On behalf of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), I welcome you to the AREMA 2011 Annual Conference being held as part of the major North American railway industry event, Railway Interchange/2011.

This year’s program will again provide an excellent opportunity for members of the railway industry to increase their railway knowledge and experience. I want to extend a special welcome to the first time attendees, who in many cases represent the new generation of leaders in the railroad industry. The Program Committee has assembled a great slate of 69 technical presentations that I think you will find informative and valuable in your jobs in the industry. Because of the large number of abstracts submitted, we have expanded some of the Tuesday Technical Sessions to include more presentations. Please note that Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are earned for participating in the Conference, subject to the individual state board’s final authority.

In addition to the technical presentations, there are also a number of seminars and technical committee meetings either in advance of, or following the Conference. AREMA and CMA (Coordinated Mechanical Associations) will join together and offer a combined Opening General Session on Monday, September 19, 2011. We are pleased to announce that The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood, Secretary of Transportation, will be speaking to our assembled group during this session. Mr. Anthony B. Hatch, noted financial analyst, will also be speaking and presenting an “Industry Update.”

The Exhibition, conducted by RSI, REMSA and RSSI will officially begin on Sunday, September 18, 2011. The Outside Exhibits at CP Humboldt Yard will be open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and the Exhibition at the Minneapolis Convention Center will be open from Noon – 5:00 pm. Both exhibits will continue through Tuesday. More than 450 exhibits from various contractors, suppliers and consulting firms will provide you the opportunity to see first-hand some of their products and services and to learn how they can benefit you and your company. AREMA Conference registrants have full access to the Exhibition.

Again, welcome to the AREMA 2011 Annual Conference. Please take advantage of this excellent opportunity to converse with your fellow railroaders, exchange ideas and learn more about the industry. Feel free to contact me or any of the AREMA staff with questions or any suggestions you may have to make the Conference a more rewarding experience. We look forward to you joining us this year.

Robert J. Verhelle
Deputy Chief Engineer Electric Traction
Amtrak
AREMA Senior Vice President & Program Committee Chair