New hire at Axion, promotion at NJ Transit

Axion International, producer of recycled composite plastic industrial building products and railroad ties, has hired Cory Burdick as its new sales representative after more than three years at TieTek, LLC, a Dallas-based competitor in the composite railroad tie industry. “We are pleased to bring Cory on board to help strengthen our business development initiatives,” stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s CEO. “Cory is an excellent addition to our organization. Not only is he very knowledgeable about the composite railroad tie industry, he has a proven track record of solving customer problems and providing personalized solutions to fit their needs. We are excited to benefit from his highly tuned skill-set and believe his level of expertise supports our stated strategy of expanding our sales efforts in 2011 and beyond.” "I am extremely honored and excited to be a part of such a dynamic and growing company as Axion International,” said Burdick. “My previous experience in the composite railroad tie industry has taught me to believe quality control is the single most important aspect in the manufacturing process of a composite railroad tie. Axion shares this same commitment and I look forward to utilizing my knowledge and experience to help broaden the acceptance of such a quality product to the railroad industry." The N.J. Transit Board of Directors has appointed Kevin O’Connor as the new vice president and general manager of N.J. Transit Rail Operations. O’Connor has served as NJ Transit’s acting vice president and general manager of Rail Operations since July 2010, managing a complex system of 12 commuter rail lines and 165 stations that serves more than 270,000 passenger trips on a typical weekday. “As a professional with more than 33 years of railroad operating experience, the depth of Kevin’s knowledge and his focus on safety, fiscal responsibility and on-time performance will serve the agency, our employees and our customers well,” said N.J. Transit Executive Director James Weinstein.  “With his extensive background in rail operations, I’m confident that he will continue to rise to the challenges associated with keeping New Jersey’s rail system moving day in and day out.” “Robust and reliable rail transportation is vital to both the State and the region,” said O’Connor.  “I’m committed to ensuring the safe, efficient operation of rail service for the customers who depend on our trains every day to conduct life’s daily business.”