Midwest Association of Rail Shippers meeting July 13-14

The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) will be discussing market changes and trends during the group's 245th meeting, which will take place July 13-14 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The meeting, the theme of which will be “Shippers and Rails Adapt to Changing Markets," will include presentations, panels and speakers that will cover some of the most pressing issues for the industry, which include infrastructure needs, fluctuations in demand for rail equipment and decreasing fuel shipments.

"Shippers and railroads are in the middle of ever-changing market conditions” MARS President George Macko said. “For the past several years, the focus has been on the growth of high-volume shipments like crude oil. As the economy continues to recover, we are seeing more diversity in shipments, and everyone is trying to respond quickly to new opportunities and challenges.”

The first day of the meeting will focus on the traditional Scholarship Golf Outing and reception, which will be followed by a cookout and entertainment. On the second day, attendees can hear speeches from railroad executives, listen to panels on rail planning or attend other presentations on market conditions and economic forecasts.

The meeting will take place at the Grand Geneva Resort. Registration is open to association members and nonmembers. Those interested should email mars@mwrailshippers.com or call 630-513-6700. Fees are $190 for members and $215 for nonmembers.