Wrapping up 2004

Railway Track and Structures, Dec, 2004 by Rick Ebersold

The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association, Inc.

122 C Street, N. W. Suite 850

Washington D. C. 20001

Tel: 202-715-2920

Fax: 202-318-0867

www.nrcma.org

Like it or not, the work season for many of our railroad contractor members is rapidly coming to an end. Most new construction and maintenance projects in cold weather-sensitive areas of the U.S. and Canada are completed or on hold until warm weather returns. Summer turned into Fall, which quickly faded into Winter. NRC members are now reflecting on the nearly-expired year and planning for 2005.

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Thanksgiving was recently celebrated and those of us in the railroad industry have much to be thankful for this year. Traffic has been up practically across the board for the railroads. Increased car loads require increased maintenance and capital projects. We, as NRC members, benefited from this surge in business in 2004 and we also expect to enjoy growing work capacity in 2005 and beyond. In addition, I'm sure everyone is thankful the elections have been concluded. We extend congratulations to all the successful candidates at the national, state and local levels and we are looking forward to working with the 109th Congress in Washington.

The NRC was recently recognized for our new Website at www.nrcma.org. The transit trade magazine Metro Express chose the NRC's revamped Website as the Website of the Week in mid-October. We are honored and thank Metro Express for this award. The NRC Board previously authorized a substantial expenditure to upgrade the Website. Executive Director Chuck Baker supervised the project and has obviously done an excellent job. Please visit our site to peruse the latest information and links to other key industry sites and our members.

While reviewing the Website, take time to look at the January 5-9, 2005, joint-NRC/REMSA Conference and Exhibition program. Online registration for the Conference and the Golf Tournament is still available for those who have not already registered. The Conference agenda is also accessible and lists the excellent speakers from railroads, transit, key suppliers, Congress and some of our own member companies.

Speaking of the Conference, I'm very pleased to announce all exhibit booth spaces were spoken for by the beginning of November. That is more than two months prior to the Conference and is another indication of the growing interest in this event. REMSA and its committee members, along with committee members from NRC, have worked hard and done an admirable job on this task. I wish to thank each one of you for your dedication and hard work. I know it will be a success and I encourage everyone to attend. Railroad employees can attend free.

Effective January 1, 2005, all NRC members whose dues are current will have access at no charge to the NRC/CANAC Roadway Worker Protection training program. The program can be provided via the Web as before or by CD. This new process allows for the flexibility to train employees onsite without having to access the Internet. Data management and storage of test results are maintained offsite. The RWP program is available in both English and Spanish versions. This is a new and major benefit of being an NRC member company. If you're not currently a member and are interested in this program, please contact the NRC office.

In conclusion, on behalf of the NRC and its Board of Directors, I thank you all for a wonderful year and wish you and yours happy and prosperous holidays. See you in Miami.

Rick Ebersold

Chairman