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Beard Land & Investment Co. recently announced President and Chief Executive Officer James Beard will retire after serving his family-owned railroad and real estate company for 32 years, according to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. A third-generation CEO, Beard plans to spend more time with his family.

Beard Land named Joe Mackil president and CEO — the company's first top executive since 1926 that's not a family member — to succeed Beard.

Beard Land owns Modesto & Empire Traction Co., a five-mile short line serving the 2,000-acre Beard Industrial District in Modesto, Calif., that interchanges with Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroad.