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3/25/2024
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has given Watco the 2024 Veterans Engagement Award for its efforts to hire and retain employees who are veterans of any U.S. branch of military service, including spouses and family members.
Recognizing the connections between military members and Watco team members, Watco created its Military Outreach and Hiring Program in 2022 and added a dedicated military and veteran recruiter position in 2023. In 2023. the outreach team connected with more than 1,150 veterans and separating service members at more than 75 in-person and virtual hiring events and military installation town halls across the United States, ASLRRA officials said in a press release.
The events covered resume writing, interview techniques, and timelines and schedules for transitioning from the military to civilian workforce.
Meanwhile, three short lines will be recognized with the association's Business Development Excellence Award, showcasing short lines' "commitment to solving customer problems, creating unique opportunities for growth and ensuring the well-being of the communities that they serve," according to an ASLRRA press release.
Indiana Rail Road, Indiana and Ohio Railway, and Mission Mountain Railroad each were cited for demonstrated innovative and successful business-building initiatives.
"The business development award honors the hallmarks of short line railroading — developing deep relationships with customers, seeking growth one carload at a time, and bringing the distinct capabilities of a short line to bear in executing solutions that benefit their customers and the communities they serve," said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. "Our three awardees showcase short lines' ability to create and anticipate growth, move quickly to solve customer problems and, when necessary, reinvent themselves to save jobs and the local economy."
The awards will be presented today at the ASLRRA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri.