Education Sessions

DESCRIPTION:

The FAMES committee has analyzed past fatalities involving Roadway Maintenance Machine Safety (RMMS). Those findings will be discussed including RMM qualifications and safety requirements.

MODERATOR:

Kyle Kellem, Roadmaster/Emergency Manager, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKER(S):

Lance Hawks, Human Performance Specialist with the Safety Partnerships Divsion, FRA; Cory Johnson, Railroad Technical Specialist, Human Performance, FRA

DESCRIPTION:

Gain the perspetive of a project engineer regarding the steps and process of a CRISI project including pitfalls, government requirments and overcoming challenges for a succeful project.

MODERATOR:

Michael Atzert, Rail Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell

SPEAKER(S):

Lucus Brewer, Geographic Discipline Leader/Rail, Colliers Engineering and Design; Kevin Keller, Vice President, HDR

DESCRIPTION:

Learn the required steps from preplanning to conclusion of a successful cut and slide project, including the flash butt welding process.

MODERATOR:

Kyle Kellem, Roadmaster/Emergency Manager, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKER(S):

Carl Belke, Railroad Consultant, Livonia, Avon & Lakeville RR; Christopher Smitka, Director of Sales, Holland Company; Kris Koski, President, ONE Rail Group

DESCRIPTION:

Learn about alternative project delivery methods beyond the traditional design-bid-build format.

MODERATOR:

Lucus Brewer, Geographic Discipline Leader/Rail, Colliers Engineering and Design

SPEAKER(S):

Austin Holub, Project Manager, PCL Civil Constructors, Inc.; Brett Harding, Const. Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell; Jo Meyer, Staff Civil Engineer, Burns & McDonnell

DESCRIPTION:

Since the pandemic there have been several disruptions to the U.S. economy: tight labor market, supply chain delays, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy and more. In this presentation, Dan Heckman, National Investment Consultant for U.S. Bank, will provide an overview of the current state of the economy and the outlook for 2024. He will also discuss the Federal Reserve’s policy actions and guidance in response to recent inflation and subsequent disinflation. Finally, he will highlight some of the potential risks and opportunities that investors may face in the “new normal” environment.

SPEAKER(S):

Dan Heckman, National Investment Consultant, US Bank

DESCRIPTION:

This session will cover the most current, pressing financial issues impacting the short line railroad industry.

SPEAKER(S):

Rick Tidd, Partner, Tax and Business Valuation, Bowers & Company CPAs; Teryl Tidd, Tax Partner, Bowers & Company CPAs

DESCRIPTION:

This session is designed to educate participants about the various forms of institutional asset pools and the best practices for managing risk and return with these monies.

SPEAKER(S):

John Peterson, Principal, CapTrust

DESCRIPTION:

This presentation is a beginner's guide to AI, covering the basics in three key sections. First, it introduces AI concepts like machine learning and deep learning. Second, it outlines typical use cases for various industries. Finally, it provides practical tips and resources to kickstart your journey into the exciting world of artificial intelligence.

SPEAKER(S):

George Casey, Principal, Data Scientist, Advanced Analytics, RSM US LLP

DESCRIPTION:

Is your head spinning trying to keep track of all the new employment legislation? Sick and Safe Time Leave Laws (paid and unpaid); Disbandment of Non-Compete Agreements; Pay Transparency; Legalization of Cannabis, just to name a few. If so, come join this Super Session targeted at highlighting the top 10 new laws enacted federally and across various U.S. states and other important legal developments that you, as a railroad employer, must be aware of.  A robust panel comprised of attorneys, HR representatives and drug and alcohol representatives will be on hand to educate attendees on what is new, how it impacts you as a railroad employer, and what changes to policy or other practices you may need to implement as a result.

SPEAKER(S):

Tracey Donesky, Partner, Stinson LLP; Jim Helenhouse, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel, LLC; Victoria Bradshaw, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel, LLC; Holly Rainwater, VP Drug and Alcohol Programs, Spark TS

DESCRIPTION:

Are your employees experiencing greater mental health challenges after the pandemic? Are you finding people challenged by isolation from remote work or are your employees missing work because of anxiety, depression, addictions, etc.? Come join us and hear our expert panelists share how you are not alone, learn best practices for dealing with mental health issues including providing mental health first aide. You will learn the resources that are available, including EAP, and how to navigate the legal implications, including ADA, FMLA to protect the company and the employee’s best interests.

