Page 6 - 2020 Annual Report

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ASLRRA Worked Differently, But Effectively in 2020 to Serve Our Industry

Due to executive orders by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, ASLRRA’s offices were closed in mid-March, and staff worked from
home throughout the remainder of the year. Despite the displacement, staff members worked efficiently and effectively to

support our members.

Training, already a key area of support for our members, moved completely “to the cloud.” The planned May 2020
ASLRRA’s Jo Strang (center, in red jacket) spoke at the League
Connections Convention was moved to a virtual platform in October 2020 and was a major success – while we all missed of Railway Women event prior to Railroad Day.

being together in person, the content for this event was the best it has ever been. The General Counsel Symposium was
also held virtually, while Regional Meetings were postponed.

The website and nearly one e-mail per business day kept members abreast of training, recorded webinars, and web

pages devoted to COVID-19 legislation, regulation, and stories of short line railroads going the extra mile in support of
their communities.

ASLRRA’s JR Gelnar and Jo Strang participate in Operation
Lifesaver’s Red Out for Rail Safety event.
In recognition of issues that are on the horizon for ASLRRA and its members, a new standing committee

focused on environmental issues was formed. Chaired by Sean Strong, AVP of Environmental for
Watco and supported by staff liaison Jo Strang, the committee will monitor developments in federal

environmental laws and regulations as they pertain to railroads, provide members with guidance on
environmental compliance issues, and ensure that shippers, regulators and Congress understands

the many ways short lines and industry suppliers are working to lower environmental impact. Already,
railroads are the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land – three to four times more fuel

efficient than trucks – and our members are innovating to improve upon that.

ASLRRA’s Annual Meeting included a virtual Happy Hour for attendees to meet and
greet colleagues.
ASLRRA Annual Report 2020