“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.

“Transportation infrastructure is vital to Nevada’s commerce but it also impacts our daily lives. Freight by rail is critically important in moving goods over land, which not only benefits business but also takes cars off the road and creates fewer emissions—benefiting all Nevadans.”

Larry Brown has lived in Southern Nevada for over 32 years where he has served as a Commissioner since January 2009 after being re-elected to a second term in 2012. Previously, Larry served as a councilman for the City of Las Vegas, when he became involved in public service to address the lack of public infrastructure. Brown also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

Brown earned a B.A. in Government from Harvard University and was a professional baseball player, having come to Las Vegas in 1983 to play for the former Las Vegas Stars. He has been married to his wife for 32 years and they have three children.

“Tennessee’s business community benefits when railroads invest private dollars into the rail network that’s connecting our economy. Each year, our freight railroads—BNSF, CN, CSX, KCS and Norfolk Southern—build and enhance Tennessee’s lines, increasing efficiency and safety.”

Bradley Jackson currently serves as Interim President for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Tennessee Manufacturers Association. He served as the Chamber’s Vice President for Government Relations and Community Affairs prior to this role. While with the Chamber, Jackson has worked at the forefront of business issues in the General Assembly, including tort reform, workers’ compensation, taxation, business regulatory issues, infrastructure, economic development policy, and environmental and energy policy.

Jackson began his career in the State Legislature, as a research analyst for the Senate and House Finance, Ways and Means committee and later shifted to the executive branch where he headed up legislative operations for the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. He later worked in the Governor’s office where he managed the implementation of various state government initiatives and external relationships. Jackson is a native of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

“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.

“Goods movement is southern California’s largest industry. We rely on all modes running on all cylinders to keep our ports attractive to shippers and businesses across the country. That’s why Californians should be pleased with the huge private investments freight railroads are making to continually improve service, efficiency and capacity.”

Elizabeth Warren is the Executive Director of FuturePorts, a membership-based advocacy group that represents business interests at the San Pedro Bay Ports in Southern California. FuturePorts advocates for balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship on behalf of its members, focusing on policies affecting goods movement at the local, state, and federal levels.

Prior to joining FuturePorts in 2006, Warren was the Public Policy Manager for transportation and environmental issues at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, where she also managed the Mobility 21 Coalition. Her experience includes over 15 years in the global engineering and construction industry, working for firms such as CH2M HILL and Jacobs on national port, railroad, and transportation projects.

“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.