NRC Chairman’s Column: Leave Your Election Headache Behind 

Joe Daloisio Chairman, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC)

Courtesy of NRC

ATLANTA –– From the September 2024 RT&S –– Does this election season have you down? Are you tired of the divisive chatter and ads? Do you find it exhausting to tiptoe around or even avoid political discussions with friends, family, and business associates? You’re not alone! I’m right there with you. 

The divisions in our country are sad and disheartening. But I find encouragement, unity and even refuge in our industry. I am proud and inspired to be among the visionary and hard-working leaders and professionals who espouse a higher calling and are always eager to come together, roll up their sleeves, and advance our great nation. 

I recently heard a Class I engineering leader assert that “when a railroad is sick, everyone else gets the sniffles.” The interconnected nature of our industry really sets us apart. While we all suffer and struggle together when times are tough, we also are blessed to benefit when times are good. We’re a model for every other industry. We are unified! We are strong! We exemplify the American spirit of comradery and competition, with genuine support for each other. 

I love this country and I love this industry. There are so many positives. I see evidence every day of the ways our industry is working safer, smarter, and better together, despite disagreements and competing interests.  

If you’re looking for reassurance, there’s no better place to experience that positive dynamic than at the 2025 NRC Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition. Regardless of what the election brings in November, start the new year invigorated for the future by joining your railroad family from January 5 through 8 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida. 

Past attendees know what sets the NRC Conference apart from others. It’s our focus on people and fortifying meaningful relationships. The conference provides the opportunity to connect with more than 1,000 top industry leaders – to rekindle old connections and make new ones – and gain an arsenal of valuable information.  

Your dedicated NRC staff and board have been hard at work to put together a powerful line-up of detailed presentations about 2025 engineering and capital plans, the “meat & potatoes” of the conference. You’ll hear firsthand from top engineering leaders with all the Class 1 and major short line railroads as well as large passenger rail and transit authorities.  

I’ve heard repeatedly over the years that our conference gets better and better every year. That’s no accident. It’s a testament to the NRC team who carefully listens to attendees to craft and fine tune the program sessions, adding new fresh topics to benefit everyone: 

• Multiple safety presentations, including from Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) representatives who will address roadway worker protection and key regulation updates,  

• Panel discussions covering Sustainability, Signals & Communications, Industrial Development, and Government Affairs. 

• Informative workshop and breakout sessions, including speed networking where contractors and suppliers spend dedicated time with select Class I and short line railroad representatives. 

• NRC annual award presentations for Safe Contractor of the Year, Large and Small Projects of the Year, Field Employee of the Year, Hall of Fame, and our expanded Innovation in Technology and Process award. The NRC is currently accepting nominations for all of these awards. 

• Endless networking opportunities, including the NRC-REMSA Exhibition featuring suppliers and vendors, and numerous social gatherings. 

Make plans to attend now! Conference registration and the hotel block are open. Don’t miss the chance to connect with and get to know our industry leaders one on one. Scan the QR code to find everything you need to know, including the complete conference lineup, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, golf, and trap shooting options. Slots sell out so don’t wait. 

While we can’t easily fix our nation’s divisions, we can continue to strengthen and unify our industry, setting an example for everyone else to follow! I look forward to seeing you in Marco Island this January.

“We aren’t just in this industry. We are this industry!” 

Joe