and best-value programs even during a pandemic,” said Loeb. "We hope all can join us virtually in January."

ABOUT MARS

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. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Bill Fahrenwald

James Street Associates

708-528-0681
bill@jamesstreet.net