SPEAKER(S):

Krista Larson, Director of Well-Being, Stinson, LLP; Josie Curtis, VP, People Services, R.J. Corman Railroad Group; Dr. Tim McCormick, President, Transportation Occupational Medicine Consultants (TOMC)

DESCRIPTION:

Current actions and cases before the STB.

SPEAKER(S):

David Rifkind, Partner, Stinson LLP

DESCRIPTION:

Update on the recent DOL law and its impact to the rail industry.

SPEAKER(S):

Victoria Bradshaw, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

DESCRIPTION:

High level overview of U.S. antitrust laws and how they practically impact railroads.

SPEAKER(S):

Amber McDonald, Assistant General Counsel, Association of American Railroads; Lee Berger, Partner, Steptoe LLP

DESCRIPTION:

This panel will address the ever-changing preemption landscape. The panel will focus on ICCTA, the FRSA, and other potential federal laws that may provide railroads with the ability to be shielded from state and local environmental and permitting laws. It will also discuss the interplay of these laws with Federal environmental laws.

MODERATOR:

William Mullins, Managing Partner, Mullins Law Group PLLC

SPEAKER(S):

Rose-Michele Nardi, Partner, Mullins Law Group PLLC; Sarah Yurasko, SVP, Law & General Counsel, ASLRRA

DESCRIPTION:

FRA's CRISI program staff will make their traditional formal presentation outlining the basics of this competitive grant program: legal basis, eligibility, evaluation criteria, program award history and new developments.

SPEAKER(S):

Mara Stark-Alcala, Freight Railroad Outreach Supervisor (Supervisory TIA), FRA; Deborah Kobrin, CRISI Program Manager, FRA; Megan Neeck, Freight Railroad Outreach Specialist, FRA

DESCRIPTION:

This panel of experienced CRISI short line grant writers will cover a range of areas to help railroads prepare compliant and competitive grant applications.

SPEAKER(S):

Richard Sherman, AVP Policy & Industry Affairs, ASLRRA; Kevin Keller, Transportation Planning Lead, HDR; Adam Nordstrom, Principal, Viking Navigation LLC

DESCRIPTION:

FRA project delivery and environmental staff will discuss best practices for successfully delivering CRISI projects, including preparing for and navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance process. The panel will focus on the post-award process and getting to obligation, as well as ways applicants can set themselves up for success pre-award.

SPEAKER(S):

Amanda Ciampolillo, Deputy Director, Office of Environmental Program Management, FRA; Stephanie Perez-Arrieta, Chief, Environmental Review Division, Office of Environmental Program Management, FRA; Andrea Armstrong, Midwest Project Manager, Office of Regional Outreach and Project Delivery, FRA; Kelsey Kropp, Environmental Lead, AVP, TranSystems

DESCRIPTION:

Learn about the recent $31 million federal loan extended for a short line freight railroad project in California. Borrower Sierra Northern Railway and the US DOT's Build America Bureau will present.

SPEAKER(S):

Chris Hart, VP of Business Development, Sierra Northern Railway; Crystal Zorbaugh, Senior Counsel, Mullins Law Group; Will Resch, Project Development Lead, U.S. DOT Build America Bureau

DESCRIPTION:

In this session you will hear presentations from representatives of two companies directly involved in the very topical business of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel.

SPEAKER(S):

Edward Cobb, VP, Commercial Strategy, ChemStar; Nathan Nolte, Biofuels Manager Sales, AGP

DESCRIPTION:

Join popular speaker Tony Hatch for a 2023 year-in-review and preview of what's on the horizon for the rail industry and the U.S. economy in the year ahead. During the second hour of this super session, Tony will be joined by NS Vice President of First and Final Mile Markets Stefan Loeb, CN Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Patrick Lortie, and CSX Head of Network Development Strategies Tom Tisa for an engaging panel discussion and audience Q&A.

