North Shore's Robey named 'Transportation Person of the Year'

The North East Association of Rail Shippers announced last week it is recognizing North Shore Railroad Co. Chairman Emeritus Richard Robey as the Transportation Person of the Year.

"Dick was a true pioneer in the short-line industry at a time when few believed that railroading had much of a future," association officials said in a press release.

Robey started the North Shore Railroad and the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad companies in 1984 with seven employees in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. His holdings grew to include eight total separate short lines in Pennsylvania and New York with up to 100 employees.

Robey retired from the company in 2010 and became chairman emeritus.

His association activities included the Keystone State Railroad Association, where he served as president for two years; the Standing Committee on Rail Transportation under the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Robey currently serves on the Northumberland County Industrial Development Corp.'s board.