“The efficiency of trains is unrivaled, with one train being able to carry the freight of hundreds of trucks. While this efficiency is key for businesses getting their goods to market, it also benefits Nashville’s drivers—taking trucks off the roads and cutting down on congestion.”

Jimmy Matlock is the former Chair of the House Transportation Committee. He also served on the House Calendar & Rules Committee, House Insurance and Banking Committee and the House Transportation Subcommittee. He was a House member from 2007-2019.

Matlock’s community involvement includes the Loudon County Habitat for Humanity Capital Campaign, Tellico Reservoir Development Agency, Eaton Crossroads Ruritan Club, Chamber of Commerce for London, McMinn, Monroe & Blount, and Barnabus Ministries.

 

“Continued rail investment is key to continuing Houston’s prominent role in exporting American products to global markets. Freight rail infrastructure helps make it possible for the Port of Houston to serve as a job creating engine that contributes to over 1 million jobs throughout Texas.”

Bob Mitchell, President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership since 2008, has extensive experience in economic development and manufacturing management. As BAHEP president, Mitchell has taken a leadership role in numerous initiatives affecting Bay Area Houston that have garnered national attention.

Mitchell serves on numerous boards including the Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, UTMB Health System Advisory Board, Board of Visitors at Texas A&M University at Galveston, Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation, Inc., HCA Gulf Coast Regional Advisory Board, Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Board of Advisors, and Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc. In recognition of his work and partnerships on behalf of NASA Johnson Space Center, its many contractor companies and the Houston Airport System, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Mitchell to the Texas Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee.

“Four Class I railroads privately invested more than $500 million in safety and capital improvements in Minnesota in 2015 alone. That’s a big number—more than a quarter of the state’s 2015 budget surplus.”

Matt Kramer is President of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Chamber, Kramer served with Governor Tim Pawlenty as both his Chief of Staff and as Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development. He was previously Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Control Data Systems, which in 1999 was acquired by British Telecom.

Kramer has a B.S. from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. from Bethel University and a doctorate from Creighton University.

“Marion’s intermodal is our doorway to North America. The CSX-served Marion Industrial Center has created over 1000 jobs in our community by connecting local employers to national and global markets through efficient and affordable freight rail service. As we look to continued economic development, freight rail will remain a core advantage that attracts employers and raises our community’s quality of life.”

Scott Schertzer is serving his third term as Mayor of the City of Marion. Prior to being elected as Mayor, Schertzer served the City of Marion as an At-Large City Councilman for nine years and was also an educator in Marion County for 13 years. The mayor has been active in government for many years, working for both the State Treasurer’s office and the Secretary of State’s office.

Schertzer is a graduate of the University of Toledo, where he received a B.A. in Social Studies Education. Schertzer and his wife have two daughters.

“Many out-of-state and local companies considering expansion in Ohio demand freight rail access. Without freight rail options, our economic development and job growth opportunities would not be as successful. Norfolk Southern’s service to our Franklin Yards Transload facility provides local and prospective companies affordable freight options and access to the nationwide rail network.”

Martin Russell is the Director for Warren County’s Office of Economic Development. He also holds the position of Executive Director for the Warren County Port Authority. As a representative of the second fastest growing county in the State of Ohio, Russell’s primary responsibility is to attract and retain business investment within Warren County.

Prior to joining the Warren County Office of Economic Development, Russell served on the staff of Congressman Mike Turner, Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District. With an education background, Martin continues to instruct students and currently teaches classes in Political Science at Sinclair Community College. He also serves on the Warren County Small Business Alliance, Warren County Chamber Alliance, the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau and other community organizations.

“The Chamber’s members are situated at the hub of an extensive transportation network with borders on five western states. Freight rail is a standout partner in this network, investing billions each year into its infrastructure. Every private dollar spent by railroads benefits Nevada’s business community as well as taxpayers.”

Tray Abney has served as the Director of Government Relations for The Chamber of Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada for over nine years. He previously served as Legislative Director for Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, after spending four years working for Gibbons during his tenure as congressman, including as a senior staff member in Gibbon’s Washington, DC congressional office.

Abney graduated summa cum laude from Missouri State University with a B.S. in political science and minors in sociology and public administration. He received an M.A. in political management from the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University. Abney currently resides with his wife and their son in Reno.

“Our region has four important intermodal facilities served by freight rail, including an inland port just a day from East Coast ports. There are over 76,000 logistics jobs in the Columbus region and service from two major rail corridors provides ample capacity for continued growth in multi-modal logistics.”

Jeff Zimmerman leads the Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC), which is an initiative of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce formed in 2008 to grow Central Ohio’s reputation as a global logistics hub and support the development of the region’s tremendous assets. In his role, Zimmerman is the chief advocate and steward supporting the CRLC mission to catalyze the growth and advancement of the central Ohio region’s logistics capability.

Zimmerman previously held roles as an independent business development coach and consultant focused on helping clients grow revenue through competitive distinction. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Buffalo State College and is active in several advisory board roles as a logistics industry liaison in support of promoting vocational awareness, developing connections, providing feedback and elevating the Columbus Region logistics and transportation industry at large.

“Thanks to balanced federal policies, railroads sustain over one million jobs across the economy and ensure that the goods essential to our daily lives – from food and clothing to energy and water treatment chemicals – are moved efficiently and safely.”

Shelley Keeney Taylor is serving her fourth term as a Missouri State Representative after her initial election in 2008. She previously worked as the district assistant for House Speaker Rod Jetton and State Senator Jason Crowell. Taylor also served as an elementary teacher with the Leopold School district and earned an M.A. in Education Administration in 2004.

Born in Cape Girardeau, Taylor currently lives in Marble Hill. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Marble Hill Study Club-GFWC, Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, Women in the Outdoors and National Wild Turkey Federation.

“Freight railroads play an important role in the economic development of New Mexico – investing over $725 million since 2010. These private infrastructure investments are critical to the future development of our state’s natural resources and they support major industries like agriculture, mining, utilities, and oil.”

A strong advocate of grassroots politics, James Strickler has been very active in politics for the past 30 years. He has served as a precinct chairman, party vice chair, and state delegate, in Texas and New Mexico. In November 2006, Strickler was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, where he currently serves on the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee as well as the Ways and Means Committee. He was re-elected in November 2014 and is serving a fifth two-year term.

Strickler is President of JMJ Land and Minerals Co. (JMJ), an independent oil & gas producer involved in the promotion of drilling deals in the San Juan Basin, as well as actively acquiring oil and gas leases, minerals and royalties. Raised in Austin, Texas, he earned a BBA in Petroleum Land Management at the University of Texas.

“Freight rail helps companies reduce their carbon footprint. Trains are four times more fuel-efficient than trucks—with the nation’s railroads moving 40% of intercity freight while accounting for less than 1% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.”

Frank Smizik served the Town of Brookline in many capacities prior to being elected in 2000 as the Representative from the 15th Norfolk district. He was a member of the Democratic Town Committee, a Town Meeting member, the Commissioner and Chairman of the Housing Authority, and a Vice Chair of the School Committee. Smizik also served for 25 years as a legal services lawyer addressing housing and other civil issues facing low-income persons. He was involved in landmark litigation creating rights for persons displaced by urban renewal and also worked on litigation strategies to avoid homelessness.

As Chairman of the Massachusetts House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Smizik hopes to ensure that all legislation relating to transportation, energy, capital infrastructure, and economic development policy takes into consideration the challenge of global climate change and includes appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures.