The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) recently introduced its 2024 Executive Committee at their Winter Meeting, a landmark event that attracted over 980 attendees, setting a new attendance record for the organization.
The newly elected officers for 2024 include President Matt O'Kray from Transtar, First Vice President Steve Blinn of Norfolk Southern Railroad, and Second Vice President Luke Jones from GATX Corporation. Kathy Bathurst, the Immediate Past President, passes the baton to this new team. O'Kray expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and his commitment to continue the progress and strength achieved under Bathurst's leadership. He also mentioned that preparations are already in motion for a remarkable Summer Meeting.
In addition to the existing team, MARS welcomes a new member to its Executive Committee, Tony Kazakevicius, Director of Sales & Marketing at Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad. This addition signals a continuous effort to strengthen the committee's expertise and leadership.
A highlight of the Winter Meeting was a discussion on the efficiency of North American railroads and strategies for increasing their market share of North American freight. This topic underlines the importance of rail shipping in the broader logistics and transportation landscape.
The next major event for MARS is the Summer Meeting, scheduled for July 8-9. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the MARS Scholarship Golf Outing at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This upcoming event promises to be a significant occasion for members and stakeholders in the rail shipping industry, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and strategic discussions.
