Business View Magazine - September 2015

46 Business View - September 2015 Business View - September 2015 47 and cost-effective transportation. Between 1980 and 2014, America’s freight railroads invested $575 billion on capital expenditures and maintenance expenses related to locomotives, freight cars, tracks, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure and equipment. Having just celebrated its 100th Anniversary, the ASLRRA continues to further the industry’s legislative priorities in the nation’s capital, as well as providing networking possibilities for its members via events and conventions throughout the year. Its committees are designed to advance issues such as technology, legislative policy, mechanical issues, passenger rail, etc. It communicates with its members via its website, e-newsletters and bulletins, and bi-monthly articles to Railway Age magazine. Once again vibrant and viable, the American short line industry serves the needs of its last mile/first mile customers by connecting them to the larger rail lines; providing their transportation needs when the larger railroads can’t or won’t; and, generally, saving all of its customers, large and small, money, compared to the costs of truck transportation. And, according to Jim Howarth, Vice President for Business Development for the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, “Small customers and not small customers to small railroads.” For the next hundred years, the ASLRRA will continue to champion the sustainability and growth of what The Economist magazine has noted about the American freight rail system: “[It’s] one of the unsung transport successes of the past 30 years. . .universally recog- nized in the industry as the best in the world.” No doubt, the ASLRRA would agree. Membership: Railroad & Associate Members R ailroad membership is open to small railroads (short line, switching and terminal companies, and regional rail carriers) that operate in the continental or territorial United States, Canada, or Mexico. Extensive benefits, including representation and information services, accompany membership. This brochure explores all of them in greater depth. Associate membership is available to companies that supply goods and services to the small railroad industry. Associate member benefits include: ■ Access to membership lists. ■ Listing in E-Marketplace, ASLRRA’s online searchable directory of suppliers and the goods and services they provide. ■ Annual subscription to Views & News , the Association’s bi-weekly newsletter, and the bi-monthly Safety Bulletin . ■ Reduced registration fees at ASLRRA-sponsored meetings and seminars. ■ Reduced rates for displaying services and/or wares at the Annual Convention. 3 ■ Pacific Region ■ Central Region ■ Eastern Region ■ Southern Region T h e V o i c e o f A m e r i c a ’ s I n d e p e n d e n t R a i l r o a d s American Short Line and Regional Rai lroad Association 50 F Street, N.W., Suite 7020 Washington, DC 20001-1536 P 202.628.4500 F 202.628.6430 www.aslrra.org ww w.aslrra.org logistics logistics