League of Railway Women | June 2019 Newsletter
LRW Hosts #RailDay2019 Networking Event
On May 7, LRW again kicked off Railroad Day on Capitol Hill (RR Day) with a networking event featuring Jo Strang, Sr. VP, Safety & Regulatory Policy at American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. Strang joined the 20+ group of attendees to discuss legislative priorities, best practices on successfully getting your point across, and insider tips about making the best of Railroad Day.
 
“Railroad Day on Capitol Hill is an opportunity for Class 1 and short line railroads, contractors and suppliers to come together and educate Congress on matters most impacting our industry," said Lisa Tackach, from the sponsoring company, Railroad Construction Company, Inc. and LRW Awards Chair. "It is refreshing and encouraging to see the number of participants increase year after year. People can take advantage of this opportunity to speak with their Members of Congress. The annual LRW Networking Reception held the night before is a major bonus. Jo Strang certainly helped prepare us for what to expect and how to approach each meeting. After 4 years attending Railroad Day, I still consider myself a rookie and find any information shared in advance helpful and useful.”

LRW hopes to host another event in conjunction with Railroad Day on the Hill next year. The date for RRDay 2020 is forthcoming and more details are to follow.
Check out more pictures from Railroad Day on Capitol Hill 2019 on twitter at #RailDay2019
LRW Accepting Nominations for Railway Woman of Year Award
LRW Conference Schedule at Railway Interchange
LRW’s Annual Railway Women Conference sessions cover topics about leadership, general railroad industry knowledge, collaboration and improving business results. The program features a diverse list of speakers to appeal to attendees at all career levels

Some topics to be included in the 2019 conference are:
  • Leadership Panel from High Ranking Railway Women
  • Best Practices for Recruiting, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent
  • Leadership Advice at all Career Levels
  • The Future of Technology in Rail
  • A group tour of the Outdoor Track Exhibits
Registration Information & Instructions - Register Today & Save
The LRW “Women In Rail Conference” is a part of the RSI Education & Technical Training Conference at Railway Interchange 2019 (RI2019).

When you register to attend RI2019, please select the RSI Educational & Technical Training Conference and then select the “ Women In Rail ” track as your primary track. The cost to attend the LRW Women in Rail Track at RI2019 RSI Education & Technical Training Conference is $325 if you register before August 15.

What else does an LRW Conference Pass Include?

Railway Interchange 2019 Details

  • Railway Interchange Dates: Sept. 22 - 25
  • LRW Conference Dates: Sept 23 -24
  • Location: Minneapolis Convention Center & BNSF Northtown Yard
  • 600+ Indoor & Outdoor Track Exhibits
  • 50+ Conference Sessions by RSI, AREMA, and LRW
Questions: Contact events@railwaywomen.org
LRW Board Nominations Due June 14 - Leaders Wanted
LRW to Host Networking Event & Regulatory Update at APTA Conference on June 24
Upcoming LRW RR101 Webinars
Precision Scheduled RR Webinar Scheduled for July 8
LRW 2019 Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship - Apply Today
RR History: The Merci Train - A WWII Thank You Gift
b y Kris Hoellen, Executive Director, B&O Railroad Museum

Seventy years ago, in 1949, the French sent forty-eight box cars to the United States filled with French goodies as an expression of appreciation to Americans for their efforts during World War II. These box cars were known as the Merci Train and one car was presented to each state (with Hawaii and DC sharing a car).

The Merci Cars, each bearing all the French provinces’ coats of arms, were mounted on flatcars and delivered to their destinations in each state. The Maryland Merci Car resides at the B&O Railroad Museum, the birthplace of American Railroading. We encourage you to find the Merci Car for your state.

Below is a picture of the Maryland Merci Car, the only car known to have not been altered. This car resides at the B&O Railroad Museum and serves as a reference point for the original appearance of the cars when they first arrived in the United States .
Kris Hoellen is the Executive Director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum located in Baltimore, Maryland. As a part of our newsletter committee, Kris will be providing us with historical rail articles. You can learn more at www.borail.org .
Thank you to our New & Returning LRW Corporate Partners
SILVER
BRONZE
PATRON
About the League of Railway Women
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