CHICAGO—May 24, 2015 (James Street Media Services)—“Volume vs. Velocity—Managing Change in 2016” will be the theme for the 247th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) to be held 
July 11–12, 2016 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

“The changes we’ve seen in the freight rail situation over the past two years have been remarkable,” said MARS President Mike Jones. “We have gained capacity in the system and delivery speeds have improved significantly. There are great opportunities for growth.”

This year’s MARS Summer Meeting will feature keynote rail presentations from: Allan Shaw, chief marketing officer, NS Corporation; Peter Gilbertson, president and CEO, Anacostia Rail Holdings; and John Hellman, president and CEO, Genesee & Wyoming. There will be other speakers addressing specific market conditions, equipment health, safety, and technology.

“Despite the decline in freight rail volume, there are positive trends that promise continued strength for the railroads and their shippers,” said Jones. “With better efficiency and improved rail velocity in the coming quarters, we should begin to see top-line growth and increased volumes when the economy turns the corner.”

More than 650 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. 

The schedule on Monday, July 11 features the traditional Scholarship Golf Outing and reception. A full-day business meeting will follow on Tuesday, July 12.

Date
Monday and Tuesday, July 11–12, 2016

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

Cost
Members $190; Non-members $215

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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Bill Fahrenwald
James Street Associates
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bill@jamesstreet.net