Fall Symposium Planned for Sept 16 17

TEGMA is working with the Surface Transportation Board's National Grain Car Council on plans for a "joint" meeting on September 16 and 17, 2010 in Omaha.   This would combine the annual meeting typically held by the Grain Car Council and TEGMA's traditional Fall Symposium.  "This approach represents a new step for TEGMA as we seek to strengthen the value proposition we offer to our members," commented Chairman Bob Knief.  "The National Grain Car Council involves a number of individuals who are already active in TEGMA and the Council's mission meshes well with TEGMA's goals," he said.  "We are very appreciative with the Council's interest in working with TEGMA on this joint effort which hopefully will bring greater efficiencies and synergies to both groups."

The Grain Car Council was originally founded in 1994 as an official advisory group to the Interstate Commerce Commission.  The Council primarily focuses on grain car supply and service issues.  The group is composed of representatives from rail carriers, grain shippers and receivers, and members representing private car owners and rail car manufacturers.  In recent years the group has met once a year, typically in Washington, DC.  The current Council Chairman is Tim McNulty with CSX Transportation and the immediate past chairman is Darrell Wallace with Bunge North America.

The preliminary program outline for the event is as follows.

Thursday, September 16, 2010
     9:30 to 11:30 a.m. TEGMA Board Meeting
     1:00 to 5:00 p.m.   National Grain Car Council meeting session (TEGMA members invited to attend)
     5:30 to 7:00 p.m.   Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres
     Dinner on your own

Friday, September 17, 2010
     8:00 to 11:30 a.m.  TEGMA meeting session (Council members invited to register and attend)

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street, Omaha.