Written by: Stuart Chirls, Senior Editor The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association announced the creation of a Short Line Education Fund to address industry training, promote short lines, and build a storehouse of research and information. “It has become evident to our Board that short lines are facing some of the most complex challenges this industry has seen in many years,” said Linda Bauer Darr, President, ASLRRA, “including new training rules, new technology implementation such as PTC, and new equipment considerations for hazmat transport, all during a tough economic market.” The Education Fund will provide critical support for high-priority industry education and training initiatives; build a foundation of short line data and industry research, and award scholarships to small railroads so they may attend industry events and access educational resources – all without taxing members with further dues increases, Darr said. Priority initiatives currently slated for advancement include: • Developing curriculum for an industry-specific executive leadership program; • Expanding webinar production abilities and enhancing offerings to include expert speakers and specially-developed content; • Implementing an online learning management tool to offer tests and certifications based on industry training templates; • Creating communications tools to grow/expand industry awareness and support advocacy efforts (e.g. industry fact book, industry primers, interactive website tools, etc.); • Facilitating research on the economic impact of the short line regional railroad industry on related industries, key customers, and the nation’s economy. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Short Line Education Fund may accept tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations. Additional, immediate support will come from proceeds of a Silent Auction held at the upcoming ASLRRA 2017 Connections convention April 22-25 in Grapevine, Texas. For information about the Fund, or to make a contribution or donate an item to the auction, please contact Sabrina Waiss at swaiss@aslrra.org, 202-585-3434. Continue reading...
