In the past 6 months, I’ve used my NEARS connections to:
§ Do reference checks on a new TMS with folks who actually use the software
§ Find a location to stage railcars near a customer to reduce our lead times and better manage inventories
§ Facilitate a transload operation
§ Ask dozens of questions on railcar maintenance, repair, and design
§ Find a specialty provider for cleaning and refitting of tank cars
§ Collect estimated costs to support multiple logistics feasibility studies
§ Help me train my employees into new roles
§ Recruit new team members
§ Locate railcar capacity for short term logistical support
At the last conference, I met:
§ 4 of my Railroad Account Managers and their Directors
§ Director and VP level executives from multiple leasing companies
§ 2 Investment Analysts who provide insight into the transportation industry as a whole
§ 20 new peers (shippers who manage rail for their companies)
§ 2 Transportation Software providers, who provide services that I am in the market for
§ 2 government officials that act as consumer advocates or shipper resources
As a result of my attendance, I got:
§ Updates on the rail market place from all the speakers and contacts I made
§ Access to a full list of attendees to be able to network with them in the future
§ Access to the presentations of the speakers and permission to contact them regarding the content that I used in business presentations
There are many organizations to choose from, so why choose NEARS?
Our BOD represents all aspects of the shipping community. As we are a shippers organization, our bylaws restrict railroad employees from becoming officers.
Scott McCalla - NEARS Executive, Director
Carl Citelli - President in Memoriam
Mark Ritchey - Curry Rail Services, 1st Vice President (Acting President)
Rob Pisan - CIT Rail, 2nd Vice President
Dennis Wilmot - Iron Horse Logistics Services, Advisory Committee Chair
Mike Barbato - Retired, Board Member
Amanda Barber - NS Corp, Board Member
Don Cameron - STG Logistics, Board Member
Michael Clements - CSX, Board Member
Thomas Coleman - Shale Rail, Board Member
Jesse Fetters - Carboline, Board Member
Paul Grosche - AMTR, Board Member
Todd Hunter - North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates, Board Member
Michael Koehler - UP, Board Member
Perry Martel - Vermont Rail System, Board Member
John Meyers - D.M. Bowman, Board Member
Stacy Ossenfort - Northeast Freight Transfer, Board Member
Roger Reynolds - Omya Inc, Board Member
Jason Seidl - TD Cowen, Board Member
2022 - 2023 Erica Breiterman
2020 – 2021 Dennis Wilmot
2018 - 2019 Jason Seidl
2016 - 2017 Don Cameron
2014 - 2015 John Meyers
2012 - 2013 Scott McCalla
2010 - 2011 Dana Burleigh
2008 - 2009 Tammy Baker-Silver
2006 - 2007 Gerald Racette
2004 - 2005 Diane El-Hakim
2002 - 2003 Michael Cella
2000 - 2001 Kathy Dalrymple
1998 - 1999 Paula Mehan
1996 - 1997 Michael Calabucci
1994 - 1995 Joe Gearin
1992 – 1993 Brenda Horne
1990 - 1991 Joe Gearin
1988 - 1989 Kenneth Enzor
1986 – 1987 Ruth Gale
1984 – 1985 Kenneth Enzor
1982 – 1983 Ken Bowers
1980 – 1981 Gene Bernard
2017 – Present Scott McCalla
· 2004 – 2016 Joe Gearin
· 1986 – 2003 William Donovan
· 1980 – 1985 John Morton