sept-2017

302 303 Indiana Convention Center in India- napolis, IN. Railway Interchange is the largest combined railway exhibition and technical conference in North Ameri- ca. Attended by more than 9,000 indus- try professionals from more than 40 countries around the globe, this massive event with over 350,000 square feet of indoor exhibit display space showcas- es the latest technology and services. Railway Interchange also features tech- nical presentations and discussions by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (ARE- MA) and the Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA). The biennial event continues to demonstrate the strength and technological prowess of the greater railway supply industry. REMSA is also actively organizing across America to demonstrate rail’s manufacturing impacts firsthand. In 2015, it established a grassroots advo- cacy program that connects its member- ship to their local Members of Congress to host site visits and bring together local railroad stakeholders. To date, it has hosted 25 Members of Congress and generated over 100 media stories for its membership. The program has brought together both large and small railroads, local chambers of commerce, highway-rail safety groups, pro-manufac- turing groups, and state and local offi- RAILWAY ENGINEERING-MAINTENANCE SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION cials to stand together in support of rail in their communities. These visits are critical to the industry’s advocacy efforts as it works to ensure that railroads are in a strong financial position, securing their continued ability to invest billions of dollars annually into main- taining and expanding their networks. REMSA continues to grow its advocacy program and is constantly looking for more ways to generate value to its membership. During the week of May 15-19, it joined over 200 other affiliate organizations in promoting Infrastructure Week. Infrastructure Week is a national week of education and advocacy that brings American businesses,workers, elected leaders, and everyday citizens together around a simple message: it is time to reinvest in America’s infrastructure. Imagine the benefits of not only increased investments in rail, but the panacea of growth that could be unlocked by sustained federal investments in our roads, bridges, highways, electric grid,waterways, and dams. REMSAmembers are key employers in their local communities, providing numerous oppor- tunities for high-skilled manufacturing and en- gineering employment. Stretching from coast to coast, its membership is as diverse as our country. The maintenance-of-way industry is leading the charge to create a safer, more efficient rail network, and the Railway Engi- neering-Maintenance Suppliers Association will work to continue to play an integral part in America’s railroad history.