SPEAKER(S):

Tony Hatch, Analyst, ABH Consulting; Stefan Loeb, Vice President of First and Final Mile Markets, Norfolk Southern Corp.; Patrick Lortie, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, CN; Tom Tisa, Head of Network Development Strategies, CSX

DESCRIPTION:

This session will consist of multiple presentations regarding options to reduce locomotive emissions. An expert panel will provide details of their solution followed by a Q&A session.

MODERATOR:

Joe Bentrup, Mechanical Superinendent, Terminal Railroad Association

SPEAKER(S):

Glen Rees, Director, Rail Business Development, Cummins Sales and Service; Ryan Mueller, Director, Low HP Product Management, Progress Rail, Caterpillar Co.; Ross Parisi, VP - Product Management, Wabtec; Samir Nirula, Director and Board Member, Medha

DESCRIPTION:

In this session, presenters will discuss the importance of rail car inspections, following up with some key rules used in inspecting and a brief QA with a panel to discuss what they have seen in the industry this year relating to car inspection and regulation.

MODERATOR:

Christine Benson, Director, Customer Relations & Operational Support, Harbor Rail Services Company

SPEAKER(S):

Bill Ritter, Quality Assurance Manager, Harbor Rail Services Company; Thom Cathcart, Founder & President, Cathcart Rail; Hannah McGary, Vice President of Continous Improvement, Cathcart Rail

DESCRIPTION:

This session will address the many misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding the regulation and provide attendees with the most up-to-date information on the new oral fluid testing rule.

SPEAKER(S):

Holly Rainwater, Vice President Drug and Alcohol Programs, Spark TS

DESCRIPTION:

Begin with the end in mind. What do you need? Where do you start?

SPEAKER(S):

Ron Sparks, Senior Staff Consultant, ESI

DESCRIPTION:

This session will address the most common reportable accidents, personnel injuries and FRA defects on freight short lines nationwide in 2023, including 5-Year Trends, and attendees will learn about rail safety priorities for 2024.

SPEAKER(S):

Steve Dupont, SMT-8 Deputy Administrator, FRA; Joel Roberts, SMT-2 Deputy Administrator, FRA

DESCRIPTION:

Short Lines have volunteered for the program. FRA has completed their first selection of short lines. Learn what is required under the program and how ASLRRA's template can be utilized.

SPEAKER(S):

Mitch Harris, Vice President - Safety and Compliance, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation; JR Gelnar, Vice President - Safety and Compliance, ASLRRA

DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the basics of Artificial Intelligence and how to think about investments across the enterprise. Including Operations, Commercial, Back-office and Employee enablement.

SPEAKER(S):

Jason Berryhill, EVP and Chief Information Officer, OmniTRAX

DESCRIPTION:

TSA Freight Rail Industry Liaison Jonathan Lamb and FBI Intelligence Analyst Kristen Lane will be providing a briefing of the threat environment currently faced by short line railroads and other critical infrastructure providers.

SPEAKER(S):

Jonathan Lamb, Industry Engagement Manager (Freight Rail), Transportation Security Administration; Kristen Lane, Intelligence Analyst, FBI

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a discussion on work being done in the industry to intergrate new communication tools, such as Starlink and Twilio, into the operations of short line and regional railroads.

SPEAKER(S):

Brian Partlow, Director of Safety Engineering, PS Technology; Greg Wilson, Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad; Joe Carlton, Director of Signal and Telecom, Alaska Railroad

DESCRIPTION:

Data experts from across the short ine industry and supplier community join us to discuss best practices and the potential pitfalls of integrating data systems on the railroad.

MODERATOR:

Alex Lang, CIO, Transtar, LLC

SPEAKER(S):

Gregor Steindl, Enterprise Applications Architect, Transtar, LLC; Katie Inouye, President, Spark TS; Bryan Boutz, Solution Architect, Bartlett & West; Brian Partlow, Director of Safety Engineering, PS Technology

DESCRIPTION:

Join ASLRRA's Young Professionals Committee as they host an in-person Operation Lifesaver (OLI) Training. Pre-registration is required and individuals will need to complete some pre-work. Attendees who complete this training will be an authorized volunteer.

