Rail industry opportunities and challenges explored at upcoming NARS annual meeting

The North American Rail Shippers Association (NARS) will host its annual meeting September 7–9, 2021 in Chicago. The preliminary agenda includes presentations from executives of five Class I railroads, along with shippers, industry insiders, and Martin Oberman, chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

“Our high-level line-up of rail and shipper CEOs will give the NARS audience key insights into how the challenges posed by today’s dynamic supply chain environment also provide many new opportunities for everyone in the industry,” said NARS President Tom Tisa.

The agenda is still being finalized for the two-day meeting, but highlights include speakers:

• Lance Fritz, AAR Chairman and President & CEO, Union Pacific
  
• Katie Farmer, President & CEO, BNSF
  
• JJ Ruest, President & CEO, CN
  
• Pat Ottensmeyer, President & CEO, KCS
  
• Jim Foote, President & CEO, CSX
  
• Martin Oberman, Chairman, STB
  
• Bruce Chinn, CEO, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
  
• Chuck Baker, President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
  
• Tony Hatch of ABH consulting
  

The meeting will be held in conjunction with The Traffic Club of Chicago’s annual dinner and golf outing.


NARS Annual Meeting