CHICAGO—June 5, 2025 (James Street Media Services)—The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) Summer Meeting will be held July 8–9, 2025, at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The meeting’s theme is: “Advancing Tomorrow’s Supply Chain, Today.”

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register soon before prices increase on June 7 for this popular gathering of industry insiders.

“With significant disruptions underway across the North American supply chain network, this mid-year event will provide critical insights for rail shippers,” says Steve Blinn, MARS President. “Our high-level speakers will cover topics including finance, logistics, regulatory and, of course, resilient rail operations.”

The agenda will include high-level executives from railroads, major shippers, and industry experts, including: 

Kevin Boone, Executive Vice President Sales & Chief Commercial Officer, CSX
Aaron Girard, Senior Vice President of Logistics, Seneca Foods
Karen Hedlund, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board
Walter Kemmsies, Trade, Logistics & Infrastructure Strategist, The Kemmsies Group
John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Operations, PSC Group
Adam Nordstrom, Founder & Principal, Viking Navigation
John Orr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Southern
David Panjwani, Director, Worldwide Logistics, Deere & Company

This year’s meeting will feature the annual Scholarship Golf Outing, Pickleball Tournament, plus a reception and networking dinner on the first day, July 8. The business meeting is scheduled for a full day on July 9. 

MARS 2025 Summer Meeting

Dates
Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8–9, 2025

Location
Grand Geneva Resort
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Hotel Accommodations (almost sold out)
Grand Geneva Resort and Timber Ridge Lodge

Meeting Cost
$360 registration fee through June 6, 2025. On June 7, registration increases to $435.
Onsite registration $500.

Golf: $175 per person (almost sold out)
Pickleball: $130 per person
Early Bird Networking Picnic: $80 (through June 6)
Networking Picnic: $95 (starting June 7)

Registration
• Online conference information and registration
• Email: mars@mwrailshippers.com
• Phone: (872) 212-4134

About The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers
The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers, and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations, and to inquire about MARS membership, please visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.

Note to editors and reporters: Please let us know if you would like free registration to attend the meeting.

MEDIA CONTACT
Bill Fahrenwald
James Street Associates
708-528-0681
bill@jamesstreet.net