The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) will hold its 2025 Summer Meeting on July 8-9 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The meeting, themed “Advancing Tomorrow’s Supply Chain, Today,” will focus on the evolving landscape of rail transportation and its impact on shippers, including those in the feed and grain industry. This year, the event will take place on a Tuesday and Wednesday to accommodate the holiday weekend.
“As businesses and shippers seek resilient supply chain options, railroads have the capacity to provide safe, efficient, and reliable service,” said Steve Blinn, MARS President. “This summer’s meeting will focus on how the future of our industry is being shaped in this dynamic environment.”
The agenda, while still being finalized, will include presentations and discussions with high-level executives from railroads, major shippers, and industry experts. Confirmed speakers relevant to the feed and grain sector include:
- Kevin Boone, Executive Vice President Sales & Chief Commercial Officer, CSX
- Aaron Girard, Senior Vice President of Logistics, Seneca Foods
- Karen Hedlund, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board
- John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Operations, PSC Group
- Adam Nordstrom, Founder & Principal, Viking Navigation
- John Orr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Southern
- David Panjwani, Director, Logistics, Deere & Company
Additional speakers are expected to be announced.
The two-day event will also feature several networking opportunities:
- Annual Scholarship Golf Outing (Tuesday, July 8)
- Welcome reception (Tuesday, July 8)
- MARS Pickleball Tournament (Tuesday, July 8)
- Networking Picnic (Tuesday, July 8) The business meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9.
Event Details:
- Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8–9, 2025
- Location: Grand Geneva Resort, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
- Hotel Accommodations: Grand Geneva Resort and Timber Ridge Lodge, room rate $239.
- Meeting Cost:
- Registration: $360 through June 6, 2025; $435 from June 7; $500 onsite.
- Golf: $175 per person
- Pickleball: $130 per person
- Networking Picnic: $80 (early bird through June 6); $95 (starting June 7)
- Registration: Online conference information and registration is available. Contact [email protected] or (872) 212-4134 for more information.
