2013 Summer Meeting Kicks Off July 8 at Lake Geneva

CHICAGO—June 11, 2013 (James Street Media Services)—With a boom in U.S. fuel production and an increase in housing starts, members of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) are maximizing their involvement in the upswing.

The energy and housing markets will be two areas of focus at the upcoming MARS Annual Summer Meeting July 8–9 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The meeting theme is “Riding the Rails to Economic Recovery,” and will include sessions on several industry segments including housing, retail, energy, and short line railroads, as well as an economic outlook and legislative analysis.

David Murawski, a vice president with Union Tank Car Company, is chairing the panel presentation on the transportation of fuel.

“The topic of fuel-by-rail is really relevant right now, considering the surge in energy movements by rail, and the unprecedented demand for tank cars to carry the loads,” said Murawski.

For the “Building on the Housing Market” panel, Harry Zander of Macquarie Rail will be joined by representatives from major manufacturers of housing materials, including Louisiana Pacific and U.S. Gypsum.

“The housing comeback—both starts and permits—looks promising,” said Zander. “Housing appears to be poised for a substantive role in our currently modest economic recovery. Our panel will discuss the supply chains that stand to benefit the most from this improved market.”

Both Murawski and Zander say the summer and winter meetings hosted by MARS have become an excellent resource for sharing information and pooling knowledge.

“Through this conference, I’ve built an extensive industry network and gained invaluable information on current equipment leasing trends and other rail-related dynamics in the marketplace,” said Murawski.

The MARS meetings are open to both members and non-members. This year’s schedule features the traditional Scholarship Golf Outing and reception on Monday, July 8. A full-day business meeting will follow on Tuesday. The agenda is available online.

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

Cost:
Members $150; Non-members $175

Registration:
Advance reservations are required for the conference and golf outing. Information is available:
•    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 our most recent meeting summaries and to inquire about MARS membership, please visit the MARS website at www.railshippers.com, and click on the "Midwest" tab.



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