NRC chairman's column: G&W's Michael Miller to headline NRC conference

Michael Miller, Genesee & Wyoming president of North America

There’s no better way to capitalize on business opportunities in the new year than by attending the 2023 NRC Annual Conference, to be held Jan. 4-7 in Boca Raton, Florida. 

That’s a bold claim. But after attending dozens of NRC conferences and rail industry events over three decades, I know a thing or two about professional conferences. The annual conference has an undisputed reputation as the industry’s best networking event, but I can say with 100% certainty that this year’s conference lineup is our best ever. 

It starts with the keynote speaker for our highly anticipated fireside chat on Jan. 5. Michael Miller, Genesee & Wyoming Inc. president of North America, will sit down with NRC Vice Chairman Joe Daloisio and me for a candid discussion about the state of our industry. 

Miller brings a well-informed perspective honed through his work in a diverse range of logistics/supply-chain positions, with trucking, manufacturing, tech companies and a Class I, and in pivotal jobs with G&W since 2010. 

I am anxious to get his views on worldwide supply-chain trends, the challenges facing the North American rail industry, and what contractors and suppliers can do to continue to expand activity in the short-line and regional railroad sector. If you would like to suggest an issue or question for him, please send them to me at info@nrcma.org. 

Other conference sessions provide invaluable ways to learn and connect with more than 1,000 of the industry’s top decision-makers who have already made plans to join us in Boca Raton.  

The conference lineup includes: 

• capex programs and budgets presented by chief engineers from Class Is, major short lines and large transit agencies; 

• a safety review featuring FRA SOFA, FAMES and Part 243 training rule updates; 

• panel discussions on Signals & Communications, Rail Sustainability and Government Affairs; 

• speed networking sessions hosted by Union Pacific Railroad and G&W; 

• two League of Railway Women sessions: “Strategies for Inclusion in the Workplace” and “Focusing on Safety: Operation LifeSaver”; 

• NRC annual award presentations, including Safe Contractor of the Year and Hall of Fame inductees, recognition for Large and Small Projects of the Year and Field Employee of the Year, and our new Innovation in Technology awards; and 

• the NRC-REMSA Exhibition, featuring nearly 150 rail industry exhibitors. 

Contractors and suppliers who attend tell us the information and connections gained from the annual NRC conference provide a roadmap for the entire year. Check here for registration and conference details: https://bit.ly/3CQdYhT 

As part of our continuing efforts to be green, the NRC is not printing the conference program. All attendees should download the “2023 NRC Conference” app on their smartphone to access the full schedule, locate exhibitors and obtain helpful notifications throughout the conference. 

For NRC members who are unable to attend: Following the conference, you can view the slides for most presenters on the NRC website. Just log in with your NRC credentials to gain access. 

Happy holidays and safe travels to Boca Raton. 

“Building a Safer and Stronger Railway Construction Industry Together!”

Steve Bolte, NRC chairman
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Inc.
80 M Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-715-2920
nrcma.org • info@nrcma.org