Agenda

Please note that times and locations are subject to change.

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. — Short Line Railroads and Labor Relations / Negotiations
Speakers: Thomas Clifton, Railway Labor Consulting and 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.

1:55 p.m.-2:45 p.m. — Apprenticeship Programs and Recruiting Veterans for Specialized Roles & Skills
Speaker: Bobbi J Allen, Chief Admin Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad and Tim Lopas, Executive Rail Recruiter, Edna Rice Executive Recruiters

During this presentation we will be highlighting two of the many programs available to Military Veterans to transition into the rail industry. 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. The PaYS program supports the Army’s recruiting mission to connect Regular Army, Army Reserves, Army National Guard Soldiers and Reserve Component to the civilian workforce by providing guaranteed job interviews and possible employment. Both programs connect service members with industry partners, enabling them to focus on full-time training and work experience in high-demand fields, such as railroad operations, technology, logistics and other highly skilled positions. This support helps service members transition smoothly into civilian careers.

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

3:20 p.m.-4:10 p.m. — Legal Hot Topics
Speakers: Tracey Donesky, Partner, Stinson, LLP and 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.  This session will cover “Who’s the Boss? A Review of Contractors under the Railroad Retirement Act” and updates on key employment law developments in 2025 which include: (i) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Employment Laws; (ii) Update on Non-Compete Bans/Restrictions; (iii) the Continuing Momentum of Pay Transparency Laws; (iv) the Current State of  DEI in the Workplace; and (v) Discrimination Trends.

4:15 p.m.-5:10 p.m. — Courageous Leadership in Modern Railroading
Speaker: Joe Gioe, President & CEO, 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.-9:00 a.m. — State-Mandated Retirement Plans: Should You Opt In or Go Your Own Way?
Robert Auditore, Principal & Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST
Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller & Railroad Specialist, Bowers CPAs & Advisors

Join us for an informative session covering key retirement planning topics for ASLRRA members:

• State-Mandated Retirement Plans
  Understand how these programs may impact your business and learn strategies to address common challenges such as compliance, administrative burden, and cost.
   
• Railroad Retirement Recap
  Gain clarity on the railroad retirement system and how it fits into the broader retirement landscape.
   
• 401(k) Plan Best Practices
  Explore how to design, implement, and maintain a 401(k) plan that fits your organization’s needs.

Whether you're evaluating your options or refining your current plan, this session will provide practical insights to help you make informed decisions. 

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Capitalization Best Practices and OBBBA Tax Updates
Teryl Tidd, Partner, Bowers CPAs & Advisors

Join us for an interactive discussion on some of your most common fixed asset questions, including lives, when to (or not to) capitalize, and how capitalization decisions may affect you as it relates to 45G. We will address these from both an internal/book standpoint and also from a tax perspective. Then we will turn to a brief summary of some of the major tax items of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — Networking Break

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. — From Selection to Go-Live: Lessons on a Successful ERP Implementation
Moderator: Alex Burke, Railroad Industry Group Lead, Associated Bank
Panelists: Anthony Menzies, Chief Executive Officer, Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway, Sarah Heikkila, Controller, Northern Plains Rail Companies, and Joel Schneider, Partner, RubinBrown

Join two seasoned railroad executives and an expert consultant as they share real-world experiences implementing new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/accounting systems – from evaluating providers and negotiating contracts to navigating the challenges of go-live. Learn why you might switch from a traditional accounting system to an ERP, practical implementation strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and proven steps to ensure your ERP investment delivers on its promise.