SPEAKER(S):

Moriah Whiteman, Manager, Education, Training & Volunteer Support, Operation Lifesaver

DESCRIPTION:

Come meet with legends in the industry to discuss your career goals. We will have mentors stationed around the room and attendees will have an opportunity to meet with each mentor.

SPEAKER(S):

Shasta Duffey, Sr Vice President Commercial, Lake State Railway; Jim Bowers, Founder (Retired), Bowers CPAs & Advisors; Katie Inouye, President, Spark TS; Shea McLaughlin, Sr. Director of Sales, PS Technologies

DESCRIPTION:

Best practices and innovation in Environmental Sustainability and response for climate change resiliency.

SPEAKER(S):

Trent Hudak, PE, Director Engineering Services, BNSF Railway

DESCRIPTION:

Learn about Operation Clean Sweep, an environmental stewardship program to keep plastics out of the environment.

SPEAKER(S):

Alexandra Hoen, Manager, Plastics Sustainability, American Chemistry Council; John Kennedy, COO, RailLogix; Kevin Cutrer, Rail Asset Manager, LyondellBassell

DESCRIPTION:

Elements of a comprehensive oil spill response plan for railroads transporting Class 3 flammables.

SPEAKER(S):

Jennifer Welch, Environmetal Director, Watco

DESCRIPTION:

During this session, Mark Frank of Burke Porter will be presenting a project supporting a major diesel engine manufacturer with an emission reduction topic.  The objective is to mitigate NOx and PM to offset emissions. Burke Porter is actively identifying locomotive partners to participate in this repower project and railroads may qualify to receive significant subsidies to upgrade locomotive to a newer, cleaner, and more efficient technology.

SPEAKER(S):

Mark Frank, President, Burke Porter

DESCRIPTION:

Hear from leaders in short line purchasing on their processes/challenges in sourcing the products & services they need to keep their railroads running efficiently. Get tips on keeping a lid on costs amid inflation pressure and on turning to alternate sourcing to meet spot or more urgent product needs.

MODERATORS:

Erika Bruhnke, Chief Sales & Growth Officer, RailPros; Shea McLaughlin, Senior Director of Sales, PS Technology

SPEAKER(S):

Jessica Lynn, Purchasing Manager - Supplier Development, Watco; Todd Marklin, VP -Engineering, Gulf & Atlantic Railways; James Bonner, President, New York & Atlantic Railway

DESCRIPTION:

This wide-ranging panel discussion will look at several elements that are shifting the procurement landscape. Speakers will address best practices for encouraging supplier diversity and purchasing ethics. Attendees will also learn tips for cutting through the red tape to take advantage of funding opportunities from federal programs including CRISI and the Buy American Act.

MODERATOR:

Debbie Taylor, Executive Search Consultant, Edna A. Rice, Executive Recruiters

SPEAKER(S):

Chad Lambi, PE, Chief Engineer, Iowa Interstate Railroad Company; Laura McNichol, SVP & Chief Sustainability Officer, Watco; Ed Quillian, VP - Engineering, R.J. Corman Railroad

DESCRIPTION:

Facing the media is a necessity for business and industry leaders. This is particularly true in industries that involve health and public safety. But too often media prep is given short shrift. Hoping for the best is not a strategy especially when the stakes are high. Today everyone with a cell phone and a Twitter handle is a potential YouTube moment. How can you navigate the media maelstrom after a serious incident? Can you appear in control, compassionate, and thoughtful? Join this session to learn how you and your management team can prepare an action plan in advance, protect the company brand, and remain in control of your message. Skills covered will include developing a Q&A book, handling tough questions, effective storytelling, and on-camera skills.

During the session, participants may signup for one-on-one 15 minute mini-sessions in with Mr. Pendleton — test your skills on camera! Sessions are available in room 2501D from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

SPEAKER(S):

Seth Pendleton, Founding Partner, KNP Communications

DESCRIPTION:

Join Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena for a discussion about Union Pacific Railroad and its short line railroad partners.

SPEAKER(S):

Jim Vena, CEO, Union Pacific