Agenda

Wednesday, September 10

7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Registration

12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. — Networking Lunch

1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. — Apprenticeship Programs and Recruiting Veterans for Specialized Roles & Skills
Bobbi J Allen, Chief Admin Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad 
Dave Harrison, Executive Director of Workforce Development, Fastport

DOD SkillBridge and Fastport are both programs designed to facilitate career transitions, but they serve different purposes and audiences.

The DOD SkillBridge program offers transitioning service members the chance to gain valuable civilian work experience through targeted industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their final 180 days of military service. This program connects service members with industry partners, enabling them to focus on full-time training and work experience in high-demand fields. This support helps service members transition smoothly into civilian careers.

In collaboration with the National Apprenticeship Program, Fastport promotes apprenticeships as flexible training systems that blend on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Fastport and the National Apprenticeship Program provide various opportunities for military service members and veterans to successfully transition into civilian careers through apprenticeships.

1:55 p.m.-2:45 p.m. — Short Line Railroads and Labor Relations / Negotiations
Thomas Clifton, Railway Labor Consulting
Audrey Lane, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel, LLC

With a new focus on equity and workers rights, labor relations are more dynamic and critical than ever before. This session offers a look at the current landscape of labor relations, including trends in collective bargaining, unionization efforts, workplace conflict resolution, and legislative developments affecting both employers and employees.

2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — Networking Break

3:20 p.m.-4:10 p.m. — Legal Hot Topics
Tracey Donesky, Partner, Stinson, LLP
Bradon Smith, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel, LLC

Attendees will hear from industry legal and subject matter experts on legal matters and have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation.

4:15 p.m.-5:10 p.m. — Courageous Leadership in Modern Railroading
Joseph Gioe, President, The Indiana Rail Road Company

This session will explore the vital role of courageous leadership and benevolent governance in navigating the evolving challenges of the rail industry. The discussion will focus on strategic approaches to achieving organizational goals, while emphasizing the importance of people development as a driver for brand value and recognition. Attendees will gain insights into how intentional leadership can foster resilient teams, elevate brand identity, and position organizations for long-term success.

Thursday, September 11

7:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Registration
7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. — Networking Breakfast
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Finance Education
10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — Networking Break
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Finance Education

Finance Session Topics May Include:

Implementing an ERP – Best Practices and
Lessons Learned
AI for Finance Professionals
Retirement Planning
Finance Hot Topics